Nordic Care's guide to using Poz in Form positioning cushions

POZ IN FORM

How To Guide

Positioning to prevent and
manage pressure ulcers

nordic

POZ IN FORM

In line with The European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, Nordic Care Services aims to provide
“Cost-effective pressure ulcer care….to provide relief for persons suffering from, or at risk of,
pressure ulcers”.

Proper positioning performs an integral role in the fight against pressure ulcers developing and
degrading.

Our aim is to offer helpful guidance, information and education on helping to prevent and care
for pressure related injuries.

Working with industry leading manufacturers, we actively source products which offer optimal
pressure distribution. Proven to help prevent and stop the degradation of pressure ulcers, their
use contributes a substantial reduction in shearing forces and friction.

Contents Page

What are pressure ulcers? 2
Laying down – areas at risk of pressure ulcers 3
Seated – areas at risk of pressure ulcers 4
How Poz in Form prevents pressure ulcers and degradation 5
Poz in Form composition 6
Positioning aids for lying flat on back (Lateral) 7
Positioning aids for lying at an angle on back (Semi-lateral) 11
Positioning aids for heels 12
Positioning aids for hands 13
Positioning aids for the head (Occipital) 13
Poz in Form Cushion Kits 14
Examples of cushion combinations for various positions 17

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What are pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged,
excess pressure on the skin. They are sometimes called pressure sores or bedsores.

Who can they affect?
They can happen to anyone, but usually affect people confined to bed, or who sit in a chair or
wheelchair for long periods of time. The use of equipment such as seating or beds which are
not specifically designed to provide pressure relief, can also cause pressure ulcers

How do you get them?
When an area of skin and tissue becomes damaged from being placed under pressure sufficient
to impair its blood supply . The damage can present as intact skin or an open ulcer. This
pressure can be doubled by:

Shearing which is responsible for stretching blood vessels. This stretching, which
reduces blood flow, is caused by the pelvis sliding down along the support surface

Friction is force exerted between 2 surfaces moving against each other. Friction
is responsible for initially opening the skin

Where do pressure ulcers develop?
Pressure ulcers can affect any part of the body that's put under pressure. They are most
common on bony parts of the body, such as the heels, elbows, hips and base of the spine.

How can Poz in Form help?
Proper positioning is crucial in the prevention of pressure ulcers. Poz in Form cushions reinforce
proper positioning by improving abnormal posture and providing even weight distribution.
Removing this pressure increases the blood supply in areas where it may otherwise have been
obstructed. Poz in Form cushions contribute to a significant reduction in shearing and friction
forces.

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Laying down - areas at risk of pressure ulcers

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Seated position- areas at risk of pressure ulcers

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How Poz in Form works

Poz in Form cushions are designed to support and comfort long-term bedridden and
wheelchair users. The various forms, sizes and models of cushion allow a wide range of
positioning possibilities for:

Pressure ulcer and degradation prevention
- Optimal pressure distribution thanks to the thin microfiber filling perfectly fitting

the body shape
- Contributes to a significant reduction in friction and shearing forces
- Pressure relieving properties

Effective positioning
- Various adaptable support and comfort functions
- No creep effects thanks to the slow-release microfibre technology
- Full spectrum of cushions shapes and sizes for all posture requirements

Positioning comfort
- Noiseless
- Breathable
- Soft feel cover - comfortable on the skin
- Bi-elastic stretch cover

Practicality
- Waterproof
- Antibacterial
- Fully washable removable cover and inner
- Durable

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Poz in Form composition

Pharmatex cover
Breathable micropore
inner cover

Microfibre filling

Waterproof cover Breathable cover Removable cover Fire retardant

Care instructions

Bi-elastic Pharmatex Cover Micropore Fabric + Microfibre Filling

P95 40

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Positioning aids for lying flat on back (Lateral)

UNIVERSAL CUSHIONS

Thanks to the three sizes, the universal cushion can be used in many different ways.

In lying down the 55 x 40 cm size can be used for the knee flexion and a moderate hip
abduction.

The smaller cushions help to hold the patient in optimal positioning thus reducing pressure
ulcer risks and abnormal postures.

Code 22/901
Length 35cm
Width 25cm

Code 22/902
Length 55cm
Width 40cm

Code 22/903
Length 40cm
Width 15cm

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TRIANGLE-SHAPED CUSHION

This cushion adapts to all morphologies. Placed under knees, it supports the knees’ joint,
prevents the patient from sliding downwards and reduces friction and shearing effects on the
sacrum’s area.

It can be used in a semi- fowler position and helps to maintain a perfect position while relieving
pressure in sensitive areas (sacrum, ischial tuberosities, heels) and shifting it to low-risk zones
(calves, thighs and back).

Code 22/910
Length 56cm
Width 32cm
Height 28cm

CYLINDRICAL CUSHION

Placed between legs, it reduces friction and shearing effects on thighs and knees’ area. It can
also be used under ankles to relieve pressure.

Code 22/940
Length 75cm
Width 18cm

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RING CUSHION

This cushion can be used in addition to universal, triangle or cylindrical cushions to support the
posture correction. Put around the neck, this cushion comfortably supports the patient’s head.

