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Numerous options
exist for classifying support surface technologies. Here, technologies are classified
according to their mechanical characteristics or unique therapeutic function. In practice,
most products consist of a combination of materials and incorporate multiple therapeutic
strategies. Available seating products generally fall into the categories of compressive
support mediums (elastic foam and viscoelastic foam), fluid-filled, and alternating
pressure. Available bed support surfaces also fall into the same categories with the
addition of air-fluidized and low air loss. In this section, we describe the
characteristics of products falling into the various categories and discuss their
performance relative to their pressure distribution, shear, temperature and moisture
control. Examples of representative products falling into these are given in Table 1. This
list is included to illustrate the types of products included in the categories and is not
intended to be comprehensive. |