Evaluation of a simplified water mattress in the prevention and treatment of pressure sores.

Using a simplified pressure-measuring device, we determined the pressures under 4 anatomical sites in 11 human subjects to compare 3 commercially available sleeping surfaces. The 3 surfaces tested were a water mattress, a water bed, and our standard hospital bed. There were no significant differences in the recorded pressures of the water mattress and the water bed, except in the region of the scapula. Both the water mattress and the water bed were found to be superior to our standard hospital mattress. The advantages and disadvantages of this water mattress are discussed. The concept of using a water mattress seems to be an affordable approach to preventing pressure ulcers.