Resources > Dictionary of Terms

1. Alternating Pressure Mattress
   Air sacks us alternating inflation and deflation of cells to constantly change pressure points and promote circulation.
2. Low Air Loss
   Air gently blows underneath a vapor-permeable cover, wicking moisture away and keeping the skin at a healthy moisture level. The wicking method has several benefits over direct airflow alternatives. It is much less likely to over dry the skin (a clear contra-indication to moist wound healing). It also reduces the risk of airborne pathogens, and provides additional comfort for patients who tend to feel cold or simply find it unpleasant to have air blowing directly on them. The low air loss mattresses can be used on patients with any stage ischemic (pressure) ulcer, myocutaneous skin flaps, skin grafts and/or patients with temperature, moisture control, or pain management issues.
3. Low Air Loss with Alternating Pressure
   This is the same as low air loss with the addition of waves of alternating pressure that simulate movement. This is extremely beneficial for the treatment of Stage 3 & 4 pressure ulcers.
4. Bariatric
   Products designed for the treatment of people 300 lbs or over.
5. True Low Air Loss
   Air loss obtained through the mattress, not the blower. (Also see Low Air Loss)
6. Pressure Ulcer (Pressure Sore or Bedsore)
   Area of skin damage resulting from a lack of blood flow due to pressure:
   - Damage is most likely caused from the lack of rotation or movement. The skin becomes compromised at pressure points like the elbow, hip or shoulder.
7. Stages of Pressure Ulcers (Categorization of Severity)

- Stage I – Observable pressure-related alteration of intact skin whose indicators, as compared to the adjacent or opposite area of the body. May include changes in one or more of the following:

1. Skin temperature (warmth or coolness)
2. Tissue consistency (firm or boggy feel) and/or
3. Sensation (pain, itching)
   The ulcer appears as a defined area of persistent redness in lightly pigmented skin, whereas in darker skin tones, the ulcer may appear with persistent red, blue, or purple hues.

- Stage II – Partial thickness skin loss involving:

   1.    Epidermis
   2.    Dermis, or both.
   3.    The ulcer is superficial and presents clinically as an abrasion, blister, or shallow
          crater.

- Stage III – Full thickness skin loss involving damage to, or necrosis of:

  1.   Subcutaneous tissue that may extend down to, but not through, underlying fascia.
        The ulcer presents clinically as a deep crater with or without undermining of adjacent 
        tissue.

- Stage IV – Full thickness skin loss with:

 1.    Extensive destruction,
 2.    Tissue necrosis, of
 3.    Damage to muscle, bone, or supporting structures (tendon, joint capsule).
        Undermining and sinus tracts also may be associated with Stage IV pressure ulcers.