Skin breakdown is very common in the recovery process. It's risk factors include (but are not limited to) incontinence, being bedridden or confined to a wheelchair, being malnourished, and having radiation therapy. Note that just because you have one or more of the factors just listed, it does not automatically mean that you currently have - or will ever have - bed sores. Having said that, it's always prudent to check for bed sores (aka pressure sores), and to consult your nurse or physician regarding treatment should you notice changes in the health of your skin. Click here to go to MedlinePlus for a more detailed description of the risk factors mentioned above, as well as things you can do to prevent and/or manage bed sores. It's part of the US Natuional Library of Medicine which is a source I like for getting medical info.
So how can a sheepskin make any of the above better? Well, bed sores (and bacteria in general) LOVE warm dark spaces without a lot of circulation. If you are bedridden or in a wheelchair, then chances are you are providing that perfect environment a good chunk of the time (fun,fun,fun!). But have no fear, Captain sheepskin is here, and all will be well soon. Why? The sheepskin wicks moisture away from you, which knocks down one of the biggest ingredients in the bacteria recipe. And guess what? Bedsores are also elated to have their chance to bare their angry red faces in the presence of friction (ie rubbing the back of your ankle along the bed every time you move). Sheepskin helps with that too. I could go on for a while about it's many benefits in this vein of discussion, but I think you get the point, and I don't want to drive you crazy with my long-windedness!
As for the comfort component - I don't know how to describe just how amazing it is to have a sheepskin. They are SO helpful with respect to comfort. Obviously, their contribution to preventing bedsores is a big addition to being comfortable, but there are other factors too - like staying warm, or cold. If you are sleeping on an airbed for example, the air in the airbed is awfully cold in the winter. Once you get that sheepskin on the air bed, the world feels like a much lovelier place! So so much better! And in the hot summer, it's great at wicking away that moisture. I don't know how it works at both ends of the temperature scale, but it does.
On another comfort note, sheepskins are soft, cozy, and a great cushion for your whole body - but even nicer for all of those sore contact parts (like a tailbone or elbows for example). So if you require transport via stretcher to medical appointments, or anticipate being on a gurney or in a wheelchair for a good chunk of time for any reason, consider bringing it with you. You can and ask an attendant or caregiver to slip it on the gurney under the sheets, or the parts of the wheelchair at your back and under your bum respectively. It can seem cumbersome, but I personally think it is worth it - not in all circumstances of course, but most.
Okay, so if you are considering buying a sheepskin, know that there are 2 types: synthetic and the real deal. Pros and cons? The real follows the contour of the sheep - see pic below. So it, fits gurney's well, but doesn't cover much of a normal bed. I think it's much, much cozier than the synthetic. But, the synthetic sheepskin comes in multiple sizes. One size is large enough to cover at least a whole twin bed, so there is less squirming and shifting in bed trying to get the sheepskin in the right place. While searching for pictures I saw a lot of smaller inexpensively priced sheepskin "pads" (even one made for your bunny - crazy), that can more easily fit a wheelchair seat, or provide some pressure/friction relief for those elbows, tailbone, or heels. In terms of absorption, they are both great, and both are reportedly hypoallergenic. They can be expensive, which is why this post is not only creature comforts, but labelled as weighted wonders too. I got my synthetic sheepskin as a gift from my hubbies parents (thanks!), and they purchased it at a bedding store. My real deal small one is from a medical supply store (in Ontario Shoppers Home Health stores usually have them).
Well, there you have it. Sheepskins are no longer just used for diplomas and official papers anymore. The other thing i thought was surprising is that the product is not at all rough and course feeling as it is when still on the actual sheep. Although even spun wool can feel scratchy in life, the sheepskin (real) is luxurious and the other (synthetic) is very soft. Who knew? Here's a pic of the real thing (first) and the synthetic (small) pad kind (which sometimes are available at Amazon.com).
Happy Un-sheepishly Sheep-skinning!
