The Effect of a New Gelatinous Elastomers Cushion on Reducing Pressure and Temperature

Authors

Mu-Jung Kao
Yang-Hwei Tsuang
Chi-Jou Kuo
Jen-Ling Chou
Hung-Wen Wei
Mei-Wun Tsai

Translated Title

新型固態矽膠墊對臀部減壓及降溫之效果

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a new air cell cushion (Elaston cushion) made of gelatinous elastomers, a newly developed material with a novel structure on reducing pressure and temperature.Methods: We compared the pressure and thermal responses of the Elastone cushion to three other available cushions (foam, gel-filled and air-filled villous) and four regular wooden or spongy chair seats. The skin temperature at the buttocks was also continuously measured for eight-hours sitting. Results: The Elastone cushion reduced the peak pressure (39.7 mmHg) compared with foam (60.0 mmHg), gel-filled (60.3 mmHg) and air-filled cushions (69.3 mmHg), as well as with the wooden and spongy chair seats (84.7 to 200 mmHg). The peak temperature with the Elastone cushion was 29℃. Higher temperatures were found with the gel-filled (33.8℃), air-filled (35℃) and foam (35.9℃) cushions, as well as with the wooden and spongy chair seats (34.5 to 35.9℃). Conclusion: Our findings clearly showed that the Elastone cushion was more advantageous in relieving pressure and minimizing temperature.

Language

English

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.6315/2010.38(4)02

First Page

215

Last Page

222

Recommended Citation

Kao, Mu-Jung; Tsuang, Yang-Hwei; Kuo, Chi-Jou; Chou, Jen-Ling; Wei, Hung-Wen; and Tsai, Mei-Wun (2010) "The Effect of a New Gelatinous Elastomers Cushion on Reducing Pressure and Temperature," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 38: Iss. 4, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/2010.38(4)02
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol38/iss4/1