Besides heel and foot elevators, which are used to keep the heels and ankles off the bed?

The use of pillows to keep the heels and ankles off the bed is appropriate because they can be strategically placed to elevate and support the legs, which helps to prevent pressure ulcers and reduces the risk of skin breakdown in patients with limited mobility. Pillows can be adjusted in height and positioning as needed for patient comfort and effective elevation.

In contrast, bed cradles are typically used to keep bed linens off the legs and feet and do not provide the same kind of elevation that pillows can. Heel protectors are designed specifically to cushion and protect the heels from pressure, but they do not necessarily elevate them off the surface of the bed. Sheepskin pads provide a soft surface and promote comfort but may not adequately elevate the heels to prevent pressure against the bed.

Thus, the choice of pillows aligns with the goal of elevating the heels and ankles effectively, making it a suitable option in the context of patient care.