Simple Stuff Works Positioning System
Simple Stuff Works offers a variety of custom-designed positioning systems tailored to individual needs, using specially crafted pillows, stabilisers, and support pieces to create a comfortable and safe sleeping environment. The intended purpose of Simple Stuff Works is therapeutic positioning of the body in the lying posture, and is a gentle therapy used for those with movement difficulties. When used correctly it may help protect and restore an individual’s body shape. The system has no Velcro or screw action fixings, so silent changes of position can be made with little disruption to the person whilst in bed.
Simple Stuff Works is a family-run organisation dedicated to helping people protect their body shape through therapeutic positioning equipment. Their products aim to prevent body shape distortion and are suitable for a wide range of healthcare and positioning needs, from simple to complex.
More Information
Example Simple Stuff Works set ups:
Side Lying
90 degree Laterals (on side), Roll Pillow under Fitted Sheet, Side-Lying Leg Support, Terry Towelling and Roll Pillow
Side Lying
90 degree Laterals, Roll Pillow under Fitted Sheet, Terry Towelling and Roll Pillow
Semi-side Lying
90 degree Laterals (on side), Roll Pillow under Fitted Sheet, Terry Towelling and Roll Pillow
Supine
Fitted Sheet with Laterals and Terry Towelling Pillow and Simple Stabiliser and Foot Support
Supine
Fitted Sheet with Laterals and Terry Towelling Pillows and Half Moon Pilliow and Neck Pillow and Roll Pillow
Supine
Fitted Sheet with Laterals and 2 Terry Towelling Pillows and Roll Pillow
Supine
Wedges underneath Fitted Sheet, with Roll Underneath Sheet (at the end) with Half Moon Cushion and Simple Leg Stabiliser
Supine
Fitted Sheet with Laterals and Terry Towelling Pillow and Roll Pillow and Neck Pillow and Foot Support
Supine + WindSweeping
Wedges and Lateral Underneath Fitted Sheet, Half Moon Pillow, Roll Pillow, Ring Pillow, Foot Support
Simple Stuff Works components:
Base combo
The base of the Simple Stuff works system comprises two layers of anti-microbial non-slip mesh, the Temperate Topper and a lovely, soft stretchy sheet. Supports are placed between the two layers of mesh to create comfortable supported positions for the individual using the system.
The mesh is fully washable, silent to use and breathable, making it a perfect base in which to place supports. The Temperate Topper is a soft mattress topper filled with a state of the art material which is machine washable to 90 degrees, wicks moisture away from the skin and allows air to circulate around the individual. This allows the individual to stay in a dry, comfortable, temperate environment all night long. The Temperate Topper is non-dynamic, neither warming nor cooling the individual. This is an essential safety feature for people who find it difficult to control their own temperature. Over the top of these layers there is a soft cotton sheet.
Stabilising mesh
The base of the sleep system starts with two layers of non-slip mesh. The flexibility of this base layer makes it one of the most dynamic parts of the system.
It is between the two layers of mesh where supports are placed around an individual to create the ideal position for them. The mesh is one of the most hygienic bases for a positioning system as it is anti-microbial, complete with SteriTouch running through it, anti-mite, anti-fungal, entirely washable and conforms to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It holds any supports firmly and is completely silent to use, making changes in position throughout the night as gentle and calm as possible. The mesh can be used to also hold other pieces of equipment in place as well as holding the individual which means that the overall positioning system is very secure whilst allowing for easy changes in position. It is available in a variety of sizes and can be adapted for use on double beds (please enquire for this).
| Cot bed size | Single bed size | |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer length | 1500mm | 1800mm |
| Top layer length | 1800mm | 1800mm |
| Base layer width | 700mm | 1000mm |
| Top layer width | 1300mm | 1500mm |
Temperate topper
The Temperate Topper is a soft mattress topper which is used underneath the fitted bed sheet, and on top of the layers of Stabilising Mesh. The topper provides a padded layer over the mesh, and without this in place, there is only the sheet between the person’s body and the mesh. It is filled with a state of the art non-woven fibre material which is machine washable to 90°. Natural fibres wick moisture away which prevents maceration of the skin and allows air to circulate around the individual, helping to maintain a dry, temperate environment for them to rest in.
