SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS FOR CLASSES OF SUPPORT SURFACES

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS FOR CLASSES OF SUPPORT SURFACES

	Support Devices
Performance Characteristics	Air- Fluidized	Low-Air Loss	Alternating Air	Static Flotation (Air or Water)	Foam	Standard Mattress
Increased Support Area	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO
Low-Moisture Retention	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO
Reduced-Heat Accumulation	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO
Shear Reduction	YES	?	YES	YES	NO	NO
Pressure Reduction	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO
Dynamic	YES	YES	YES	NO	NO	NO
Cost per Day	High	High	Moderate	Low	Low	Low

ACWCP - 1998