The importance of positioning
We are now fully aware of the importance of minimising pressure and shear by maintaining an appropriate resting position 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This strategy further helps promote respiration and rest, both of which are vital for rehabilitation and overall well-being.
At the same time, appropriate positioning helps prevent long-term issues such as contractures, pain, and pressure ulcers. LeanOnMe offers a wide range of multipurpose positioning cushions, which enhance the overall quality of life by means of:
- Pressure relief
- Prophylactic effect
- Pain relief
- Calming effect
- Non-pharmacological effect
How to use
Immedia LeanOnMe should be used when there is a need to support the body or protect exposed body parts during the positioning of a person who is unable to perform micro- and macro-movements.
In particular, the following individuals are at risk of pressure ulcers: bedfast, mobility-limited, presence of Stage 1 or existing pressure ulcer, decreased perfusion, advanced age, and generally degraded health status.
Pressure – Prevent and relieve
It is generally accepted that repositioning users at risk of developing a pressure ulcer can reduce the risk of pressure ulceration by redistributing pressure away from the at-risk site.
The following should be included in every skin assessment:
- skin temperature
- oedema and a change in tissue consistency in relation to the surrounding tissue.
When the individual can respond reliably, it is recommended to ask him or her to identify any areas of discomfort or pain that could be attributed to pressure injury.
Spasticity and contractures – Prophylactic support
If a person is bedridden due to a brain injury, it is important to minimise the risk of developing spasticity, which is often a comorbidity. Positioning the person in ways that oppose the spasticity pattern is commonly recommended in clinical practice.
After just a few days of immobility, the effects of inactivity will become apparent in the muscles and joints. This can lead to contractures, which are painful and can hinder the person's mobility. Maintaining a supportive and stable position will provide comfort and support better rest, which is essential for rehabilitation.
Respiratory problems – Increase ventilation
If a person with respiratory problems is immobilized in bed, they must be positioned in a way that creates a feeling of untroubled breathing. The normal procedure is 30° elevation in a supine position, but to avoid secretions in the lungs, it is also important to be repositioned on both sides. This will create good respiration in the part of the lung that faces away from the mattress.
However, some persons become anxious when positioned on the side. In these cases, AVT-positionings might be the solution. See below for a further description of the lung opening method.
Pain – Relieve and enclose
A bedridden person is often distressed and in pain; either due to trauma or complications of reduced blood flow such as pressure ulcers, contractures, ischemia, or edema. The carer must observe the immobile person, and make sure that the facial expressions show signs of well-being before the repositioning is completed - and to determine if it is time for the next position.
It is also possible to reduce pain and discomfort through sensory stimulation. An enclosing position increases the body awareness through the sense of touch, which causes the level of the stress-reducing hormone Oxytocin to rise.
Anxiety and agitation – Increase relaxation
Enclosing a person with positioning cushions stimulates the sense of touch, and reduces anxiety, agitation, and anger, which can benefit daily co-operation with the carer.
A clear body awareness increases relaxation, focus clarity of thoughts, positive energy, and a calm feeling. This is an optimal therapeutic tool for those with self-harm, distressed or combative behavior, or those who are triggered by seemingly small stimuli in their environment, e.g. accidental or unwanted touch.
The AVT Method
By varying the position of two LeanOnMe Basic L´s, the cushions may support respiration. The method is named AVT because the letters symbolize how the cushions are placed. This can prevent pneumonia and improve lung function because the positions expand different parts of the lungs.
Videos
Soft, relieving and easy-to-use positioning cushions
Using the Roll cushion for lateral positioning
Using the cushions for supine positioning
