Alerta Soft Heel Protectors, Breathable, Washable, Pressure Relief Cushion
- Breathable Natural Cotton Surface - limits perspiration and reduces friction against the heel; siliconised polyester hollow fibre filling provides cushioned pressure reduction for everyday heel protection across hospital, nursing and home care settings.
- Machine Washable at 40C - tumble dry low, iron low, dry cleaning permitted; antibacterial and phthalate-free construction supports NHS IPC requirements for reusable patient-contact equipment laundered between patients.
- Adjustable Fastening Straps - fits most adult sizes with a secure, comfortable strap closure; suitable for everyday sustained use without compromising circulation or causing additional pressure at fastening points.
- NICE CG179 and CQC Regulation 12 - friction reduction at the heel is a NICE CG179 pressure injury prevention intervention; appropriate for patients at moderate risk where full offloading is not clinically indicated.
Alerta Soft Heel Protectors - Breathable Cotton Heel Cushion for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
The Alerta Soft Heel Protectors are reusable washable heel protection devices designed to reduce friction and pressure at the heel surface for patients at risk of pressure injury in everyday care settings. The breathable natural cotton outer limits perspiration build-up at the heel contact zone, and the siliconised polyester hollow fibre filling provides a cushioned layer that gently lifts the heel and reduces direct surface contact. Machine washable at 40°C with tumble dry capability, the soft heel protectors are practical for institutional laundry workflows. Antibacterial and phthalate-free construction supports safe reuse between patients where individually laundered.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Code | NCL-ALT-212 |
| Outer Material | Breathable natural cotton |
| Fill | Siliconised polyester hollow fibre |
| Properties | Antibacterial, phthalate-free |
| Fastening | Adjustable straps; fits most sizes |
| Washing | Machine washable max 40°C |
| Drying | Tumble dry low |
| Ironing | Low temperature |
| Dry Cleaning | Permitted |
Regulatory Compliance
The Alerta Soft Heel Protectors address friction and pressure reduction requirements under NICE CG179 (Pressure Ulcers: Prevention and Management). NICE CG179 identifies friction as a contributing factor to superficial pressure injury at the heel and recommends friction-reducing interventions for at-risk patients. The soft heel protectors are appropriate for patients assessed as at moderate risk on a validated pressure risk assessment tool where friction reduction rather than full offloading is the indicated intervention. For patients assessed as very high risk or with existing heel pressure injury, the Alerta Air Heel Bootees (NCL-ALT-210) or Deluxe Heel Bootee (NCL-ALT-211) should be assessed instead. Machine washability at 40°C supports NHS IPC guidance for patient-contact textile equipment. CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) requires that heel protection selection is documented in the patient's pressure injury prevention care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these heel protectors suitable for all levels of pressure injury risk?
The soft heel protectors are designed for patients at low to moderate pressure injury risk where friction reduction and cushioning are the primary clinical goals. For patients assessed as at high or very high risk, or for patients with existing heel pressure injury at Category/Stage 1 or above, a heel offloading device should be assessed instead. Selection should be made by a registered nurse or tissue viability clinician based on the individual pressure injury risk assessment.
How are the soft heel protectors laundered between patients?
Machine washable at a maximum of 40°C in line with NHS IPC guidance for reusable patient-contact equipment. Do not wash above 40°C as this may affect the cotton outer and siliconised fill. Low-temperature tumble drying and ironing are permitted, as is dry cleaning. The product must be fully dry before returning to use.
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-212
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12 other products in the same category:
- Breathable Natural Cotton Surface - limits perspiration and reduces friction against the heel; siliconised polyester hollow fibre filling provides cushioned pressure reduction for everyday heel protection across hospital, nursing and home care settings.
- Machine Washable at 40C - tumble dry low, iron low, dry cleaning permitted; antibacterial and phthalate-free construction supports NHS IPC requirements for reusable patient-contact equipment laundered between patients.
- Adjustable Fastening Straps - fits most adult sizes with a secure, comfortable strap closure; suitable for everyday sustained use without compromising circulation or causing additional pressure at fastening points.
- NICE CG179 and CQC Regulation 12 - friction reduction at the heel is a NICE CG179 pressure injury prevention intervention; appropriate for patients at moderate risk where full offloading is not clinically indicated.