Abstract: A breast crease comforter decreases pain and promotes healing during and after radiation therapy to the breast. The skin crease between the breast and the torso is typically exposed to daily friction, sheer, and moisture. When the breast is also compromised by radiation therapy, these various insults may combine to cause skin breakdown and excoriation, including resultant pain. The breast crease comforter intervenes between the underside of the breast and the torso to protect and pad this sensitive crease area when compromised by radiation therapy. The breast crease comforter may also be used to treat other conditions besides vulnerable skin resulting from radiation therapy to the breast or torso. The breast crease comforter may also be combined with the bottom of a conventional bra.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for preventing and treating bedsores. In particular, the invention is directed to the use of feedback mechanisms and application of dedicated protocols to identify and monitor therapeutic efforts, including the use of movement sensors, adjustable beds, adjustable wheel chairs, and a networking interface to deliver comprehensive, interactive therapies for the prevention and treatment of bedsores.

Abstract: Protective devices, to protect a body part having a bony portion with a soft tissue layer between the bony portion and an outer skin layer, have an inner surface which conforms to the body part to be protected and are applied to the body part to reduce pressure exhibited at the interface between the bony portion and the soft tissue layer, across the soft tissue and outer skin layers and at the interface between the outer skin layer and a support surface. The protective devices may be made of any material suitable for distributing the weight of the body part over an extended area and volume so as to decrease the pressure about the bony portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for placement on a support surface between the support surface and a living being, wherein the living being has a bony prominence. The apparatus includes a first zone having a first coefficient of friction, the first zone being configured for positioning proximate the bony prominence. A second zone is adjacent the first zone, the second zone having a second coefficient of friction higher than the first coefficient of friction. The second zone is configured for positioning remote from the bony prominence. A method of preventing or healing decubitus ulcers includes positioning the bony prominence over the first zone and positioning an area remote from the bony prominence over the second zone.

Abstract: A wearing apparel garment, such as an undergarment, has a padded portion positioned to be located adjacent to the coccyx of the wearer during use and which has a medicated patch containing suitable medicine therein which is applied to the user adjacent his or her coccyx during use. The garment is intended for use by one who is confined to a significant period of sitting or prone positioning which may make that person susceptible to pressure sores. The padded portion can be removed and the pad replaced as suitable. With the pad removed, the garment can be washed, if desired. The pad can be sized and medicated according to the need. The garment has no internal seams which might cause chafing or pressure on susceptible tissues. The garment is opened along a line which extends between the upper rim of the garment to the lower rim of the garment and which is releasably closed by a releasable fastener, such as a hook-and-loop fastener system.

Abstract: The invention is for a bodysuit for clothing of a human to assist in comfortable wearing of an orthotic brace. Trouserette sections, an elliptical sanitary voiding aperture, and a loincloth with a pelvic girdle flap elongated end releasably joined to a body sleeve provide the wearer with comfort, modesty, and convenience in sanitary voiding. Stretch cotton/spandex knit cloth, externally overlocked seaming, coverstitched stitches, flat zigzag stitchery, and hook and loop tape fasteners enhance quality and comfort in various embodiments.

Abstract: A device for protecting an area of skin of a human body includes a plate. The plate includes a first face covered by an external layer and a second face opposite the external layer. The second face is configured to be applied onto an area of skin to be protected. The plate also includes a protective part made of a polymer gel and at least one adhesive part made of a polymer gel. The protective part is configured to ensure mechanical protection of the area to be protected and the adhesive part is configured to come into contact with the skin. The adhesive part has an adhesive power greater than an adhesive power of the protective layer to hold the plate on the area to be protected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable absorbent article used to absorb body fluids and to prevent skin breakdown and chafing under the breast. The article is secured to the front inner and outer lower part of the bra. The article can also be used under the abdominal skin fold to prevent skin to skin contact or to prevent chafing.

