Using Natural Sheepskin for Patients with Limited Mobility​

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Natural sheepskin is an excellent aid for improving patient comfort, managing temperature, and helping to distribute pressure. It works by creating a layer of soft, breathable material that reduces friction and shear forces on the skin.

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Understanding the Benefits

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The efficacy of sheepskin is primarily related to its structure and natural properties:

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• Pressure Distribution: The wool fibers are highly resilient and distribute the patient's weight over a larger surface area, reducing peak pressure points (like the sacrum or heels).

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• Friction Reduction (Shear): The fine, resilient wool reduces the friction caused by shifting or repositioning, preventing skin tearing and irritation (known as shearing).

 

• Moisture and Temperature Regulation: Sheepskin is naturally breathable and wicks away moisture (sweat), helping to keep the skin dry and maintaining a comfortable microclimate, which is crucial for preventing skin breakdown.

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Proper Selection and Placement

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Product Selection

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• Always use genuine medical-grade sheepskin. These are specially tanned and shorn for maximum pressure relief and are designed to be washable. Decorative sheepskins are not suitable. 

• The sheepskin should be large enough to extend beyond the areas of primary contact, ensuring continuous coverage under the bony prominences being treated (shoulders, hips, sacrum, heals).

 

Placement for Treatment

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• The sheepskin should be placed directly beneath the patient, wool side up, allowing the wool to be in direct contact with the skin (or through light clothing).

• Check to make sure the sheepskin is laying flat after turning or adjusting your patient.

• Sheepskin can be cut or shaped for targeted use, such as for the heels or elbows, which are high-risk areas.

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Safety Precautions and Limitations

 

Sheepskin is an aid, not a substitute for active care measures.

• Sheepskin does not replace the need for regular, scheduled repositioning. Repositioning remains the most important intervention for preventing pressure sores.

• Continue to perform your daily skin assessment. Remove the sheepskin during the assessment to check the skin underneath.

• If the leather backing becomes hard or rigid, it must be replaced, as it will no longer properly contour to the body and may cause new pressure points.

• While sheepskin is naturally anti-microbial, if it becomes heavily soiled, it must be removed and cleaned immediately. Please review our Easy Sheepskin Care page for detailed notes on washing.