The influence of modern soft-care-mattresses on subcutaneous tissue pressure and pO(2) over the os sacrum

In this study the influence of soft-care systems on subcutaneous tissue pre ssure and pO(2) has been examined. In 14 volunteers 3 probes were implanted over the os sacrum for measurement during the 20-minute periods. Then the probands were asked to lie on a standard mattress, on 8 static beds of vari ous kind and on 3 dynamic soft-care systems. The clinical mattress pressure values amounted to 25.5 mm Hg (+/- 5.2; n = 14). The gell-cushion showed i ncreased values (26.9 +/- 9.5 mm Hg; n = 5). Compared to the standard mattr ess the other systems showed reductions in pressure from 32.7 % to 83.1 %. The lowest pressure was recorded with an air-supported mattress (8.3 +/- 2. 3 mm Hg; n = 5). The pO(2) initial values before lying down varied greatly from individual to individual (26.9-71.3 mm Hg). In the course of the 20-mi nute periods the pO(2) value sometimes remained constant, sometimes increas ed and at other times it decreased. Under extrem conditions (with 8 proband s asked to lie on the floor) a correlation (r = -0.787) between pressure an d pO(2) was observed (pressure values between 20.6 and 192.9 mm Hg). The re sults indicate the use of modern soft-care systems depending on the individ ual risk of pressure sores.