Fatigue – A characteristic of a support surface to perform as specified over an extended period of time. Many materials suffer from fatigue due to prolonged use, chemical exposure, heat, or physical forces.
Flap Reconstruction – A type of breast reconstruction post mastectomy which involves the creation of a skin flap using tissue from a different part of the body; the skin flap is attached to the chest to create a pocket for an implant or to build a breast mound.
Force – An important factor to look at when determining a patients susceptibility to develop bed sores. Force is a measure of push / pull analyzed with the magnitude and direction of the shear.
Friction – Resistance to motion in a parallel direction relative to two surfaces. Friction is an important factor to analyze when determining a patients risk for developing bed sores.
Gangrene – When an area of the body dies due to a cut off of blood supply; dry gangrene is when there is a reduction of blood flow which occurs slowly while wet gangrene is due to untreated, infected wounds.
Gel – A component commonly used in pressure relieving devices composed of solid aggregates mixed with some type of liquid. Various types of gels can be used in medical devices and controlled based upon their density.
Hyperreflexia – When there are overactive responses of reflexes at reflex sites.
Hypoperfusion – Diminished blood flow through an organ.
Hypotension – Low blood pressure.
Immersion – A physical property of supportive material measuring the patients depth of penetration into the material.
Incontinence – The decrease of ability or loss of ability to control urination or defecation.
Integrated Bed System – A bed frame and support surface that are combined into a single bedding unit.
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