Medicinal sheepskins

A medicinal sheepskin, also known as an anti-bedsore or health sheepskin, isn’t about decoration—it’s about comfort and pressure distribution. Below, I’ll explain how it works, who it’s good for, and what to look for.

What is a medicated sheepskin?

Sheepskins are often used to enhance interior design, but they’re also increasingly being used for greater physical comfort. That’s exactly what a medicinal sheepskin does. The wool is short (about 3 cm) and evenly sheared, creating a smooth, dense layer that distributes your weight evenly. Just like all my sheepskins, this one is soft, deodorized, and sustainably tanned, made for long-term sitting or lying on.

Who is this intended for?

A medicinal sheepskin is great for anyone who sits or lies down a lot for long periods of time—for example, in a wheelchair, during physical recovery, or in old age when mobility is limited. Here are a few examples:

• Sitting for long periods: sitting in the same position for a long time puts constant pressure on the skin. A medicinal sheepskin helps distribute that pressure, which can reduce the risk of pressure sores.
• If you spend a lot of time lying down—including prolonged periods, such as in bed—pressure is applied to the same spots repeatedly. You can place the sheepskin on top of or under your fitted sheet or molton, for example at your hips, knees, or shoulders, for extra support.
• For cold or stiff muscles: the wool keeps you nice and warm, which is especially soothing if you have back or joint pain, for example.

Do you have a medical condition, or are you unsure whether a medicinal sheepskin is right for your situation? If so, please consult your doctor, physical therapist, or another healthcare provider—they’re best suited to give you personalized advice.

What is pressure ulcers?

Decubitus, also known as a bedsore or pressure sore, is damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the same area. The skin contains many small blood vessels; sustained pressure compresses them, reducing the supply of oxygen to the skin and tissue. Over time, this can lead to redness and, in more severe cases, to painful sores. It develops most quickly in areas where bones lie close to the skin, such as the tailbone, hips, elbows, and ankles.

How does a medicinal sheepskin help?

The short (±3 cm), dense wool distributes your body’s pressure evenly over a larger surface area. This reduces peak pressure at a single point—such as your tailbone or hips—which can help lower the risk of pressure sores. It’s important to be honest: a medicinal sheepskin is an aid for comfort and pressure distribution, not a medical treatment and not a guarantee against pressure sores. If you have (or are at risk of) pressure sores, guidance from a healthcare provider remains essential.

The benefits at a glance

• Helps distribute your body’s weight evenly
• Wonderfully soft, for greater comfort when sitting or lying down
• Wicks away excess moisture and is breathable
• Warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot
• May help reduce the risk of pressure sores
• Natural, deodorized, and sustainably tanned, free of harmful substances

Also great for your dog or cat

A sheepskin provides the same warmth and softness for your pet. It’s often colder close to the ground, and an older dog or cat—or one with joint problems—feels that extra chill. Place a sheepskin in their bed or on their usual spot for a warm, soft surface. Check out our sheepskins for dogs and cats as well.

Can you wash a medicinal sheepskin?

I don’t recommend that. Wool naturally contains lanolin (wool grease), which keeps the fleece supple. If you wash the fleece, you’ll rinse that lanolin out, and it can become stiff and hard—and you won’t be able to restore its original suppleness. You can read more about this in the blog post “Washing Your Sheepskin: Is It Actually Possible?” To find out the best way to care for it, check out the blog post “Cleaning and Maintaining Sheepskin.”

What size do you need?

The right size depends on where you’ll be using the sheepskin. For the seat of a (wheel)chair, a small or medium size is often sufficient, while for use in bed, you’ll want to choose a larger one to place at hip or shoulder level. Each skin is measured individually, so you know exactly what you’re getting. I’ve also categorized the skins by size: S, M, L, (X)XL. Measure your space and compare it to the size listed for each skin.

Need help choosing?

You have a 30-day return window, and for orders over €100, I offer free shipping within the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. In the Netherlands, you’ll usually receive your order within 1–2 business days. Delivery to other countries may take a little longer, but barring any delays, your order will typically arrive at your home within a maximum of 7 business days. Customers rate us a 9.7. Not sure which medicinal coat is right for you, or would you like some advice? Feel free to call or email me, or make an appointment to visit our showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.

Naturally tanned and deodorized

My medicinal sheepskins, just like all my other sheepskins, are sustainably tanned according to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100: a tanning process free of harmful or chemical substances. They don’t carry the official certification mark, but they do meet that standard. The skins are deodorized and double-brushed, so they’re soft and have a neutral scent. And just like all my skins, they’re a byproduct of the meat industry; by having them tanned, nothing goes to waste. My skins come from Europe, where the finest skins are sourced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a medicated sheepskin?

A sheepskin with short (±3 cm), evenly shorn wool. This smooth, dense layer distributes your body weight, reducing pressure on any single spot and providing extra comfort when you’re sitting or lying down for long periods. Also known as an anti-decubitus or health sheepskin.

Does a medicinal sheepskin help prevent pressure sores?

A medicinal sheepskin helps distribute pressure evenly, which can reduce the risk of pressure sores. It is a tool for comfort and pressure distribution, not a medical treatment or guarantee. If you have (or are at risk of) pressure sores, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

What is it used for?

Especially for extra comfort during prolonged sitting or lying down, for example in a wheelchair, during recovery, or in old age. The warm wool is also found to be soothing for stiff or cold muscles.

Can you wash a medicinal sheepskin?

Better not. Washing rinses the lanolin (wool grease) out of the wool, which can make the sheepskin stiff. Just shake it out, and if there’s a stain, use a slightly damp cloth. You can read more in the blog about cleaning and caring for sheepskin.

Are the medicinal sheepskins natural?

Yes. They are sustainably tanned in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, free of harmful substances, and are a byproduct of the meat industry. The color is natural—never dyed.

Will I receive the exact skin shown in the photo?

Almost always. I photograph most skins individually and assign them a unique number, so you’ll receive exactly that skin. Some I sell “off the stack”; in that case, you’ll receive a sheepskin similar to the one in the photo, in the same color and size. The listing will specify which option applies.