Pain & pressure relief
When recovery means a lot of time resting in a bed or chair, comfort and skin protection become their own kind of care. Here is plain-language guidance on cushions, positioning, heat and cold, and preventing the pressure injuries that can develop during slower recovery.
Why pressure matters during recovery
Comfort is part of healing
Staying in one position for long stretches puts steady pressure on the skin over bony areas — the heels, hips, tailbone, and shoulders. When blood flow to that skin is limited for too long, a pressure injury (sometimes called a pressure sore or bedsore) can begin. The good news is that the same simple habits that keep someone comfortable also do most of the work in preventing them.
The two most reliable tools are movement and surface. Changing position regularly relieves the pressure before it can cause harm, and a pressure-relieving cushion or mattress spreads weight more evenly so no single spot bears it all. Together with clean, dry skin, those steps prevent the large majority of recovery-phase skin problems.
A simple routine for comfort and skin protection
General caregiver habits that help during slower recovery. If any skin changes appear, raise them with the care team rather than managing alone.
Reposition on a schedule
Help the person change position regularly — often every couple of hours when resting in bed — to take pressure off any one area and keep blood flowing.
Use a pressure-relieving surface
A foam or alternating-pressure cushion or mattress redistributes weight so no single bony point carries the load through a long rest.
Check the skin daily
Look over the high-risk areas each day. Redness that does not fade after pressure is relieved is an early warning — shorten the interval and tell the care team.
Keep skin clean and dry
Gentle cleaning and keeping skin dry, especially where moisture collects, protects it and lowers the chance of breakdown.
Comfort and relief gear, by type
By type, not brand. The right surface and a little positioning support go a long way.
Pressure-relief cushions
For chairs and wheelchairs, these spread weight off the tailbone and hips during long periods of sitting.
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Pressure-relief mattresses
Foam and alternating-pressure mattresses help protect skin during extended time in bed. See the home-care guides for more.
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Positioning supports
Wedges and pillows hold a comfortable, pressure-relieving position — and make elevation easier to maintain.
ExplorePain and pressure questions
How often should someone be repositioned?
Every couple of hours is a common starting point for someone resting in bed, though research and care teams now tailor the interval to the person and the surface used. Your care team can set the right schedule, and you should shorten it if any redness appears.
How do I spot a pressure injury early?
The earliest sign is often skin that stays red and does not return to normal colour after the pressure is taken off. If you see that, keep all pressure off the area and contact the care team — catching it early makes a real difference.
Should I use heat or cold for pain?
Both can help in the right situation — cold to calm swelling, heat to ease stiff or aching areas — but timing matters during recovery. Follow your care team's guidance on which to use and when, especially soon after surgery.
Caring for someone resting in bed?
If you want help thinking through comfort, positioning, and the right surface, we are here to point you in the right direction.