Evaluation of a low-air-loss mattress system in the treatment of patients with pressure ulcers.

Many individuals who are on prolonged bed rest suffer from pressure-induced ulcers. Pressure ulcers result from soft tissue being compressed between the skeleton or other supporting body structures and the relatively immovable surfaces commonly found with conventional mattresses in homes, hospitals, and prolonged care nursing facilities. In this study, we have evaluated the utility of a low-air-loss mattress system* in the treatment of patients with pressure ulcers by measuring stabilized ulcers before and after use of this system to determine if such ulcers worsened, improved or healed. Our observations indicate that use of this low-air-loss mattress system reduces the size and facilitates the healing of previously stable, chronic pressure ulcers.