Most spinal, neurosurgical and colorectal procedures are often carried out by placing the patient face down. The advantages of using this position include better access to certain body regions, but it too often leads to pressure sores and nerve damage. This is why prone position gel pads, prone head rests and a trustworthy OT table mat are so important.

Why Being in the Prone Position Needs Special Attention

High pressure on the face, chest, knees and toes is a common risk for patients lying face down. A lack of the right care may result in pressure ulcers, poor blood flow and blocked airways. Specialized devices should be used by medical teams to help maintain patients’ safety and comfort during the surgical procedure.

How Prone Position Gel Pads Play a Part

These gel pads are meant to equally spread weight on pressure points to lessen the chance of injury in surgeries that last a long time. These pads are crafted from good quality silicone or polymer gel that is able to shape itself to the patient’s body and give reliable support. Because they reduce local pressure, they help prevent problems with the soft tissue and improve outcomes for the patient.

To support all parts of the body while in prone, these gel pads are usually placed beneath the chest, thighs and legs. Because they can be cleaned and used over and over, they save hospitals and surgery centers money.

Things to Ensure an Open Airway

The prone head rest is one of the most important pieces of prone positioning equipment. This specialized support holds the patient’s head in an upright position which allows them to keep breathing and prevents pressure on the face. With a prone head rest, placing an endotracheal tube is safe as it reduces pressure on the patient’s eyes, nose and head.

Because they are sold in many different designs, gel headrests conform to the face and provide strong support for the head.

Using OT Table Mats to Keep Surgery Firm

A table mat designed for OT supplies complete coverage and helps make patients feel safer and more comfortable. In addition to these mats, surgeons add other gel pads and positioning items to help the patient stay safely situated during surgery. An excellent OT table mat saves you time and protects patients because the surgeons need less movement to see different parts of the body.

Conclusion

Proper patient care during prone procedures needs good positioning aids such as prone position gel pads, prone head rests and OT table mats. They keep patients safer, make way for surgeons and cut down on surgery-related issues—so they are vital in all modern operating rooms.