A modified evaluation of spacer fabric and airflow technologies for controlling microclimate at the loaded support interface
A modified evaluation of spacer fabric and airflow technologies for controlling microclimate at the loaded support interface
The microclimate between an individual and their support surface can have a significant effect on skin health. Recently, healthcare companies have developed mattress systems designed to regulate the temperature and humidity at the individual-support surface interface, which include spacer fabric materials and active airflow systems. However, to date, there has been little formal evaluation of their performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate mattress systems using an established lab-based approach.
A physical model tank was applied to each support surface, filled with 20 L of water maintained at 37°C. A continuous network of perforated plastic tubing deposited water equivalent to a sweat rate of 1.5 mL/min for 25 minutes. Humidity and temperature sensors, stitched onto the thin cotton sheet,
monitored the interface conditions for a total of 24 hours. Tests were conducted using a range of support surfaces incorporating spacer fabrics, with and without active airflow and ventilated covers.
The results from this study revealed that spacer fabric appears to dissipate heat more effectively than viscoelastic foam (Heat Flux 33.6W/m2 vs. 10.4 W/m2
). With no active airflow the viscoelastic foam and spacer fabric exhibited a limited reduction in relative humidity at the interface. However, with
active airflow, the spacer fabric had the ability to reduce relative humidity over time to basal levels through moisture vapour transfer (MVTR) capability. This represented a change from saturation (99% RH) to ambient humidity (40%) over a 24 hour period (water vapour transfer rate = 0.9 g/m²;hr).
Further parametric testing is required to evaluate the optimal combinations of spacer fabric material and active airflow systems.
Worsley, Peter
6d33aee3-ef43-468d-aef6-86d190de6756
Bader, Daniel
9884d4f6-2607-4d48-bf0c-62bdcc0d1dbf
Worsley, Peter
6d33aee3-ef43-468d-aef6-86d190de6756
Bader, Daniel
9884d4f6-2607-4d48-bf0c-62bdcc0d1dbf
Worsley, Peter and Bader, Daniel
(2018)
A modified evaluation of spacer fabric and airflow technologies for controlling microclimate at the loaded support interface.
Textile Research Journal.
(doi:10.1177/0040517518786279).
Abstract
The microclimate between an individual and their support surface can have a significant effect on skin health. Recently, healthcare companies have developed mattress systems designed to regulate the temperature and humidity at the individual-support surface interface, which include spacer fabric materials and active airflow systems. However, to date, there has been little formal evaluation of their performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate mattress systems using an established lab-based approach.
A physical model tank was applied to each support surface, filled with 20 L of water maintained at 37°C. A continuous network of perforated plastic tubing deposited water equivalent to a sweat rate of 1.5 mL/min for 25 minutes. Humidity and temperature sensors, stitched onto the thin cotton sheet,
monitored the interface conditions for a total of 24 hours. Tests were conducted using a range of support surfaces incorporating spacer fabrics, with and without active airflow and ventilated covers.
The results from this study revealed that spacer fabric appears to dissipate heat more effectively than viscoelastic foam (Heat Flux 33.6W/m2 vs. 10.4 W/m2
). With no active airflow the viscoelastic foam and spacer fabric exhibited a limited reduction in relative humidity at the interface. However, with
active airflow, the spacer fabric had the ability to reduce relative humidity over time to basal levels through moisture vapour transfer (MVTR) capability. This represented a change from saturation (99% RH) to ambient humidity (40%) over a 24 hour period (water vapour transfer rate = 0.9 g/m²;hr).
Further parametric testing is required to evaluate the optimal combinations of spacer fabric material and active airflow systems.
Other
A modified evaluation of spacer fabric and airflow technologies for controlling microclimate at the loaded support interface
- Accepted Manuscript
More information
Accepted/In Press date: 28 June 2018
e-pub ahead of print date: 17 July 2018
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 422120
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/422120
ISSN: 0040-5175
PURE UUID: b3e131f9-fbb3-450b-8f34-283328b27f82
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Date deposited: 17 Jul 2018 16:30
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 03:58
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