Abstract: A disposable bandage for covering a wound area of a skin surface includes a self adhesive first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, a dome having a generally rectilinear shape and constructed from a thin rigid material, the dome being coupled to the first fastener portion along one edge and coupled to the second fastener portion along a second edge. The dome includes pleats that extend across the dome shape from the top edge to the bottom edge of the dome. A gasket is formed of a stretchable material and extends around the underside of the dome. The gasket is held in contact with the skin surface when the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are pressed to a user's skin and, when the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are moved away from each other, the pleats are unfolded and the gasket material is stretched and remains in contact with the skin surface.

Abstract: An ICU/CCU/NICU garment for a patient during hospitalization includes an upper portion of the garment, a lower portion of the garment, and a rear portion of the garment. The upper garment portion includes a pair of front panels releasably connected to each other and to a neck panel leaving an open back. The lower portion of the garment includes an abdominal panel having a pair of leg extensions and a central genital panel extending downwardly therefrom leaving an open back. The rear portion having a rear panel is releasably attached to each of the upper portion and the lower portion to provide a desired degree of coverage, while facilitating a selective exposure of the posterior of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a leg ulcer comprising contacting the leg ulcer with a collagen biofabric. The leg ulcer may be a venous, arterial, diabetic or decubitus (pressure) ulcer. The invention further provides kits comprising one or more pieces of collagen biofabric for the treatment of a leg ulcer.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

Abstract: The invention is for a bodysuit for clothing of a human to assist in comfortable wearing of an orthotic brace. Trouserette sections, an elliptical sanitary voiding aperture, and a loincloth with a pelvic girdle flap elongated end releasably joined to a body sleeve provide the wearer with comfort, modesty, and convenience in sanitary voiding. Stretch cotton/spandex knit cloth, externally overlocked seaming, coverstitched stitches, flat zigzag stitchery, and hook and loop tape fasteners enhance quality and comfort in various embodiments.

Abstract: A wound shield to manage repetitive access stress may include a conformable substrate to circumscribe a wound. Any suitable dressing may be secured to the conformable substrate providing separation between the wound and the dressing. The wound substrate may provide a site for attachment of adhesive dressings to shield the patient's skin from the pain of repetitive access and or removal of the dressings. A conformable substrate may be composed of one or more layers of any suitable material and may include adhesive on one or more surfaces to secure the substrate to the wound site and or to secure the dressing to the conformable substrate. A wound substrate may include strong adhesive to secure the substrate to the patients skin. The conformable wound substrate will be formed of any suitable non-absorbent material to permit long term application adjacent a wound. Thus many dressings may be applied and removed from a single wound substrate shielding the patient's skin from repetitive insult.

Abstract: The invention is a method for treating or preventing pressure sores. It comprises (i.e., includes but is not limited to) the following steps: applying a cushion in indirect contact or in direct contact with substantially the entire surface of a pressure sore area, and applying pressure against the pressure sore area through the cushion. The cushion is preferably circular in shape (although it may have other shapes) with its diameter between about 1.5 and about 6 times its height, and preferably between about 3 and about 4 times its height. In the preferred embodiment, the cushion has a silicone elastomeric shell, with the portion of the shell intended to be in occlusive contact with the pressure sore having a smooth outer surface. In the preferred embodiment, the cushion is only partially filled, and the fill material is silicone gel. The cushion may be held in place by means of a strap, wrap, bandage or similar device.

Abstract: A pressure ulcer prosthesis (10) having an elongated body (11) to support a patient's limb. The body (11) has a longitudinally extending support surface (13) that is arcuate and concave in transverse cross section. A distal end (12) having a surface (18) extends away from the surface (13) so as to diverge therefrom so that a portion of the limb adjacently surface (18) is released from pressure.

Abstract: A simple, versatile and easily applicable deformable wound protector apparatus for preventing foreign objects such as clothing and dressing from contacting the wound comprising a desirable length, a start and an end, and a lower and upper surface. The present invention may further include bridges and connectors to enhance its application. The deformable wound protector can conform to the specific contour and size of any wound and may be used with any dressing.

