A modified evaluation of spacer fabric and airflow technologies for controlling the microclimate at the loaded support interface

Abstract

The microclimate between an individual and their support surface can have a significant effect on skin health. Companies have developed mattress systems designed to regulate the temperature and humidity at the individual-support surface interface, utilizing spacer fabric materials and active airflow systems. However, there has been little formal evaluation of their performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate mattress systems using a lab-based approach. A physical model tank was applied to each support surface, filled with 20 L of water maintained at 37 C. A continuous network of perforated plastic tubing deposited moisture equivalent to a rate of 1.5 mL/min for 25 minutes. Humidity and temperature sensors, stitched onto the thin cotton sheet, monitored the interface conditions for a total of 24 h. Tests were conducted using a range of support surfaces incorporating spacer fabrics, with and without active airflow. The results from this study revealed that spacer fabric appears to dissipate heat more effectively than viscoelastic foam (Heat flux 33.6 W/m 2 vs. 10.4 W/m 2). With no active airflow, the viscoelastic foam and spacer fabric exhibited a limited reduction in relative humidity (RH) at the interface. However, with active airflow, the spacer fabric had the ability to reduce RH over time to basal levels through moisture vapor transfer. This represented a change from saturation (99% RH) to ambient humidity (40%) over a 24-h period (water vapor transfer rate ¼ 0.9 g/m 2 ; h). Further parametric testing is required to evaluate the optimal combinations of spacer fabric material and airflow systems.

Functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers – a review

“…This effect can be accelerated by the introduction of an optional fan. Estimations of heat flux measurements at the support surface interface revealed a greater withdrawal of heat through the Aerospacer mattress in comparison to a foam mattress (Worsley and Bader, 2018).…”

“…It is a revolutionary new reactive therapeutic support system comprising 3 D spacer textiles, which are shown to be superior to foam in assisting the prevention and treatment of moisture lesions and pressure ulcers and improving a patient's microclimate and comfort levels (Cullum et al, 1995;Worsley and Bader, 2018). In contrast to foam, gel and air cells, the textiles inside Aerospacer comprise an open, breathable structure, removing heat and humidity at the skin/surface interface (Worsley and Bader, 2018). This creates a cooler, less moist environment conducive to preventing moisture lesions and improving comfort levels.…”

“…A patient lying on a foam mattress will generate heat which over time (8-24 h) will raise the temperature in the underlying foam mattress above the perspiration threshold. Hybrid foam mattresses partially or wholly enclosed in polyurethane may exacerbate perspiration (Worsley and Bader, 2018) The three layers of 3 D spacer textile are formulated with differing compression levels designed to move independently. As a patient repositions on Aerospacer, each layer absorbs the shear force by differentially distorting, reducing tissue deformation and the stress on tissue as it moves across bony prominences.…”

Tüketicilerin Yatak Seçim Davranışlarının İncelenmesi

“…Çift kişilik yataklarda vücut tipine göre destek sağlanması ve yatak yüzeyinde hareket transferinin minimuma indirilmesi de yataktan beklenen mekanik gereksinimler arasındadır. Yatak sistemlerinin laboratuvar destekli bir yaklaşımla değerlendirildiği bir çalışmada, yatak destek yüzeyleri ve sandviç kumaşın sağladığı aktif hava dağılımı ile viskoelastik köpükten daha etkili bir ısı transferi sağladığı tespit edilmiştir [16]. Yapılan diğer bir subjektif değerlendirme çalışmasında, plesebo etkisi ile iki özdeş yatağın 41 adet kullanıcı tarafından kullanımı istenmiş, yataklardan biri daha pahalı ve kaliteli bir yatak olarak tanıtılmıştır.…”

A spacer fabric-based three-dimensional patterning method with two-colored jacquard systems

“…It is manufactured by a warp knitting double-needle-bar machine, providing desired properties in terms of less weight, high breathability and absorption capacities, directed moisture, heat management, liquid filterability and an excellent pressure-resistance property. 1–6 As a highly customized structure, spacer fabrics finds wide-ranging uses in mattresses, bra pads, office chair upholstery, shoe uppers and more specialized cases of soundproof wall material, automotive interiors, filtering substrates and biomedical materials. 7–14 Such qualities establish knitted spacer fabric as an effective and prospective textile material.…”