Innovative Mattress Design: Evaluating Sili-cone Gel and Visco-Gel Pad Mattresses for Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Abstract

Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) are a prevalent medical issue, commonly known as bedsores, posing a significant risk to patients with limited mobility. Pressure ulcers develop due to prolonged pressure on soft tissues, leading to cell necrosis when muscle tissue is pinched between a bony prominence and a support surface. The development of advanced mattress materials, such as silicone gel, visco-elastic gel, and polyurethane foam, offers potential solutions to mitigate the risk of developing pressure ulcers. Current preventive measures focus on enhancing the skin-bed support interface and promoting postural and behavioral changes. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of, and proposes, an innovative mattress design utilizing silicone gel, visco-elastic gel, and polyurethane foam to prevent pressure ulcers. The study focuses on the structural design of the mattress and its impact on pressure ulcer prevention, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. Notably, a patent has already been granted for the mattress design discussed in this research.