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Investigation of Interface Pressure Changes on an Air Fluidized System

Rosalyn S. Jordan, RN, BSN, CWOCN, Huntleigh Healthcare, LLC, Senior Clinical Manager, 520 Martin Road East, Northport, AL 35473

Purpose: Technical measurements were completed to analysis an air fluidized support surface system to draw some conclusions if this therapy displayed a variation of tissue interface pressure measurement over time or if the tissue interface pressure measurements remained the same. Methodology: Tissue interface pressures were measured using a pressure mapping system. After careful calibration, a 59 kg (130 lb) male was place on an air fluidized system for 10 minutes. Pressure map recordings were taken once per second and then plotted once per minute for a long term view and once per second for a short term view. Pressure over time was analyzed on both right and left heels and the sacrum for 10 minutes. Pressure was then analyzed on the same sites using a pneumatic pressure sensor for further verification and replication. Results: There was no evidence of cyclic interface pressure variation over a 10 minute period or the 10 second time period either. Also, interface pressure remained at broadly constant levels throughout the tests, even though two different interface pressure sensors were utilized for this project. Conclusion: The results of the findings will be presented graphically during the presentation and related to the new terms and definitions proposed by the NPUAP Support Surface Standards Initiative.


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