International pressure injury guidelines recommend careful device selection, frequent skin assessment, and minimising pressure wherever possible as part of a comprehensive MDRPIs prevention strategy1
Patients receiving oxygen therapy often wear oxygen masks or nasal cannulae continuously for prolonged periods. While these devices are essential for delivering supplementary oxygen, sustained pressure, friction and shear forces can contribute to medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs).
Intersurgical has developed solutions, including the Intersurgical EcoLite™ oxygen mask and the Intersurgical nasal cannula with EarGuards™, to help minimise this risk while enhancing patient comfort.
Intersurgical EcoLite™ oxygen mask
Comfort for the patient
Improved patient comfort has been key to the development of the Intersurgical EcoLite™ mask. The masks retaining elastic can be fitted either above or below the patient's ear depending on the patient's face shape; in the preferred below ear position it eliminates the discomfort and longer-term trauma created by elastic to the top of the patient's ears.
The latest manufacturing technology has enabled us to combine two non-PVC materials in the same product. The polypropylene material forming the body of the Intersurgical EcoLite™ mask is clear, lightweight and rigid enough to maintain the masks shape, whilst the second, softer TPE material is utilised in the seal, which is in contact with the patients face.
The Intersurgical EcoLite™ adult oxygen range features an extra chin section incorporating two integral seals ensuring that the mask fits a wide range of face shapes.
Key features include:
• Under ear elastic positon helps prevent trauma to the ears
• Soft face seal
• Lightweight
Intersurgical nasal cannula with EarGuards™
Our nasal cannula with Intersurgial EarGuards™ is designed to reduce the risk of trauma to the patient's ears. The EarGuard™ has soft silicone foam cushions, which sit between the tubing and the patient's skin, which are easily adjusted and securely fitted.
Key features include:
- Soft silicone foam cushions
- Easily adjustable
- Securely fitted
Intersurgical Satin nasal cannula are made from Intersurgical’s soft satin material which are designed to be soft on the skin to improve comfort during prolonged wear.
Supporting good clinical practice
Product selection forms just one part of an effective pressure injury prevention strategy. International guidance recommends1:
- Regular skin inspection beneath oxygen therapy devices
- Repositioning devices where clinically appropriate
- Selecting correctly fitting equipment
- Minimising unnecessary pressure, friction, and shear
- Monitoring high-risk patients closely
- Always follow the instructions for use provided with the product.
When combined with good clinical practice, thoughtfully designed oxygen therapy devices may help to improve patient comfort whilst supporting efforts to reduce medical device-related pressure injuries.
Reference:
1. European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP), National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance (PPPIA). (2019) Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline
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