CHIN STRAP
The
following instructions for puffing on the pressure
garments are basic. It has been found that these methods are fairly
easy and also protect the fabric and seams. Use these instructions as
guidelines
and evaluate your patient. No two patients are alike or have the same
problems. Do whatever is necessary to make it as easy as possible for
them without causing damage or premature wear to the fabric.
Chin straps
may be worn as face masks by placing at chin and pulling over head and
closing Velcro last. Another method is to close the neck
portion around the patient’s neck. Pull head strap and back elastic
up over head and set into place. Adjust ears opening and chin by slipping
finger underneath fabric and setting into place.
FACE MASKS PRESSURE GARMENT
Open
Velcro closure at back of head. An extra hand is needed to hold chin
mask on patient’s chin Standing behind patient, place at
chin, gather fabric of mask into hands and stretch over head releasing
fabric to fit the facial features in the correct positions.
Facial features must be adjusted for comfort. Gently slip a finger underneath
fabric at eye opening and pull into place. Do the same for ears, nose
and mouth.
GLOVES
If the hand is held up to light, there should be no light shining through
glove at web space. Close pressure garment zipper if there is one.
Slip
patient’s hand through wrist of glove. Adjust
fingers by carefully pulling on seams until glove fits into web spaces
and tight against finger tips. Be sure cores of fabric are close together & smooth
out excess fabric in fingers. If hand is held up to light, there should
be no light shining through glove at web spaces.
PRESSURE BODY SUITS & BRIEFS
These styles must be stepped into as body opening runs from neck to
just below waist. Adjust legs and lower body portion for comfort.
The sleeves are donned as described for sleeves with
garment zippers. Close the body zipper and then the sleeve zippers holding
the fabric together with one hand while closing with the other hand.
Adjust neck edge for comfort.
Slip hands, palms outward, into back of garment to fold of buttocks and
lift up on fabric, pulling towards waist to seat fabric snug in these
folds and buttocks area. Caution. To avoid discomfort behind your knees,
work the garment down from knee until tightness is less at this point.
NOTE: It may be necessary to readjust the garment occasionally because
of settling down during normal activity.
THIGH LENGTH OR KNEE LENGTH GARMENTS STOCKING
Legs with full length zippers I Incorporated zippers. Open zipper fully
while sitting on bed with foot also resting on bed.
Protect the skin from zipper by placing thumb between it and the skin.
Seam follows mid-line of bottom of foot and continues up back of leg.
VEST WITH FULL / HALF SLEEVE
Always
don the garment on the more severe arm first. Follow the instructions
for sleeves with zippers for wearing the sleeves. Do not close the zippers
until the body is filled. Position the body of the vest as described
in the instructions for vests with sleeves. Close the zippers in the
sleeves remembering to hold the fabric together while closing.
Keep the
elastic backing between the skin and garments zipper. Position
the seam in its proper place as the zipper is closed. Seam runs from
axilla to elbow.
Open garment zipper fully. Place fingers inside sleeve at closed
axilla and stretch it as large as possible. Slip sleeve onto arm to
axilla. Adjust length
to the point sleeve was measured to end. Hold the support together
with one hand 4 to 6 inches below the zipper “pull”. Close
pressure garment zipper. The elastic backing should be between skin
and zipper. Continue down arm to wrist, always holding the pressure
sleeve together with one hand while closing zipper with other.
lnsert pad for bend of elbow (if desired), When closing.
Waist Height
One Leg / Both Leg Pants
Open
zippers completely, placing garment with buttocks on bed and
legs fully extended, also on bed. Fold down front of body. have patient
sit
on buttocks of support.
With patient’s knees bent, slip the feet of support onto patient’s
feet. Do this by pointing toes. Protect the skin from zipper by placing
thumb between it and skin. Seam follows midline of bottom of toot and
continues up back of leg. have patient straighten legs. Hold the support
together with one hand approximately 4 to 6 inches above zipper “pull”.
Close zipper. The elastic backing should be between skin and zipper.
Continue up each leg to mid-thigh or waist.
Continue
to close zippers to waist if necessary. Adjust the inside
leg lengths to make sure the pressure garment fits into groin properly.
Pressure Garments for Legs with short zippers
Leg
garments that have zippers that are shorter than the top height
are placed on the feet in the same way as those with full length zippers.
The patients foot, however, must be eased through the entire length
of the support. Close the garments zippers in the same manner
as described for full length zippers. When the zippers are fully closed,
the rest of the support must be eased into place as a
without zippers must be.
Hold the support together with one hand approximately 4 to 6 inches above
the zipper “pull”. Close zipper. The elastic backing should
be between skin and zipper. Continue up leg to top, always holding
the fabric together with one hand while closing zipper with other.
The area zipper is in will not stretch beyond it. Other areas may require
adjusting in length by taking hold of fabric lower on leg and gently
working it up to its proper height.
PRECAUTIONS:
All garments must be worn continuously for at least six to
twelve months or until the scar fades and shows evidence of maturation
(For
this reason
at least two garments should be obtained to permit wash and wear on a
continuous basis.)
ZIPPERS are included where difficulty may be experienced
in applying the garment due to fragility of newly healed scar tissue
or graft.
Also refer to our pressure garments prescription form for further information
of designs available. Give your modifications in standard design in additional
information column.
