Pressure Sore Prevention in hospitals, using sheepskins, started way back in the 1950's. Care givers placed sheepskins under patients to prevent Pressure Sores. But, there was a problem- Sheepskin Care. Hospital laundry procedures caused the leather backing of the sheepskin to harden and shrink. This made the sheepskin less comforting and less effective. CSIRO research solved these problems by developing and testing what is now known as the Australian Standard (AS) for Medical Sheepskin : Australian Medical Sheepskin AS4480.1 ....the GOLD STANDARD for Medical Sheepskins.
Pressure sores can develop in less than 20 minutes and may take up to 6 months to heal. Fortunately, pressure sores/ulcers can now be prevented, in most cases, by using Australian Medical Sheepskin AS4480.1 and other Merino WOOL products.
WOOL! It is the WOOL that does the pressure sore prevention and aids healing.
Australian Medical Sheepskin AS4480.1 is now available in 4 formats-all are HiTemp wash for disinfection and Urine Resistant = UR:
Australian Medical Sheepskin AS4480.1 products aare easily recognised by their GREEN WOOL and the STAMP on the backing= see below. If the wool is green but the stamp is absent, the sheepskin is not authentic and probably originates from China. Such sheepskins are not tanned to be UR.
WOOL at its BEST. The F103C offers exceptional comfort with pressure, moisture and shear reduction, with excellent machine washability. Use Woolskin for best care.
Woolskin is the Sheepskin & Wool Detergent and Conditioner, developed by the tanning industry in Australia.<
See the above products and more in the BEDSORE PREVENTION STORE
MORE reasons why Australian Medical Sheepskins are so special!
:Washer Friendly in Woolskin:
Our Medical Sheepskins can be repeatedly machine washed (they have a 50 wash warranty), and still retain their therapeutic properties. The special tanning process, developed by the CSIRO, makes these sheepskins capable of withstanding thermal disinfection and urine resistance. ie they are HiTemp and UR ( Urine Resistant)- making them preferred by those who are incontinent. The stamp on all authentic Australian Medical sheepskin AS4480.1 products, verifies these properties.
: Dense Merino Wool..the BEST:
Specially selected high pile density Medical Sheepskins are resilient and will provide years of easing the pain of pressure points and preventing pressure sores. The wool is trimmed to a height of 30mm for maximum pressure reduction.
: Say Goodbye to Moisture:
Our Medical Sheepskins wick moisture away from the body, making the user feel more comfortable. Medical sheepskins are most effective when the patient’s skin is in direct contact with the wool. Best prevention is achieved by lying directly on the wool-24/7.
: Perfect for the Medical Sectors:
Medical sheepskins are effective, durable and economical- making them ideal for bed and wheelchair Pressure Sore Prevention in hospitals, nursing homes and Home Care.
Be aware! Wool-pile density varies. 3 levels of pile density-(measured in GSM = grams/square meter) are used by Australian manufacturers. Pile density is identified by wool color- GREEN-BLUE-WHITE: Higher GSM products are BEST for Pressure Sore Prevention.
Clinical trial Use of Australian Medical Sheepskin AS4480.1 reduced the incidence of pressure sores by 58%. These sheepskins are machine washable in Woolskin and have a 50 wash warranty. The success of the AMS is due to the very high number of wool fibers and their ability to reduce pressure and skin moisture. The dense Wool pile is resilient, and with proper care, will give protection for many years. AMS and Merino WOOL products are ideal for use in hospitals, nursing homes and for domestic situations. All products are produced in Australia and are available from our Bedsore Prevention Store
Down-Under Wool: Supplying Australian Medical Sheepskin & Merino Wool Products for the Prevention of Pressure Sores, since 1988.
