The effectiveness of Iranian sheep-felt mattresses on pressure injuries prevention in moderate to high-risk hospitalized patients: a randomized controlled trial
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Managing chronic wounds, particularly pressure injuries, poses a challenge for healthcare professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Iranian sheep-felt mattresses in preventing pressure injuries among hospitalized patients. METHODS: In this parallel, open-label randomized controlled trial, 55 patients at moderate to high risk of pressure injuries, admitted to the intensive care unit or the internal ward of Bohlol Hospital (Gonabad, Iran; 2022–2024), were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 28) or a control group (n = 27). Participants had no existing pressure injuries or uncontrolled diabetes upon admission. The control group received routine care with a standard wavy mattress, while the experimental group additionally received an Iranian sheep-felt mattress. Eligible patients were enrolled within 48 h of admission and followed for up to 30 days. Primary outcome was pressure injuries occurrence within 30 days; secondary outcomes included pressure injury-free days, pressure injury severity, and patient satisfaction. Data were collected via demographic/clinical questionnaires, the Braden Risk Scale, National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel classification, and the mattress satisfaction questionnaire, and analyzed using Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, exact tests, and survival analysis. Relative risk, absolute risk reduction, and number needed to treat were calculated. RESULTS: Data from 50 patients (25 in each group) were analyzed. The incidence of pressure injuries was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group (12.0% vs. 56.0%; p < 0.001), corresponding to a relative risk of 0.21, an absolute risk reduction of 44%, and a number needed to treat of 3, highlighting the clinical significance of using the Iranian sheep-felt mattress. A significant difference was also noted in the stage of pressure injuries (p = 0.002), with lower stages in the experimental group. The median survival time free of pressure injuries was 20.0 days (Interquartile range: 18.0–30.0) in the control group and 30.0 days (Interquartile range: 30.0–30.0) in the experimental group, with a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that Iranian sheep-felt mattresses can reduce the incidence and severity of pressure injuries. Multi-center trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm these results and evaluate long-term effects. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This research was registered (11/05/2022) at https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/ with registration number: IRCT20190622043968N3.
Source: BMC Nursing
Authors: Masumeh Amiri Delui, Fatemeh Kameli, Reza Noori, Maryam Moradi, Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh
Institution: Gonabad University of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W7127127404