Veterans
Admirristratim
Journal of Rehabilitation Research
and Developnrent Vol. 22 No. 3
BPR 10-42 Pages 7-10
Effectiveness of mattress overlays in reducing
interface pressures during recumbency
T. A, KROUSKOP, RE,,
PX-E,D.; REBECCA WILLIAMS, M.S.;
MICHAEL KREBS, M.U.; XRENA HERSZKOWIGZ, M,S.; AND SUSAN GARBER, M.S.
The dnstittcte $0.1' Reltubilifatioil curd Resea?.ch, fiuston, Texas 77030
Abstract---This study evaluates the pressure-retiuc-
this posture no longer makes a significant contri-
tion characteristics of seven mattress overlays, Thirty
bution to the forces tending to maintain flow of
subjects were evaluated on each support surface "io
blood and lymph, M
~
~
~
~
when a
is
detel-mine the interface pressures that are generatr~rl
under the most common pressure sore sideh. The
recumbent, variability in surface contours is
results of this study indicate that there is g7e,i
more exaggerated than when the individual is
variabilitv in the effectiveness of traditional mattress
seated. This leads to the need for a support
overlavs."The most effective overkxs are the Rolro
surfi~eo that is ea~able of large defamations
u
and A ~ O S
DFD mattresses; whereas %-inch thick con-
without
large
counter
voluted foam provides no significant protection for the
forces. ~h~ deformation requirements for a bed
trochanter when the subjects were lying on their sides
(lateral position).
support surface are dictated by the differences in
elevations between the lumbar areas of the back
INTRODUCTION
Pressure sore-prevention progralns often con-
centrate significant effort on tho selection of an
appropriate wheelchair cushion but do not pro-
vide adequate guidelines for selecting a support
surface for the individual while the person is
recumbent (1, 4, 5, 7, 8). Frequently, the person
is placed on a piece of 2-inch thick convolu"ii1
foam and turned every 2 hours-a
practice based
on the idea that such care will prevent pressure-
induced soft tissue damage. Ingenuity is required
in cre