BioScience Trends. 2008;2(1):36-43.

Validation and determination of the sensing area of the KINOTEX sensor as part of development of a new mattress with an interface pressure-sensing system.

Sakai K, Nakagami G, Matsui N, Sanada H, Kitagawa A, Tadaka E, Sugama J

The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity of the KINOTEX sensor via comparison with an existing sensor and to determine the sensing areas for a new alternating-air mattress that incorporates an interface pressure-sensing system. The study design was an evaluation study to validate and determine the sensing area of the KINOTEX sensor in comparison with another sensor. Study participants were fifty-one healthy volunteers over eighteen years of age, and the two sensors were placed between participants and an alternating-air mattress. We measured the contact area, full weight load, and maximum pressure in the calcaneal region using two sensors and obtained a graphic pressure distribution of >40 mmHg in the lateral and supine positions. Correlation coefficients between sensors were r = 0.88 (p < 0.001) for the contact area, r = 0.89 (p < 0.001) for full weight load, and r = 0.72 (p < 0.001) at maximum pressure in the calcaneal region. Ninety-one percent of the pressure distribution was recorded in the central 50 cm of the bed, and 94.6% was recorded within an area 160 cm in length need the foot of the bed. We investigated the correlation between the KINOTEX sensor and an existing sensor and determined the necessary sensing area. Results suggested the feasibility of developing a new alternating-air mattress incorporating an interface pressure-sensing system to help prevent pressure ulcers.

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