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A patient confined to a
bed or wheelchair for long periods of time could be suffering from
a neurological, medical, orthopaedic or congenital illness. The illness
itself presents certain problems but being bedridden on a standard
mattress can complicate it and cause secondary medical conditions.
Metabolic functions, circulatory systems, urinary tract functions,
sleep patterns, body temperature, blood chemistry, all are affected
by lying in bed for great lengths of time. Therefore, selecting the
right mattress is important in alleviating or preventing complications.
The current medical literature indicates that utilizing controlled
heated waterbeds in hospitals and nursing homes can benefit many bedridden
patients. These benefits can also be derived at home by anyone with
a chronic illness.
The major problem with immobilized patients who require long-term
care is the development of bed sores (decubitus ulcers). A recent
survey of chronic care facilities revealed that 11-33 percent of the
patients had bed sores. Treatment is expensive and difficult, and
can more than double the duration of the average patient's recovery
period.
Bed sores or decubitus ulcers are caused primarily by pressure on
the tissue between the bony prominences of the body and the supportive
surface. This pressure constricts the blood vessels, reducing the
flow of blood to the tissue cells. If prolonged, the cells die, forming
an ulcer. Moisture on susceptible areas, friction, malnutrition, anaemia,
and shearing force of sheets can also aggravate the condition.
Heated waterbeds can alleviate or prevent many of the above problems.
Construction of a waterbed can provide effective fluidic support to
help increase circulation, relax muscles, induce sleep, reduce the
incidence of pneumonia, and probably reduce the rehabilitation or
convalescence period.
Who Can Benefit?
The principles of flotation have been documented to be especially
helpful with the following conditions:
Premature infants and newborns: Less pressure is exerted on delicate
skin, less apnoea spells (breathing cessations), take place, growth
is enhanced, and a soothing effect is created by the warmth and motion
that simulates the womb.
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Orthopaedic problems: The uniform support of a waterbed removes
excess pressure exerted on any one area of the body, in effect distributing
the weight evenly over the entire surface. Thus, healing can take
place in all affected areas.
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Paralysis: Paraplegics, quadriplegics, people who
have had strokes, spinal cord injuries, etc., need less frequent changing
of their position to prevent pressure sores.
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Severe burns: The reduced pressure on the skin allows
more rapid healing with less discomfort and may decrease the need
for medication.
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Trauma, auto accidents: Aids in positioning and handling
of the patient with severe or multiple injuries. It will help nurses
in caring for these patients, conserving energy in rotating the patient
and simplifying the changes of dressings.
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Plastic Surgery: Enhances healing of door sites of
major skin grafts. Waterbeds can make these patients more comfortable
during the post-operative phase when there is fear and restriction
of movement.
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General Surgery: Post-hysterectomy, hemorrhoidectomy,
removal of kidney stones, colostomy, ligation or stripping of varicose
veins all have uncomfortable recovery periods. The principles of the
waterbed systems can benefit these patients.
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Cardiac rehabilitation: Superior comfort is provided in the
post operative phase of by-pass and open heart surgery patients. It
is during this phase that the patient must lie on his back because
the sternum, which was completely opened for the by-pass surgery,
is going through the initial healing period.
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Arthritis: The even support eliminates pressure on
any part of the skeletal system, while the heat increases circulation
and soothes painful joints. Arthritic patients on heated waterbeds
have demonstrated less "early morning stiffness".
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Cystic fibrosis: The increased motion and improvement
in circulation helps loosen and drain the continuous mucous build-up
in the lungs.
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Hydrocephalics: The flexible support prevents the
enlarged head from extending too far forward, thereby removing the
extra strain on the neck.
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Cerebral palsy: The motion and warmth relaxes and
soothes the patient thereby reducing their spasticity and exaggerated
muscle tone, and increasing rest and sleep.
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Wheelchair Patients: Many studies with patients who
must use wheelchairs indicate that water flotation units decreased
skin temperature and may be helpful in preventing skin problems (e.g.
ducubitus ulcers).
Waterbeds have become an essential therapeutic fixture in benefiting
many patients with different medical problems.
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How Can A Waterbed Help?
For home care of various ailments, the controlled heated waterbed
can help by offering a unique system of flotation. With this system,
the body is uniformly supported by the water, and the body weight
is distributed more evenly over the surface. This eliminates pressure
on the parts of the body susceptible to bedsores, thereby preventing
their formation, and reducing the need for turning of the patient.
The spine is relieved of pressure, allowing the spinal musculature
to relax. Circulation is improved. The motion and warmth of the bed
helps the patient to relax, provides comfort and helps in producing
better sleep habits.
Cushions are also available for wheelchair patients. The same pressure-reducing
properties of the waterbed can be utilized in these products.
Testimonials
J. Silver, M.D - Santa Monica, CA.
"almost the perfect surface to sleep on. The heat, the subtle
movement of the water, the fact that the body is totally and evenly
supported, are very important in it's beneficial qualities".
Steven R. Garfin, M.D., - University Medical Centre, San
Diego, CA.
"paraplegics, diabetics and other patients with sensory neuropathologies
should choose a bed with the most even pressure distribution to help
minimize the chance of tissue damage and this will aid in their total
care".
Anneliese F. Korner, Ph.D., - Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, CA.
"the (oscillating) waterbed represents a non-toxic, non-invasive,
easy-to-implement method of alleviating apnea of prematurity".
Lloyd I. Kramer, M.D, - Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA.
"waterbeds have been used successfully in our nursery since
1981. They have proved useful in many clinical situations: birth related
injuries, avoidance of skin irritation and pressure sores, postoperative
care, and temperature stabilization of small pre-term infants".
Joan Noonan and Lawrence Noonan - Nyack Hospital, Nyack,
New York
"the patient is noticeably more comfortable?he can turn easily,
exercise, eat and drink?blood circulation is not impaired, and healing,
therefore, occurs much more rapidly".
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