Usefulness of weight-dispersing mattresses in preventing pressure sores at the sacral bone in elderly patients

To study the effectiveness of a weight-dispersing mattress (Clinifloat) in alleviating or preventing pressure sores in elderly patients confined to bed, we measured body pressure (weight) at four areas: the scapula, sacrum, greater trochanter, and heel in both elderly patients and healthy controls. In three patients with bed sores classed as grade II or III by Shea's system, we incorporated the Clinifloat mattress in the wound treatment process, and studied its effect on granulation and other clinical parameters. As a result, we found that on a standard mattress, elderly patients experienced significantly (p<0.0001) more pressure on the sacral bone than did healthy controls. It was also found that when using the Clinifloat mattress, this disparity between patients and controls was markedly reduced (10-50%). Use of the Clinifloat mattress led to granulation in the three patients with bed sores at an early stage in the wound treatment process. Observation by microscope of granulating tissue in the area of the sore suggested no adverse effects of the mattress on the wound healing process. Based on the above, it appears that the Clinifloat mattress is effective in preventing sacral bed sores in elderly bedridden patients.