Development of Latex Pressure-Redistribution Mattresses to Enhance the Capacity for Pressure Injury Management

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are a common medical problem among patients who must remain bedridden for extended periods, particularly older adults with limited mobility. A latex mattress that helps distribute pressure can reduce the likelihood of developing pressure ulcers. The innovation of the pressure-redistributing latex mattress has resulted from continuous development since 2019, beginning with a latex pillow that was tested for pressure distribution when compared with a polymer gel pillow. The results showed that the latex pillow had lower pressure values. This led to the development of a full-sized latex mattress designed to fit a hospital bed, composed of three layers of latex with varying densities–low, medium, and high–arranged from top to bottom. The mattress was tested with both children and adults weighing between 14.5 and 93 kilograms. Pressure values were measured while participants were lying on the mattress, showing that pressure at the sacrum ranged between 44 to 55 mmHg. In addition, the latest study compared the pressure distribution of the latex mattress with two types of air mattresses: alternating pressure and honeycomb types. The results showed that the latex mattress had lower pressure at all body points in the supine position, and nearly half the pressure at the hip and shoulder region in the lateral position. The study concluded that the latex mattress has superior pressure-distributing properties, with pressure levels remaining under 64 mmHg.

In 2023, the mattress was granted petty patent and patent registration both domestically and internationally. In 2024, it was certified by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ministry of Public Health, as a therapeutic and injury-relief medical device.

Nurses, who play a key role in preventing pressure ulcers, should consider using pressure-redistributing latex mattresses for patients with existing pressure ulcers and for older adults with limited mobility. However, to obtain clear evidence, experimental research is needed to verify whether such mattresses are truly effective in preventing pressure ulcers and inhibiting their progression.