Often, positioning is one of the most neglected aspects in healthcare, yet it is very significant. During surgery and in intensive care, making sure a patient is placed correctly can affect their safety, comfort and ability to recover. There are special challenges associated with the prone position, because the patient must lie down with their stomach facing up. Sometimes, only this place helps doctors work safely, though it sometimes leads to pressure injuries, damage to nerves and issues with respiratory distress.
Preventing these issues, hospitals and surgical centers use “Patient Positioning Gel Pads”, a simple, yet effective tool. Pressure, weight and anatomical alignment are all handled by these medical devices made for patients seeking protection. This post will review how prone position gel pads operate, why silicone gel pads are a good choice and how using them supports improved patient care.
What Purpose Does the Prone Position Have and How Is It Used?
In the prone position, a patient lies face down and their head often faces one side. Even though it may be uncomfortable, there are many medical reasons to have appointments like this.
Medical procedures like lumbar laminectomy and spinal fusion are types of spinal surgery
- Spinal surgeries, such as lumbar laminectomy or spinal fusion
- Neurosurgery, especially those targeting the posterior skull
- Colorectal procedures or rectal cancer surgeries
- Respiratory support in ARDS or severe COVID-19 cases
- Certain rehabilitation therapies or massage therapy
Lying face-down for long might become harmful to health if not properly supported. That’s the reason gel pads are crucial for relieving stress and shielding vulnerable parts from injuries.
The Problem with Poor Positioning
Bad placement of a patient during surgery or intensive care care can result in many problems.
Pressure sores (bedsores) are due to holding one area under constant pressure, affecting the skin and tissue.Also, there are compression injuries such as brachial plexus or ulnar damage to nerves.Breathing being obstructed, primarily when chest and abdomen walls are pushed togetherIssues related to blood or lymph flow when the body is misaligned Injuries to the eye and face caused by sudden impact with solid objects
Risks become much higher when patients stay in surgery for more than 2 hours or are unconscious and cannot move. Therefore, you want to provide support that will help the whole body, not only put someone down.
What Is Patient Positioning Gel Pads?
The soft, flexible supports called Patient Positioning Gel Pads are made out of silicone or polymer-based medical-grade gels. Their purpose is to share the weight of a person all over the body and prevent strain in risky areas. Gel pads are different from foam or fabric pads because they maintain their shape well and conform to the body position, so they are used during long procedures or when caring for critical patients.
These are commonly Used In:
- Operating rooms
- Life-saving care is given in Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
- Departments like those using MRI and CT scans
- Special areas for post-surgery treatment
- Rehabilitation centers
Why Prone Position Gel Pads Are Helpful
Let’s study how prone position gel pads help in real situations with patients.
1. Pressure Relief
Such pads pick up pressure from the forehead, chin, chest, pelvis, knees and toes and redistribute it elsewhere. This minimizes the risk of pressure ulcers which happens regularly in hospitals.
2. Support for Breathing
Properly raising the chest and abdomen with gel pads will expand the lungs and decrease the possibility of breathing complications. This procedure is important for ICU patients who have COVID-19 or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
3. Nerve Protection
Using Patient Positioning Gel Pads which cushion vulnerable nerves near the shoulders, elbows and hips, lessens the possibility of nerve damage or palsy after surgery.
4. Enhanced Surgical Access
The gel pads used in spinal fusion and posterior craniotomy make it easier and safer for surgeons to get the complete exposure needed while moving and shaping the patient.
Why Choosing Silicon Gel Pads Is a Good Decision
Being in the hospital, you might notice that positioning devices are not all the same. Many people consider silicon gel pads to be the top choice due to what makes them special.
Durability
Silicon gel pads last longer than foam or air cushions which often degrade. They are not easily torn, squashed or lose their original shape, even after being used a lot.
Reusability
Being disinfectable and reusable, these pads save hospitals and surgical centers money each time.
Gentle on the Skin
Silicon gel pads do not react and can be worn by people with any type of skin. Patients with conditions like diabetes or sensitive skin really need to worry about triggers, as their skin can be very sensitive.
Non-Slip Surface
They do not shift which helps patients maintain the proper position through long operations.
Different Types of Gel Pads for Prone Positioning
No single gel pad design works for everyone. Every part of the body needs support that is designed for it. Standard prone position gel pads are:
- Face cradle or donut pads:Face cradles or donut pads help to avoid pressure on your eyes, nose and mouth and also help you to breathe.
- Chest and abdominal rolls:Chest and abdominal rolls work by keeping the torso straight and sustaining free movement for the diaphragm which helps the lungs take in air.
- Arm and elbow pads:Arm and elbow pads are used to stop your arms from being stretched too much which can lead to nerve injuries.
- Hip and pelvic pads:The hip and pelvic pads are used to maintain your back alignment and ensure the pelvis is well padded.
- Knee and ankle pads:The compression caused by falling is prevented and the material saves your joints and protects your knees and ankles from injury.
Having all Patient Positioning Gel Pads in place guarantees complete protection and lower chance of troubles.
Review of clinical research and the production of guidelines
Proper patient positioning is considered important by studies and guidelines endorsed by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The value of gel pads is often pointed out for their part in avoiding injury.
Researchers from the 2020 study in Journal of Perioperative Practice observed much less likelihood of pressure injuries for high-risk patients placed on silicon gel pads instead of foam or typical mattress pads.
Best Practices for Healthcare Providers
For any healthcare professional, here are some best tips for using Patient Positioning Gel Pads while the patient is in the prone position:
- Make sure to perform a pre-positioning checklist: all risky areas must be supported.
- Be sure to use a pad that is the correct size and shape for the part of the body.
- Place pads correctly by attaching straps or supports if required to keep them in place.
- Keep an eye on how patients are lying: Reasonable changes may be needed while surgery is being performed.
- Repeatedly clean and check the condition of the pads to keep them safe and in proper shape.
Conclusion
Technology and caring for people must go side by side in healthcare today. A simple Patient Positioning Gel Pad can significantly reduce the chances of serious problems. In situations such as operating room, intensive care or rehabilitation, positioning patients in the prone position should never be overlooked.
Gel pads used in the prone position care for patients, ensuring they are safe, supported and comfortable while risk is reduced and positive outcomes increased. Health care facilities can use silicon gel pads to uphold good standards of care, make patients happy and help them recover.
Basically, gel pads should be seen as important tools for safe and successful patient treatment and not just as accessories.
They support the head, chest, hips, knees, and feet to keep the whole body comfortable and in proper alignment.
They reduce pressure on the skin and muscles, so the patient doesn’t feel sore or stiff afterward.
They are often used in spine, brain, and back surgeries, where the patient lies face-down for a long time.
No, they are soft, flexible, and easy for staff to position around the patient’s body.
Yes, smaller-sized gel pads are available for pediatric patients to ensure their safety and comfort.
