Evaluation of a range of hospital replacement mattresses

A combination of physical measurement and clinical testing was used to evaluate a range of pressure-reducing replacement mattresses, which had met tender specifications, in order to reduce the number available for selection in the purchasing process. Factors considered included mattress price and expected life-span. The results presented have supported a purchasing decision to replace mattresses but care should be taken in adopting these findings in a different context from that of a district general hospital. Optimum performance was found in one mattress replacement (Pentaflex).