Heel Protectors with Cooling Aperture (Cotton)
- Cooling Aperture - Floating Heel - the central cooling aperture elevates the heel completely from the bed surface, achieving the floating heel position recommended in NICE CG179 and NICE QS89 for pressure ulcer prevention; simultaneously promotes airflow directly around the heel, reducing the moisture accumulation and temperature elevation that accelerate pressure-related skin breakdown.
- Cotton Finish - soft cotton outer finish provides a breathable contact surface for the surrounding ankle and lower limb skin; cotton breathability supports moisture management for residents wearing the protector during extended periods in residential and nursing care, reducing the maceration risk associated with less breathable synthetic protector materials.
- Universal Fit - one-size-fits-all padded design with a secure yet gentle fastening achieves consistent heel elevation across a wide range of residents without individualised sizing; reduces procurement complexity in multi-resident care environments where tissue viability nurses require a standardised heel protection aid for the care plan.
- NICE CG179 Pressure Ulcer Prevention - indicated for pressure ulcer prevention in high-risk residents and for those with Stage I-II heel pressure damage; selection and ongoing use should be under clinical assessment; supports CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) when documented within the tissue viability section of the resident pressure care plan.
Heel Protectors with Cooling Aperture - Cotton - Floating Heel - Pair
The Heel Protectors with Cooling Aperture (Cotton) achieve complete heel elevation through a central cooling aperture that suspends the heel free of the bed surface, meeting the floating heel requirement of NICE CG179 and NICE QS89. The cotton outer finish provides breathability for extended wear, and the universal padded design with secure fastening suits the full range of resident foot sizes. Indicated for pressure ulcer prevention and Stage I-II heel pressure damage under clinical assessment.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | NCL-FFHC-A |
| Material | Cotton |
| Key Feature | Cooling aperture - full heel elevation |
| Fit | Universal (one size) |
| Construction | Padded |
| Supplied | In pairs |
Regulatory Compliance
NICE CG179 and NICE QS89 (pressure ulcers) specify that heel offloading should achieve complete suspension of the heel from the bed surface - the floating heel position. The cooling aperture design meets this requirement by removing all contact between the heel and the protector at the pressure point. The breathable cotton material supports the NICE CG179 microclimate principle. CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) documentation should include the protectors in the resident tissue viability care plan, with clinical assessment confirming suitability for individual residents under local pressure care policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the clinical difference between the cotton and wipe-clean versions of this protector?
The cotton version (NCL-FFHC-A) provides a softer, more breathable contact surface suited to residential care and homecare settings where skin comfort and moisture management are the priority. The wipe-clean version (NCL-FFHC-PU) provides a sealed surface that can be decontaminated with a clinical wipe between uses, making it the preferred choice in infection control settings or where NHS IPC decontamination between patient uses is required. Both versions provide the same cooling aperture heel elevation mechanism.
How does the cooling aperture achieve the floating heel position?
The aperture is positioned precisely over the posterior heel, ensuring that when the protector is correctly applied, the heel sits within the opening without contact. The surrounding padded structure supports the lower leg and ankle, distributing body weight along the calf in the manner consistent with the NICE CG179 and NICE QS89 heel offloading recommendations. The term floating heel refers to this complete absence of contact pressure at the heel bone itself, rather than a partial reduction in pressure.
NCL-FFHC-A
Viewed products
- Cooling Aperture - Floating Heel - the central cooling aperture elevates the heel completely from the bed surface, achieving the floating heel position recommended in NICE CG179 and NICE QS89 for pressure ulcer prevention; simultaneously promotes airflow directly around the heel, reducing the moisture accumulation and temperature elevation that accelerate pressure-related skin breakdown.
- Cotton Finish - soft cotton outer finish provides a breathable contact surface for the surrounding ankle and lower limb skin; cotton breathability supports moisture management for residents wearing the protector during extended periods in residential and nursing care, reducing the maceration risk associated with less breathable synthetic protector materials.
- Universal Fit - one-size-fits-all padded design with a secure yet gentle fastening achieves consistent heel elevation across a wide range of residents without individualised sizing; reduces procurement complexity in multi-resident care environments where tissue viability nurses require a standardised heel protection aid for the care plan.
- NICE CG179 Pressure Ulcer Prevention - indicated for pressure ulcer prevention in high-risk residents and for those with Stage I-II heel pressure damage; selection and ongoing use should be under clinical assessment; supports CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) when documented within the tissue viability section of the resident pressure care plan.