Effectiveness of mattress overlays in reducing interface pressures during recumbency.

This study evaluates the pressure-reduction characteristics of seven mattress overlays. Thirty subjects were evaluated on each support surface to determine the interface pressures that are generated under the most common pressure sore sites. The results of this study indicate that there is great variability in the effectiveness of traditional mattress overlays. The most effective overlays are the Roho and Akros DFD mattresses; whereas 2-inch thick convoluted foam provides no significant protection for the trochanter when the subjects were lying on their sides (lateral position).