The History and Mystery of Low Air Loss

In the mid to late sixties, Dr. John Scales developed a new concept in the treatment of pressure sores, the low air loss bed. The concept was to improve the micro-climate of the skin by maintaining a normal moisture level and to reduce the pressure exerted on the body by the support surface.

After many iterations a design was commercialized which incorporated several innovations. These innovations included; 1) microporous, urethane coated, nylon support cushions to allow moisture to move away from the skin yet block bacteria from entering the support cushions and 2) a dual inlet cushion design to allow any moisture which may have passed into the cushion to be evacuated.

As low air loss therapy became accepted by health care professionals it quickly became obvious that infection control would be a problem if contaminated materials seeped between the support cushions. This prompted the introduction of a microporous cover sheet which separated the patient from direct contact with the cushions. This was the first compromise of necessity.

Shortly thereafter a second compromise in the original concept was developed. A single inlet cushion was introduced to the market. This design forced air out of the cushion through seams, laser cut holes or micro-pores. The microporous cover sheet was still required for infection control. The main draw back with the addition of an extra layer of material between the patient and the support surface is the reduction in moisture vapor transmission by half and in some cases to zero.

The ABS Quilt covers the entire rest surface and is independantly inflated to provide True Air Therapy. For the first time the patient may now lay directly on an air bearing surface with no infection control risks.

The proprietary MedTex fabric used in the ABS Quilt is microporous to block bacteria yet the micro-pores allow air to flow and moisture vapor to pass through.

With a controlled low air flow there is no risk of dehydration yet the imperceptible flow of filtered air enhances patient comfort as intended in the original concept.

Technology unavailable in the sixties and developed by DynaMedics in the 90's allows the care giver to optionally place the skin micro-climate in direct contact with the ABS Quilt for maximum benefit from this breakthrough in technology.