Friction between human skin and medical textiles for decubitus prevention

Decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers are a major health problem. This study investigated the possibility of using low-friction bed sheets with optimized moisture transport properties for the prevention of decubitus ulcers. The tribological behavior of a newly developed prototype in contact with human...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Tribology international 2013-09, Vol.65, p.91-96
Main Authors: Rotaru, G.-M., Pille, D., Lehmeier, F.K., Stämpfli, R., Scheel-Sailer, A., Rossi, R.M., Derler, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Friction
Friction and shear forces
Hospitals
Human
Medical textiles
Pressure ulcers
Prototypes
Skin friction
Skin tribology
Textiles
Tribology
Ulcers
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Summary:Decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers are a major health problem. This study investigated the possibility of using low-friction bed sheets with optimized moisture transport properties for the prevention of decubitus ulcers. The tribological behavior of a newly developed prototype in contact with human skin was investigated in vivo. For comparison conventional hospital bed sheets were also investigated. Friction measurements under dry and wet conditions on the inner forearm showed that conventional hospital bed sheets are not optimal; their friction was systematically higher by up to 50% when compared with the prototype. These results suggest that friction and shear stresses on the skin of patients and thus the risk of pressure ulcers could be reduced by improved hospital bed sheets. ► Skin–textile friction can be understood qualitatively based on the adhesion model. ► Hospital bed sheets are not optimal with regard to friction and moisture transport. ► Risk of pressure ulcers could be reduced by improved hospital bed sheets.
ISSN:0301-679X
1879-2464
DOI:10.1016/j.triboint.2013.02.005