Alerta Patient Foam Wedge, Small, Sloped Positioning Cushion for Head, Arm or Leg Support
- Compact 30x30cm Sloped Wedge - 30cm square footprint with a 7.5cm to 2.5cm sloped profile; supports head, shoulder or arm elevation and is equally suited to lower leg positioning and gentle calf or heel elevation.
- Compact and Manoeuvrable - the small format is practical for repositioning during care tasks without disturbing the patient; lightweight and easy to reposition; suited to single-limb applications in tight positioning scenarios.
- Waterproof Breathable Cover - antibacterial and flame retardant; wipe-clean for NHS IPC compliance; suitable for frequent reuse across care home, hospital and home care settings.
- NICE CG179 - sloped elevation of specific body areas supports pressure redistribution in targeted positioning; use within a documented repositioning plan for immobile or semi-mobile patients under NICE CG179 guidance.
Alerta Patient Foam Wedge Small - Compact Sloped Positioning Cushion, 30x30cm
The Alerta Patient Foam Wedge Small is a compact sloped positioning aid at 30cm square with a 7.5cm to 2.5cm sloped profile. The small format is suited to use in tighter positioning scenarios where the larger medium and large wedges would be impractical - particularly for arm and wrist elevation, upper limb support post-procedure, or targeted lower leg elevation to reduce calf and heel pressure. The angled profile provides a sloped support surface rather than a flat elevated platform, which helps maintain positioning stability by allowing the body segment to rest in a naturally angled position. The waterproof, breathable, flame-retardant cover is antibacterial and wipe-clean for NHS IPC compliance.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Code | NCL-ALT-PW-S |
| Dimensions | 30 x 30cm |
| Height Profile | 7.5cm (high end) to 2.5cm (low end) |
| Core Material | Foam |
| Cover | Waterproof, breathable, flame retardant |
| Cover Properties | Antibacterial |
| Primary Uses | Head, shoulder, arm and lower leg elevation |
Regulatory Compliance
The Alerta Patient Foam Wedge Small supports sloped elevation positioning as part of a pressure injury prevention programme under NICE CG179 (Pressure Ulcers: Prevention and Management). Sloped elevation of the lower legs reduces prolonged heel contact pressure in supine positioning, complementing specific heel offloading devices where used. Upper limb elevation reduces oedema formation following upper limb procedures or in patients with venous insufficiency. CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) requires that positioning aids are documented in the patient's care plan with specific use instructions. The flame retardant cover meets BS 7177 requirements and the waterproof antibacterial surface supports NHS IPC standards for reused positioning equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the small wedge be used instead of the medium or large?
The small wedge (30x30cm, 7.5-2.5cm) suits single-limb elevation in tight spaces, arm and wrist positioning post-procedure, or where a compact positioning aid is needed that does not significantly alter the overall body position. The medium wedge (60x60cm, 17.5-5cm) suits lower-body elevation or angled head and shoulder support. The large wedge (60x60cm, 25-5cm) provides the highest angle for more significant elevation. For full-body postural support, the larger wedges are more appropriate than the small.
Can the small foam wedge be used for head and neck support?
Yes. The small wedge can support the head and neck in a slightly elevated position. The 30cm width accommodates the head comfortably and the 7.5-2.5cm profile provides gentle elevation. For patients requiring a specific head-of-bed angle for respiratory or oesophageal reasons, a larger wedge or a profiling bed adjustment is more appropriate for precise angle control. The small wedge is better suited to comfort positioning than clinically prescribed head-of-bed angle management.
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.
NCL-ALT-PW-S
12 other products in the same category:
- Compact 30x30cm Sloped Wedge - 30cm square footprint with a 7.5cm to 2.5cm sloped profile; supports head, shoulder or arm elevation and is equally suited to lower leg positioning and gentle calf or heel elevation.
- Compact and Manoeuvrable - the small format is practical for repositioning during care tasks without disturbing the patient; lightweight and easy to reposition; suited to single-limb applications in tight positioning scenarios.
- Waterproof Breathable Cover - antibacterial and flame retardant; wipe-clean for NHS IPC compliance; suitable for frequent reuse across care home, hospital and home care settings.
- NICE CG179 - sloped elevation of specific body areas supports pressure redistribution in targeted positioning; use within a documented repositioning plan for immobile or semi-mobile patients under NICE CG179 guidance.