Summary:

This systematic review was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of static air mattress overlays in preventing pressure ulcers. The study was conducted on the basis of that there are indications that these mattress overlays are more effective in preventing pressure ulcers compared with a standard mattress or a pressure-reducing foam mattress in nursing homes and intensive care settings.

The study looked at the incidence of pressure ulcers as its primary outcome and costs and patient comfort as its secondary outcomes. The static air support surface falls under a subgroup of the low-technology pressure redistribution support surfaces. There are also high-technology support surfaces which include electrically powered and alternative pressure devices, low-technology support surfaces which include not electrically powered, constant low-pressure devices, and other support surfaces which include operating table mattress pad, rotating beds, cushions, and limb protectors.

This systematic search resulted in 925 studies, out of which the quality of only 13 studies was assessed. Based on the included studies, a static air support surfaces appeared to be more effective compared to a standard mattress and pressure-reducing foam mattress. However, the study was unable to conclude whether or not static air support surfaces or high-technology support surfaces were superior compared to each other.

Furthermore, secondary outcomes showed that the costs of static air mattress overlays were lower when compared with high-technology supported surfaces. However, further research should focus on performing and reporting economic data based on international guidelines as there was a wide variety in the methods that were used to collect cost data. As for patient comfort, only one study reported a higher comfort level when using a static air mattress overlay compared with a dynamic support mattress.

Overall, no studies reported significant differences in effectiveness, patient comport, and purchase costs between a static air mattress overlay compared with a high-technology mattress. The three main outcomes that were examined could provide important information for policymakers in order for them to make a decision about purchasing support surfaces for different organizations. The authors concluded that further research is recommended.

Prevention of pressure ulcers with a static air support surface: A systematic review

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