What is a pressure ulcer?
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are wounds caused by damage to the skin and tissues that lie beneath the skin, caused by unrelieved pressure.
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What causes a heel pressure ulcer?
The risk factors for heel pressure ulcers are impaired mobility, surgery, and diabetes.
2, 3, 4 The heel and ankle are the second and fifth most common sites for pressure ulcer development.5 Developing a pressure ulcer can be costly and dangerous, making pressure ulcer prevention an important part of any care routine.
How can I prevent a pressure ulcer?
Pressure ulcers develop from the inside out, so it is important to protect against pressure ulcers even if it is not visible at the skin.
1 According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, "the time between development of a pressure ulcer and point when the ulcer becomes visible at the skin varies from several hours to three to five days."4
Prevalon® Heel Protectors are designed to float the heel off the surface of the mattress, also known as offloading, to minimize pressure ulcer risk. In addition to addressing heel pressure ulcer risk, the Prevalon line includes options to help reduce risk of damage to the Achilles tendon by keeping the foot at a neutral position. An integrated wedge is also available to prevent the leg from rotating outward, helping protect nerves in the foot and leg.
Effectively Minimize Pressure On The Heels
Other heel protection products don't float the heel properly and can shift, minimizing their ability to effectively fight against heel pressure ulcers. While pillows can effectively float the heel, they easily move out of place. Prevalon® is an engineered pillow that uses a unique soft, comfort-grip material on the inside to keep the boot in place, providing continuous heel pressure relief.
With different heel protectors, it is easy to find the Prevalon that meets your needs.
Prevalon Heel Protector III - Petite, Standard and XL
- Floats the heel
- Keeps the foot in a neutral position
- Prevents the leg from rotating outward
Prevalon Heel Protector II
- Floats the heel
- Keeps the foot in a neutral position
Prevalon Heel Protector
Sizing Chart
References: 1. Getting started kit: prevent pressure ulcers, how-to guide. Protecting 5 Million Lives From Harm Campaign, Institute for Healthcare Improvement. 2006 Dec. 2. Maklebust J, Magnan MA, Adv Wound Care. Nov 1994;7(6):25,27-8,31-4 passim. 3. National Pressure ulcer Advisory Panel and European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers: clinical practice guideline. Washington DC: National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel; 2009. 4. Levin M, Adv Wound Care. Mar/Apr 1997; 10(2):24-30. 5. Amlung SR, Miller WL, Bosley LM, Adv Skin Wound Care. Nov/Dec 2001;14(6):297-301.
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