The Role of Polyurethane Foam Multilayer Dressings in Combination with Pressure Redistribution Surfaces in Reducing Peak Pressure to Minimize Pressure Injury

Management of both the duration and magnitude of the mechanical loads applied to the skin and soft tissues has long been seen as the essential element of pressure injury prevention and management. These mechanical loads have been considered to be best managed through repositioning and offloading of patients or through the use of a variety of pressure-redistributing support surfaces.

This practitioner utilized a pressure mapping device to determine the peak pressure imparted to a 5-pound ball, simulating a pressure point, on all pressure redistribution surfaces within an inpatient facility, including low air loss mattresses, foam mattresses, and OR surfaces. The same pressure mapping device was used to determine if the addition of a polyurethane foam multilayer dressing placed over the pressure point impacted the peak pressure exerted on the pressure point. The addition of the polyurethane foam multilayer dressing was found to significantly decrease (p<0.05) the peak pressure exerted on the simulated pressure point.

The results of this study, combined with current literature on the use of prophylactic dressings in the prevention of pressure injuries, solidified the incorporation of the polyurethane foam multilayer dressing into the inpatient comprehensive pressure injury prevention protocol for this provider’s inpatient facility.