A mechanical resting surface: its effect on pressure distribution.

This study demonstrates the potential effectiveness of a dynamic resting surface which, at regular intervals, provides sitting patients complete relief of pressure for short periods of time. Resting pressure extremes ranged from 0 mm Hg to 160 mm Hg, depending on the position of the roller supports. At all positions, including the area beneath the ischial tuberosities, the pressures were well within the range of capillary pressure and usually dropped to zero pressure at regular intervals. This mechanical surface may be the beginning of a new concept in resting surfaces. In addition to providing intermittent relief of pressure to the sitting area, the surface lends itself and the patient to a mobility that has not been heretofore possible.