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Know of any equipment that might be helpful for positioning child with reflux during sleep?

I have a ten-year-old client with West Syndrome who is significantly physically involved. She can roll from her back to her side independently and tends to sleep on her back or on her side. Her doctor has recommended sleeping on a wedge to reduce her acid reflux but her mother is skeptical that she will find something that the child will not slip off of or roll off of. (She sleeps in her mother's bed with her). We looked online and found foam wedges on home health/medical supply websites. They come with cotton covers and might be sufficient but there are no 'bumpers' so not sure if she would stay on this all night. As well, there is a Tumbleform wedge with bumpers and one with straps but I don't like the idea of strapping her down when sleeping. The material of the Tumbleform is such that she will definitely slip down. Then, there are Versaform pillows. I have never used these and can't tell if the beads could be distributed in such a manner that it could be shaped like a wedge and would be a good option. The price difference between the foam wedge and the Tumbleform and Versaform pillows is huge. That is another consideration.

Any ideas?

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Permalink Reply by Sue Wilkinson on August 3, 2011 at 12:28am

I personally use the Savitz Sleep Wedge. The cover is gorgeous fabric, comfortable and unzips for washing. It does not have bumpers or straps. The fabric is that plush, yet as you move against the grain, it kind of grips. It's like a anti-slip cozy fabric. Also, have you thought about raising the head of the bed? Just 4" can make a difference with some people.

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Permalink Reply by Lori Dillon on August 3, 2011 at 8:44am

Thanks! That looks perfect!

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Permalink Reply by Hannah Newton on August 8, 2012 at 7:25am

We have actually used both. My son outgrew the Versa Form. It was great while he was that size. They're very much like a bean bag except that you can suck the air out of it using a tool that comes with it. As you're sucking the air out you can mold it into whatever shape is necessary. The outside of it is plastic so you'd want to order the terry cloth cover that is optional. It will literally get as hard as you want it to. We ended up getting our son a special bed, kind of a fancy hospital bed with rails and so he doesn't use anything now except pillows on each side of his trunk to prevent falling/leaning to the side. Another option might be a "sling." This was something therapists told us about but we never tried it because it just wasn't realistic at the time. I think I may have the versa forms still. I'd be happy to send them to you to try out if you don't mind giving me your address. You can keep them if you'd like. Tho you may need to replace them, they aren't holding their shape like they did when they were new. They are more than 7 years old. My email - newton.hannah713@gmail.com

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Permalink Reply by Lori Dillon on October 1, 2012 at 9:05pm

You are so nice! I finally remembered to ask the mom but she already had purchased the Versa Form and just had not ever used it! So- now she pulled it out and is giving it a go! Thanks for your reply!!