PRESS RELEASE
19th March 2021
Innovative technology in pressure wound care – the pulsating mode is backed by clinical evidence
Pressure-relieving mattresses with a pulsating function is a Swedish innovation by the MedTech company Care of Sweden. The intention was to develop a mattress that would be comfortable and stable to lie on, while also keeping noise levels low. A recent study now show that the use of the mattress has given good results in the field of preventing and treating pressure ulcers.
Innovative technology
The innovation that has been integrated into Care of Sweden’s mattresses is the specially developed pulsating mode, with the purpose of reducing the problems with existing pressure ulcer mattresses. The intention was to develop a mattress that would be perceived as more comfortable, quieter, and more stable compared to alternating mattresses. In addition, the mattress has been equipped with integrated sensors and artificial intelligence that continuously reads the user’s weight, height, and body position in bed.
The clinical properties of the pulsating mode has been evaluated in a clinical study conducted by Professor Dimitri Beeckman at Ghent University and published in the JWOCN¹. The study was conducted at ten nursing homes in Belgium and showed good clinical results in its intended use of preventing and treating pressure ulcers. Above all, the study showed that the mattresses were perceived as being both quiet and comfortable, which leads to better sleep and fewer issues with pain.
– Healing a devastating pressure ulcer is a long and complex process with an intricate interplay of the various wound and patient characteristics. The mattress plays an important role in this process. Our study highlights the clinical potential of this innovative mattress when used as an aid in both the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Since patients spend most of their day in bed, we are obliged to consider comfort as a fundamental criterion when selecting a bed surface. Our study confirms that comfort, stability, and noise reduction are key properties of the mattress we studied, says Professor Dimitri Beeckman, Ghent University.
The idea behind pulsation
Pressure-relieving mattresses are used as an aid for patients who either have a high risk of developing pressure ulcers or who have already developed pressure ulcers. The idea behind the pulsating mode was to develop a mattress that is also comfortable to lie on, without the typical high noise levels, and without the rocking motions from traditional special mattresses. In addition, the built-in sensors would make the mattress self-running – without the need to change settings manually when the user changed position or sat up in bed.
– It is of course important to get the clinical benefit of the product confirmed. But the biggest contribution that the pulsating mode gives is probably a good night’s sleep, thanks to higher comfort, fewer movements in the mattress, and quieter processes. Good sleep really is quality of life, and one of the most important parameters for well-being and good healing, says Kristina Hallström, Clinical Affairs Manager at Care of Sweden.
Reference
¹JWOCN, Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing March/April 2021, https://journals.lww.com/jwocnonline/Abstract/2021/03000/A_Fully_Automated_Pulsating_Support_System_for.4.aspx