The benefits and impact of prone positioning
Prone positioning is a medical term that describes the placing or positioning of a patient on their stomach, face down. Prone positioning is used to help and support patients with certain conditions, especially respiratory conditions and illnesses. But what are the benefits of prone positioning?
The benefits of prone positioning
The overarching benefit of prone positioning is to oxygenate the body. The prone position achieves this in two distinct ways:
- Decreases the amount of weight and compression on your lungs, allowing more air to get to your alveoli
- Improves your lung efficiency by getting oxygen to the parts of your lungs that get the most blood flow
Prone positioning is most beneficial for patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, otherwise known as ARDS, individuals who need to use a ventilator and for patients experiencing severe respiratory illnesses such as severe pneumonia.
Positioning pillows and the prone position
However, prone positioning, like many positions where the patient is required to lie down for any length of time, can come with a risk of pressure sores & ulcers. As such, to prevent pressure sores from prone positioning, positioning pillows are recommended for use, which can be used to support key areas of the body. Positioning pillows can be placed under the feet or under the chest & thighs to maximise oxygenation, relieve pressure and ensure the patient is comfortable.
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