If you are in a wheelchair, try to change your position every 15 minutes.
Fifteen minutes is much shorter than most people expect, and it’s shorter than the figure for a bed, which is about every 2 hours. Why the two numbers differ isn’t covered here. What is clear is the reason behind both. Pressure sores occur when there is too much pressure on the skin for too long, which reduces blood flow to the area. Without enough blood to nourish the skin, the skin can die and a sore may form.
Fifteen minutes is also short enough that it has to be built into the day rather than remembered. That is a practical problem rather than a medical one, but it’s the reason the figure is often missed.
Changing position is half of relieving pressure. The other half is the seat itself. Use pillows, foam cushions, booties, or mattress pads to reduce the pressure. Some pads are water- or air-filled to help support and cushion the area. What type of cushion you use depends on your wound and on whether you are in bed or in a wheelchair. Talk with your provider about what choices would be best for you, including what shapes and types of material.
One kind of cushion is one not to use: do not use donut-shaped or ring-shaped cushions. They reduce blood flow to the area, which may cause sores.
Also avoid slipping or sliding as you move positions. That’s worth noting for anyone who repositions by sliding down in the chair and pulling back up.