New Year, New Support Surfaces? As you're kicking off the new year by making updates around your facility, why not take the time to determine whether your residents are using the support surfaces that best fit their needs? According to CMS, "Appropriate support surfaces or devices should be chosen by matching a device's potential therapeutic benefit with the resident's specific situation; for example, multiple ulcers, limited turning surfaces, ability to maintain position."1 There are two primary types of of support surfaces: static pressure redistribution devices and dynamic pressure reduction surfaces. Static pressure redistribution devices are non-powered and may be indicated when a resident is at risk for pressure ulcer development or delayed healing. Examples: Solid foam Gel-infused foam Convoluted foam (i.e., channel-cut or "egg crate" foam) Gel Dynamic pressure reduction devices are powered and are indicated if a resident can't move into a variety of positions without placing weight on a pressure ulcer, if their weight completely compresses a static device that otherwise maintains its original integrity or if they have a pressure ulcer that is not healing as expected and it is determined that the pressure could be contributing to the delay. Examples: Alternating pressure mattresses and overlays Low air loss devices Professional Medical offers a complete line of support surfaces to meet your residents' needs. To learn more, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or click the link above. Reference 1 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. State Operations Manual. Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities (Rev. 70, 01-07-11). Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/ som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf. Accessed January 9, 2013.

FDA Requires Lower Doses of Sleep Meds to Avoid Morning Drowsiness Injuries The FDA is requiring makers of sleeping pills to lower the dosage of their drugs after finding that patients who take them face an increased risk of injury due to morning drowsiness. According to studies, the drugs can stay in the bloodstream long enough to interfere with morning driving, increasing the risk of car accidents. The FDA is ordering that the dose be cut in half for women, who process the drug more slowly. This would lower the dosage from 10 milligrams to 5 milligrams (or from 12.5 milligrams to 6.25 milligrams for extended-release formulas). This adjustment is also a recommendation, but not a requirement, for the dosage taken by men.

The new regulation applies to all sleep medications containing zolpidem, which is sold under the brand names Ambien, Edluar and Zolpimist. The FDA said that doctors should aim to prescribe the lowest possible dose of the drug that will successfully treat insomnia. Current patients should continue taking their prescribed dose until they can talk to their doctors about the best way to proceed. To learn more, click here.

Our Compliance® Solution Pressure Reducing Foam Mattress is divided into three distinct zones with 66 channel cuts for the reduction of friction. Varied pressure reduction is achieved in the heel, torso and head sections, while specific attention is given to cell depths for pressure management in the vulnerable heel section. Additional features: Nylon top cover is non-shear, fluid resistant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, fire retardant and offers high moisture vapor transmission (LMVT) 66 channel cuts provide pressure reduction and an anti-shear sleeping surface Core is antimicrobial, antibacterial and fire-retardant Barrier Stop flap reduces the possibility of contamination of the inner core Triple laminate vinyl bottom cover is fluid resistant, antimicrobial, antibacterial and fire-retardant. Conforms to Cal. Tech. Bull. #117 for fire retardancy Fire-Stop Barrier System conforms to 16 CFR Part 1633 Fire Code Three-year, non-prorated warranty

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