Development of novel customized pressure distribution surface for reduction of pressure ulcers using additive manufacturing technology

Purpose This research aims to focus on developing a customized support surface using additive manufacturing (AM) for effective pressure relief for patients who are in bed or wheelchair suffering from pressure ulcers (PU). Design/methodology/approach A novel customized support surface is developed using AM technology incorporated with magnetic levitation and ball and socket mechanisms. Magnetic levitation provides cushioning effect for the developed cushion to users who are sitting in a wheelchair and increases the rate of healing. The ball and socket mechanism provides the user body's self-adaptive mechanism and reduces shear and friction forces between the surfaces of the additive manufactured cushion and the human buttocks. Findings From the results of ISO 16480-6 biomechanical standardized tests, the additive manufactured support surface performed better than, or on par with, the most widely available commercial cushions. It is evident that the developed cushion’s peak pressure values are lower when compared with other cushions. The overall efficiency of the developed cushion was qualitatively reported; 67% of people felt it was excellent and 22% of people responded as good and 11% were satisfactory. Henceforth, the overall effectiveness of the developed support surface provides a better experience to the end-user in the view of PU reduction. Originality/value A developed additive manufactured customized support surface will be an alternative approach for the reduction of PU, and it overcomes the drawbacks faced by the currently available cushions.