NORCE Norwegian Research Centre

Significant Pressure Distribution Change

The main objective in this project was to compare different lying positions on a flat mattress with

the mattress system from Tidewave R&D. A pressure imaging solution was used to dynamically

measure the interface pressure between the body of a test person and a mattress. The test

persons subjective experience was also investigated during the test situations.

In short, we observed that when lying on a flat surface, the pressure distribution does not change

much, but the pressure will increase over time as the test person’s body slowly sinks into the

mattress (correlated with the mattress’ firmness and the test person’s body weight). The pressure

imaging method visualizes this as an increase in the yellow-red area (indicating a pressure load

higher than 35 mmHg).

For the Tidewave mattress, the pressure distribution varied with turning position, indicating that

the pressure load on a given area constantly changes due to micromovements caused by the

Tidewave motion system. The test person described the Tidewave mattress as very comfortable

compared to lying on a flat surface.

Findings from the report:

In general, pressure imaging gave valuable findings in the comparison between the different static lying positions and the turning mattress. The results presented here, suggests that the mattress system developed by Tidewave R&D can be a valuable aid for immobile persons that are at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

• The surface area increased with app. 9% when the test person was lying on the mattress system from Tidewave R&D compared to supine position on a flat surface.
  
  
• Importantly, the pressure distribution changed significantly when the test person was lying on the innovative mattress system compared to manual repositioning. Pressure relief on local areas by body micromovements can aid in management and relief of pressure ulcers.
  
  
• The test person felt comfortable when lying on the Tidewave mattress, as the cradle-shape “surrounds” the body in a comforting manner.
  
  

You can download the e-poster  - which was awarded a EWMA 2019 E-POSTER PRIZE - here 

The e-poster was evaluated during the EWMA 2019 Conference in Gothenburg by the session chair and by the prize committee of the Scientific Committee.

The following criteria was evaluated:

• Visually appealing
• Well laid out in a logical manner
• Relevant and interesting content
• Clear conclusions