A study of contact pressure points in specialised beds.

Pressure was measured at seven body points liable to develop pressure sores, in four commonly available beds. A small water-filled sensor attached to a transducer and measuring system was used, and the limitations of this system are discussed. The investigation was undertaken in female volunteers lying supine in each of the beds. The results show that compared with the standard, hard mattress normally used in the intensive care bed all the specialised beds have some beneficial effect. The water bed produces an even distribution of body weight but some elevation in pressures, notably in the sacrum and heel regions. The fluidized bed was the most consistent but the low air loss bed also provided safe pressures and has the advantage of greater postural flexibility.