Comfort Devices
Comfort -
- Described as being physically & mentally at ease.
- Comfort is a state of freedom from pain, discomfort, tension and anxiety.
Comfort Devices
- These are the devices to help the body comfortable in good body alignment without strain.
- "Comfort devices are the mechanical devices planned to provide optimal comfort to an individual."
Purposes of Comfort Devices -
- To provide maximum comfort and relaxation
- To aid in normal body function
- To relive pressure on parts of body
- To prevent falls and accidents
- To immobilize a body part.
- To prevent contractures
Comfort Devices list
- Pillows
- Backrest
- Bed Cradle
- Cardiac Table
- Sand Bags
- Bed Blocks
- Air Cushion
- Knee Rest
- Side Rails
- Hand Rolls
- Trapeze Bar
- Foot Rest/Foot Board
- Trochanter Rolls
- Rubber and Cotton Rings
- Air and Water mattresses
- Hand and Wrist splient
1. Pillows
- Used as support to maintain correct body alignment.
- Pillows are used to give comfortable position to the patient. These are mostly used to support various body part.
purpose
- To maintain proper body alignment.
- To support body parts in good alignment.
- Help to reduce pressure
- Used under the head,arms,legs & along the spine or abdomen.
2. Backrest
It is a mechanical device which provide a suitable support and rest for the back of patient in sitting position.
Purpose
- To provide a comfortable change of position
- To support back.
- To Promote drainage from the abdominal cavity
- To facilitate breathing
- It is given especially for heart and asthma patient even in post operative period.
3. Bed Cradle
It is a frame used to hold the top bed linen from coming into contact with the patient. Used to prevent pressure from the weight of the linen, Cradle is a semicircular/ rectangular frame of metal. May be made of wood or bamboo.
Purpose
- To prevent the top cloth if coming in contact with the patient especially burn patient
- Allows air circulation
- To apply heat in case of drying plaster casts.
- Electronic bed cradies are used to supply the desired warm in case of shock.
- Indicated for patients with burns,arthritic pain,pressure sore
4. Cardiac Table
Bed table placed in front with a pillow on it patient can lean forward and take rest.
Table without pillow is used for writing and meals. Used for patients with cardiac conditions and asthma. Position should be changed to relieve fatigue.
purpose
- Patient can rest over the table with the help of pillow.
- Helps to take meals and in writing
5. Sand Bags
These are canvas rubber or plastic bags filled with sand. These are used to immobilize a part.
Purpose
- To relieve discomfort.
- Used to support body part
- Used to immobilize the body parts
- Used to supports as in fracture bones
- To prevent foot drop or wrist drop
6. Bed Blocks-
Made up of wood or metal It may be high or low. These are placed under the foot of the bed for various reasons.
Purpose
- To prevent shock
- To retain enema
- To arrest hemorrhage
- After spinal anesthesia
- To provide traction
- To position in postural drainage
7. Air Cushion
They are round in shape and made of rubber. These can be inflated with air. These are used to take off the weight of body. Air cushion should not be applied directly in contact with skin. They should have cover.
Purpose
- To relieve pressure on certain parts of body.
- To promote comfort of client
8. Knee Rest-
This is a device placed under the knees to provide comfort. It may be substituted by a pillow.
Purpose
- This gives relaxation and thus relieves pain on tendons beneath the knees
9. Side Rails-
Side rails are the bars positioned along the sides of the length of the bed.
Purpose
- Ensure patient's safety and are useful for increasing mobility.
- Provide assistance in rolling from side to side or sitting up in bed.
10. Hand Rolls-
Made by folding a wash cloth in half, rolling in lengthwise and securing roll with tape Roll is placed against palmar surface of hand.
Purpose
- Maintain thumb in slightly adducted and in opposition to fingers.
- Maintain fingers in slightly flexed position.
11. Trapeze Bar
Bar is suspended from an overhead frame to head of bed.
Purpose
- Patient can grasp the bar to raise the trunk off the bed surface or to move up in bed.
12. Foot Rest/Foot Board-
These are mechanical device used to give rest to feet. Sand bags or foot boards may be used.
Purpose
- To maintain the normal position of feet.
- To promote comfort.
- To prevent foot drop
13. Trochanter Rolls-
A cotton bath blanket/sheet is folded lengthwise to width extending from greater trochanter of femur to lower border of politeal space.
Purpose
- Prevent external rotation of legs when patient is in supine position.
14. Rubber and Cotton Rings
These are circular rings made of rubber or cotton,
Purpose
- These are used to relieve pressure on certain parts of the body like elbow and heels.
15. Air and Water mattresses
These are used for very thin and obese patients and those who are prone to get pressure sores. It helps in equal distribution of the pressure exerted on the body.
Purpose
- To improve circulation.
- To prevent pressure sores.
- To provide comfort.
16. Hand and Wrist splient
These are individually moulded for the patient to maintain the proper alignment of the thumb in slight adduction & the wrist in slight dorsiflexion.
