What Is Medical Sheepskin?

Medical sheepskin has been trusted in hospitals, care facilities, and Canadian homes for decades. Known for its softness, durability, and use in helping to reduce pressure points, medical-grade sheepskin is specially designed to provide comfort and protection for people confined to a bed or wheelchair for long periods of time. Medical-grade sheepskin undergoes a unique tanning and finishing process that makes it suitable for healthcare use.

What Makes Sheepskin ‘Medical Grade’?

Not all sheepskin is suitable for medical use. Medical-grade sheepskin is made from specially selected sheep hides with uniform length wool fibres that are dense, springy, and soft against the skin. The tanning process ensures the sheepskin can withstand regular washing and disinfection without losing its qualities.

These products are also treated to resist moisture, making them ideal for people spending extended periods in bed or a wheelchair. Australian medical sheepskin, for example, is often considered the highest benchmark for durability and comfort in healthcare settings. This type of sheepskin is defined by Standards Australia AS 4480.1; a study published in November, 2000 cites the standards as defining:

• Leather quality
• Wool type
• Length
• The ability to withstand laundry procedures at temperatures of 80°C for high level thermal disinfection
• The skins must retain their characteristics after at least 50 wash cycles

Medical Sheepskin Benefits For People Confined To A Bed Or Wheelchair

For people confined to a bed or wheelchair, medical sheepskin offers many potential benefits. The key benefit cited by most research is the ability to help prevent pressure ulcers. A Cochrane study that looked at four trials investigating the effectiveness of medical sheepskin found they are effective in reducing pressure ulcers. 

How Medical Sheepskin Helps Reduce Pressure Points

There is no definitive evidence on how medical sheepskin reduces pressure ulcers, but there are a number of properties that may contribute to its effectiveness. 

Pressure ulcers develop under prolonged pressure; friction is another factor that contributes to the development of ulcers. Australian medical sheepskin is processed with dense,  high pile. These fibers allow air to circulate under the user and can help to redistribute weight away from pressure points.

This is not a medical claim, as there have not been enough studies on the mechanics of medical sheepskin to understand why it works in relieving pressure ulcers; only speculation. What is not speculative, however, is the evidence: Australian medical sheepskin has been used for decades to provide comfort and help reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers. 

Common Medical Sheepskin Product

There is a wide range of medical sheepskin products designed to meet different needs:

Bed Pads & Wheelchair Covers

Bed pads protect against pressure points for people confined to bed, while a wheelchair cover improves comfort during long hours of sitting.

Limb Protectors & Crutch Covers

Sheepskin limb protectors cushion arms and legs. On the other hand, crutch covers reduce friction and improve comfort for those using mobility aids.

Partial Foot Covers & Comfort Slippers

Partial foot covers and slippers keep feet warm, dry, and cushioned.

Cleaning And Caring For Medical Sheepskin

Medical sheepskin is durable, but it requires proper care to maintain its benefits.

• Shake and brush regularly to keep wool fibres springy
• Spot clean with mild soap and water
• Machine wash on gentle cycle using approved sheepskin detergent
• Air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources

With proper maintenance, medical-grade sheepskin can last for years, providing reliable comfort and protection.

Is Medical Sheepskin Covered By Insurance Or Medicare?

In Canada, coverage for medical sheepskin varies. Some private health insurance plans may reimburse the cost if prescribed by a healthcare professional, particularly when used to prevent pressure sores. Provincial healthcare programs generally do not cover sheepskin directly, but certain long-term care facilities may provide them as part of patient support.

It’s always best to check with your insurance provider or local health authority to see if medical sheepskin products are included in your benefits.

Explore Our Medical-Grade Sheepskin Products

Medical sheepskin is widely used to reduce pressure points, improve comfort, and protect skin for people confined to a bed or wheelchair. From bed pads to limb protectors and wheelchair covers, these products are designed to improve the quality of life.

At World of Sheepskin, we’re proud to provide high-quality, Canadian-made products that combine natural materials with modern medical standards. If you or a loved one could benefit from these supports, we invite you to browse medical-grade sheepskin today.