The effect of a double-regression hospital bed on interface pressure

This study examines, for the first time, the differences of interface pressure in different positions on a standard hospital bed and a double-regression hospital bed. For both beds, the interface pressure was recorded in four supine positions and three lateral positions in 49 healthy volunteers (30 men and 19 women). The results demonstrate, independently of the bed type, that when a supine and lateral position is indicated, the 0° and 30° positions, respectively, are preferable. We also show that patients requiring prolonged upper body elevation may benefit from the use of a double-regression hospital bed that reduces the maximum pressure and the pressure surface greater than 32 mm Hg at the sacrum and heel sites.