This document defines comfort as freedom from pain, discomfort, tension, and anxiety. It then lists various causes of discomfort like pain, lack of movement, wrinkled sheets, and temperature extremes. Finally, it discusses different devices that can be used to promote physical comfort, including pillows, back rests, rolls, foot rests, sand bags, mattresses, rings, bed cradles, blocks, and air cushions. These devices are meant to support the body, relieve pressure, improve circulation, and maintain proper positioning.

1. Comfort:-
Definition:-
Comfort is a state of freedom from pain, discomfort, tension
and anxiety. Comfort is defined as contented enjoyment in
physical or mental well being, freedom from pain and
trouble.

2. Causes of discomfort:-
 Pain.
 Restriction of movements due to weakness.
 Wrinkled ,soiled, and wet sheets.
 Delayed of inadequate attention to meet the personal
needs.
 Lack of exercise.
 Temperature extremes.
 Too bright lights and glares.
 Fear and anxiety due to illness.
 Lack of sleep.
 Insecurity feeling.
 Uncomfortable position.

3. Devices promoting physical comfort:-
Comfort devices:-
Are invented articles which would add to comfort
of patient when used in appropriate manner.
These devices relieve the discomfort and help in
maintain correct posture. It includes:
Pillow
Back rest
Rolls
Foot rest/footboards
Sand bags

4. Cont…
Air and water mattress
Rings
Bed cradle
Bed blocks
Air cushion Cardiac table
Gloves with water
Trochanter roll

5. Pillows:-
Pillows are used to give comfort position to the
patient. These are mostly used to support
various body parts.
Purposes:-
To maintain proper body alignment
To supports body parts in good alignment
Help to reduce pressure
It can be folded, rolled or tucked firmly against
the body to maintain position
It is used to support head ,neck, arms ,legs,
and parts of back.

6. Back rest:-
It is mechanical device which provides a suitable
support and rest for the back of patient in sitting
position.
Purposes:-
To support back
To facilitate easy breathing
It is given specially for heart patients and asthma
patients even in post-operative patients.

7. Rolls:-
Hand rolls are made of cloth that rolled into a
cylinder about 4-5 inches long and 2-3 inches in
diameter and stiffed firmly.
Purposes:-
To keep the finger free being held in tight fist. Thigh
rolls are made by folding a sheet to the desired
length of 2-3 feet and then rolled into a tight
cylinder. Thigh rolls are used to support hips and
thighs, preventing them from outward rotation
and keeping the foot in good alignment in case of
paralysis, fracture of femur and hip surgery.

8. Foot rests:-
These are mechanical devices used to give rest to
feet. Sand bags or foot board may be used.
Purposes:-
To maintain the normal position of feet.
To promote comfort.
To prevent foot drop.

9. Sand bags:-
These are canvas rubber or plastic bags filled with
sand. These are used to immobilize a part.
Purposes:-
To relieve discomfort.
Used to support body parts.
Used to immobilize the body part.
Used to support in fracture bones.
To prevent foot drop or wrist drop.

10. Air and water mattresses:-
These are used to very thin and obese patients and
those who are prone to get pressure sores. It
helps in equal distribution of the pressure exerted
on the body.
Purposes:-
 To improve circulation.
 To provide comfort.
 To prevent pressure sores.
 Used in very thin and obese patients and chronic bed
ridden patients.

11. Rings:-
Air rings are made of rubber. The air rings is inflated
about half full, tested for leakage, covered and than
placed under the patient’s hips in such a way that
the valve is on one side and not in contact with body.
Cotton are made wrapped with bandage. These are
placed under bony prominences such as heels and
fastened in place if necessary.
Purposes:-
To lift the hips from bed to prevent bed sores.
To prevent direct pressure on bony prominences.
To improve circulation
After hemorrhoidectomy.

12. Bed Cradle
These very widely in size and in material. These are
of wooden ,metal or electronic. The bed cradle
support and take off the weight of top bedding.
These are semicircular in shape made of wood
and metal.
Purposes:-
To prevent the top cloth if coming in contact with
the patients specially burn patients.
To apply heat in case of drying plaster cast.
Electronic bed are used to supply the desired
warm in case of shock.

13. Bed blocks
These are made up of wood, it may be high or low.
These are placed under the foot of bed for various
regions.
Purposes:-
To prevent shock.
To arrest hemorrhage.
To retain enema.
After spinal anesthesia.
After tonsillectomy.
To provide traction.
To position in postural drainage.
To give trendlenberg position.

14. Air cushion
They are round in shape and made up of rubber.
These can be inflated with air. These are used to
take off the weight of body.
Air cushion should not be applied directly in contact
with skin. They should have a cover.
Purposes:-
To relieve pressure on certain parts of body.
To promote comfort of client.