Why Face Down Recovery Is Necessary
After retinal surgeries, maintaining a face-down position helps keep the gas bubble inside your eye in place, supporting proper healing. Your eye surgeon may recommend maintaining this position for several days, sometimes up to two weeks. Using professional-grade face down equipment is essential to prevent discomfort and ensure you maintain the right posture without putting strain on your neck, back, or shoulders.
Step 1: Choose the Right Equipment
We offer face down equipment rental kits tailored to home recovery. Each kit typically includes:
Face down support chair
Adjustable mirror system (so you can see in front of you while facing down)
Kneeling pad or tabletop support
Face-down sleeping support system
When selecting your rental package, consider:
Duration of your recovery
Available space in your home
Whether you'll need mobility or stationary setups
Step 2: Set Up Your Equipment Properly
Once your rental arrives, follow these setup steps:
For Sitting or Resting:
- Place the face-down chair in a quiet, well-lit area.
- Adjust the chest pad and face cushion to match your height.
- Use the mirror system to watch TV or see visitors without straining your neck.
For Sleeping:
- Set up the face-down sleep support on your mattress.
- Make sure your face rests in the cushion without pressure on your eyes.
- Keep extra pillows around your sides to stay stable overnight.
Scouter Medical’s equipment includes clear setup instructions and video tutorials to make installation stress-free.
Step 3: Learn the Correct Posture
To maximize healing, your posture must be consistent.
- Keep your head fully down, not tilted sideways or upward.
- Your chin should be parallel to the floor.
- Sit or lie in 20–30 minute intervals, taking gentle breaks if allowed by your doctor.
Incorrect posture can reduce the effectiveness of the surgery, so follow your ophthalmologist's guidelines closely.
Step 4: Incorporate Daily Activities
Being face-down doesn’t mean being disconnected.
- Use the included mirror to watch TV or interact with others.
- Audiobooks or podcasts can keep your mind active.
- Hands-free phone holders allow communication without straining your position.
With Scouter Medical’s rental kits, many patients find they can maintain their lifestyle with minimal interruption.
Step 5: Clean and Maintain Your Equipment
Keeping your equipment clean ensures a safe recovery environment.
- Wipe down face cushions and mirrors daily with a gentle disinfectant.
- Use soft covers or face towels for extra hygiene.
- Follow the return instructions provided by Scouter Medical at the end of your rental period.
FAQs: Using Face Down Equipment at Home
How long will I need to use face down equipment?
Most patients use it for 5 to 14 days, depending on the surgery. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
Can I rent just the sleeping support or mirror separately?
Yes. At Scouter Medical, our face down equipment rental packages are customizable.
Is it safe to sleep face down?
Yes — with proper support. Our sleeping systems are ergonomically designed for overnight comfort and stability.
2025 Best Practices for At-Home Eye Surgery Recovery
In 2025, remote monitoring and home-based recovery have improved significantly. Patients can now:
Schedule virtual check-ins with their doctors during recovery.
Get delivery and pickup for face down equipment rental within 24 hours.
Access live support for setup and troubleshooting via Scouter Medical.