hello tried sleeping in my hospital bed the other night because i'm struggling to turn over in my queen bed in which i have to turn hourly because of shoulder pain and it's disruptive to my sleep as it sometimes it takes ages to turn . Was hoping the hospital bed would be the answer to my problem but it was worse i had really bad pain in my shoulder blade and had no way of alleviating the pain as I can't turn at all . I had an air mattress which goes up and down during the night to prevent pressure sores and had both my arms on pillows . The head of the bed was raised as i can't breathe when i'm flat and had my knees raised up. If anyone has any suggestions on how i could do anything different to have a better sleep i would be grateful Thanks Andrew
-
-
Hi Andrew,
There are different types of air moving mattresses and some of them can be adjusted. Maybe some muscle relaxants would help you.
You could get a memory type mattress or a normalish type one on that base and get a pair of high grab rails either side if your arms/hands move enough. I can tell you the ones I have if you want to know.
Speak to your OT and don’t send the other mattress away with out trying it out more or having something else that is Okish.
Love TerryTB once said that "The forum is still the best source for friendship and information."
It will only remain so if new people post and keep us updated on things that work or don't work and tips.
Please post on old threads that are of use so that others see them and feel free to start new subjects and threads. -
Hi Andrew
It took me weeks to adjust my profiling bed, which I opted for after experiencing the same sleeping problems as you. In fact I hated the bed so much I resorted to sleeping in my recliner chair that had a 'repose cushion' on it.
I decided to try the repose cushion on the bed and it worked.
However, I had adjusted to sleeping on my back but with my head raised. Also it took a little experimenting with the angles of raising my head and altering the leg support. As a last resort you could try a sleeping tablet prescribed from your doctor till you get used to it.
Try a repose cushion ask your OT they do one wide enough to fit your single bed.
DDComment
-
My husband has had 3 different mattresses and he uses his repose cushion on his bed too, only way he could get comfortable.
SueComment
-
thx for the tips hand rail no good can't move my arms . spoke to ot she said to persevere and try arms in different positions .DD what kind of mattress did you have on your bed , i'll keep trying and hopefully find the right one . Is it worth having a repose cushion as well as an air mattress . How long would a sleeping tablet last it would be great to get a decent kip without waking up every 30 minutes , i suppose it depends on the person Thanks AndrewComment
-
Steve has cushions under both arms and puts his hand across the front of him. He has cushions and a v pillow for his head. He raises his head and legs until he's in a comfortable position. But it's all trial and error. The tissue nurse sorted Steve's mattress. He also takes oramorph and paracetamol because he gets pain in his shoulder and neck. Hope you get sorted soon.Comment
-
I have a variety of different sized and shapes of cushion all feather and as I find the hollow fibre ones created pressure points. I also have a medical grade sheepskin that alleviates and any tender areas..
I sleep with my elbows bent at my side with my forearms supported on pillows, so it is really important that the pillows are not too high. They need to be just supporting the weight of the arms. If they push the upper arm and shoulders up it causes pain in the upper back and neck.
it takes a bit of experimenting, I hope you find a comfy solution soon.
WendyComment
-
thx wendy i'll try that next time it sounds like good advice . my ot suggested putting a small rolled up towel between my shoulder blades , to help relieve pressure i think.......... AndrewComment
-
Andrewoz, I was given hospital bed year ago and it is wonderful. I always used to sleep on my right side but now sleep on my back. I can still get into the bed off the sit to stand hoist. My wife lifts legs around. On my feet i have big pads put on this stops any pressure sores on ankles. I tilt the bed down then lift legs up a bit and my back up a little so that your head is above and your stomach is below. We have put extra bed pad on the mattress as well. I have a grabber on the right side and use it to pull me around to get out of bed. From the grabber to the rear rail I have line of rope and hook the control on it and control got bit string tied on so if dropped doesn’t disappear. The district nurse liked that, and my foot pads.
Best wishes JohnComment
-
Hi Andrewoz ,, i have tried different variations of beds for my wife D who along the journey is now quadraplegic. Having tried top of the range, i am told by the ot, which did not work for D, we have settled on a standard air flow mattress with addjustable pressure setting. Everything after that becomes inovative for D and what she needs to be comfortable. Getting all the bits to touch and the bits she does not want to touch for a good nights sleep is a challenge. I love JAY TEE,s post, explains it all i guess.
Regards SteveComment
-
. My OT suggested Wendylett sheets. These have a wide central panel of slippery fabric which makes it easier to turn.Originally posted by Andrewoz View PostComment
-
Tried sleeping on my back in my queen bed last night . Had a few pillows behind my head and shoulders , woke after 3 hours with a lot of pain in my lower back . On the plus side no pain in my shoulders, so just need to find out what i can do about the back problem . Any tips appreciated Thanks AndrewComment
-
Why don't you try a slide sheet? I had trouble turning with shoulder & back pain & like you I can't lie on my back. I had a slide sheet from my district nurse & found it easier to move, don't get me wrong it's still a struggle but a lot easier.Comment
-
Anyone got any advice on how to get a sling on in a hospital bed. My partner gets it on ok in queen bed because there's more room to turn me , hoping there's a simple solution , but in my experience nothings ever easy Thanks AndrewComment
-
Air Mattress and turning in bed
I am getting more pain in my hips and thighs and have to turn quite often - and that is quite a struggle. I have a mattress from the NHS but it seems not to be cutting the mustard anymore - so looking to move up to an air mattress. I am told that I won't be able to turn on an air mattress and like a few others on here I can't sleep on my back. I would hope that the air mattress would help relieve the hip pain enough so that I don't need to turn.
Can anyone comment on air beds and turning from side to side?
Kind regards to all
ChasComment
Comment