Pressure injuries have multiple names in medical terminology, including pressure ulcers, bedsores, pressure sores, and decubitus ulcers, which all refer to the same condition. Understanding the classification system for these injuries enables healthcare providers to select appropriate prevention and treatment approaches based on the severity of the injury.
The pressure ulcer classification system categorizes injuries based on the extent of tissue damage, ranging from early skin changes to deep tissue involvement. This classification guides clinical decision-making for both prevention strategies and treatment protocols.
Pressure Ulcer Medical Terminology
Pressure ulcers happen when constant pressure cuts off blood flow to skin and tissue underneath. You’ll hear doctors say “pressure injury” more often now, but it’s the same thing.
You’ll also hear “bedsores,” “decubitus ulcers,” and “pressure sores”, especially when talking with patients and families. Different names, same problem.
While terminology varies by region, the staging system stays consistent worldwide. A Stage 3 pressure ulcer in Cyprus refers to the same classification as a Stage 3 in the UK or the US.
Different Types of Pressure Ulcers by Stage
Pressure ulcers are classified by how deep the damage goes.
Stage 1 shows up as red skin that won’t blanch (turn white when you press it). The skin’s still intact, but this is your warning sign—catch it here, and you can stop it from getting worse.
Stage 2 means the skin has broken open. You’ll see shallow wounds or blisters with clear fluid. The damage goes through the top skin layer and maybe into the dermis, but it hasn’t reached deeper tissue yet.
Stage 3 goes all the way through the skin. You can see fat tissue, but not bone, tendon, or muscle. How deep it looks depends on where it is—areas with more fat will show deeper craters.
Stage 4 is the worst. Bone, tendon, or muscle is visible. These wounds often tunnel under the skin or undermine surrounding tissue, which makes them much harder to treat.
Deep Tissue Pressure Injury Classification
Deep tissue pressure injury represents a specific classification where tissue damage occurs in deeper layers while the skin surface may appear intact or show only discoloration. This injury type presents unique challenges because internal damage may be extensive before becoming visible externally.
The deep tissue pressure injury classification helps healthcare providers recognize injuries that may not follow typical stage progression. These injuries can evolve rapidly once internal tissue damage becomes apparent through skin surface changes.
Automated Lateral Turning for Different Pressure Ulcer Types
The multiTURN® 6 automated lateral turning mattress system addresses pressure injury prevention and treatment across all classification stages. The system is designed to manage cases from prevention through stage 4 pressure ulcers under appropriate medical supervision.
For prevention applications, the automated lateral turning function repositions patients 30° on each side at adjustable intervals of 30, 60, or 90 minutes. This continuous repositioning prevents the sustained pressure that leads to pressure ulcer development in immobile patients.
Treatment applications require wound care specialist supervision to adjust system settings based on specific injury characteristics and patient needs. The adjustable turning intervals can be set as frequently as every 30 minutes for patients with deep tissue pressure injury or challenging wounds requiring maximum pressure relief.
Pressure Redistribution Technology Components
The multiTURN® 6 uses three different pressure management methods at once. Automatic lateral turning keeps repositioning the patient, similar to how you naturally shift during sleep. This stops pressure from building up on any one spot.
Alternating pressure technology operates through air cells that cycle through inflation and deflation patterns at adjustable intervals of 12, 18, or 24 minutes. This creates dynamic pressure redistribution that complements the lateral turning function.
Continuous Low Pressure (CLP) management maintains baseline pressure reduction across the entire mattress surface. The anti-collapse system preserves turning quality while maintaining this continuous low pressure, ensuring effective pressure redistribution throughout automated cycles.
Clinical Applications Across Pressure Ulcer Stages
Doctors and nurses use the staging system to decide what treatment a patient needs and which equipment to use. The multiTURN® 6 works for everything—preventing ulcers in at-risk patients or treating existing ones, even Stage 4.
The mattress has laser-cut holes that let air flow constantly. This keeps skin dry and manages moisture, which matters because wetness makes ulcers more likely to develop and harder to heal. It tackles more than just pressure.
The system operates at noise levels below 20 decibels, supporting uninterrupted patient sleep that contributes to healing and recovery. Operating quietly becomes particularly important for patients requiring extended pressure injury treatment periods.
Patient Independence and Treatment Compliance
The remote control lets patients adjust their own positioning if they can use their hands. This matters for treatment—when patients can control their comfort, they’re more likely to stay compliant with the protocol.
For people with paraplegia or similar conditions, being able to make these adjustments themselves makes a real difference during long treatment periods. Having some control over your situation helps mentally, especially when you’re dealing with a pressure ulcer that takes weeks or months to heal.
Medical Device Standards for Pressure Ulcer Care
The multiTURN® 6 holds CE certification under EU MDR 2017/745. This means the system has passed safety and performance testing for preventing and treating pressure ulcers across all stages.
ABeWER offers a 24-month warranty on the pump system. When patients need long-term pressure ulcer treatment, reliable equipment matters—breakdowns can directly compromise healing progress.
Healthcare Environment Versatility
Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment occur across multiple healthcare settings. The multiTURN® 6 system functions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home care environments, providing consistent pressure management regardless of care location.
This versatility ensures that patients receive appropriate pressure injury prevention as they transition between different care settings during recovery. The system dimensions (200 x 80 x 11.5 cm) accommodate standard bed frames while the 180kg weight capacity serves diverse patient populations.
Supporting Evidence-Based Pressure Ulcer Care
ABeWER’s 30 years of research and development in pressure injury prevention informs the multiTURN® 6 design approach. The system combines clinical effectiveness with practical healthcare delivery requirements based on extensive experience with different types of pressure ulcers.
Understanding pressure ulcer classification helps healthcare providers implement appropriate prevention strategies before injuries develop and select effective treatment approaches when pressure ulcers occur. Automated lateral turning technology addresses pressure injury management across the entire classification spectrum, from prevention to advanced-stage treatment.