A medicinal sheepskin, also known as an anti-decubitus or health sheepskin, isn’t about decoration, but about comfort and pressure distribution. Below, I’ll explain how it works, who it’s good for, and what to look for.
What is medicinal sheepskin?
Sheepskins are often used to enhance the beauty of an interior, but they are also increasingly used for greater physical comfort. That is 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. 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, for example, in a wheelchair, during physical recovery, or in old age when mobility is limited. A few situations:
- 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 medical sheepskin is suitable for your situation? Please discuss this with your family doctor, physical therapist, or another healthcare provider; they are best suited to advise you personally.
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 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 ulcers. It’s important to be honest: a therapeutic sheepskin is a tool for comfort and pressure distribution, not a medical treatment and not a guarantee against pressure ulcers. If you have (or are at risk of) pressure ulcers, 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 pelt in their bed or on their usual spot for a warm, soft surface. Be sure to check out the sheepskins for dogs and cats as well.
Can you wash medicinal sheepskin?
I don’t recommend that. Wool naturally contains lanolin (wool grease), which keeps the pelt supple. If you wash the pelt, 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. Shipping 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 9.8. Not sure which medicinal hide 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, like all my hides, are sustainably tanned according to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100: a tanning process free of harmful or chemical substances. They do not bear the official certification mark, but they do meet that standard. The hides are deodorized and double-brushed, so they’re soft and have a neutral odor. And just like all my hides, they’re a byproduct of the meat industry; by having them tanned, nothing goes to waste. My hides come from Europe, where the finest hides are sourced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is medicinal sheepskin?
A sheepskin with short (±3 cm), evenly shorn wool. This even, dense layer distributes your body weight, which reduces pressure in any one spot and provides extra comfort when sitting or lying down for long periods. Also known as an anti-decubitus or health sheepskin.
Does a medicinal sheepskin help prevent pressure ulcers?
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 medicinal sheepskin?
Better not. Washing rinses the lanolin (wool grease) out of the wool, which can make the pelt stiff. Shake it out, and if there’s a stain, use a slightly damp cloth. You can read more in the blog post 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.
