An elderly person confined to bed developed a coin-sized red mark on their back, which within days progressed into a deep, difficult-to-heal ulcer—this is the typical progression of a pressure ulcer.
Medical sheepskin is precisely a specialized healthcare product designed to prevent and treat such pressure ulcers.
The Australian government once spent over 350 million AUD annually on preventing and treating pressure ulcers. The development and application of medical sheepskin have not only alleviated patient suffering and reduced the burden on caregivers but also significantly saved medical costs. Consequently, it has been hailed as “a gift from Australia to humanity.”
Definition and Standards of Medical Sheepskin
Medical-grade sheepskin is made from high-density, hypoallergenic Merino wool. Its main components are natural fibers composed of various amino acids and proteins, making it a natural skincare and health-promoting material.
Australian standards set clear specifications for medical-grade sheepskin products, including minimum leather quality, wool type, density, and length. Its production requires a special patented tanning process to ensure it possesses all the properties necessary for preventing bedsores.
Internationally recognized Australian standards require that medical sheepskin products clearly display information such as manufacturer certification, washing instructions, dimensions, and urine repellency.
How Medical Sheepskin Prevents Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are caused by prolonged pressure on local body tissues, leading to persistent ischemia, hypoxia, malnutrition, and ultimately tissue necrosis and ulceration. Patients who are bedridden for long periods are particularly susceptible to this condition.
sheepskin works through several synergistic mechanisms to prevent pressure ulcer formation:
Its unique wool structure can effectively distribute and reduce pressure on areas in contact with the bed, minimizing localized tissue compression. Simultaneously, wool fibers have excellent moisture absorption and wicking capabilities, helping to keep the skin dry.
Under normal climatic conditions, wool contains about 17% moisture but can absorb up to 50% moisture without feeling wet to the touch. This property allows sheepskin to effectively absorb perspiration and prevent excessive skin moisture.
Key Features and Advantages of Medical Sheepskin
Wool fibers have the property of dynamically regulating temperature. When the ambient temperature rises, the wool fibers expand, allowing excess heat to escape. When the temperature drops, the fibers contract, providing insulation.
This characteristic enables wool bedding to maintain a stable body temperature and prevent chills, which is especially important for individuals who are bedridden for extended periods.
Modern sheepskin often employs chrome-free tanning techniques and incorporates antimicrobial protective layers. For example, a 2024 study developed an antimicrobial treatment using a zinc pyrithione formulation, significantly enhancing the microbial resistance of the sheepskin.
Sheepskin treated with such technology features silk-like soft, elastic, and fluffy wool, while retaining the natural thermal insulation properties and high moisture absorption of wool.
Practical Applications and Effectiveness of Medical Sheepskin
Clinical studies have shown that using medical sheepskin can reduce the incidence of ulcers by 58%. In clinical use within Australian hospitals, medical sheepskin product series have even achieved 100% effectiveness in preventing pressure ulcer formation.
Medical sheepskin is not only suitable for medical institutions but is also widely used in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home care. It can reduce the frequency of turning and washing patients, thereby lowering the workload for caregivers.
These products are typically washable and sterilizable at high temperatures, reducing environmental contamination. They are also portable and reusable. Unlike ordinary sheepskin products, medical sheepskin requires meticulous selection from a large quantity of raw materials. Reports indicate that less than one hundred out of approximately ten thousand Merino sheepskins meet the medical standard.
How to Choose the Right Medical Sheepskin
When selecting medical sheepskin, look for products that clearly indicate compliance with medical standards. Genuine medical sheepskin will be labeled with manufacturer certification information, washing instructions (such as temperature), and product dimensions.
For patients requiring long-term bed rest, medical sheepskin provides continuous protection. It is suitable not only for those already at risk of pressure ulcers but also for preventive care.
Recommended Applications of Medical Sheepskin in Different Care Scenarios
| Application Scenario | Recommended Sheepskin Type | Primary Function | Usage Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Beds | Standard Medical Sheepskin Pad | Pressure redistribution, Moisture wicking | Place under the bedsheet, clean and disinfect regularly |
| Home Care | Washable Medical Sheepskin | Pressure ulcer prevention, Comfort enhancement | Rotate use, keep dry and clean |
| Wheelchair Cushions | Custom-shaped Sheepskin Pad | Reduce ischial pressure | Customize to seat shape, secure in place |
| Rehabilitation Aid | Antimicrobial-treated Sheepskin | Infection prevention, Comfort promotion | Use during rehabilitation exercises, pay attention to cleanliness |
Today, medical sheepskin has spread from Australia to the world. With the global trend of population aging, products like medical sheepskin that genuinely help patients with pressure ulcers are bringing hope to more and more people. As a geriatric care expert once remarked upon first seeing this product, it offers a beacon of hope on the long and challenging road of pressure ulcer prevention.
Contact us online for a variety of sheepskin products.—https://zongking.com.cn/
