Modified water-air mattress in the management of bedsores
Gupta, R.C.; Nathani, D.; Gupta, K.K.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 70: 289-298
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 521098 Document Number: 145498
The water filled air mattress is effective and useful in the prevention and treatment of bedsores. It provides floatation thus reducing the contact pressure on the susceptible areas of the body such as the occiput, shoulders, sacrum, greater trochanter and the heels. Deep breathing, coughing or slight movement performed by the patient generates rippling effect in the mattress and changes the pressure distribution of the entire body surface in contact with water mattress. The mattress is easily available, economical, comfortable and simple to use. It has a few mechanical failures which are easily repairable. As turning in bed is hardly required, it reduces the load on the nursing staff and ward attendants.