Education Center
Preventing pressure sores at home
How cushions, mattresses, and repositioning protect skin during long sitting or bed rest.
Key takeaways
- Pressure sores form over bony areas from unrelieved pressure — sometimes within hours.
- Reposition every 2 hours in bed and every 15-30 minutes in a chair.
- Pressure-relief cushions and mattresses spread the load; check skin daily.
What causes them
Pressure injuries (bedsores) form when steady pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin, usually over bony areas — the tailbone, hips, heels, and elbows. They can begin in just hours of unrelieved pressure, so prevention matters most for anyone who sits or lies down for long stretches.
Reposition on a schedule
- In bed: shift position at least every 2 hours
- In a chair: shift weight every 15–30 minutes (lean, stand, or use a pressure-relief cushion)
- Use pillows so knees and ankles don't press together
- Keep the head of the bed as low as is safe — sliding down adds skin-damaging shear
The right support surface
A pressure-redistributing cushion or mattress spreads weight so no single spot bears the load. Options range from foam to gel to powered alternating-pressure systems, and the right one depends on the person's mobility and risk. Ask us about pressure mattresses and wheelchair cushions in our catalog.
Protect the skin
- Keep skin clean and dry; manage moisture from sweat or incontinence
- Check skin daily — redness that doesn't fade when pressed is an early warning
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished; skin heals from the inside out
When to call a provider
If you see broken skin, an open sore, or redness that doesn't fade, contact your provider promptly — early treatment is far easier. We work with your care team on the right surface and on wound care supplies.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Medicare coverage depends on medical necessity and documentation and is not guaranteed.