You may have heard the term 'medical sheepskin' when looking for a solution to a problem or when browsing sheepskin products online. But what is a medical sheepskin - and what conditions do they benefit? That's what we're looking at today.

A medical sheepskin is a type of sheepskin that provides superior pressure care support and has been used for centuries to guard against and aid the healing of pressure sores, give comfort to those with disabilities or mobility issues, and support the bed ridden.

Medical grade sheepskin is typically made from a particularly large skin that has a high wool fibre count and density, and has been clipped to the same length to ensure that it is supportive and comfortable. Unlike your standard sheepskin, these skins undergo a special longer tanning process which enables them to be machine washed frequently. There are lots of benefits of medical sheepskin that make them excellent additions to the home, but these are some of the specific conditions that they can help with.

Bedsores

Bedsores are damage to the skin and the tissue below the skin. They usually occur on patients that are unable to move, and are a result of pressure in one spot for a length of time, mainly appearing on the bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone. The medical sheepskin gives pressure support through its high density fleece, allowing air to circulate between the skin and surface aiding temperature regulation, moisture control and bedsore avoidance.

Temperature regulation

Some people are particularly prone to overheating or sensitivity to the cold, either through their natural disposition or as a result of a particular medical condition. This is something medical sheepskin can help with; the natural temperature regulating properties of wool help to keep an individual warm without overheating. It's nature's answer to a thermostat! Medical sheepskin does this via hollow fibres that allow air to circulate through the wool, making it breathable. This also doubles up with its insulating properties helping to keep you warm in colder climates, or when you are someone who tends to get chilly.

Poor circulation

Because the natural temperature regulating properties in wool helps to reduce heat when it's too hot, and increase heat when it's too cold, it helps to keep people at the right temperature, which in turn can help with blood circulation.

For adults, keeping at the right temperature when sitting or lying down on a sheepskin is something that can help promote better blood circulation, so a medical sheepskin is a good option for those who struggle with poor circulation.

Arthritis

Medical sheepskins are made from a particularly large pelt with a high wool fiber count. The wool pile is clipped to approximate 1” (26mm) with a high density of wool pile per square cm and higher fiber diameter (higher micron rating). A higher pile density means better pressure support - and better pressure support on arthritic joints usually leads to less pain. Many people with arthritis find that a medical sheepskin can help them to become more comfortable.

Skin irritation

Due to its moisture wicking properties, pressure relief and temperature regulation, medical sheepskins are particularly good at soothing and alleviate skin irritations - far more so than many other materials, some of which can worsen skin irritation. The properties of medical sheepskin help to avoid skin breakdowns, providing soothing comfort and even aiding in the recovery of skin infections.

You can browse our full collection of Medical sheepskin rugs and other fleece products on our website, or get in touch if I can help.