Abstract: An apparatus to protect a body and facial piercing and its affected area during a healing period, has a body assembly. The body assembly has top and bottom faces, an exterior wall, and an interior wall. The body assembly further defines a cavity that extends inwardly from the interior wall. A permeable cover covers the top face and the cavity to allow ambient-air to enter and circulate therethrough. This allows healing of a body or facial piercing, and specifically the opening created by the piercing, and the surrounding area around the piercing. A removable cover covers the bottom face and the cavity. The bottom face has an adhesive, and the removable cover is removably attached to the bottom face.

Abstract: An adhesive pad kit for footwear has a schematic having an indication of footwear. The adhesive pad kit has at least two pairs of thin adhesive backed pads. Each pad in the first pair has a predetermined shape having a length and a width. The length is at least four times the width. The indication depicts an operative location for at least one of the pads on the footwear.

Abstract: A foldable one-piece insert worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments.

Abstract: A foldable one-piece insert (i.e., bra liner) worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments. A braless liner may also be used without a bra. The braless liner may be fastened to the female torso at the rear of the female torso with attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: A patient support system for an operating room table is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for preventing fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising: a central portion having at least one rib, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, a lip disposed around the edge, a sealing member disposed over the lip for providing a sealing engagement between the lip and the open epidermal site, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion. Also disclosed is a flexible protective cover having a central portion, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, an inflatable sealing member integral with the edge for providing the sealing engagement, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion.

Abstract: Clothes have a capability of preventing sleeping respiratory obstruction and/or decubitus, which is worn by a user. The clothes include a plurality of air chambers provided at the rear of the clothes, the air chambers being capable of being shrunk and expanded. An air supply unit supplies air to each of the air chambers, and a pressure detecting unit measures the pressure of each of the air chambers to produce a measured pressure as an electrical signal. A controller receives the measured pressure signal from the pressure detecting unit to supply the air to the air chambers by using the air supply unit when a snoring or a sleep apnea of the user is detected or a predetermined time elapses in the same posture in order to change a posture of the user.

Abstract: A knee brace, method of use thereof, and modification to an existing knee brace facilitates inducing side loads to a knee joint to align upper and lower leg portions relative to one another, thereby allowing the knee joint to function properly over its full dynamic range of motion. The knee brace, whether as manufactured or modified, acts to apply a lateral shear force to the knee joint through application of opposing lateral forces, with one lateral force being above the knee joint in one direction and the other lateral force being below the knee joint in an opposite direction. The counteracting forces act to shift femoral condyles and tibial condyles of the knee joint back into proper lateral alignment without acting directly on the patella to counteract the effects of the patella femoral syndrome.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

Abstract: A fabric for the prevention and treatment of skin wounds, and pressure wounds in particular, which includes a woven fabric having warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface. One of the warp or filling yarns is at least about 40% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament nylon, and the other of the warp or filling yarns is from about 0% to about 60% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections. The fabric includes a conductive yarn at about 0% to about 2% by weight to control static dissipation, and an antimicrobial substance is topically applied or inherently available in the fabric. The fabric can be used in bedding, including underpads, and patient gowns. Methods of preventing and treating skin wounds, and pressure wounds in particular, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a temperature change member for providing a cooling effect. The temperature change member includes a matrix of fibers and temperature change material intermixed within the matrix of fibers. The temperature change material includes erythritol.

Abstract: A method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas by preventing contaminated fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising the steps of: removably attaching at least one adjustable strap to a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover comprising a sealing member, covering the open epidermal site with the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover while maintaining a space between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site, and tightening the at least one adjustable strap to secure the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cove over the open epidermal site to create a fluid-tight seal between the sealing member and the open epidermal site, thereby preventing contaminated fluid from entering the open epidermal site.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace consisting of a sleeve adapted to be worn by a user in the knee area and having a patella interior opening is provided with a glide which is adjustably carried by the sleeve and which includes a patella engaging brace pad which may be silicon filled and which is generally U-shaped having one longer leg and one shorter leg. The brace is used to influence proper positioning of the patella by the generation of a force applied to the superolateral aspect of the patella to correct misalignment of the patella.

