Starfish technology integrated into healthcare products
Starfish of Sweden has – through five years of research – created a totally new platform for preventing pressure ulcers. The platform – clinically validated – consists of a number of small rubber “fingers” that will reduce the contact between the body and the surface. Instead of 90 percent contact, the Starfish system makes the body “float” with only 20 percent contact. Our clinical studies show that – compared to the preventive mattresses used today – we have:
- 24 percent better micro bloodflow
- 20 percent increase in oxygen supply
- 4 degrees lower heat development
Our research lab in Sweden has also developed a unique way of measuring these factors as the first facility in the world to be able to perform such measurements.
The problem with pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are a significant and growing issue in healthcare, affecting 1 in 5 hospitalized patients worldwide. The main reasons behind pressure ulcers are:
- continuous pressure
- restricted blood flow
- friction
- heat, and moisture buildup
Treatment is costly, with global healthcare systems spending around $500 billion annually, and yet current solutions fall short of effectively preventing these wounds. The evidence base for existing solutions is also very weak, with almost no research done on the efficiency of the solutions used today.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Advantages with Integrating the Starfish Platform into healthcare products
1. Improved Pressure Relief and Micro Blood Flow
For patients requiring extended periods in bed or wheelchairs, pressure ulcers and discomfort are major concerns. The Starfish platform is designed to enhance micro blood flow by reducing pressure points, promoting better circulation, and improving tissue health. This not only prevents pressure ulcers but also supports faster recovery and improved overall well-being.
2. Superior Temperature and Moisture Management
Maintaining dry and cool skin is essential for patients with limited mobility, as excessive heat and moisture can exacerbate skin conditions and discomfort. The Starfish platform ensures effective ventilation, reducing skin wetness and regulating temperature. This creates an optimal environment for long-term comfort and helps prevent skin-related complications.
3. Boosted Patient Outcomes and Care Efficiency
By addressing key challenges such as pressure ulcers and discomfort, the Starfish platform supports better patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals benefit from reduced need for repositioning patients or managing skin-related issues, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of care.
4. Customized Solutions for Diverse Healthcare Needs
Whether for hospital beds, rehabilitation mattresses, or wheelchair seat cushions, the Starfish platform’s adaptable technology can be tailored to specific patient needs. This versatility makes it a valuable tool in a variety of healthcare settings, from acute care to home healthcare.
Integrating the Starfish platform into healthcare mattresses and seating solutions transforms patient care, offering comfort, safety, and innovative solutions to enhance quality of life.
Research
Integrating the Starfish platform into a mattress or seat cushion will help preventing pressure ulcers in a significant way, since the connection between micro blood flow, temperature and oxygen supply is well known. There are numbers of clinical studies done on this topic, some of them are:
1. Microclimate: A Critical Review in the Context of Pressure Ulcer Prevention
This study emphasizes the role of skin microclimate—specifically temperature and humidity—in pressure ulcer development. It suggests that managing these factors is crucial for effective pressure ulcer prevention.
2. Evaluation of Repositioning in Pressure Ulcer Prevention
This research examines how different lying positions affect tissue blood flow, skin temperature, and interface pressure in elderly patients. Findings indicate that certain positions can enhance blood flow and reduce skin temperature, thereby lowering the risk of pressure ulcers.
3. Effect of Pressure Loading on Heel Skin Temperature and Moisture in Healthy Volunteers: Preliminary Results
This study investigates how pressure affects skin temperature and moisture in the heel area, a common site for pressure ulcers. Results show that pressure loading leads to changes in skin temperature and moisture, underscoring the need for effective pressure management to prevent ulcers.
These studies underscore the critical role of micro blood flow and temperature regulation in preventing pressure ulcers, highlighting the potential benefits of technologies like the Starfish platform in healthcare settings.
Innovating Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Patented, Licensed and Transformative.
Explore our licensing opportunities. Contact us to get to know more.