Occipital Support - ergonomic head positioning cushion for pressure relief and spinal alignment.
- Anatomically Contoured Foam for Head Immersion and Pressure Distribution - the Occipital Support is contoured so that the head sinks gently into the cushion profile, distributing the head's contact load across a broader area of the foam surface rather than concentrating it at the occiput (the back of the skull); this immersion-based redistribution reduces the peak interface pressure at the occipital bony prominence, which is the primary pressure risk site for residents in the supine position with the head resting on a flat surface; the anatomical contour ensures that the head-to-cushion contact is maximised across the occipital and parietal regions.
- Maintains Cervical Alignment During Head Positioning - the support is designed to maintain the natural cervical spine curvature (the lordotic curve) while the head is in contact with the cushion; this alignment function is distinct from pressure redistribution - a flat mattress can redistribute pressure but may allow the cervical spine to flex or extend away from neutral alignment; the Occipital Support's profile supports both the head and the upper cervical region, maintaining the head in a position that preserves the natural cervical curve and avoids the neck strain associated with prolonged flexion or extension during bed rest.
- Ergonomic Soft-Touch Foam - Impermeable Hygiene Cover - the soft-touch foam provides adaptive comfort that increases resident acceptance for long-term use; the foam is supple enough to conform to the individual head shape while maintaining the structural profile that provides the pressure redistribution function; the impermeable cover prevents fluid ingress into the foam body during incontinence incidents or wound drainage near the head, and allows wipe-clean decontamination per NHS IPC protocols.
- 500x430x95mm - MDR Class I - NICE CG179 - NCL-P913L1HW - dimensions 500 x 430 x 95mm; the larger footprint compared to the Ring Cushion (ID 233) provides full occipital and parietal support rather than ring-perimeter support only, making it appropriate where complete head immersion support is the clinical goal; MDR 2017/745 Class I medical device; occupational therapist or tissue viability assessment per NICE CG179; product code NCL-P913L1HW.
Occipital Support - Anatomically Contoured Foam - Cervical Alignment - 500x430x95mm - NCL-P913L1HW
The Occipital Support provides anatomically contoured foam head positioning that allows the head to sink into the cushion profile, distributing occipital contact load across the parietal and occipital surface to reduce peak pressure at the skull. The support simultaneously maintains the natural cervical lordotic curve, preventing neck strain from prolonged flexion or extension. Soft-touch ergonomic foam with an impermeable wipe-clean hygiene cover. Dimensions: 500 x 430 x 95mm. MDR 2017/745 Class I. NICE CG179. NCL-P913L1HW.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Construction | Ergonomic soft-touch foam - anatomically contoured |
| Cover | Impermeable - wipe-clean hygiene surface |
| Dimensions | 500 x 430 x 95mm |
| Pressure Function | Occipital pressure redistribution via head immersion |
| Postural Function | Cervical lordotic alignment maintenance |
| Reference | NCL-P913L1HW |
| Regulatory Status | MDR 2017/745 Class I medical device |
Regulatory Compliance
The Occipital Support is a Class I medical device under MDR 2017/745. Clinical selection requires occupational therapist or tissue viability assessment per NICE CG179. The positioning method and skin inspection protocol must be documented in the care plan. Equipment register records and MDR conformity documentation must be maintained for CQC Regulation 12 compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Occipital Support differ from the Ring Cushion (ID 233) for head pressure care, and when should each be selected?
The Ring Cushion (ID 233) uses a micro-bead fill with a hollow centre, placing the skull within the void and supporting it on the ring perimeter; this completely eliminates contact at the skull centre (the occiput) by virtue of the hollow, and is indicated for residents with localised occipital pressure damage where zero contact at the specific bony prominence is the clinical priority. The Occipital Support uses a contoured foam body that the head sinks into; contact is not eliminated at the occiput but is distributed across the parietal and occipital regions to reduce peak pressure, and the anatomical contouring simultaneously maintains cervical alignment. The Occipital Support is indicated when the clinical goal is combined pressure redistribution and cervical alignment rather than complete occipital offloading, and when the resident benefits from full head support across the parietal and occipital zones rather than ring-perimeter support only. Where existing occipital ulceration requires zero-contact protection at a specific site, the Ring Cushion's hollow is the more targeted intervention; where the risk is distributed and cervical support is also required, the Occipital Support provides a more complete head positioning solution.
What is cervical lordotic alignment and why does maintaining it matter during prolonged bed rest?
The cervical spine has a natural forward curvature (lordosis) when the head is in a neutral position - the vertebrae describe a gentle concave curve toward the front of the neck rather than being straight. On a flat mattress without a suitable support, the head may rest in a position that flattens or reverses this curve (flexion, where the chin moves toward the chest) or exaggerates it (extension, where the chin moves away from the chest), depending on the mattress firmness and the resident's anatomy. Prolonged time in either non-neutral position places sustained tension and compression forces on the cervical soft tissues, intervertebral discs, and nerve roots, which causes neck and upper back pain, can contribute to cervicogenic headache, and may exacerbate existing cervical spine conditions. For residents in long-term bed rest who cannot reposition their own head, maintaining neutral cervical alignment is a comfort and musculoskeletal care priority throughout the positioning interval. The Occipital Support's profile supports the head at a height and angle that maintains the natural cervical curve rather than forcing the neck into sustained non-neutral positions.
NCL-P913L1HW
- Anatomically Contoured Foam for Head Immersion and Pressure Distribution - the Occipital Support is contoured so that the head sinks gently into the cushion profile, distributing the head's contact load across a broader area of the foam surface rather than concentrating it at the occiput (the back of the skull); this immersion-based redistribution reduces the peak interface pressure at the occipital bony prominence, which is the primary pressure risk site for residents in the supine position with the head resting on a flat surface; the anatomical contour ensures that the head-to-cushion contact is maximised across the occipital and parietal regions.
- Maintains Cervical Alignment During Head Positioning - the support is designed to maintain the natural cervical spine curvature (the lordotic curve) while the head is in contact with the cushion; this alignment function is distinct from pressure redistribution - a flat mattress can redistribute pressure but may allow the cervical spine to flex or extend away from neutral alignment; the Occipital Support's profile supports both the head and the upper cervical region, maintaining the head in a position that preserves the natural cervical curve and avoids the neck strain associated with prolonged flexion or extension during bed rest.
- Ergonomic Soft-Touch Foam - Impermeable Hygiene Cover - the soft-touch foam provides adaptive comfort that increases resident acceptance for long-term use; the foam is supple enough to conform to the individual head shape while maintaining the structural profile that provides the pressure redistribution function; the impermeable cover prevents fluid ingress into the foam body during incontinence incidents or wound drainage near the head, and allows wipe-clean decontamination per NHS IPC protocols.
- 500x430x95mm - MDR Class I - NICE CG179 - NCL-P913L1HW - dimensions 500 x 430 x 95mm; the larger footprint compared to the Ring Cushion (ID 233) provides full occipital and parietal support rather than ring-perimeter support only, making it appropriate where complete head immersion support is the clinical goal; MDR 2017/745 Class I medical device; occupational therapist or tissue viability assessment per NICE CG179; product code NCL-P913L1HW.