Australian Medical Sheepskins reduce the occurrence of bedsores by up to 58 per cent!
	2003 trial at the Royal Melbourne Hospital

BEDSORES ARE FULLY PREVENTABLE!

Bed sores (AKA pressure sores, pressure wounds and pressure ulcers) are a commonly  encountered problem experienced by people who are confined to bed rest or to a wheelchair. Restricted movement because of illness, invalidity or hospitalization creates pressure on the skin at points where the body's weight is supported - normally the lower back, buttocks, shoulders and heels. This closes the tiny blood vessels near the skin's surface and prevents vital nutrients from reaching the skin tissue in the affected area.

The result…skin tissue dies and bedsores form

Worryingly, bedsores can develop within a matter of HOURS, and if untreated will deteriorate into deep decubitis ulcers, eating through muscle, tendon and even bone!

The elderly are most at risk because their skin is so fragile. Persistent rubbing of their knees, elbows or hands against bed linen may also be a source of bedsores as could any other friction where the skin and bone move in separate directions.

The Solution to Bed Sores & Pressure Ulcers

Bedsores are FULLY PREVENTABLE. All that it requires is for the skin to be PROTECTED from unnecessary pressure and friction…and the BEST PROTECTION SYSTEM AVAILABLE IS AN AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL SHEEPSKIN RUG!

Medical sheepskin rugs are widely used in hospitals and nursing homes throughout Australia. When placed underneath a patient or wrapped around them, the ultra-soft wool and specially buffed hide provides a gentle cushion for their skin. The patient's weight is distributed more evenly over a wider area, lowering the risk of bedsores caused by pressure and friction.

Launched in 1997, the Australian Medical Sheepskin was a world first in pressure ulcer treatment and pressure ulcer prevention.
Then, in August 2000, researchers began the world's largest clinical trial on pressure ulcer treatment and pressure ulcer prevention using medical sheepskin.
Focusing on bedsores, the trial was carried out by The Royal Melbourne Hospital and the CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology Leather Research Centre, with funding from the National Health Medical Research Council.
The results confirmed the advantages of medical sheepskin in pressure ulcer prevention and pressure ulcer treatment.

Bedsores can begin in patients (both young and old) within 4 hours of their being immobilised in bed. Bedsores cost the Australian healthcare system more than $350 million a year, slowing the recovery and prolonging the hospital stays of many patients.

Even though the value of medical sheepskin in pressure ulcer treatment has been clearly established over the past 60 years... the relatively new HiTemp medical sheepskin, with its remarkable long-lasting, washable and hardwearing properties, and longer wool length provides improved pressure relief and support.
Tests demonstrate that patients using medical sheepskin for pressure ulcer treatment benefit from a reduction in pressure of more than 50%, compared to a standard mattress or mattress cover.

In the past, reference to poor performance in preventing and treating bedsores is associated with the use of synthetic or low density tufted woollen products.
Health care bodies and the general public are not aware of the great differences between genuine medical sheepskin and other synthetic products. These great differences relate to cushioning, moisture absorption and friction, and have a remarkable effect on bedsores.

The greatly improved performance and durability of the HiTemp medical sheepskin (well over 50 washes in hot water), along with the benefit to cost ratio has ensured its success to date.
Favourable responses from nursing & laundry staff, and patients alike are testament to the quality of this product and the effectiveness with which it treats and prevents bedsores.