With no clear algorithm or selection guide it can be difficult to know what mattress you should be selecting for your patients.
Although the European Pressure Ulcer Panel (EPUAP 2014) gives an overview which is currently followed in clinical practice, for up to a Category 2 pressure ulcer when the client is able to reposition, or an air mattress is contraindicated, a non pumped system may be used.
For those with deep tissue injury, or category 3 or 4, a pumped system should be considered to support the underlying circulation and intermittent offloading of the boney prominences between turns.
To make this clear OSKA have devised a system, the OSKA Selector, to help carers identify if the patient is on the correct mattress.
Where assessment and reassessments of risk for patients must be done holistically by a clinician, the Selector system aims to serve as a guide or prompt.
Please note that no support surface can replace turns or repositioning which are still mandatory for those at risk as per the NICE guidelines (NICE 2015).
See below an identification chart for the OSKA Selector to use as a guide so you can easily distinguish between the various OSKA mattresses and their prevention ratings.
For more information on the above or for general enquires ask OSKA. To view our mattress range click here.
