HEELBO Heel & Elbow Protectors

For patients confined to bed or a wheelchair, the constant pressure and friction on bony heels and elbows is where pressure injuries begin. HEELBO protectors from Briggs Healthcare address that risk directly, cushioning vulnerable limbs with a soft slip-on sleeve that stays put through repositioning, transfers, and physical therapy.

The core of the line is the reusable heel/elbow protection sleeve, a polyester/cotton knit that pulls on over the heel or elbow and holds a padded orthopedic disk against the pressure point. Because sizing matters for both protection and circulation, HEELBO uses a color-coded system: the yellow Small (D 12059), blue Regular/Medium (D 12038, D 12060), white Large (D 12039, D 12061), and green X-Large (D 12040) fit limbs up to roughly 23 inches in length and 11.5 inches in circumference. Sleeves are latex-free and washable, and pairs are commonly sold in bulk boxes of 12 for facilities that go through them across many rooms.

A frequent question from caregivers is whether these boots and sleeves are machine washable — they are, which is what makes them practical for daily use in nursing homes and home care alike. When the padded disk on the MABIS HeelBoot wears out, the D 12004 replacement liner lets you refresh the boot rather than replace it. The collection also includes the HEELBO Limbo snap-hook limb restraint (D 12069) for wrist or ankle, sized Large/X-Large and latex-free, for situations requiring gentle limb positioning under a care plan.

Choosing the right size comes down to measuring the limb circumference and matching it to the color chart above — too tight restricts blood flow, too loose lets the disk shift off the pressure point. For related bedside care, browse our broader ranges in Pressure Ulcer Dressings and Patient Safety.