Medical Sheepskins
Medical Sheepskins for Natural Comfort & Pressure Distribution
Medical sheepskins provide a natural, supportive wool cushioning layer designed to improve everyday comfort and help evenly distribute pressure for individuals who spend extended periods sitting or lying down. Made from genuine Australian sheepskin hides with the wool still attached to the leather (shearling), these products offer softness and breathability that synthetic materials cannot replicate.
Used for decades in both home and care environments, medical sheepskins are valued for their ability to enhance comfort while supporting skin health through natural airflow and cushioning.
Why Sheepskin Is Used in Care & Comfort Settings
The unique spring-coil structure of merino wool fibers is what makes sheepskin especially well suited for comfort-focused and care-related use. Each wool fiber acts like a tiny spring, helping to spread weight more evenly across the surface while promoting airflow.
- Pressure distribution to reduce concentrated pressure points
- Soft, resilient cushioning that maintains loft over time
- Breathable and temperature regulating to help manage heat and moisture
- Naturally lanolin-rich fibers that are gentle on sensitive skin
- Flexible leather backing that moves naturally with the body
Because sheepskin works by adapting to the body rather than resisting it, it is commonly chosen as an added comfort layer in addition to a mattress or support cushion.
Common Uses for Medical Sheepskins
Medical sheepskins are used in a wide range of everyday comfort and care situations, including:
- Bed overlays for extended rest or recovery
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids
- Recliners, chairs, and sofas
- Support during post-surgery or limited mobility periods
- Enhancing comfort for seniors or individuals with sensitive skin
They are suitable for both home use and professional care environments where comfort, durability, and breathability are priorities.
Healthcare Trust & Quality Considerations
Genuine medical sheepskins have long been used in healthcare and care-support settings because of their natural properties, durability, and comfort-focused design. While not a medical device, sheepskin is widely recognized as a supportive surface that complements existing care routines. Our medical sheepskins are selected for:
- Consistent wool density and length
- Careful tanning and finishing
- Durability for repeated use
- Ease of care when used as a comfort overlay
They are often chosen by caregivers, long-term care facilities, and individuals seeking a natural alternative to synthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Sheepskins
Are medical sheepskins the same as regular sheepskin rugs?
Medical sheepskins are carefully selected from highest density Australian merino wool pelts, with the most wool fibers per square inch. They are finished specifically for comfort-focused and care-related use, by clipping the wool to a uniform length of 30mm which reduces matting and promotes airflow. They are designed to be used as overlays or pads rather than decorative rugs.
Can medical sheepskins be used in healthcare or care facilities?
Yes. Medical sheepskins are commonly used in home care and professional care environments as a comfort-enhancing surface. They are usually not classified as medical devices or covered by extended health plans.
Do medical sheepskins help with pressure discomfort?
Sheepskin naturally distributes weight and provides cushioning, which improves comfort during extended sitting or lying periods.
Are medical sheepskins breathable?
Yes. Natural wool fibers allow air to circulate, helping manage heat and moisture more effectively than many synthetic materials.
How are medical sheepskins cleaned?
Most medical sheepskins can be spot cleaned or gently washed using wool-safe detergents. Proper care helps maintain softness and performance over time. Please read our care instructions for further details.
Why Buy Medical Sheepskins from SheepskinShop?
SheepskinShop focuses exclusively on real sheepskin products selected for comfort, density, consistency, and long-term use. Our experience sourcing and supplying sheepskin spans almost 40 years.
- Decades of sheepskin specialization
- Genuine wool-on-leather ("shearling") construction
- Natural alternative to synthetic comfort products
- Knowledgeable guidance and customer support
Explore our collection of medical sheepskins and discover how natural materials can play a meaningful role in everyday comfort and care.