Strikethrough: review of research on mattress cover performance

During the past few years there have been increasing concerns regarding the performance of pressure-reducing foam mattress covers. Initially, a small number of people observed these problems. However, recently, many more people have begun to identify similar problems with their covers. This article is the result of a collaboration between Medical Support Systems and members of the editorial board of the British Journal of Nursing Tissue Viability Supplement. Medical Support Systems commissioned research from Nottingham Trent University and Cardiff University. The research findings were then passed to members of the editorial board for consideration and the development of this article. The article will present the rationale for the research and the results will be highlighted. It is hoped that it will help inform us and assist those currently working towards a resolution of this problem. The full benefit of this new information will only be felt after an extended debate of not only the results, but also their wider implications.