The Temperate Topper aids in thermoregulation, being non-dynamic. This means that the non-woven fibre does not retain heat as foam is known to do, thereby neither cooling nor warming the individual. This is an essential safety feature for those who find it difficult to control their own body temperature, so as not to interfere with their unique temperature regulatory system.
The topper provides a soft layer under the person’s body where the bulk of their weight lies. Comfort of the patient is necessary as postural care must be gentle and humane. If the patient is not comfortable, then muscle tone may increase, and the sleep system is less likely to get used.
The Temperate Topper is available in both single and cot sizes. The single size can also be used on larger beds.
| Cot bed size | Single bed size | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1000mm | 1000mm |
| Width | 590mm | 1000mm |
Fitted sheet
These sheets are made from a beautiful cotton material which is hard wearing but lovely and soft. The cotton sheet is the sheet that will be placed between the patient and either the mattress or any additional layers. They are extra big and stretchy so that supports can be placed around an individual and the sheet will still conform to their body. With a four way stretch, the sheet ‘moulds’ over the sleep system parts that are placed below it. In this way the contours of the parts are not lost ensuring good support and optimising contact with the person’s body.
These cotton bed sheets aid in thermoregulation, made from a natural fibre cotton mix that wicks moisture away from the body. This can be described as “thermo-neutral” meaning that it neither gives heat to the person’s body nor takes heat away from the person’s body. This is a necessary property where thermoregulation and/or sweating is a problem for the user.
They are available in cot bed, single, and double (upon request) sizes.
| Cot bed size | Single bed size | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1400mm | 1900mm |
| Width | 700mm | 900mm |
Foot supports
The Simple Stuff Works Foot Supports are soft and comfortable, holding the feet in a neutral position for long periods of time and supporting the ankle. They are made from the same fibre as the Temperate Toppers so they help to keep the feet feeling fresh whilst protecting them from falling forwards or rotating. The specialised fibre material, wicks moisture away from the body and promotes better airflow around the foot.
They relieve pressure from off the base of the heel; a necessary consideration when the person is being supported to lie on their back. It is also effective at relieving pressure off the base of the heel when the hips and knees are bent, as well as protecting the toes from possible shear forces caused by contact with sheets.
The Foot Supports can be used on different types of mattresses such as a foam, airflow, and low air loss mattresses. Some of the benefits of using the Foot Supports may be reduced pain, improved comfort, improved sleep, improved heat exchange and improved pressure care.
