Air-fluidised Therapy (AFT) surfaces have demonstrated
the best performance related to wound
prevention and care (Ochs et al, 2005). A retrospective
analysis of pressure ulcer prevention and
treatment reported that ulcers treated with AFT
had statistically significant faster healing rates
(particularly for stage 3 and 4 ulcers) with significantly
fewer hospitalisations and emergency
room visits (Ochs et al, 2005). AFT support surfaces
have demonstrated great healing potential
and can be beneficial to the palliative care
patient. Traditional AFT support provides pressure
redistribution via a fluid-like medium created
by forcing air through ceramic beads which
creates immersion and envelopment. These surfaces
have traditionally been part of a large,
heavy and expensive specialty bed system and
although very desirable for wound care, problems
have been encountered with application.
There have been problems with bead leakage and
it is very difficult to move patients in and out of
the bed. Since these AFT bed systems are operating
with air being forced through ceramic beads,
the air can become heated and this may raise
room temperature due to the constant hot air
exhaust. Continuous exposure to warm dry air
can lead to increased, evaporative water loss and
may require oral or IV therapy. Excessive incontinence
and exudate saturates the beads and hampers
fluidisation. The use of petroleum-based
ointments and silver compounds ruin the coating
on the beads and can permanently destroy their
fluidising properties.