You may have come across them before: the short-shorn, cream- or yellowish-colored sheepskins, better known as medicinal sheepskin and health sheepskin. But what exactly are these medicinal sheepskins, and what are they actually used for?
In this blog:
- What are medicinal sheepskins?
- What can you use them for?
- Can you also use them for your pet?
- What are the benefits of medicinal sheepskin?
- What is pressure ulcers?
- How can medicinal sheepskin reduce the risk of pressure ulcers?
- How are the anti-decubitus sheepskins tanned and processed?
- Can you wash medical sheepskin?
What are medicinal sheepskins?
Medicinal sheepskins are special sheepskins used, among other things, to provide relief when you’re sitting or lying down for an extended period, for example, for medical reasons or as you get older. The short wool ensures that your body weight is evenly distributed, reducing pressure on one or more points of your body. When sitting, think of your sit bones; when lying down, think of your hips, shoulder blades, and back. Shearing the wool short provides greater comfort, allowing you to sit and lie down more comfortably.
What are medicinal sheepskins used for?
Medical sheepskins are most commonly used by people who spend a lot of time sitting or lying down due to medical needs, but these skins can also be used perfectly well even when there is no medical need. The most common uses are:
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When sitting down a lot
If you sit a lot (and longer) (for example, in a wheelchair), pressure sores (better known as bedsores) can develop over time. By placing a health fleece on the seat or attaching it to the backrest, you can help reduce the pressure on the skin, thereby reducing the risk of pressure sores.
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When lying down a lot
During prolonged periods of lying down—such as when you’re in bed or due to old age—medicinal sheepskins can provide relief. If you spend a lot of time lying down, you can place a medicinal sheepskin on your bed or under your fitted sheet or molton. Depending on your sleeping position, you can use a larger or smaller sheepskin and place it where you need support—for example, at the level of your hips or shoulders. You can also opt for an extra-large sheepskin for more support or a patchwork sheepskin that’s the same size as your mattress.
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For other physical complaints
Another use for medicinal sheepskins is to keep your muscles warm. This is because sheepskins adapt to your body temperature, which has a relaxing effect on the muscles.
Can you also use medicinal sheepskin for your pet?
Yes, the warmth these skins provide isn’t just for people—it’s also highly appreciated by dogs and cats. Especially as they get older or develop joint problems. They’re more susceptible to the cold that stays close to the ground. Place a sheepskin in their bed and let them lie there nice and warm. Click here to see all sheepskins for dogs and cats.
What are the benefits of our medical sheepskins?
- They distribute the pressure of your body evenly
- They are extra soft which increases sitting and lying comfort
- Any moisture is driven off by the natural action
- They are breathable so they always offer an ideal temperature
- They can reduce the risk of pressure ulcers
- They keep you warm in cold environments and cool in warm environments
- Comply with Oeko-tex Standard 100
- Ecologically tanned and free of chemicals
What is pressure ulcers?
Decubitus is damage to the skin caused by prolonged pressure on one spot. It can occur in people who lie in bed or sit in wheelchairs a lot. It happens when the blood vessels under the skin are compressed by pressure, leading to a lack of oxygen to the skin and tissue underneath. In severe cases, it can lead to painful wounds. Pressure ulcers are more susceptible in areas where bones are closer to the skin, such as the tailbone, hips, elbows and ankles.
How can medicinal sheepskin reduce the risk of pressure ulcers?
Our anti-decubitus sheepskins have short, compact wool about 3 cm long. As a result, the wool distributes the body’s pressure more evenly. Because the pressure is distributed, specific pressure points—such as the ischial tuberosities and hips—are better protected, thereby reducing the risk of pressure ulcers.
How are the anti-decubitus sheepskins tanned and processed?
Our anti-decubitus sheepskins, just like all our sheepskins, are tanned and washed in an environmentally friendly manner, without the use of any harmful or chemical substances that could be harmful to you or the environment. Furthermore, they meet the high standards of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification.
Can you wash medical sheepskin?
We recommend not washing the anti-decubitus sheepskins. This is because they contain lanolin (wool grease), a natural substance produced by the sheep itself, which can be washed away when the fleece is washed. If the sheepskin is washed, it can become stiff and hard and lose its suppleness.
For tips on caring for your sheepskin, please refer to our blog on sheepskin care.
Need a medicinal sheepskin? View all medicinal sheepskins, or check out the other sheepskins for your home.
Do you need help choosing your new medicinal sheepskin?
Would you like a new medicinal sheepskin but are still a bit unsure and would like some extra help and advice? I’d be happy to assist you with any questions you may have. That way, you can make an informed choice and select the medicinal sheepskin that perfectly suits your wishes and needs. You can contact me at +31 6 17521363 (during business hours), send an email, or stop by in Boxmeer, the Netherlands (by appointment only) to experience them for yourself.