Convenient for Repositioning: Bedsore Nurse Repositioning Pad

In nursing and caregiving settings, repositioning is an essential task.

Repositioning means changing the posture of a person who cannot roll over on their own every few hours to prevent bedsores.

In academic literature, the term “taii henkan” (postural change) is often used, but in the field, “taii koukan” (repositioning) is more common and is sometimes shortened to “taikou.”

At first glance, repositioning may seem like simply turning the body, but in practice it requires skill and careful attention.

In my previous article, I discussed the risks of the 30-degree side-lying position, as well as positioning methods and the use of cushions for pressure ulcer prevention.
→ 30° Lateral Position Risks & the Bananafit Small Flow Type Cushion

This time, I will focus on another issue in repositioning and introduce a product called the Bedsore Nurse Repositioning Pad.

In this article, I will explain the challenges this product addresses, its features, and a related patent.

Please note that this article includes my personal experiences and impressions.

The effectiveness and comfort may vary from person to person.

Common Practices and Challenges in Repositioning

In practice, a common method to make repositioning easier is to place a bath towel under the torso.

I have also used this method daily in hospitals and care facilities.

By using a towel, caregivers can lift a heavier person like a stretcher, or when working alone, hold the ends of the towel to raise the body and slide a cushion underneath.

While convenient, this method has several drawbacks:

  • Prone to wrinkles
    Wrinkles can cause discomfort and create localized pressure, leading to pressure ulcers.
  • Moisture build-up
    Cotton towels absorb sweat but dry slowly, trapping heat and moisture, which may cause skin problems.
  • Easily torn
    Thin towels may rip when used like a stretcher.
  • Skin damage from friction
    Pulling the towel on the bed can also pull the person’s skin, causing injury.

Thus, while towels make caregiving easier, they can also increase the risk of pressure ulcers and skin damage.

Although caregivers are aware of this, the reality of staff shortages often leads them to prioritize ease of use.

Features of the Bedsore Nurse Repositioning Pad

The Bedsore Nurse Repositioning Pad can be used as an alternative to towels.

It uses Asahi Kasei’s three-dimensional knitted fabric Fusion®, which provides the following features:

  • Adequate thickness and elasticity, easy to hold and support the body
  • High breathability, less prone to trapping heat and moisture
  • Elastic, making it resistant to wrinkles and reducing the risk of skin problems

What is Fusion®?

Fusion® is a three-dimensional knitted fabric developed by Asahi Kasei.

It connects two layers of knitted fabric with elastic threads and includes a truss-like structure to improve stability.

Thanks to its unique knitted structure, it offers the following characteristics:

  • Excellent cushioning
  • High pressure distribution
  • Outstanding breathability
  • Dimensional stability (resists deformation)
  • Washable and quick-drying
  • Lightweight
  • Can be combined with other cushioning materials

User Experience

I use this product for caregiving at home.

Here are my impressions both as a caregiver and as someone who actually slept on it:

  • Comfort
    Provides moderate cushioning and pressure distribution. Thin enough to avoid discomfort while still comfortable.

  • Resistant to wrinkles
    The firm fabric resists wrinkles even with movement.
    When I slept on it overnight, the towel became wrinkled, while the pad only shifted slightly.

  • Breathability
    Cotton towels absorb sweat but dry slowly.
    This polyester pad dries quickly and feels less sticky with sweat.

  • Ease of caregiving
    The firm fabric makes it easier to lift the body by holding the edge, even when working alone.
    Durable and unlikely to tear compared to towels.
  • Easy to wash
    Stains are easy to remove, and it dries quickly, making it simple to keep clean.

Related Patent: Bag-Type Sheet

I could not find a published patent for the repositioning pad itself, but the same company has filed a patent for a bag-type sheet.

Publication number: JP 2009-201649 A
Publication date: September 10, 2009
Title: Bag-Type Sheet and Bedclothes Equipped with It
Applicants: Kuroda Co., Ltd. and FIT Pacific Co., Ltd.

This sheet also uses Fusion®.

Problems with Conventional Sheets

Simply placing three-dimensional knitted fabric on a mattress makes it prone to shifting or deforming.

When sitting on the edge of a mattress during transfers, the sinking of the mattress caused the sheet to slip, creating instability.

Solution (Sheet Structure)

  • Top surface: The part that comes in contact with the user, made of Fusion®. It offers elasticity, dimensional stability, and breathability, which helps with comfort and pressure ulcer prevention.

  • Side panels: Connect the top and bottom surfaces, made of non-stretch fabric. This helps maintain the overall shape and keeps the sheet firmly in place.

  • Bottom surface: The most innovative part.
    • Made of highly stretchable fabric, designed smaller than the top surface.
    • When spread out, the bottom is always under tension, keeping the entire sheet taut.
    • This constant “upward tension” prevents sagging and reduces slippage between the sheet and mattress.
    • Even when sitting on the edge, where the mattress sinks, the stretchable bottom compensates, preventing wrinkles and slippage on the top surface.

By designing each section with different fabrics and dimensions, this patent improves stability and reduces slippage.

Closing Thoughts

In caregiving, there are many situations where “the ideal way” is known but cannot be done due to time or staffing limitations.

Welfare products like this help bridge that gap.

Through materials and structural design, they can reduce caregiver burden and maintain user comfort, making them a valuable support in the field.

Going forward, I hope to continue exploring both domestic and international products that help close the gap between ideals and reality, leading to better care.

Currently, I use my experience as a nurse and my knowledge of patents to share information.

I also write articles, provide technical explanations of care products, and support market expansion.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact me.

References

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