title: Evaluation of a range of hospital replacement mattresses.
abstract: A combination of physical measurement and clinical testing was used to evaluate a range of pressure-reducing replacement mattresses, which had met tender specifications, in order to reduce the number available for selection in the purchasing process. Factors considered included mattress price and expected life-span. The results presented have supported a purchasing decision to replace mattresses but care should be taken in adopting these findings in a different context from that of a district general hospital. Optimum performance was found in one mattress replacement (Pentaflex).
authors.affiliation: School of Health Science, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, UK.
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Kernohan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Witherow
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Allen-Hamilton
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Hagan
mesh_terms: D001513:Beds / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011682:Purchasing, Hospital