Elbow Pad - Comfortable pressure care and skin protection for vulnerable elbow areas.
- Targeted Elbow Pressure Protection at the Olecranon - the Elbow Pad is worn over the elbow, with the pad body positioned over the olecranon process - the bony point of the elbow - which is the primary pressure risk site during bed rest when the resident's arm rests on the mattress with the elbow in contact; the olecranon is covered by a thin layer of skin with minimal subcutaneous tissue, making it vulnerable to pressure injury with sustained contact loading in the same way as the calcaneus at the heel and the sacrum; the pad cushions this zone and reduces friction between the elbow skin and the mattress surface during repositioning movements.
- VP Cover for Elbow Microclimate Management - the vapour-permeable cover maintains a drier microclimate at the elbow contact surface, reducing the maceration risk associated with sustained enclosure of a warm skin surface in a non-permeable sleeve; at the elbow, the skin is under the pad without direct access to ambient airflow, making the VP membrane the primary mechanism for moisture vapour clearance from the contact zone; this microclimate function supplements the pressure cushioning to address both the pressure and moisture components of elbow pressure ulcer risk.
- Hook-and-Loop Strapping for Secure Adjustable Fit - the hook-and-loop fastening allows the pad to be applied at different circumferential tensions to accommodate different forearm and upper arm sizes; the pad must be fitted snugly enough to remain positioned over the olecranon during arm movement without the elbow contact zone shifting to the forearm or upper arm; it must not be tight enough to impair circulation at the forearm or create a tourniquet effect at the wrist; the care team must confirm circulation integrity in the hand after fitting the elbow pad.
- For Reduced Mobility and Prolonged Bed Rest - NICE CG179 - NCL-HFP125 - the Elbow Pad is indicated for residents with reduced mobility or prolonged bed rest where the elbows are frequently or continuously in contact with the mattress; clinical selection and fit assessment per NICE CG179; the pad must be removed and the elbow skin inspected at each nursing visit; product code NCL-HFP125.
Elbow Pad - Wearable - Hook-and-Loop Strapping - VP Cover - Olecranon Pressure Protection
The Elbow Pad provides targeted pressure and friction protection at the olecranon during bed rest and reduced mobility periods, worn directly over the elbow and secured by hook-and-loop strapping. The vapour-permeable cover manages skin microclimate at the elbow contact zone. Skin must be inspected at each nursing visit. Circulation integrity in the hand must be confirmed after fitting. NICE CG179. NCL-HFP125.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Wearable elbow pad - worn over olecranon |
| Fastening | Hook-and-loop strapping - adjustable circumferential fit |
| Cover | Vapour-permeable for skin microclimate management |
| Clinical Function | Olecranon pressure reduction; friction prevention; microclimate management |
| Fitting Check | Confirm hand circulation integrity after application |
| Reference | NCL-HFP125 |
| Regulatory Status | MDR 2017/745 Class I medical device |
Regulatory Compliance
The Elbow Pad is a Class I medical device under MDR 2017/745. Clinical selection requires assessment per NICE CG179 confirming the elbow pressure risk indication. The pad must be removed and the elbow skin inspected at each nursing visit. Hand circulation must be checked after application. Equipment register records and MDR conformity documentation must be maintained for CQC Regulation 12 compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the elbow a pressure ulcer risk site, and who is most vulnerable?
The olecranon process is the bony point at the tip of the elbow, formed by the posterior proximal ulna. It is covered by a bursa (olecranon bursa) and a thin layer of skin, with minimal fat or muscle tissue between the bone and the skin surface. When a resident rests their arm on the mattress with the elbow bent, or lies on their side with the elbow making contact with the mattress, the olecranon bears direct contact pressure with the mattress or bed surface over a very small contact area. Residents most vulnerable to elbow pressure injury include those with prolonged bed rest or immobility; those with conditions causing upper limb spasticity or contracture that fix the elbow in positions of sustained mattress contact; residents with emaciation where the subcutaneous tissue buffer at the olecranon is further reduced; and those receiving anticoagulation or corticosteroid therapy where skin fragility increases the injury risk at lower pressures. Elbow pressure injuries are often identified later than sacral or heel injuries because the elbow is less routinely checked during repositioning turns; the occupational therapist's assessment should specifically address elbow positioning in the care plan.
What is the correct way to position the Elbow Pad over the olecranon, and how is correct fit confirmed?
The Elbow Pad is applied by sliding the pad opening over the forearm and repositioning the cushioned section to sit directly over the olecranon, then securing the hook-and-loop strap. Correct fit is confirmed by: palpating the olecranon through the pad to confirm the cushioned section is centred over the bony point, not displaced toward the forearm or upper arm; confirming the pad remains in position when the elbow is moved through its normal range of flexion and extension; and checking that the strap does not create a visible groove or blanching line at the strap edges on either side of the elbow, which would indicate excessive tension. Circulation integrity in the hand is assessed by checking capillary refill time in the fingernails - press the nail bed until blanching and release, then observe the time for colour to return; a time of more than 2 seconds suggests impaired perfusion and the strap tension must be reduced. The correct fit must be re-confirmed at each pad application, as forearm oedema may change between sessions and alter the appropriate strap tension.
NCL-HFP125
- Targeted Elbow Pressure Protection at the Olecranon - the Elbow Pad is worn over the elbow, with the pad body positioned over the olecranon process - the bony point of the elbow - which is the primary pressure risk site during bed rest when the resident's arm rests on the mattress with the elbow in contact; the olecranon is covered by a thin layer of skin with minimal subcutaneous tissue, making it vulnerable to pressure injury with sustained contact loading in the same way as the calcaneus at the heel and the sacrum; the pad cushions this zone and reduces friction between the elbow skin and the mattress surface during repositioning movements.
- VP Cover for Elbow Microclimate Management - the vapour-permeable cover maintains a drier microclimate at the elbow contact surface, reducing the maceration risk associated with sustained enclosure of a warm skin surface in a non-permeable sleeve; at the elbow, the skin is under the pad without direct access to ambient airflow, making the VP membrane the primary mechanism for moisture vapour clearance from the contact zone; this microclimate function supplements the pressure cushioning to address both the pressure and moisture components of elbow pressure ulcer risk.
- Hook-and-Loop Strapping for Secure Adjustable Fit - the hook-and-loop fastening allows the pad to be applied at different circumferential tensions to accommodate different forearm and upper arm sizes; the pad must be fitted snugly enough to remain positioned over the olecranon during arm movement without the elbow contact zone shifting to the forearm or upper arm; it must not be tight enough to impair circulation at the forearm or create a tourniquet effect at the wrist; the care team must confirm circulation integrity in the hand after fitting the elbow pad.
- For Reduced Mobility and Prolonged Bed Rest - NICE CG179 - NCL-HFP125 - the Elbow Pad is indicated for residents with reduced mobility or prolonged bed rest where the elbows are frequently or continuously in contact with the mattress; clinical selection and fit assessment per NICE CG179; the pad must be removed and the elbow skin inspected at each nursing visit; product code NCL-HFP125.