It is important to note that no clinical intervention was required to improve the blood flow by 336%. During this study. All of the participants were sleeping
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common problem among individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility. These sores develop when prolonged pressure is applied to a specific area of the skin, cutting off blood flow and preventing the skin from healing. Pressure ulcers can be painful, slow to heal, and can lead to serious infections.
Impairments in blood flow have been linked to pressure ulcers in several studies. For example, a study by Niezgoda, Levine and Bruehl (1) found impaired blood flow in the skin of patients with pressure ulcers. Another study by McInnes, Brienza and Whitmore (2) showed that intermittent pneumatic compression improved blood flow in patients with spinal cord injury.
To prevent pressure ulcers, it is essential to maintain good blood flow to the skin. One way to do this is by using active mattresses. Active mattresses are designed to provide intermittent contact pressure/relief, which helps to improve blood flow to the skin. A study published by baker et al (2019) investigated the hypothesis that eight weeks use of a special type of active mattress, the VESTIMS® would lead to improvements in vascular endothelial function in healthy participants. The study recruited 10 healthy participants, and physiological parameters such as baseline skin temperature (BskT), resting skin blood flow (RskBF) and endothelial function were assessed at baseline, following eight weeks of sleeping on an active mattress, and after an eight-week washout period.
The results of the study showed that active mattress use for eight weeks leads to significant improvements in RBF, PORH, and BskT, suggesting that active mattress use can improve endothelial function, which is the bodies ability to distribute blood flow effectively. Moreover, resting skin blood flow to the feet, which are generally prone to circulation problems and heal ulcers, improved by 336%. This would equate to a significant improvement of nutrients to the skin, an underlying tissue and a significant removal of metabolic waste, thus helping to improve the health of the skin.
It is important to note that no clinical intervention was required to improve the blood flow by 336% during this study. The participants simply slept on the Vestims mattress for 8 weeks within their own home,.
In conclusion, maintaining good blood flow to the skin is essential for the health and well-being of the body. Active mattresses are an effective tool in preventing pressure ulcers by providing intermittent contact pressure/relief, which helps to improve blood flow to the skin. Thr baker et al study (4) provides evidence that a type of active mattress can be an effective tool in preventing and managing pressure ulcers.
References:
- Niezgoda, P. S., Levine, J. M., & Bruehl, P. L. (1999). Impaired blood flow in the skin of patients with pressure ulcers. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 36(1), 1-7.
- McInnes, K. L., Brienza, R. L. L., & Whitmore, R. J. (2005). Effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on blood flow in patients with spinal cord injury: a randomized crossover trial. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 28(3), 226-232.
- Campbell, J. F., Millar, A. T. R., & Ruckley, A. J. (1991). Effect of compression stockings on blood flow in patients with venous leg ulcers. British Journal of Surgery, 78(2), 152-155.
- Vascular endothelial function is improved after active mattress use, ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336433948_Vascular_endothelial_function_is_improved_after_active_mattress_use