Abstract: A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes.

Abstract: A wound shield for exudate management may include a conformable frame to circumscribe a wound. The conformable frame may be formed of material for absorbing wound exudate. Exudate absorbing material may also be one of two or more layers of material forming the conformable frame. The layers may be arranged to keep the exudate absorbing layer at some selected distance from a patients skin. Any suitable dressing may be secured over the conformable frame providing separation between the wound and the dressing. The wound frame may provide pressure relief around a wound or pressure sore to permit healing. The conformable frame may be wrapped, in a spiral, around a wound providing an increasing pressure relief by increasing distance from the wound. A conformable frame may be composed of one or more layers of any suitable material and may include adhesive on one or more surfaces to secure the frame to the wound site and or to secure the dressing to the conformable frame.

Abstract: A disposable bandage for covering a wound area of a skin surface includes a self adhesive first fastener portion and a second fastener portion, a dome having a generally rectilinear shape and constructed from a thin rigid material, the dome being coupled to the first fastener portion along one edge and coupled to the second fastener portion along a second edge. The dome includes pleats that extend across the dome shape from the top edge to the bottom edge of the dome. A gasket is formed of a stretchable material and extends around the underside of the dome. The gasket is held in contact with the skin surface when the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are pressed to a user's skin and, when the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion are moved away from each other, the pleats are unfolded and the gasket material is stretched and remains in contact with the skin surface.

Abstract: A reclosable wound dressing system, comprising a base portion having a circumference and lower and upper sides, the lower side carrying an adhesive that adheres to the skin, the upper side defining a first part of a two-part mechanical fastener system, the base portion defining an open area within the circumference, and a covering portion having a lower side that defines the second part of the two-part mechanical fastener system, the covering portion overlying at least part of and engaging with the upper side of the base portion, the covering portion fully covering the open area of the base portion, to cover a wound located in the open area.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent and/or treat pressure ulceration of the skin notably in the sacral area, but also other pressure-sensitive areas of the body as well. The apparatus includes a garment configured for placement about a region of a person, the garment having at least one bladder and at least one corresponding support surface configured to be maintained in a substantially fixed relationship relative to a portion of the region of the person and configured to provide controllable support to the person in this portion of the region. The at least one bladder is controllably inflated/deflated with a fluid. The apparatus can be configured to off-load the sacrum and reposition weight distribution in the sacral area to avoid skin ischemia and skin breakdown leading to pressure sores know as decubitus ulcers.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like.

Abstract: Devices for reduction of damage from friction and for prevention and treatment of skin breakdown by relief of friction and shear forces. A friction reducing device may include a pair of thin membranes with low coefficients of friction with respect to each other, and of which one is free to slide through a limited distance along the other. A method of making one such device includes forming a dome in a flexible film and adhesively attaching a skirt surrounding the dome to a skin contact layer. Similar friction reducing devices may be incorporated in shoes, other clothing, or sports equipment or used to protect movable rods or cables.

Abstract: An adhesive pad kit for footwear has at least two pairs of thin adhesive backed pads in which the pads in one pair have one predetermined shape wherein the length is at least twice as long as the width, and the pads in the second pair have a different predetermined shape. The kit can have pads that are generally rectangular. The kit can also have one pair of pads that are generally rectangular and the other pair of pads that are curved segments. The adhesive pads can be made of moleskin material. An adhesive pad kit for footwear may have at least two pairs of thin adhesive backed pads in which the pads in one pair have one predetermined color and the pads in the second pair have a different color.

Abstract: A method of enabling an analysis taking into account exposure of at least one external body portion to the environment comprises obtaining first information representative of at least one condition of a first external body portion of a subject and obtaining second information representative of at least one condition of a second external body portion of the subject. The method further comprises determining a difference between the first information and the second information so as to enable an analysis taking into account impact of at least one environmental factor. The second external body portion is normally less exposed to at least one environmental factor than the first external body portion.

