The SWL refers to the overall limit the product can hold including required items (patient, Mattress, IV pole) where as MPW is the max patient load that the product can support.

For example if you have a SWL of 490kg and a MPW of 440kg there is a buffer of 50kg to allow for additional items to be placed on the bed required for the patient.

Apple Pannus — weight is carried high but the abdomen is quite mobile, ‘belly button’ wanders, and the abdomen hangs toward the floor (apron), while leg size may be relatively normal.

•  Have high waist to hip ratio
• Patient has a mobile umbilicus
• Variable supine tolerance
• May tolerate prone

Pear Abduction — Weight is carried predominantly below the waist, with significant tissue between the knees preventing them from touching or thighs becoming parallel.

• Have a very low waist to hip ratio 
• Majority of tissue is below belt line and femur is in abducted posture
• Severely painful knees due to Valgus stress
• Move from supine to sit via long sitting and avoid log rolling

Depending on the patient weight and shape there will be a range of different equipment required to support their care needs.

Bariatric patients are more susceptible to health conditions and diseases including skin conditions, raspatory issue, heart disease, depression, cancers, obstructive sleep apnoea.

Skin conditions are the most prevalent in bariatric patients as they have increased skin folds which can lead to rashes and ulcers in deep tissue folds, fluid retention and poor blood circulation.  The skin also becomes more prone to infections and tearing.

Some patients may be non-ambulant requiring extra assistance from nursing staff in turning, repositioning and movement in and out of bed.  There are a range of specialist equipment, systems and procedures to ensure a safe working environment and delivery of care, for both the patient and healthcare team.

Different patients will have different needs. One way to consider equipment and support needs is from a mobility perspective - the products identified below align with the level of patient mobility.

Immobile

• Aurum Bed with alternating air mattress
• Gantry or mobile hoist
• Repositioning sling
• High dependency chair
• Commode

Semi Mobile

• Gantry or mobile hoist with lift pants
• Standing aids

Mobile

• Aurum Bed with alternating air mattress
• Riser Recliner or static chair with pressure care cushion
• Commode
• Walking Frame / standing aid