[The effect of position and mattress on the development of pressure sores]

The aim of this investigation was to determine which positions were associated with the lowest pressures to the skin in persons lying in bed. The pressure was recorded in ten different lying positions on two mattresses in 26 healthy volunteers. The semi Fowler position and the prone position were associated with a very low pressure. The 30 degrees laterally inclined position had significantly lower pressure than the classical 90 degrees side lying position. The highest pressure was measured in the 90 degrees side lying position and thus it should be avoided. A polyethylene-urethane mattress reduced pressure by 20 to 30% in comparison to a standard hospital mattress.