|
Medical sheepskins have been a success as
a nursing aid for the prevention of pressure
ulcers ( bed sores) since the early 1960's.
The value and comfort of these products
are derived from the wool-pile of a tanned
and shorn sheepskin or lambskin. The high
density ( number of fibres per square centimetre)
of soft, springy resilient wool fibres provide
a cushion to distribute the patient's weight
and pressure points over a large area. Each
fibre acts as a "mini-spring" which deforms
to the body contours.
The wool fibres are able to absorb 33% of their
weight of moisture without feeling wet. The soft
pile surface also reduces friction with skin.
These properties result in improved comfort for
the patient and reduction in the primary causes
of pressure ulcers (bed sores):
- Pressure
- Friction
- Moisture
Medical sheepskins of the past have
been used very effectively in the home environment,
but were not generally used in hospitals. This
was largely because many patients were incontinent
and sheepskins did not hold up in these circumstances.
Similarly, disinfection was a problem since sheepskins
could only be washed in warm water.
At last the deficiencies of previously available
medical sheepskins have been solved. As of 1998,
a new standard of medical sheepskin was introduced
in Australia. The CSIRO, in partnership with industry,
developed new technologies that produced the :
"Australian Medical Sheepskin " ( Australian Standard
AS 4480.1)
Medical Sheepskins are now produced
in 2 Qualities:
1. HiTemp
UR Australian Medical Sheepskins( M102) - Highest
Quality sheepskins available: BEST
These specially
selected sheepskins are chosen because
of their very high pile density and wool characteristics.
They have been specially tanned to enable washing
up to 80oC and drying up to 60oC.
These numbers are important for sheepskin and
wool disinfection; an important consideration
for use with clients who already have bed sores.
The letters UR designate that the skin has increased
resistance to urine; an important feature for
incontinent patients. Sheepskins without this
designation will break down in the presence of
urine- the leather will crack and the wool will
fall out. Use in the bed and wheelchair
for maximum benefit.
2. Medical
Sheepskins (M101) - Excellent Quality
These champagne
coloured sheepskins are of exceptional quality,
having a very soft 30 mm dense pile. They have
been double chrome tanned so that they can be
washed in warm water. Use woolskin for washing
, disinfecting and conditioning these sheepskins.
The M101 is not Urine Resistant and are thus not
recommended for clients who are incontinent. The
M101 is most effective when placed on the bed
and in the wheelchair.
M102:
HiTemp UR Medical Sheepskin Click
Catalogue
for more information and to order.
As a result of purchasing a HiTemp UR Medical
Sheepskin, you can be assured that your sheepskin
can be laundered safely ( up to
50 times during C.S.I.R.O laundry trials and more
than 200 times when washed with Woolskin)
to achieve high level disinfection that will
meet hospital infection control standards.
Disinfection levels and washability can be increased
even more with the use of Woolskin:
Sheepskin
Shampoo and Woolwash. Woolskin conditions
the sheepskin leather with continued use, as well
as cleaning and disinfecting the wool.
Available from Down-Under
Wool: The Medical Sheepskin & Bedsore Prevention
Specialists:
Contact us by phone, e-mail, or FAX . We want
to make sure that you receive the product best
suited to your need. If you have any questions
about our products or their use for
medical conditions, please contact us -
we are here to assist you!
Call: 1-800-463-1985
FAX
905-295-3816
Complete our Inquiry
Form to obtain an e-mail answer to your
questions.
|
