Pressure distribution analysis of X-Ray table mattresses

Background: There is a risk of developing pressure ulcers from lying on an X-ray table mattress, if the mattress pressure redistribution properties are poor. Aim: To assess the pressure redistribution properties of 'new' and 'in current clinical use' X-ray table mattresses. Methods and materials: Twenty one X-ray table mattresses, each of 2.5 cm thickness, were evaluated. An anthropomorphic human phantom of adult stature with five different weights (minimum, first quartile, mean, third quartile and maximum) was used to simulate human head, pelvis and heels (pressure ulcer jeopardy areas). Using Xsensor technology, peak pressure was measured and Interface Pressure Ratio was calculated for the three pressure ulcer jeopardy areas 'with' and 'without' an X-ray table mattress. Results: For all mattresses, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the peak pressure values with and without using an X-ray table mattress for the three pressure ulcer jeopardy areas; similarly, for all mattresses, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the Interface Pressure Ratio values with and without using x-ray table mattress. The type and age of the mattress was observed to have an impact on peak pressure values and Interface Pressure Ratios, with older mattresses performing worse. Conclusion: Peak pressure values and Interface Pressure Ratios are reduced significantly when using newer X-ray table mattresses. This could be because newer mattresses use more appropriate materials in their construction and/or older mattresses have lost their pressure redistribution properties. Radiology departments should consider assessing mattresses pressure redistribution properties, perhaps on an annual basis