Medical textiles with low friction for decubitus prevention

Decubitus or pressure ulcers in immobile patients are associated with prolonged pressure, shear and friction forces acting on the skin and the soft tissue underneath. We investigated the friction behaviour of hospital bed sheets in comparison with prototypes of low friction textiles in order to assess their potential for decubitus prevention. A specific textile composed of synthetic fibres showed a factor of three lower friction than normal hospital bed sheets under both dry and wet conditions. By absorbing and distributing interfacial water within the textile structure, the prototype additionally exhibited beneficial water transport properties.