A Simulation Study of Gel Pillow Heat Conductance

Abstract

The results of this simulation study suggest that use of the gel pillow outside of a thermally controlled environment and in an open crib environment may increase energy use to maintain thermoneutrality. The Squishon 2 gel pillow conducts heat from the mannequin head and may increase kilocalories per day consumption in the preterm infant. Furthermore, the results of the study support previous findings that a hat helps conserve energy.