title: Principles of alternating pressure surfaces.
abstract: Alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs) have been in clinical use for nearly 50 years, yet little has been published on their design rationale. Although early systems were recognized as an effective tool in preventing pressure ulcers, serious quality and reliability problems hampered their use. Today, several types of APAMs, including overlays and mattress replacements, are routinely used in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in many clinical settings. Caution must be exercised, however, when comparing interface pressure measurements on APAMs and static surfaces. This paper discusses some of the characteristics of alternating surfaces that may have an effect on the body.
authors.affiliation: Huntleigh Healthcare, Luton, England.
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: McLeod
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D001513:Beds / Q000592:standards* / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*