Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

What is medical sheepskin?

"Medical sheepskin is a specially processed and tanned sheepskin to the Australian medical standard AS4480.1 that is used in healthcare settings to help prevent and treat pressure sores (also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers). It is often used in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities, as well as in the homes of people who are bedridden or otherwise at risk of developing skin breakdown."

What is the difference between medical sheepskin and regular sheepskin?

"Medical sheepskin is specially selected to have a denser, thicker wool pile that distributes pressure more evenly, stops friction and shearing, absorbs moisture and maintains perfect body temperature. These factors are key, in preventing pressure sores. Medical sheepskin is designed for washing in a machine and tumble dried to infection control standards. Regular sheepskin, on the other hand, may not have the same density or thickness, and cannot be processed to the same medical standards."

Why is it Green?

"The color green is used in medical sheepskin to indicate that it is a medical-grade product. This makes it easier to identify and differentiate from regular sheepskin products that are white or cream in color."

What is medical grade sheepskin?

"Medical grade sheepskin was developed by the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific Institute Research Organisation) as an Australian medical standard AS4480.1 in 1998 to stop bed sores in the O/R. Since its inception it has progressed to all areas in healthcare, for hospitals, long term care, home care, dealing with complications from wounds for paraplegic, quadriplegic, diabetic and heart related  problems as well as other skin breakdown issues.” 

What is SkinSan detergent?

"SkinSan  detergent  is specifically designed for washing medical sheepskin products. It is formulated to clean and disinfect the sheepskin without damaging the wool fibres or compromising the leather. its medical properties are the highest for chemical disinfection. Other detergents will not be safe or effective for use on medical sheepskin.”  - See Skinsan Video Here -

Does Medical sheepskin prevent pressure sores?

"Yes, medical sheepskin will prevent pressure sores by distributing pressure  evenly throughout the body, reducing friction and shear, absorbing moisture whilst maintaining body temperature at 37°C, promoting better circulation. It is often used in hospitals and nursing homes to prevent pressure sores in at-risk patients."

How do you wash and dry medical sheepskin?

"Medical sheepskin is to be washed with SkinSan detergent to maintain product warranty. It can be hand-washed for smaller items or machine-washed on a gentle cycle, and then tumble dried at medium to low heat. If hang drying, keep away away from direct heat and sunlight." As the leather is drying, take out of the dryer and give it a stretch to bring back the soft supple feel of the leather. You may need to do this a couple of times.”

What is the warranty for medical sheepskin?

“The warranty is 90 days from date of purchase for manufacture issues, should they arise.”

Can medical sheepskin withstand urine and fecal matter?

“ Medical sheepskin is urine and fecal resistant, However, the product needs to be rinsed clean as soon as possible” If Urine or fecal matter are left to turn ammoniated it can damage the sheepskin”

Can Medical Sheepskin be used on wounds?

"Medical sheepskin can be used on wounds as it is hypoallergenic, breathable, and helps to reduce pressure and friction on the skin. However, its ability to absorb moisture away from the wound to the leather at the back of a Sheepzorb dressing or a Coccyx pad stops infection and brings much need blood flow to the base of the wound.

It is important to consult with us at  asa@sheepskin.healthcare for professional advice before using medical sheepskin on wounds to ensure it is appropriate for the specific wound and to determine the proper care routine."

Can Medical Sheepskin be used to heal Pressure sores

“Yes, medical sheepskin can be used to heal pressure sores as it is designed for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries, it can also control moisture inside a diaper, shearing and used to treat trauma, burns, surgical and infectious wounds.

Please consult us at asa@sheepskin.healthcare for any other questions you may have.”