Code 22/965
Length 135cm
Width
20cm

HALF RING CUSHION

In combination with the cylindrical cushion, the half ring cushion reduces friction and shearing
effects between legs, on the inner sides of knees and thighs and holds hips abducted. It can
also be used under the neck.

Code 22/960
Length 105cm
Width
22cm

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ABDUCTION CUSHION

This is used in the crotch area when the patient is lying down to hold hips abducted and legs
apart. It reduces friction and shearing effects between the legs, on the inner sides of knees and
calves.

Code 22/950
Length 35cm
Small width 10cm
Large width 30cm
Height 15cm

SEMI-FOWLER CUSHION

In supine or semi-fowler position it supports and holds the back in proper position. It can also
be used in (wheel)chairs for a comfortable and upright sitting position.

Code 22/920
Length 200cm
Width
30cm

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Positioning aids for lying at an angle (Semi-lateral)

SEMI-LATERAL POSITIONING CUSHION

As multi-purpose cushion, it comfortably supports shoulders, back, hips and knees when the
patient is lying in lateral position. Moreover, it reduces friction and shearing effects.

Code 22/930
Length 185cm
Width
35cm

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Positioning aids for heels

HEEL CUSHION

It is placed at the bottom of the bed and fixed with an adjustable strap. The pressure on the
heels is completely discharged. The heel cushion holds the ankles in proper position.

Code 22/970
Length 85cm
Width 25cm

CUSHION FOR PRESSURE RELIEF ON 1 HEEL

This cushion contributes to shift the pressure points from the high-risk heel area to low-risk
zones (calves and knees). The heel is completely off the mattress and the weight of the lower
leg is distributed evenly across the cushion. It holds the ankles in proper position and leads to a
better blood circulation. Its size allows a pressure relief on the Achilles’ heel.

Code 22/985
Length 48cm
Width 30cm
Height 12cm

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Positioning aids for Hands

HAND CUSHION

This positioning cushion for the hand reduces the pressure on the skin on the zones with risk
of pressure ulcers. Especially useful after surgical operations, it reduces the number of
pressure sensitive bearing points and allows a discharge of pressure from the elbow area. Its
size also allows a pressure relief on the wrist

Code 22/980
Length 45cm
Width 23cm
Height 8.5cm

Positioning aids for the Head (Occipital)

CUSHION FOR PRESSURE RELIEF OF THE OCCIPUT

The hollow ensures an optimal positioning and a pressure relief on the occipital area. The
combination of memory foam and microfiber allows a regular relief on the contact zones.

Hollow cushion Code 22/990
inner Length 50cm
Width 40cm
Height 9cm

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Poz in Form Cushion Kits

Kit 1
The Poz’ in’ Form cushions are available in packs to give you the flexibility to use the
cushions in a variety of combinations. Each pack comes with a handy transport bag.

PF22000 Code 22/PACK
Transport bag Length 85cm
Width 40cm
Height 50cm

PF22960 PF22965 PF22902
Half ring cushion Ring cushion Universal cushion 55 x 40cm

PF22940 PF22985
Cylindrical cushion One heel cushion

PF22930
Semi-lateral cushion

PF22920
Semi-fowler cushion

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Kit 2

The Poz’ in’ Form cushions are available in packs to give you the flexibility to use the cushions in
a variety of combinations. Each pack comes with a handy transport bag.

PF22000 Code 22/PACK1
Transport bag Length 85cm
Width 40cm
Height 50cm

PF22990 PF22965 PF22902
Occiput cushion Ring cushion Universal cushion 55 x 40cm

PF22940 PF22970
Cylindrical cushion Heel cushion

PF22930 PF22920
Semi-lateral cushion Semi-fowler cushion

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Kit 3

The Poz’ in’ Form cushions are available in packs to give you the flexibility to use the cushions in
a variety of combinations. Each pack comes with a handy transport bag.

PF22000 Code 22/PACK2
Transport bag Length 85cm
Width 40cm
Height 50cm

PF22985 PF22965 PF22902
One heel cushion Ring cushion Universal cushion 55 x 40cm

PF22940 PF22970
Cylindrical cushion Heel cushion

PF22930 PF22920
Semi-lateral cushion Semi-fowler cushion

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PF22910
Triangle Cushion

PF22920
Semi-fowler cushion

PF22903 PF22940 PF22901
Universal cushion 40 x 15cm Cylindrical cushion Universal cushion 35 x 25cm

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PF22990 PF22970
Occiput cushion Heel cushion

PF22980
Hand cushion

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PF22920 PF22950
Semi-fowler cushion Abduction cushion

PF22903 PF22970
Universal cushion 40 x 15cm Heel cushion

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PF22940
Cylindrical cushion

PF22902 PF22980 PF22960
Universal cushion 55 x 40cm Hand cushion Half ring cushion

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PF22965 PF22980 PF22985
Ring cushion Hand cushion One heel cushion

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PF22902 PF22930 PF22901
Universal cushion 55 x 40cm Lateral positioning cushion Universal cushion 35 x 25cm

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nordic

Unit 7 Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate,
Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent NP22 3AA

[email protected] +44 (0) 1495 723 201 www.nordiccare.co.uk