| Gel Overlay |
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A gel overlay is a thick (5 inch) mattress cover that is designed to reduce pressure points. Patients who are ill or medicated will not move in bed enough to allow for proper blood circulation. Wherever pressure points exist there is a potential for a wound to form (called decubitus ulcer). To assist in preventing these wounds a gel overlay is used. It works by allowing the patient to sink into it. With more surface area of the overlay supporting the patient pressure points are greatly reduced. Gel overlays are recommended for all patients who will be using a hospital bed. Gel overlays are not appropriate for patients who have existing decubitus ulcers. These patients should be placed into a low air-loss mattress system.
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