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Table: Pressure Reducing Support Surface Options
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Surface
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Foam
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Lightweight
Resists puncture
No maintenance
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Retains heat
Retains moisture
Limited life
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Air
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Low maintenance
Inexpensive
Multi-patient use
Durable
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Can be punctured
Requires proper inflation
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Gel
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Low maintenance
Easy to clean
Multipatient use
Resists puncture
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Heavy
Expensive
Little research
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Water
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Readily available in community
Easy to clean
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Requires heater
Transfers are difficult
Can leak
Heavy
Maintenance is difficult
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Dynamic overlays
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Easy to clean
Moisture control
Deflates for transfers
Reusable pump
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Can be damaged by sharp objects
Noisy
Assembly required
Requires power
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Replacement mattresses
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Reduced staff time
Multipatient use
Easy to clean
Low maintenance
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High initial cost
May not control moisture
Lose effectiveness over time
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Air fluidized mattresses
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Reduced shear and friction
Lowest interface pressure
Low moisture
Less frequent turning required
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Expensive
Noisy
Heavy
Dehydration can occur
Electrolyte imbalances can occur
May cause disorientation
Transfers are difficult
Hot
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Low-air-loss mattresses
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Head and foot of bed can be raised
Less frequent turning required
Pressure relieving
Reduced shear and friction
Moisture control
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Noisy
Transfers are difficult
Expensive
Requires power
Restricts mobility
Skilled setup required
Rental charge
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Source: Salcido & Popescu. Pressure Ulcers and Wound Care, 2006. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/319284-overview on June 4, 2009
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