Our medical sheepskins are carefully handcrafted in New Zealand from large, high-quality pelts with a dense wool fibre count. The wool is shorn to a uniform length of around 25mm so it stands upright, providing soft but supportive cushioning. As with all genuine sheepskin products, the wool remains attached to the hide leather, creating a natural surface that offers both comfort and effective pressure relief.
What makes a sheepskin 'medical grade' and how is it different from a regular rug?
Medical sheepskins are selected for unusually dense wool fibre count and clipped to a uniform pile of around 25mm so the wool stands upright. The pelts then undergo an extended tanning process so they can withstand repeated machine washing, regular sheepskin rugs aren't built for this. The result is a soft but supportive surface that distributes pressure across a large area, lets air circulate, and keeps skin dry.
How does medical sheepskin help with pressure sores and bed sores?
The high density of upright, springy wool fibres distributes body weight over a wider area, moving with the body to reduce friction and shear forces. Wool also absorbs up to a third of its weight in moisture, helping keep skin dry, moisture is one of the main contributing factors to pressure ulcer development. Cochrane research (McInnes 2011) found that people using sheepskin overlays on their mattress developed fewer pressure ulcers.
Can medical sheepskin be machine washed, and how often?
Yes. Unlike some medical sheepskin products that must be dry-cleaned, ours are tanned to be fully machine washable. Wash as often as needed (weekly is common in care settings) at no more than 40C using Woolskin Wool Wash, no enzymes, no bleach. Tumble dry on cool or hang flat. Daily airing between washes maintains freshness as the natural lanolin keeps the sheepskin largely self-cleaning.
Is medical sheepskin urine resistant?
Yes, provided it's laundered regularly according to care instructions. The extended tanning process is designed to handle frequent washing. To maximise the life of the sheepskin, launder as soon as possible after any soiling, the longer urine sits in the wool and on the leather backing, the more it shortens the lifespan.
Who uses medical sheepskin and where does it help most?
Carers in hospitals, aged care and home settings use it for elderly, immobile or post-surgery patients to reduce pressure sores. People with arthritis, chronic back pain, hip pain or fibromyalgia use it for comfort and circulation. Parents of premature babies use it for warmth and to encourage settled sleep. It's also widely used by people without medical needs who simply sleep better on natural fibres.
Naturally Supportive, Comfort Where It’s Needed Most
Each medical grade sheepskin is selected for its superior density, softness and resilience. The high fibre count allows air to circulate freely, while millions of springy wool fibres move with the body to reduce pressure points, friction and shear. This helps prevent discomfort, pressure sores and bedsores for anyone confined to a bed, seat or wheelchair for long periods.
Medical sheepskins are tanned using a special process that makes them durable and fully machine washable, allowing frequent cleaning without losing softness or shape. The natural wool fibres can absorb up to a third of their weight in moisture without feeling damp, helping keep skin dry, cool and comfortable.
Available in both natural pelt shapes and quilted bed covers, our medical sheepskin range includes underlays, heel and elbow pads, wheelchair covers, seat pads and medical boots. Each item combines the health benefits of natural wool with the trusted quality of New Zealand craftsmanship.
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Medical Sheepskin Bed Pelt & Mattress Topper From $448.00 /
Genuine Sheepskin Underlay & Bed Pad From $748.00 /
Padded Medical Sheepskin Seat Pad $120.00 /
Medical Sheepskin Wheelchair Seat Pad $120.00 /
Medical Sheepskin Wheelchair Cover $210.00 /
Enclosed Medical Sheepskin Boots (Pair) $200.00 /
Woolskin Wool Wash Sheepskin Shampoo
