What are medicinal sheepskins and how can you use them?

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You may have seen them before, the short shaved cream/yellow colored sheepskins, better known as the 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?

Medicated sheepskins are special sheepskins that are used, among other things, to provide relief if you are sitting or lying down for an extended period of time, such as for medical reasons or if you are already elderly. The short wool ensures that your body weight is evenly distributed so that there is less pressure on one or more points of your body. When sitting down, think of your seat bones or your hip, shoulder blades and back. Shaving the wool short gives you better comfort so you can sit and lie more comfortably.

What are medicinal sheepskins used for?

Medicated sheepskins are most commonly used by people who sit or lie down a lot because of medical needs, but even if there is no medical need, these skins can be used just fine. The most commonly used purpose are:

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.

Pressure points from sitting a lot

When lying down a lot

For longer periods of lying down, such as when you lie in bed, or due to old age, medicinal sheepskin can provide relief. If you lie down a lot then you can place a medicated sheepskin on your bed or under your fitted sheet / flannel. Depending on your sleeping position, you can then use a larger or smaller fleece and place it at the level of the desired area to be supported, for example at the level of your hip or shoulders. You can also go for an extra large coat for more support or a patchwork that is the same size as your mattress.

Pressure sores from frequent lying on the back Pressure points from lying on the side a lot

For other physical complaints

Another application of medicinal sheepskins is to use them to keep your muscles warm. In fact, sheepskins take on your body temperature so they have a relaxing effect on muscles.

Can you use a medicinal sheepskin for your pet as well?

Yes, the relief these coats provide is not only for humans, but is also highly appreciated by dogs and cats. Especially as they get older or have joint problems. They then suffer more from the cold that stays low to the ground. Put a health fleece in their bed and let them stay nice and warm. Look here for 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 a medicated sheepskin reduce the risk of pressure ulcers?

Our antidecubitus sheepskins have a short and compact wool about 3 cm long. As a result, the wool distributes pressure from the body more evenly. Because the pressure is distributed, specific points, such as the buttocks and hips, are more spared, reducing the risk of any pressure sores.

How are the antidecubitus sheepskins tanned and processed?

Our antidecubitus sheepskins, like all our sheepskins, are tanned and washed in an environmentally friendly way, using no harmful or chemical substances that could be harmful to you or the environment. Moreover, they meet the high Oeko-Tex Standard 100 mark.

Can you wash a medical sheepskin?

We do not recommend washing antidecubitus sheepskin. This is because it contains lanolin (wool fat), a natural substance produced by the sheep itself, which can disappear when the coat is washed. In fact, when the sheepskin is washed it can become stiff and hard and lose its suppleness.

For tips on maintaining your sheepskin, please refer to our blog on sheepskin maintenance.

Need help picking out your new medicated sheepskin?

Would you like a new medicated sheepskin but are not quite getting there and would like some extra help and advice? I would be happy to help you with any questions you may have. Then you can make an informed choice and go for the medicinal sheepskin that perfectly fits your needs and wishes. You can contact me at +31(0)6 17 52 13 63 (during opening hours), send an e-mail or come by in Boxmeer, the Netherlands (by appointment only) to experience them.

Medicinal sheepskins Sheepskins