Novel Support Surface to Alleviate Pressure Ulcer

Novel Support Surface Based on Smart Materials to Alleviate Pressure Ulcer Formation During the Rehabilitation of Immobile Patients

A prototype support surface has been designed which aims to successfully redistributes the pressures exerted and provides sufficient support to human soft tissue

We want to prove the effectiveness of the prototype support surface by enlisting patients in a clinical trial, where we will assess the presence of pressure ulcers, and the ability of the patients to tolerate the support surface, and also measure the pressure over time and compare them to when the patients are using standard mattresses.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients must be immobile as assessed on the braden scale.
2. Patients must require 2 hourly turning
3. Age 21-85

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No existing pressure ulcers
2. No active infections, fever, or medical conditions that require constant medical attention.
3. They must also not have severe incontinence requiring the change of diapers more frequently than 4 hours
4. No significant cognitive impairment
5. Pregnant women will be excluded from the study