PRESSURE ULCERS: A PROPOSAL FOR A SMART MATTRESS DERIVED FROM NATURAL LATEX (HEVEA BRASILIENSIS)

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are defined as skin lesions basically originated from prolonged tissue ischemia. Its incidence and prevalence are high and involve the patient, family and health institutions. From this situation comes the need to adopt preventive measures that beyond reducing costs, make more beds available at hospitals. This article describes the development of a smart mattress derived from natural latex and detailing the development of the first prototype, which is equipped with an electronic system to control the temperature and pressure, as well as inflate and deflate the air inside it. According to the pressure tests performed in the laboratory, the mattress attenuated the pressure applied on the calcaneus indicating that the prototype dissipates pressure. This effect on the possibility of distributing and controlling the pressure on the skin involves the reduction of body weight on the mattress and consequently in the prevention and/or treatment of such pathology. The main results suggest an improvement with regard to the concept of preventing pressure ulcers, either at home or in a hospital. Transfer of technology and/or licensing of this new technology with a view to product marketing depend almost exclusively on the involvement of an innovative company. Keywords: Biotechnology, biomaterial, latex, smart-mattress, pressure ulcer.