Pressure redistribution: a comparative trial on the occiput, sacrum and heel in human volunteers

Introduction and methodology:

The occiput, sacrum and heels are among the anatomical areas that are most prone to the development of pressure ulcers. Consequently, these are areas where pressure distribution is of utmost importance.The most frequently type of support surface used is the polyurethane mattress. A new type of polyurethane mattress, combining variable pressure foaming (VPF) and surface modification technology (SMT) was tested with male and female volunteers against ten standard polyurethane mattresses, using a pressure mapping system.For all three anatomical regions, a series of 9 measurements, centered around the most prominent (concave) area, were taken and the maximum as well as the average pressures were calculated.

Results:

Occiput:

The peak pressure measured for the VPF/SMT surface was 36.7 mmHg/cm². For the series of standard polyurethane surfaces the average peak pressure was 50.4 mmHg/cm² (range: 43.1-62.7).

Sacrum:

The peak pressure measured for the VPF/SMT surface was 38.1mmHg/cm². For the series of standard polyurethane surfaces the average peak pressure was 40.2 mmHg/cm² (range: 35.7-43.6).

Heel:

The peak pressure measured for the VPF/SMT surface was 24.5 mmHg/cm². For the series of standard polyurethane surfaces the average peak pressure was 45.5 mmHg/cm² (range: 45.5-59.2).

Conclusion:

The maximum pressures measured, both for the individual surfaces and for the average of all conventional polyurethane surface show significant differences in favor of the new VPF/SMT surface. In the clinical situation the VPF/SMT surfaces may help reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers on the occiput, sacrum and heels and, consequently, decrease suffering, morbidity and cost