Friction between human skin and medical textiles for decubitus prevention

Decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers are a major health problem. This study investigated the possibility of using low-friction bed sheets with optimized moisture transport properties for the prevention of decubitus ulcers. The tribological behavior of a newly developed prototype in contact with human skin was investigated in vivo. For comparison conventional hospital bed sheets were also investigated. on measurements under dry and wet conditions on the inner forearm showed that conventional hospital bed sheets are not optimal; their friction was systematically higher by up to 50% when compared with the prototype. These results suggest that friction and shear stresses on the skin of patients and thus the risk of pressure ulcers could be reduced by improved hospital bed sheets.