Pressure ulcer prophylaxis in elderly patients using polyurethane foam or Jay wheelchair cushions

Int J Rehabil Res. 1994 Jun;17(2):123-37. doi: 10.1097/00004356-199406000-00003.

Abstract

A significantly lower proportion of the patients in the Jay group (25%) experienced pressure ulcer formation during the three months of observation as compared to the foam group (41%). No statistically significant differences were found between groups on the location, severity, or healing duration of the pressure ulcers. Most lesions (65%) were limited to persistent erythema of intact skin, and healed in three to four weeks. Significantly higher proportions of patients in the Jay groups (7%) rejected their cushion because of discomfort as compared to foam (1%). The incidence of pressure ulcers was significantly higher among those patients who experienced peak interface pressures recorded at 60 mmHg or higher, had low Norton scores (< or = 11), or were malnourished.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyurethanes* / therapeutic use
  • Pressure
  • Pressure Ulcer / physiopathology
  • Pressure Ulcer / prevention & control*
  • Wheelchairs*

Substances

  • Polyurethanes
  • polyurethane foam