Mattress pressure distribution properties vary, and poor distribution can predispose to skin ulcer formation in at risk populations [1]. Previous research has indicated X-ray table mattresses with poor pressure distribution properties heighten ulceration chances within at-risk populations [2]. This work analyses the pressure distribution properties of seven X-ray mattress within one hospital that are currently used in practice.

Seven x-ray table mattress each of 2.5 cm thickness but with different ages from diffrent manfacturers that were in current use in clinical practise were examined. A novel validated three-dimensional (3D) printed phantom of length 175cm, representing skin ulceration jepordy areas (head, heels and sacrum), was used to simulate an adult standard size human (Figure 1). Peak pressure value was measured from the head, pelvis and heels using Xsensor pressure mapping equipment (an industry standard method for assessing pressure distribution,) (Figure 2 and 3) [3]...

Figures 5,6,7,8 and 9 illustrate the variation in peak pressure values of the jeopardy areas (head, sacrum, and heels) for the five different weights (minimum, first quartile, mean, third quartile and maximum), respectively between ‘no mattress’ and ‘with mattress’, for all the seven mattresses. Hospitals, radiology department, and X-ray room are coded using three letters and one number: the letter (H) refers to the hospital, the letter (R), and the letter (R) refers to the X-ray room i.e. Hospital 1, radiology department 1, X-ray room...

Peak pressure value is reduced significantly when an x-ray table matress is used; using a mattress therefore reduces the probability of pressure ulcer formation. The seven X-ray table mattresses displayed a range of interface pressure distributions, with older mattresses having a poorer ability to redistribute pressure. This finding could be because mattress design has changed in recent years, with new materials being used that have better pressure redistribution properties. Alternatively, the older mattresses could be worn which impacts negatively on their ability to redistribute pressure....

N. M. T. Alresheedi; Salford/UK - nothing to disclose A. K. Tootell; Salford/UK - nothing to disclose L. A. Walton; Salford/UK - nothing to disclose J.-A. Webb; Salford/UK - nothing to disclose S. Al-Murshedi; Karbala/IQ - nothing to disclose P. H. Hogg; Salford/UK - nothing to disclose

[1] LITTLE, M. O. 2013. Nutrition and skin ulcers. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 16, 39-49 [2] HOWATSON-JONES, I. L. 2001. Relieving the pressure in the radiology department. Br J Nurs, 10, 219-224. [3] Angmorterh, S.K., 2016.An investigation into interface pressure (IP) risk of healthy volunteers on modern medical imaging and radiotherapy tables(Doctoral dissertation, University of Salford). [4] Mitchell, F., Lindsay, H., Joan, S., Evelyn, M., Tim, B., Susan, R., Mohammad, A. and Tara, T., 2005. Pressure Measurement Applications for Humans. Unpublished (supplied by...