Published 29 January 2026
Top 6 Products to Help Prevent Bed Sores
Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, develop when sustained pressure damages the skin and underlying tissues, most often over bony spots. They’re a major concern for people with limited mobility, those confined to bed, and long-term wheelchair users. Using a mix of topical care and pressure-relief devices cuts the risk of skin breakdown and supports healing. This list presents six commonly recommended products, drawn from product details, user reports, and clinical guidance.
1. EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment
EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment is a maximum-strength topical designed to ease pain and promote healing in stubborn skin problems, including issues that can accompany pressure injuries. It can calm irritation, lower inflammation, and help control both bacterial and fungal threats to weakened skin. Many users note visible improvement in symptoms within hours, making it a go-to for rashes, wounds, and persistent skin problems.
Its reported performance comes from a concentrated mix of medical-grade ingredients. The formula lists 10x, 20x, 30x HPUS Argentum Metallicum (Metallic Silver) for broad-spectrum support, alongside Emu Oil, Bacillus Ferment (a postbiotic that supports the skin microbiome), L-Lysine HCL, Tea Tree Oil, Phytosphingosine, and Ceramide 3. The patented transdermal system (EMUTANEOUS) is intended to help these components reach the skin’s outer layers. EMUAIDMAX does not contain chemicals, artificial preservatives, lanolin, or alcohol.
Users frequently mention fast relief from itching, redness, and discomfort, and improved repair of damaged skin. It’s often priced higher than basic creams, but many find the results justify the cost. A 2oz jar generally sells for about $35 to $65, depending on the seller.
2. Alternating Pressure Mattresses
Alternating pressure mattresses are a key tool for people who spend long periods in bed and face a high risk of pressure ulcers. They alternate inflation and deflation of air cells to shift pressure points and prevent any single area from bearing weight continuously. That shifting helps preserve blood flow and reduces the chance of tissue damage, which is why clinicians commonly recommend these systems for prevention and treatment.
Some models combine alternating pressure with low air loss therapy to manage heat and moisture, keeping skin cooler and drier—important because excess moisture increases breakdown risk. Higher-end units typically offer adjustable settings to match a person’s weight and mobility, improving comfort and pressure relief. Choosing a system with dependable pump components is important to avoid interruptions in therapy or discomfort.
3. ROHO Quadtro Select High Profile Cushion
For people who sit for extended periods, a pressure-relief cushion can make a big difference. The ROHO Quadtro Select High Profile Cushion uses interconnected air cells that mold to the user’s shape, spreading weight evenly and lowering pressure on the buttocks and coccyx.
The ROHO design lets users fine-tune the cushion for a balance of stability and conformity, which reduces shear and friction. These cushions are useful both for preventing new ulcers and for supporting healing of existing ones. They’re an investment—prices commonly run from about $400 to well over $700—but their ability to redistribute pressure and protect skin is a major reason they’re recommended.
4. Medseptic Skin Protectant Cream
Barrier creams help prevent skin breakdown by forming a protective layer that guards against moisture, irritation, and rubbing. Medseptic Skin Protectant Cream is formulated to protect delicate skin and is often used to prevent pressure ulcers, manage minor burns, and treat diaper dermatitis in adults with incontinence.
This product relies on a natural lanolin base, which locks in moisture and creates a defensive coating. By shielding the skin from sweat, urine, and feces—which can raise pH and weaken tissue—the cream helps preserve skin integrity. Regular application after cleansing keeps skin hydrated and less prone to moisture-associated damage.
5. Specialized Heel and Elbow Protectors
Heels and elbows are frequent locations for pressure injuries because the cushioning over bone is thin. Heel and elbow protectors relieve pressure on these spots to reduce the chance of skin breakdown. They’re made from materials such as foam, air cushions, gel, or fiber fill.
These protectors lift and cushion the heel or elbow, cutting pressure, friction, and shear that occur when a limb rests on a surface. Many designs suspend the heel over an air space to create a near zero-pressure zone. Available as sleeves, pads, or wraps, they suit both mobile and non-mobile users. Proper use can greatly lower heel ulcer rates, which, in some care settings, have been reported as high as 25%.
6. Marathon Liquid Skin Protectant
Liquid skin protectants form a clear, long-lasting film on the skin. Marathon Liquid Skin Protectant is a cyanoacrylate-based option that shields at-risk or compromised intact skin from moisture, friction, and abrasion. It is not intended for deep, open, or bleeding wounds.
The product creates a durable barrier that protects the epidermis from environmental stress and rubbing. It’s applied with a small vial and typically only needs reapplication every few days, which helps with adherence to a care routine. Some applications show a temporary purple tint that fades as the skin renews, which can serve as a reminder for reapplication. This film is handy where creams might rub off or to seal a recently closed skin tear that could reopen.
Key Takeaways
- Combining topical treatments with pressure-relieving devices gives the best protection against bed sores.
- Ointments like EMUAIDMAX can provide fast symptom relief and help control infections that worsen pressure areas.
- Specialized mattresses and cushions are essential for redistributing weight and preventing sustained pressure.
- Barrier creams form a protective layer against moisture and irritants, helping maintain skin health, particularly for incontinent patients.
- Heel and elbow protectors focus on bony areas to offload pressure and prevent localized injury.
- Liquid skin protectants create a strong, transparent barrier against friction and moisture, suited to intact but vulnerable skin.
FAQ
What are bed sores and who is at risk?
Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, are damage to skin and tissue caused by prolonged pressure. They most often develop over bony areas such as the heels, hips, tailbone, and elbows. People with limited mobility, those confined to a bed or wheelchair for long periods, and individuals with conditions like diabetes or paralysis face the highest risk.
How do alternating pressure mattresses work to prevent bed sores?
Alternating pressure mattresses help prevent bed sores by changing the pressure points on the body. Multiple air cells inflate and deflate in a set pattern so no single area bears pressure continuously. That movement supports blood flow and tissue oxygenation, lowering the chance of pressure ulcer formation.
Preventing bed sores takes ongoing attention and suitable products. Using these items as part of a tailored care plan can improve skin protection and comfort for people at risk. Talk with a healthcare professional to choose the best combination of products and practices for individual needs and to reduce the chance of serious pressure ulcer complications.