Study Confirms Sheepskins Prevent Bed Sores

April 16, 2004 -- According to Australia?s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), a major cause of patient pain and suffering and additional healthcare costs in hospitals and aged care facilities is the development of pressure ulcers, more commonly known as bed sores. CSIRO reported that bed sores can be more than halved by using a simple but effective sheepskin mattress overlay.

Chief Investigator, Dr. Ken Montgomery, of CSIRO Textile Fibre and Technology indicated, ?A survey, conducted in the U.S. in 1999, estimated the annual cost of pressure ulcers to the American healthcare system at $US 3.6 billion. The results of this study, therefore, are significant for healthcare systems world-wide.?

The Australian Medical Sheepskin (AMS) was specifically designed to reduce pressure, minimize skin-shear and friction and absorb moisture. The AMS is more supportive than previous products and can withstand multiple washes at 80 degrees Celsius to achieve high-level thermal disinfection. It represents a significant advance in leather technology.

Montgomery concluded, ?Results of this study have confirmed that when used as a mattress overlay, the AMS can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers by 58 percent.?

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