Support Surfaces: Pressure Reducing Beds/Mattresses/Overlays/Pads
A pressure reducing support surface is designed to prevent or promote the healing of certain types of pressure ulcers by reducing or eliminating tissue interface pressure. Pressure injuries (pressure ulcers, pressure sores) are areas of skin and tissue damage that form in regions with unrelieved and/or increased pressure. Pressure injuries are often associated with prolonged immobility, poor nutrition, and/or comorbid medical conditions. There are many pressure-reducing support surfaces used to care for and prevent the development of pressure injuries, including specialized mattresses and mattress overlays. The primary function of these support surfaces is to prevent focal areas of pressure and to better distribute the body surface over a larger area. Pressure-reducing support surfaces are categorized into three groups based on their features, such as the type of material and whether they are powered by electricity or not.