Development of annular medical posture mat and its initial application in clinical practice

Objective: To develop an annular medical posture mat and investigate its advantages in preventing pressure sores of burn patients. Methods: The new annular medical posture mat with 2 sizes as the traditional posture mat was designed.Pressure was measured after each of the two posture mats was weight loaded.Twenty burn patients on their rotating bed were randomly divided into control group and experimental group.Patients in the control group used the annular medical posture mat,and patients in the experimental group used the traditional posture mat.One hundred and seventy body sites in each group were observed. Changes were observed in skin moist sensation,skin burning heat sensation and skin redness after the use of two posture mats,respectively. Results: After weight loading,the annular medical posture mat generated a significantly lower pressure than the traditional posture mat. Compared with the traditional posture mat,symptoms of skin moist sensation,skin burning heat sensation and skin redness were relieved after use of annular posture mat. Conclusion: The new annular medical posture mat is soft,flexible and practical.Its structure is simple with a better gas permeability and plasticity,and thus can be used in preventing bed sores of burn patients.