Air-Pillows and Pads
Hot-water bottles partly filled with air make good pillows for small areas, though an open ring is better. The latter is almost necessary for the back, especially the lower end. If the position on the ring (which shouid be only partly filled with air) is uncomfortable, the body may be supported else¬where with pillows, as a pillow under the small of the back when the ring is at the end of the spine. Rubber rings and cushions should be slipped into pillow-cases. Cotton rings are serviceable when the air-cushions are not obtainable.
They should be carefully made and covered with bandages, then perhaps slipped into a pillow-case, though not necessarily. In making these rings the cotton (cotton batting being cheap and satisfactory) should be rolled into a suitable ring and then wrapped about several times with gauze, leaving a hole in the center so the finished ring resembles in shape a doughnut or a life-preserver. These are so inexpensive that they may be renewed often. Rings may also be made of strong material and partly filled with bran or fine sawdust. If filled full they are uncomfortable.