Immobile patient has bedsores on rear end. Is it recommended to position him laying on his stomach intermittently?

thank you. we reported the condition to his doctor, who finally after a week prescribed a dressing for the open sores. He is scheduled for a house call in 2 weeks. In the meantime we started using an alternating pressure air mattress.

On the side, with pillows, NEVER face down. Call your MD asap.

Sounds like a good way to suffocate an imobile patient.

YIKES, bedsores need medical attention. They aren't anything to fool around with! While waiting for an appointment, here are things that I have seen done in hositals and NHs. Lay the patient on his/her side and press pillows against the back to keep him on his side. Position should be changed every 2 hours. Reddened areas should have ointment applied (A&D, for example). You can buy a sheep skin to have him lay on to soften the friction. If the bedsores are already opened, run don't walk to the MD. Alternatively, have someone from a nearby wound center visit at home if patient can't be taken for medical attention.