The Alerta Memory Foam Limb Support Cushion is a shaped positioning aid designed to be placed between the knees and ankles of immobile or semi-mobile patients to eliminate direct bone-on-bone contact pressure at the medial knee and ankle. NICE CG179 (Pressure Ulcers: Prevention and Management) and EPUAP/NPIAP guidelines identify inter-limb pressure as a contributing factor to medial knee and ankle pressure injury in patients who are unable to self-reposition; limb spacing cushions are a recommended positioning intervention for lateral positioning protocols. The open-celled memory foam interior conforms to limb contours while maintaining spacing distance. The 25x19cm footprint with 15cm edge height and 13cm centre height provides a shaped cradle that reduces cushion displacement during patient movement.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Code | NCL-ALT-PW-M1 |
| Length | 25cm |
| Width | 19cm |
| Height at Edge | 15cm |
| Height in Middle | 13cm |
| Core Material | Open-celled memory foam |
| Cover | Waterproof, breathable fabric |
| Cover Properties | Antibacterial, flame retardant |
| Primary Use | Ankle and knee spacing in lateral or supine positioning |
The Alerta Memory Foam Limb Support Cushion addresses inter-limb pressure injury prevention recommendations in NICE CG179 (Pressure Ulcers: Prevention and Management) and EPUAP/NPIAP guidelines. Both guidelines recommend limb spacing as part of a documented repositioning schedule for patients who cannot self-reposition, particularly in lateral positioning where medial knee and ankle contact is direct. CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) requires that pressure injury prevention measures including positioning aids are documented in the patient's care plan. The flame retardant cover meets BS 7177 requirements for care environments and the antibacterial waterproof cover supports NHS IPC standards for reused positioning equipment.
When should the limb support cushion be used compared to the multi or universal cushion?
The limb support cushion (NCL-ALT-PW-M1) is specifically designed for inter-limb spacing between knees and ankles at 25x19cm. The multi support cushion (NCL-ALT-PW-M2, 49x32cm) is larger and suited to back support, under-knee elevation or general body support. The universal support cushion (NCL-ALT-PW-M3, 49x19.5cm) is narrower than the multi and suited to necks, ankles, knees and lower back. Selection should be based on the specific positioning need identified in the patient's care plan.
Does this cushion replace a repositioning schedule?
No. The limb support cushion reduces inter-limb pressure during a specific position but does not replace the regular repositioning schedule required under NICE CG179. High-risk patients should have a documented repositioning frequency plan, typically 2-4 hourly. The cushion is used within each position to minimise pressure at inter-limb contact points; repositioning to a different position at the scheduled interval remains essential.
Part of our specialist Patient Comfort and Care range. Positioning and comfort aids promote dignity, pressure relief, and safe repositioning for care home residents and home care clients.