Impact of a new clinical mattress solution on interface pressure and comfort during supine lying

Abstract

Objective: Effective pressure management for patients is critical for hospital and community-based care, to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers. This study explores the impact of a new mattress and topper solution on interface pressure and comfort in lying.
Methods: In this quantitative, healthy cohort study, patient-surface interface pressures were calculated for three mattresses (Standard hospital, new solution, Air) with and without an innovative topper solution (Levitex foams, UK). Subjective comfort, surface area, peak and mean pressure and peak pressure index (head, sacrum, heels) were calculated for all conditions for a 20-minute period.
Results: 27 healthy volunteers took part in this study. The new mattress solution decreased peak pressure significantly compared to hospital and air mattresses. Lower peak pressures were seen for the hospital compared to air mattress. The new mattress solution improved comfort and significantly lowered (>30%) heel and head pressure compared to other surfaces. Both hospital and air mattresses significantly reduced pressure and improved comfort with the addition of the new topper solution.
Conclusion: This new mattress solution offers a potentially improved pressure management solution for patients. Implementation of the topper may also prove to be an improved solution when used with existing standard or air flow mattresses.