Australian Medical Sheepskin (AS4480.1) and Merino Wool Medical Products are now available in the US and Canada. If you are caring for a person who is developing a pressure sore or wants to prevent pressure sores, then act now, before it is too late. Pressure sores are debilitating, very painful, and may take up to 6 months to heal. Australian Medical Sheepskin AS4480.1 and Merino Wool Products prevent and treat pressure sores, bedsores and decubitus ulcers. Excellent for people who have "night sweats"- the wool wicks the moisture away from the body and helps to keep the skin dry and comfortable. Read on! You are in the right place.
Premium quality Australian Medical Sheepskins (AS4480.1) are the BEST available. A green sheepskin with the AS4480.1 stamp, is the BEST and has the desired therapeutic properties that you are looking for to prevent pressure sores . Use WOOLSKIN for disinfection and conditioning.
Down Under Wool recommends M102C- (image above): It's very high pile density is even over the whole surface of the pad. It is larger than the natural shape sheepskin, and has a firm silky feel. The M102C is Urine Resistant and HiTemp wash, and is highly recommended for incontinent users. See also the natural shaped M102: Australian Medical Sheepskin Overlay: AS4480.1
Down-Under Wool is a major Canadian importer, supplier and developer of premium quality Medical Sheepskin and Merino Lambswool products. All of our medical sheepskins are real, 100% Australian sustainable products that are natural and clinically proven. We are specialists in the supply of medical bed underlays. overlays, Merino lambswool products and Australian Medical Sheepskins. Down-Under Wool has developed a reputation, since its 1988 inception, for the supply of only the very best Australian Lambskin and Medical Sheepskin Products.
A customer reviewed recently: 'Your products are better than those cured in China. Worth the extra cost. We have compared both. Thank you.'
If you need help, click: or Call: 1- 800- 463- 1985
Our primary focus has always been on the consistency of product quality and craftsmanship. In order to achieve this, we proudly select and stock only the finest sheepskin and lambskin. As a result of this careful attention, our customers get to enjoy the benefits of premium quality products every time. Moreover, our repeat customers appreciate that the quality of their purchase is the same, every time. Good old fashioned marketing.
Medical sheepskin has been used in nursing homes and hospitals since the early 1960’s. Since then, the Australian Medical Sheepskin AS 4480.1 has been developed. These are recognised by their green colour and the stamp on the leather. This means that only the best sheepskins are used and only these are tanned so that they are HiTemp wash and Urine Resistant. Medical Sheepskins and medical sheepskin pads have exceptionally high wool pile densities, making them capable of excellent body support. Our select Medical sheepskins have been trimmed to 30mm for maximum pressure reduction. Research has shown that 30mm is the optimal pile height for maximum pressure reduction. Medical sheepskins are tanned to ensure easy cleaning and disinfection while maintaining the pliability of the leather. This pliability enables a medical sheepskin to conform to any surface; be it a bed, a chair or a bandaged foot.
Specialised tanning and finishing results in a sheepskin with a smooth, soft and breathable leather backing. Australian Medical Sheepskins are sanitized during the tanning procedure making them microbial resistant. Unlike most sheepskins on the market, Australian Medical Sheepskin (AS4480.1) are guaranteed for up to 50 washes. Of course, they will last much longer with diligent care.
Uses of Medical Sheepskin:
Bed Sore Prevention:
Hospital patients and others confined to a bed or chair have limited mobility and are susceptible to the development of pressure sores, bedsores or decubitus ulcers. Maintaining an individual’s shape and minimizing tissue deformation is essential to the prevention and healing of pressure sores.
Various methods of bedsore prevention have been tried, along with the necessary body turning every 2 hours. Synthetic pads have been found to cause pressure sores, and often produced more harm than good. Medical research and clinical trials have shown that medical sheepskins are one of the most effective and economical barriers used for the prevention of bedsores. Bedsores can start with a reddened area of the skin which may develop into a complex wound that sometimes even reaches the underlying bone. Such injuries can be life threatening due to infection.
