Comparative study of a foam mattress and a water mattress

H.W. Groen, K.H. Groenier, J. Schuling

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademic

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In order to determine the effectiveness of high-quality foam replacement mattresses in the treatment of pressure ulcers, one such mattress (TheraRest) was compared with a water mattress (Secutex). One hundred and twenty nursing home patients with pressure ulcers were randomised into two groups and nursed on one of the mattresses for four weeks. After four weeks, 45% of the patients using the foam mattress were completely healed, compared with 48.3% of those using the water mattress. This difference is not significant. Since high-quality foam mattresses are cheaper in the long term than water mattresses, and are easier for nursing staff to manage, it is suggested that these mattresses are preferable
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)333-335
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Wound Care
Volume8
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 1999

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