KCI Introduces Mattress Cover to Reduce Pressure Ulcers

Kinetic Concepts Inc. (KCI) has released the Skin IQ Microclimate Manager (MCM) from its Therapeutic Support Systems (TSS) business in the United States. The Skin IQ is a mattress cover that reportedly helps prevent and treat stage I-IV pressure ulcers for patients who weigh up to 1,000 pounds when combined with bariatric pressure.

“Skin IQ MCM can simplify surface selection and expedite therapy while providing outstanding clinical results,” said Rose Raizman, clinical nurse specialist and enterostomal therapist at Rouge Valley Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Skin IQ is powered by negative airflow technology, which provides an alternative to conventional low air loss therapy mattresses currently used for managing skin microclimate. Comparative studies have shown that Skin IQ provides a higher moisture vapor transfer rate, which helps keep skin dry and cool, and a lower temperature at the skin/mattress interface. According to KCI, combining Skin IQ with the KCI AtmosAir Fit MRS and the BariMaxx II Bed provides comprehensive care for obese patients, helping prevent and treat pressure ulcers while facilitating patient handling and supporting patient dignity.

The company designed the mattress cover in response to clinical findings that skin microclimate, a term for moisture and temperature at the skin/mattress interface, is a key contributor to pressure ulcer development. Managing the skin microclimate of obese patients is particularly important due to patients’ tendency to experience limited mobility, elevated skin temperature and excess skin moisture from perspiration, incontinence and wound drainage. The Skin IQ also provides a bacterial and viral barrier, and contains bactericidal properties.

The cover is compatible with most bariatric pressure redistribution mattresses on the market.

“The introduction of recent microclimate management technology into the Wound Care Clinic has the potential to decrease rental costs, while treating and preventing pressure ulcers and moisture-related breakdown,” said Jean de Leon, M.D., director of the Wound Care Clinic at Baylor Specialty Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Based in San Anotnio, Texas, Kinetic Concepts Inc. develops therapies and products for the wound care and therapeutic support system markets.