Pressure reduction with a hospitalized population using a mattress overlay.

Billions of dollars are spent each year on treating pressure ulcers. With healthcare costs climbing and reform the order of the day, it is essential for researchers to identify a device which reduces pressure, is easy to use and is cost effective. This study used a Mini-Tipe pressure sensor to measure pressure readings over the sacral and trochanter areas of 17 subjects identified as being at risk for skin breakdown. Pressures were compared on a standard hospital mattress and an anatomically contoured mattress overlay. There was a 48 percent reduction in mean pressures over the sacral area and a 23 percent reduction over the trochanter. No correlations between pressures and demographic data were identified. Further research is warranted to determine the effects of variables found in an "at risk" population on pressure reduction with various products.