Pressure ulcers are a common and serious complication in healthcare, especially in intensive care settings where patients are often immobilised for long periods. A new study, published in the Journal of Tissue Viability, has examined the effects of different mattress solutions in preventing pressure ulcers in high-risk acute care patients.
The results show that choosing the right pressure-relieving pad can play a crucial role in reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers and improving the quality of care.
- Lentex Soft Euroflex reduced the risk of pressure ulcers by 73 % compared to the airbed mattress.
- Only 6.7 % of patients using Lentex Soft Euroflex developed pressure ulcers, compared with 25 % in the airbed mattress group.
- The mattress offers very good pressure relief by evenly distributing body weight and eliminating creases.
- Faecal incontinence was identified as an important risk factor, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers by 14 times.
- The study confirms that Lentex Soft Euroflex is an effective pressure-relieving mattress that can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in intensive care.
- The results emphasise the importance of using effective pressure-relieving mattresses such as Lentex Soft Euroflex to prevent pressure ulcers and improve care.
- With the right choice of mattress, carers can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers, improve patient comfort and save resources.
- Lentex Soft Euroflex reduced the risk of pressure ulcers by 73 % compared to the airbed mattress.
- Only 6.7 % of patients using Lentex Soft Euroflex developed pressure ulcers, compared with 25 % in the airbed mattress group.
- The mattress offers very good pressure relief by evenly distributing body weight and eliminating creases.
- Faecal incontinence was identified as an important risk factor, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers by 14 times.
- The study confirms that Lentex Soft Euroflex is an effective pressure-relieving mattress that can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in intensive care.
- The results emphasise the importance of using effective pressure-relieving mattresses such as Lentex Soft Euroflex to prevent pressure ulcers and improve care.
- With the right choice of mattress, carers can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers, improve patient comfort and save resources.
Good depressurisation is essential
Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure injuries, occur when the skin and underlying tissue are damaged due to prolonged pressure or shearing forces. Most commonly, areas where skeletal skin is exposed to stress, such as hips, sacrum and heels, are affected. These wounds not only cause pain and suffering, but also lead to prolonged hospitalisation and increased healthcare costs.
The risk of pressure ulcers is particularly high in intensive care settings. According to previous studies, the incidence in these settings can be over 20 %. Therefore, it is essential to use effective pressure relief solutions to prevent these injuries.
Study design and methodology
Moving from subjective perceptions to objective criteria allows different tenders to be assessed on an equal footing.
Implementation of the study
The research team behind the study conducted a prospective observational study at five large hospitals in South Korea. A total of 120 patients at high risk of pressure ulcers (Braden scale ≤16) were included. Patients were divided into two groups, 60 patients in each group, based on the type of mattress used:
- Mattress with a combination of different foam types and laminates:
Lentex Soft Euroflex is designed with three layers of foam and a laminate cover that prevents creases and unevenness. - Air bed mattress with air-filled chambers:
Air Doctor 1200, a 10 cm bed mattress that periodically changes the back pressure with air-filled chambers alternately filled and emptied.
For one week, specialised nurses collected data and documented the presence of pressure ulcers.
The results were analysed using statistical methods.
What does this mean for healthcare?
The results of this study strongly support the use of mattresses with a combination of different foams and laminates as part of the pressure ulcer prevention strategy. Lentex Soft Euroflex provides a high level of pressure relief by distributing body weight evenly and eliminating creases that can create unwanted pressure points.
The study also shows that not all air mattresses are as effective as previously thought. Although these systems are widely used in healthcare settings, the results suggest that their effectiveness for pressure ulcer prevention may be limited.
LENTEX Soft Euroflex showed clear benefits
The study showed that patients using Lentex Soft Euroflex had a significantly lower risk of developing pressure ulcers. Only 6.7 % of patients in this group developed pressure ulcers compared to 25 % in the airbed mattress group. The statistical analysis showed a significant protective effect for Lentex Soft Euro Flex, with an odds ratio of 0.123 (p = 0.011).
The severity of pressure ulcers was also lower in the Lentex Soft Euroflex group, with no grade 3 or higher pressure ulcers reported.
Interview with Professor Park
ONLINE STUDIES – ScienceDirect.com
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