Which pillows and cushions are best for someone who is bed bound?

Here is My Question:
I recently became an aid, to a 45 year old woman with MS and she is completely bed bound. She has been having severe pain and also has a bed sore, on her coccyx and she has been using donut pillows, with no success. I read online, these types of cushions can make the pain and pressure worse. I have been researching non-stop and there are so many different pillows and cushions out there. I'm having a hard time making a final decision. I thought you may have a suggestion, as to which cushion would work best for my patient, in her particular situation. Any suggestions, at all, would be greatly appreciated. 
Thank you and best regards,
Alison 

Answer:
I think it is great that you are advocating for your patient. Does she spend any time in a power wheelchair? If so she should be in a custom chair (tilt in space) with a special cushion (Rojo); which will help keep pressure off her coccyx.  It also sounds like she is a candidate for a special type of bed, which is used in the hospitals for patients who have wounds. There are beds with sand that rotate so people don’t spend too much time in any one position; there are also “fluid immersion” beds and air mattresses, all which work similarly. If she has a history of wounds (as you say) she may qualify for one through insurance. The best thing to do is seek out a wound care professional and discuss her options!
 
​Sarah Frank, PT, DPT, MSCS
Outpatient Rehab
Mt. Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
490 Blue Hills Ave.
Hartford, CT 06112

She needs an alternating pressure mattress, if she is developing bedsores. She should also be seen by plastic surgery in a skin care clinic for people with bedsores. Either the skin care clinic or her PCP should be able to help her get an alternating pressure mattress. lastly if she is having problems with continence, it is very important that she have frequent diaper changes to keep her skin dry and uncontaminated
Good luck

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Clinical Neurosciences Director
University of California San Diego​