| Size 1 (pair) | Size 2 (pair) | Size 3 (pair) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (maximum length of foot) | 210mm | 250mm | 300mm |
| B (height of support) | 200mm | 220mm | 300mm |
Head positioning pillow
The Head Positioning Pillow is a perfect solution for improving air flow and wicking away moisture from the face. The pillow can also be used as additional support around the torso and limbs where required or providing rigidity for other supports placed around the user, making this a “universal” support cushion.| Small | Large | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 480mm | 680mm |
| Height | 350mm | 450mm |
Horseshoe pillow
The Horseshoe Pillow from Simple Stuff Works is a lovely addition to any positioning system. It is made from a lovely soft fibre and covered in a soft yet durable polyester-mix material. A few examples of positioning that can be achieved using the Horseshoe Pillow are:- Raising the legs and placing the pillow under the legs
- Under the upper arm in side lying
- Behind the head or head and shoulders when lying on their back
- Behind the head or head and shoulders in side lying
- Between legs in side lying
- Under and around lower legs when used in conjunction with a supine stabiliser
- Under and around lower thighs
Roll pillow
The Roll Pillow is a lovely option for supporting an individual. It is made from a soft fibre and covered in a soft yet durable polyester-mix material. These pillows are designed to provide support either on top of the sheet or between the base sheets.A few examples of postures achieved with the help of the Roll Pillow are:- Raising the legs and placing the pillow under the legs
- Behind the patient’s back or front of the torso to provide soft support in side lying
- Between the legs in side lying
- Used in conjunction with a supine stabiliser
- Used in conjunction with a side lying leg support
- Under and around lower thighs
| Small | Large | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 400mm | 500mm |
| Height | 150mm | 180mm |
Neck support pillow
The Neck Support Pillow is a lovely option for supporting an individual’s neck. It is made from a soft fibre and covered in a soft yet durable polyester-mix material. Below are a few examples of postures achieved with the use of the Neck Support Pillow:- Supporting the neck in lying or sitting
- Under the upper arm in side lying
| Width | 350mm |
| Height | 300mm |
Wedges
These soft fibre wedges are manufactured using a specialist fibre and are covered in a soft yet durable polyester-mix material. The fibre is highly breathable and wicks moisture away from the skin, allowing the person to remain comfortable whilst reducing the risk of tissue damage.
The soft fibre wedges increase the patient’s base of support – this can spread the load and reduce body tone. It is recommended to use a soft fibre wedge to support the patient in a therapeutic manner. The fibre wedge counters the forces acting on the patient’s body, however in areas where forces acting on the body are stronger, we recommend using alternative Simple Stuff Works supports.
The wedges are tapered at one end, meaning they can be used in a variety of positions and at different areas of the body such as the pelvis, rib cage, head. This will have the effect of maintaining the body’s position or improving it. The wedge is positioned between the two layers of stabilising mesh alongside the patient’s body. It can be used to support the patient in a variety of assessed positions including supine and side lying.
They are available in five different sizes.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small narrow | 150mm | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm |
| Small wide | 220mm | 120mm | 100mm | 100mm |
| Medium narrow | 360mm | 90mm | 80mm | 200mm |
| Medium wide | 310mm | 130mm | 110mm | 200mm |
| Large wide | 490mm | 130mm | 110mm | 330mm |
Side lying leg support
The Side Lying Leg Support is designed to protect the hips and pelvis when a person is lying on their side. The leg channel creates a perfect place for the top leg to lie and the bottom leg wraps gently around the outside. When combined with lots of support along the person’s back, a lovely, supportive, side lying position can be achieved. This is perfect for individuals who need to lie on their side for safety reasons. The Side Lying Leg Support can be used with individuals of all ages during immobilisation after surgery, to therapeutically align the legs and avoid contractures. It has a cotton mix terry towelling cover and is filled with a specialised fibre that wicks moisture away from the body, therefore it may be placed next to the skin. Some of the benefits of using the Side Lying Leg Support may be:- Reduced pain
- Improved comfort
- Improved balance
- Improved sleep
- Improved cardiac language
- Improved respiratory function
- Improved heat exchange
- Improved pressure care
- Improved digestion
- Decreased tone
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size 1 | 270mm | 380mm | 280mm | 80mm | 130mm | 80mm |
| Size 2 | 400mm | 560mm | 340mm | 100mm | 200mm | 90mm |
| Size 3 | 400mm | 610mm | 400mm | 110mm | 150mm | 70mm |
Simple stabiliser
The Multi-Plane Stabiliser is a beautifully dynamic leg support piece which supports an individual’s legs in a therapeutic position. It has the ability to either internally or externally rotate the legs depending on what position would be beneficial for the individual, as well providing a nice level of abduction of the hips to keep them comfortable and in joint. Designed to help an individual to keep a neutral, supine position for long periods of time, it is worn above the knees, across the thighs, and it stabilises the pelvis and the femora.
