Medicine and waterbeds
Waterbeds and Medicine
A patient confined to a bed or wheelchair for long periods of time could be suffering from a neurological, medical, orthopedic or congenital illness. The illness itself presents certain problems but being bedridden on a standard mattress can complicate it and cause secondary medcical 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 home 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 longg 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 then double the duration of the average patient's recovery period.
Bed sores or decubitus ulcers are causes 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. Mositure on susceptible areas, friction, malnutrition, anemia, 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 apnea spells (breathing cessations), take place, growth is enhanced, and a soothing effect is created by the warmth and motion that stimulates the womb.
Orthopedic problems:
The uniforms 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.
Paralysis
Paraplegics, quadriplegics, people who have had strokes, spinal cord injuries, etc. Need less frequent changing of their position to prevent pressure sores.
Severe burns
The reduced pressure on the skin allows more rapid healing with less discomfort and may decrease the need for medication.
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.
Plastic surgery
Enhances healing of donor sites of major skin grafts. Waterbeds can make these patients more comfortable during the postoperative phase when there is fear and restriction of movement.
General Surgery
Post-hysterectomy, hermorhoidectomy, removal of kidney stones, colostomy, ligation or stripping of varicose veins all have uncomfortable recovery periods. The principles of the waterbed systems can benefits these patients.
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 as completely opened for the by-pass surgery, is going through the initial healing period.
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."
Cystic fibrosis
The increases motion and improvement in circulation helps loosen and drain the continuous mucous build-up in the lungs.
Hydrocephalics
The flexible support prevents the enlarged head from extending too far forward, thereby removing the extra strain on the neck.
Cerebral paisy
The motion and warmth relaxes and soothes the patient thereby reducing their spasticity and exaggerated muscle tone, and increasing rest and sleep.
Wheelchair patients
Many studies with patients who must use wheelchairs indicate that water flotation units decreased skin tempreture and may be helpful in preventing skin problems (e.g. ducubitus ulcers).
Waterbeds have become an essential therapeutic fixture inn benefitting many patients with different medical problems.
