PORT ANGELES –Olympic Medical Center is exploring a contract to lease a high-tech material to replace conventional bed cushions that doctors say can prevent bed sores, which can lead to pressure ulcers.
The Port Angeles hospital tested 20 bed cushions provided by Oregon Aero in a 90-day “homeostatic mattress overlay trial.”
“We’re the first organization in the world to trial this,” said Dr. Robert Watkins to the OMC board.
OMC is working on a contract with Oregon Aero to lease the waterproof material.
“This material has all the attributes of human flesh,” said Mike Dennis, president and CEO of Oregon Aero, in a presentation to the six hospital commissioners.
“This is a world that Newton wouldn’t recognize.”
Oregon Areo developed the super-soft material called Multi-Wrap for military helmets and seat cushions. The Scappoose-based company has 20 years experience in the field.
The soft, breathable material does not absorb water.
Eric Lewis, CEO of Olympic Medical Center, said the test results have been “unbelievably promising,” and the hospital intends to expand its use of the overlay.
“This could be ground zero of every hospital in the country,” Lewis said.
In the 90-day trial, Olympic Medical Center had 1,640 patient days of experience with the overlay with no evidence of any pressure ulcers.
Nursing staff “enjoyed the ease of the application,” said Lorraine Wall, chief nursing officer.
“They said it was unobtrusive. It didn’t interfere with patient care.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
