WHAT IS THIS PRODUCT?
The Pannus Apron Sling is designed to lift a Patient’s pannus. Pannus is a commonly used term for a panniculus, or abdominal/stomach apron. There is an internal layer of thermoregulating material, which may help the patient to keep their skin dry, however there is no guarantee it will help all patients. The sling material is designed to wick moisture away from the body, so this can also help keep the area dry.
The Pannus Apron Sling may be left in position under the pannus during the night, providing the patient is sleeping on their back. If they are in a chair during the day, it may also be possible to leave the sling under the pannus.
There are two designs of the Pannus Sling:
- No flaps
- With flaps, that can be opened for cleaning under the pannus as much as possible.
Two sizes are available:
- 39″ width, available with or without 2 flaps
- 57″ width, available with or without 3 flaps
WHO IS THIS PRODUCT SUITABLE FOR?
The Pannus Apron Sling is suitable for bariatric people who need to have their pannus apron lifted for cleaning/washing, or for surgery.
BRIEF INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Before starting, ensure that this procedure is suitable for the patient’s condition. One suggested way to place the sling under the pannus apron is to use a Bed Slide Sheet folded in half and then in half again.
Place the sling inside the middle of the folded Bed Slide Sheet, then place your fingers under the foam-padded flap sewn to the sling and gently slide it under the pannus as far as possible. The sling is deep enough so that when in position, the hook & loop tape opening at the end should not be under the actual pannus.
To prevent the webbing from slipping along the bed frame when the sling is being lifted, secure the webbing straps to each side of the bed frame, wrapping them around the bed rail where there is a support strut going to the mattress base. The female buckle slides freely on the webbing, and the male buckle is put inside the female, and the surplus webbing is pulled tight. Alternatively, the webbing could be secured on the bed frame at the head end of the bed.
If possible, use a ceiling hoist lifter located above the patient’s stomach. If using a mobile hoist, be prepared for it to pull slightly to the side as it is raised. Some experimenting may be needed for individual patients to find the best position for the hoist.
Once the pannus has been lifted up, clean and dry the exposed skin under the pannus. Then undo the hook & loop tape on the flaps to allow the carer to clean and dry the underside of the pannus. Only undo one flap at a time. Pull the sling clear of the skin to access the areas where the pannus was resting on the sling. It may be possible to undo all the flaps to allow air to circulate, but this will depend on the nature of the pannus. When doing the hook & loop tape back up again, hold it away from the pannus so that you are not pressing into the pannus.
If available, place a clean sling under the pannus so that it will be ready to lift the pannus again after the original sling has been removed.
WHAT IS THIS PRODUCT MADE FROM?
Ripstop material, foam, webbing, hook & loop tape, plastic.
