A modified evaluation of spacer fabric and airflow technologies for controlling the microclimate at the loaded support interface

Abstract

The microclimate between an individual and their support surface can have a significant effect on skin health. Companies have developed mattress systems designed to regulate the temperature and humidity at the individual-support surface interface, utilizing spacer fabric materials and active airflow systems. However, there has been little formal evaluation of their performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate mattress systems using a lab-based approach. A physical model tank was applied to each support surface, filled with 20 L of water maintained at 37℃. A continuous network of perforated plastic tubing deposited moisture equivalent to a 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 h. Tests were conducted using a range of support surfaces incorporating spacer fabrics, with and without active airflow. The results from this study revealed that spacer fabric appears to dissipate heat more effectively than viscoelastic foam (Heat flux 33.6 W/m2 vs. 10.4 W/m2). With no active airflow, the viscoelastic foam and spacer fabric exhibited a limited reduction in relative humidity (RH) at the interface. However, with active airflow, the spacer fabric had the ability to reduce RH over time to basal levels through moisture vapor transfer. This represented a change from saturation (99% RH) to ambient humidity (40%) over a 24-h period (water vapor transfer rate = 0.9 g/m2; h). Further parametric testing is required to evaluate the optimal combinations of spacer fabric material and airflow systems.