Cooling Innovation that Protects Life
The Starfish mattress is the first Swedish pressure ulcer prevention system with scientifically proven temperature reduction — a new and measurable dimension in patient protection.
Developed and tested in collaboration with Lund University, the study confirms that Starfish keeps the skin cooler, maintains tissue oxygenation, and provides stable comfort.
Lower temperature means reduced metabolic stress, prolonged tissue tolerance, and better protection against skin breakdown.
The Study – in Collaboration with Lund University
Conducted at: Lund Institute of Technology, Division of Ergonomics & Aerosol Technology
Participants: 29 healthy volunteers (19–65 years)
Duration: 75 minutes, static supine lying position
Compared: Starfish mattress (PUMP) vs. standard slotted foam mattress (Care of Sweden)
Measured parameters: Micro blood flow, tissue oxygenation (TcPO₂), skin temperature (TSk), humidity (RhSk), and comfort.
Measurement method
The clinical test used advanced equipment from Perimed in order to measure how efficient the two mattresses where when compared:
- Microbloodflow was measured using Laser Doppler technique
- Oxygen supply was measured locally on the skin (TCPO2)
- Measurement of temperature locally on the skin
- Measurement of moisture locally on the skin
Conclusion
The study confirms that the Starfish mattress:
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Maintains tissue oxygenation
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Keeps the skin significantly cooler
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Provides stable comfort
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Offers a pathway to measurable clinical and economic benefits
Clinical study at LTH, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lund andKulan idrottsskadecentrum in Malmö (our test facility).
Key Findings
Micro Blood Flow
There where no significant change in Micro blood flow, however the Starfish mattress show a significantly more stable blood flow compared to the standard mattress.
Tissue oxygenation
Results indicated a 20% (positive trend) better oxygen supply with the Starfish mattress.This indicates better tissue viability and resistance to hypoxia
Temperature Control
The Starfish mattress maintained a consistently 7 percent lower temperature (0.5°C less than the standard) compared to the standard mattress. This translates to calmer skin and longer tissue survival under pressure.
Humidity Management
While initial humidity levels were slightly lower in the Care of Sweden mattress, both systems showed similar humidity levels after 20 minutes. This steady control of moisture further supports skin integrity and ulcer prevention.
Why cooling matters
Elevated skin temperature is one of the most established risk factors for pressure ulcer formation. When skin temperature rises, metabolic demand increases while local blood flow is often restricted — leading to hypoxia and tissue breakdown (Jiang et al., 2020; Sae-Sia et al., 2005).
A cooler surface has the opposite effect.
Lowering skin temperature by just 0.3 – 0.5 °C can extend the time before tissue damage begins by up to 25 % (Zeevi et al., 2018; Gefen et al., 2023).
In clinical terms, this means:
Up to one hour of extra protection for patients at risk.
7 % lower skin temperature translates to calmer skin, stable oxygenation, and longer tissue survival under pressure.
Clinical and Economic Impact
Pressure ulcers cost European healthcare systems billions annually — in Sweden alone, over 2 billion SEK per year.
A single avoided Grade 2 ulcer can save 60 000–100 000 SEK in direct treatment costs.
For a care home with 50 high-risk residents, delaying tissue breakdown even marginally can lead to millions in annual savings.
Starfish buys time.
Every degree — or fraction of a degree — of cooling means longer protection, fewer injuries, and less suffering.
Next Steps in Research and Development
The Starfish clinical study with Lund University marks a decisive milestone — but it is only the beginning.
Our next phase focuses on fine-tuning the microclimate and preparing for medical device certification under the EU MDR Class I framework.
Ongoing and planned activities include:
Optimization of humidity control through breathable and moisture-wicking surface materials.
Extended testing in long-duration and patient-specific settings to simulate real-world conditions.
Integration of smart sensor technology (already covered by Starfish’s patent) to monitor temperature and humidity in real time.
Regulatory documentation and CE-marking to enable clinical implementation across European healthcare systems.
Starfish of Sweden will continue to collaborate with leading research institutions to validate and expand the scientific foundation of its technology.
Our mission remains clear — to set a new evidence-based standard in pressure ulcer prevention through intelligent, sustainable design.
From science to standard – Starfish keeps evolving to protect patients, save resources, and redefine comfort.
Download our preliminary study
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