Biomechanical effect of changes in bed positions and different types of mattresses in preventing decubitus ulcer

Abstract

The optimal bed position of the patient in the bed to prevent decubitus ulcers and the best effective mattress in preventing these ulcers is also controversial. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of changes in bed position on different types of mattresses during frequent nursing activities on the contact pressure between the patient’s body and the mattress. The fifteen normal healthy subjects were selected and divided into three groups (normal, overweight, and underweight) with respect to body mass indexes. We set up five positions of three-stage segmental motorized beds and used four types of ulcer-preventing mattresses (latex, bubble, alternative and air) and ordinary hospital mattress. The contact pressure at three areas of the shoulder-scapular, pelvis-sacrum and heel-ankle using pressure measurement system were measured. The results showed that the head-foot at 30 degrees was the best position to mitigate the possibility of a decubitus ulcer with regard to the subject’s position in the bed. Regarding the type of mattress, the air mattress was the most effective in ameliorating a decubitus ulcer. In addition, those who were underweight were more vulnerable to a decubitus ulcer than those who were overweight. Therefore both optimal bed position and appropriate ulcer-preventing mattress for body mass indexes should be considered to alleviate the development of decubitus ulcer for nursing activities of critically ill patients.