SimCair: a simple mattress system to support pressure ulcer prevention.

Assessing skin is a simple method of reducing pressure ulcer occurrence and is easily accomplished by both trained and untrained staff. The important issue, once the risk has been identified, is to supply equipment in the shortest time possible. A new mattress, SimCair, developed by Hill-Rom Ltd, is designed for just such a reason. It is a lightweight overlay that combines air and viscoelastic foam in order to redistribute the body weight and thus reduce risk. SimCair is easily transported and can be ready for instant and automatic inflation as soon as it is required. It is also durable and simple to clean between patients. A small evaluation was undertaken in one nursing home to assess the benefits to the residents.