Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management - Sydney South West ...

Appendix 7Alternating pressure devicesAlternating pressure devices’ characteristics/features include:• dynamic and active pressure relief systems that require an electric power source• supplied as pressure cushions, overlays, single or multilayered mattress replacements• some devices automatically adjust to patient weight and position changeAlternating pressure devices• generate alternating high and low pressures betweenan individual’s body and the support surface• cyclically inflate and deflate groups of air filled cellsgenerally placed transversely across the mattresssurface• support the body via inflated cells, while deflated cellsreduce contact pressure; this allows oxygenation andnutrition to the tissues• significantly lower tissue interface pressure whencompared with a basic hospital mattress• require checking of mattress for puncture, tubingkinking and noise factor• the pressure relieving qualities of the device arereduced by plastic sheets, incontinence sheets andsheepskins between the patient and the surface• devices must have CPR and transport facility