Abstract: A pressure ulcer prosthesis (10) having an elongated body (11) to support a patient's limb. The body (11) has a longitudinally extending support surface (13) that is arcuate and concave in transverse cross section. A distal end (12) having a surface (18) extends away from the surface (13) so as to diverge therefrom so that a portion of the limb adjacently surface (18) is released from pressure.

Abstract: A skin-contacting adhesive composition is described which has improved initial tack, long-term adhesion, water uptake and translucency characteristics and may be prepared by melt extrusion. Uses of these compositions are also described, for example, their use in wound dressings.

Abstract: The invention provides an areola pad for use during breast feeding. The invention is used to treat sore and painful nipples caused by breast feeding and to enable uninterrupted nursing. The invention includes a flexible element composed of one or more bio-compatible polymers, where the element is breathable, and allows contact between the mother and the infant. The flexible element further includes a centrally-located opening for receiving a nipple of any size, where the nipple extends through the opening and is uncovered.

Abstract: A method of covering a nipple on a human breast, the nipple cover having a center and including a flexible material for conforming to a human breast, the method including the method steps of placing the nipple cover directly on a human breast so as to cover at least about one half and less then all of the breast, with the center of the cover proximate the nipple; the nipple cover having a first thickness proximate the center and a second thickness proximate a periphery thereof, the thickness of the nipple cover gradually tapering from the first thickness to the second thickness, wherein the method further includes the step of being the nipple cover on the breast such that the periphery of the cover blends smoothly with a curved portion of the breast while concealing a nipple shape.

Abstract: A method for reducing pressure damage to skin of a person includes determining a location on the person susceptible to pressure damage, and adhesively securing a skin protective device to the location. The skin protective device includes a substrate having an inner surface, and an outer surface. An adhesive layer substantially covers the inner surface, and at least one fluid-filled cell is on the outer surface to cushion the skin of the person.

Abstract: A self-adhesive bandage for prevention and treatment of skin breakdown by relief of friction and shear forces. The bandage includes a pair of thin film membranes, one of which is a portion of a dome and is free to move a limited distance with respect to the other. The dome is located on a skin contact layer that can be adhered to one's skin. A method of making such a bandage includes forming a dome in a flexible film and adhesively attaching a skirt surrounding the dome to a skin contact layer. Similar friction reducing devices may be incorporated in shoes, other clothing, or sports equipment.

Abstract: A suspension system for the care and prevention of wounds on the body of a user includes an array of removable suspension devices forming a flexible sheet. Each suspension device is removably coupled to at least on other suspension device. The suspension devices are selectably removable from the array in order to define a space within the sheet which approximates the size of a target area on the body of the user. A disposable garment for the body of a user includes an absorbent portion and a wound are and prevention suspension portion. The absorbent portion has fluid pervious inner sheet, a fluid impervious outer sheet and at least one layer of absorbent material disposed between the inner and outer sheets. The wound are and prevention suspension portion is coupled to the absorbent portion.

Abstract: A wound covering includes a loop member including a peripheral wall that has an upper edge, a lower edge, an inner surface and an outer surface. The loop member defines an opening. A screen is attached to the loop member such that the screen extends across the opening. The screen comprises an air permeable and flexible material. A panel is attached to and extends along the peripheral wall of the loop member such that the panel does not extend over the opening. The panel comprises a flexible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface faces the same direction as the lower edge of the loop member. An adhesive is positioned on the lower surface of the panel. The panel may be attached to a skin surface such that the loop member extends around a wound on the skin surface.

Abstract: A pressure relief pad for use by persons suffering from or subject to the formation of decubitus ulcers or bedsores is described. The pressure relief pad is made from viscoelastic foam layers which provide for the redistribution of pressure around an affected or wounded area allowing the wound to heal faster. The contoured viscoelastic foam pad can be positioned over a separately applied dressing or an exudate absorbing material can be included in the pad. The contouring for the pad may be achieved by molding the foam as desired or by using a multiplicity of foam layers joined by adhesive to form the pad.