The Multi-Plane Stabiliser supports the legs to be aligned therapeutically, from a habitual, unsupported or destructive position. Its intended purpose is in therapeutic positioning in the lying posture, and is a gentle therapy used by people with movement difficulties. When used correctly it may help protect and restore an individual’s body shape. A few examples of postures achieved with the help of the Multi-Plane Stabiliser are:
- Reduced pain
- Improved comfort
- Improved balance
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size 1 (suggested age range 2-4 years) | 420mm | 150mm | 160mm | 110mm | 70mm | 80mm | 80mm | 60mm |
| Size 2 (suggested age range 2-10 years) | 460mm | 160mm | 330mm | 190mm | 80mm | 90mm | 80mm | 80mm |
| Size 3 (suggested age range 5-13 years) | 580mm | 210mm | 390mm | 210mm | 120mm | 1400 | 90mm | 110mm |
| Size 4 (suggested age range 13 years to adult) | 620mm | 220mm | 400mm | 220mm | 120mm | 140mm | 100mm | 110mm |
Front
Side
Lateral supports
These padded lateral supports are perfect for providing firmer support around the torso and limbs for an individual using this therapeutic positioning equipment. They are L-shaped with soft, washable, removable pads which cover them. They are then positioned in between the two layers of mesh which hold them in place securely. They can also be used to support other items such as leg supports or pillows.
The supports are made of a specialised fibre material that wicks moisture away from the body. This can help with regulation of the body temperature.
These come as a pair.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 120mm | 120mm | 180mm |
| Medium | 140mm | 140mm | 220mm |
| Large | 190mm | 220mm | 280mm |
Lateral Supports for Air Mattresses
These padded lateral supports with integrated mesh are designed specifically for use on top of pressure care mattresses. These can be used in the same way as the regular Lateral Supports, with the added benefit of mesh which is designed to grip the mattress directly.
These padded lateral supports are supplied as a pair and are perfect for providing firmer support in a variety of lying positions around the trunk, pelvis and limbs. They are L-shaped with soft, washable, removable pads which act as a cover and provide added comfort. They can also be used in conjunction with other accessories such as leg supports or pillows to provide additional stability.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 120mm | 120mm | 180mm |
| Medium | 140mm | 140mm | 220mm |
| Large | 190mm | 220mm | 280mm |
Wedges for air mattresses
When someone is using an air mattress (sometimes known as Air-Flow or Low-Air Loss mattresses), it is very important that supports are adapted in order to ensure that the individual still gets the maximum benefit from their mattress. For this reason, using the mesh base system or mattress topper is not recommended in this situation, and instead, it is recommended to provide supports that are adapted to include mesh so they can be used directly on top of the mattress.
These fibre wedges with mesh sides are a soft support which can be used in the same way as the regular wedges are used, but they go directly on to the pressure mattress. The mesh is inbuilt in to the wedge meaning it can grip the mattress and goes directly under the sheet.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small narrow | 150mm | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm |
| Small wide | 220mm | 100mm | 110mm | 110mm |
| Medium narrow | 360mm | 90mm | 80mm | 200mm |
| Medium wide | 320mm | 110mm | 110mm | 200mm |
| Large wide | 490mm | 130mm | 110mm | 330mm |
Anatomical Measuring Instrument (AMI)
The Anatomical Measuring Instrument is designed to measure the Goldsmith Indices of Body Symmetry, the only validated, objective measurements of body shape available. Alterations in critical dimensions of the chest demonstrate that someone will be experiencing reduced internal capacity of the abdomen and thorax which can lead to secondary complications.
The AMI measures these dimensions along with pelvic and leg rotation. The AMI allows families and healthcare professionals to build up a comprehensive picture of an individual’s body shape and develop a therapeutic positioning plan driven by this information.
Warranty Information
The Simple Stuff Works Positioning System is provided with a one year warranty from the date of purchase.
Product Compliance with Relevant Standards
There are no applicable standards.
ARTG Certificate: 339398
