Predicting the cut-off point for interface pressure in pressure injury according to the standard hospital mattress and polyurethane foam mattress as support surfaces

This study aimed to investigate the interface pressure (IP) of patients using a standard hospital mattress and polyurethane foam mattress as support surfaces and present cut-off points for IP in patients who exhibited skin changes. A total of 189 inpatients enrolled from six general wards and three intensive care units at a Korean University Hospital. Skin changes were classified, and peak IP at the sacral and occipital regions was measured using a pressure scanner. Differences in IPs according to mattress type were analysed using independent t-tests. The receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the cut-off point, and the area under the curve with a 95% confidence interval was obtained using the Stata 15.1.program. The IP for a standard hospital mattress was significantly higher than that of a polyurethane foam mattress. The cut-off points for IP at the sacral region were 52.90 and 30.15 mm Hg for a standard hospital mattress and polyurethane foam mattress, respectively. The cut-off point for IP at the occipital region was 36.40 mm Hg for a polyurethane foam mattress. Using IP measurements to prevent pressure injuries is important and employ individualised interventions based on the cut-off points for different support surfaces.

Automated summary

This study investigated the interface pressure (IP) of patients using different support surfaces (standard hospital mattress and polyurethane foam mattress), identified cut-off points for IP in patients with skin changes, and compared the pressure differences between the two mattress types. The results showed that the IP for a standard hospital mattress was significantly higher than that of a polyurethane foam mattress. Individualized interventions based on the cut-off points are recommended to prevent pressure injuries.