SimCair: a simple mattress system to support pressure ulcer prevention

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nursing Science

Background:

• Pressure ulcers are a significant concern in long-term care, often resulting from prolonged immobility and inadequate pressure redistribution.
• Early skin assessment by staff is crucial for identifying individuals at risk of developing pressure ulcers.
• Timely provision of appropriate support surfaces is essential to mitigate pressure ulcer development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits of the SimCair mattress overlay in a nursing home setting.
• To assess the practical application and effectiveness of a new pressure-redistributing overlay.

Main Methods:

• A small-scale evaluation was conducted in a single nursing home.
• The SimCair mattress overlay, combining air and viscoelastic foam, was utilized.
• Ease of transport, rapid inflation, durability, and cleaning were considered.

Main Results:

• The SimCair overlay is lightweight, easily transported, and inflates quickly for immediate use.
• Its design facilitates body weight redistribution, aiming to reduce pressure ulcer risk.
• The overlay is durable and simple to clean, suitable for between-patient use.

Conclusions:

• The SimCair mattress overlay presents a practical solution for rapid deployment in pressure ulcer prevention.
• Its combination of materials and design offers potential benefits for residents requiring pressure redistribution.
• Further evaluation is warranted to confirm its efficacy in reducing pressure ulcer incidence.