Pressure Sore Stages
These painful and distressing injuries result from continued pressure applied to certain parts of the body, most commonly around the bony protuberances such as the base of the spine, heels and elbows. With the use of conventional mattresses, these areas bear an inordinate amount of body weight and pressure; resulting in pressure points. If the person is unable to move, this pressure build up will reduce the blood supply in capillaries to these areas. Reduced blood flow results in cells dying and tissue damage. Painful and debilitating bedsores or pressure ulcers result.
Other factors that also contribute to the development of bedsores include an excessive amount of moisture which could be due to sweating and friction from rubbing against the bed sheets. Medical sheepskins have been widely used in rehabilitation centers and hospitals across the country being used during and after surgery, debilitating injuries and mainly for the long term care.
Even Weight Distribution:
Even weight distribution is essential for pressure sore prevention. The 30mm pile does this very well when there is a sufficient pile density..an important property of AS4480.1 Medical Sheepskins. The fine wool fibers of the sheepskin are soft and springy allowing the sheepskin to conform easily to a person’s body. This helps in relieving pressure while also improving blood flow.
Maintain Constant Body Temperature:
Along with the ability of the sheepskin to wick moisture and sweat quickly away from the skin, there is a steady air flow between the wool fibers. This air flow or breathe -ability of the sheepskin helps to create a constant body temperature. This means that in the winter you will feel warm and in the summer it will feel cool; resulting in less sweating year round.
The wool fibers embedded in sheepskin contain lanolin that helps to produce a unique softness. Lanolin is a natural moisturizer and a water-proofing agent. This incredible smoothness feels gentle on the skin and reduces shear, one of the major causes of bed sores. The fine wool also reduces pressure and wicks skin moisture away from the skin..two of the major causes of pressure sores.
Footwear made from Australian Medical Sheepskin has been designed by orthopedic specialists to make sure that they do not have any pressure points that may cause problems for the user. Medical sheepskin is an ideal material for footwear needed by people post surgery and with diabetics with poor circulation. Generous velcro straps enable the perfect fit.
Medically approved Hypo-allergenic bedding:
Sheepskin, a natural sustainable product, is considered hypo-allergenic by the medical profession. This means that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, unlike other furs or fabrics that are available in the market place. Medical Sheepskin is the safest option if you or your loved one is allergic to any type of fabric or furs. Approved by the FDA, TGA and CE.
Resilient & durable protection:
The wool fibers of the sheepskin are very strong and they can be bent back and forwards up to twenty thousand times without breaking, making them the strongest of fibers. The springy fibres keep bouncing back into shape, giving continued pressure reduction. Resilient wool fibers and hide strength make medical sheepskin durable and able to withstand more that 200 washes in an industrial laundry.
Urine Resistance: Making it suitable for Incontinent Users:
Australian Medical Sheepskins (AS4480.1) are not damaged by body fluids and are the only sheepskins suitable for incontinent clients. Blood, urine and feces will damage the leather backing of all non-UR sheepskins. Woolite may also damage the leather of sheepskins.
All of our medical sheepskins can be machine washed in lukewarm water and Woolskin. They should be dried in the open after washing; away from the light or direct heat. Washing the medical sheepskin at a high temperature can lead to more thorough disinfection. Our UR Medical Sheepskin is Urine Resistant and resistant to staining. Woolskin contains Tea Tree Oil, a natural disinfectant, is also effective against dust mites.
Australian Medical Sheepskin Products by Down- Under Wool are used to increase comfort, reduce pressure, regulate temperature and can be used in beds, recliners, wheelchairs, and car seats. Additionally, these products are excellent for easing arm-pit and hand pressure when using crutches.
Medical sheepskins are a wise investment for a better night’s sleep. Active people rely on a good nights' sleep for complete relaxation and recovery. Medical sheepskins aid this recovery. People who have used our medical sheepskins swear by their ability to enhance sleep.
or Call: 1- 800- 463- 1985 
Pressure Sore Stages
