CLINICAL FOCUS

Prone positioning and Nimbus
Professional alternatingpressure system

Prone positioning and pressure
injury complications
Lengthy prone positioning sessions in critical care, areassociated with an increased frequency of pressure injury
development.1
Such injuries can lead to a protracted hospital stay, patientsuffering, possible surgical intervention, and increased costsof care. 2

When utilised, patients often spend up to 16 hours out of every
24 hour period in the prone position. 3
Caregivers are challenged to prevent pressure injuries
developing over body areas such as the face, breast region,genitals, knees and toes, not typically at risk when the patient ismanaged supine, but at high risk when patients are in the proneposition.

Body areas at high risk of pressure injury

Support surface selection, is an important component of the pressure injury prevention strategy to bedeployed with this high risk patient population.

Nimbus Professional alternating pressure
mattress replacement system
Pressure redistribution
The alternating pressure mode of the Nimbus Professional
mattress ensures the pressure under the patient is frequently
redistributed through the periodic inflation and deflation ofalternate mattress cells over a ten minute cycle. Clinical studies
on the Nimbus product range consistently demonstrates
excellent outcomes for the most vulnerable patients or thosewith existing wounds. 4–113  N IM BUS PROFESSIONAL – CLIN ICAL FOCUS

Zoned wound valve technology
Allows caregivers to completely deflate individual cells under
the patient’s body, providing an adaptable support surface forthe management of highly vulnerable areas. Cell deflation canbe targeted at body areas at particular risk.

Area with shoulder support cells

Nimbus Professional mattress – vent valves

HeadendFootendHeadcells

Torsocells

Thighcells

Heelguard
cells

Shoulder support cells

For prone positioning caregivers can off-load selected cells
under the patient for longer periods, as follows:• Deflate only one cell in the Head Section when the patient isin the supine position, or all three cells in the Head Section
can be deflated if appropriate when the patient is in the Prone
position. Ensure the head, neck and airway are appropriately
supported• Deflate only one cell in the torso section.
• Deflate only one cell in the thigh/heel section.

Infection Control
The Nimbus Professional mattress also offers the addition
benefit of a welded cover with Arjo’s Premium Fabric (optional).
Premium cover fabric is one of the toughest medical fabrics
available.12 It is an ideal choice for busy environments wherefast, high volume turnaround and frequent cleaning is essential,
especially where stronger cleaning agents are required.

N IM BUS PROFESSIONAL – CLIN ICAL FOCUS   4  

For additional information related to other features of the Nimbus Professional mattress pleaserefer to the Nimbus Product Brochure. For further information related to the operation of themattress or use with prone positioning please refer to the instructions for use.

References
1. Girard R, Baboi L, et al The impact of patient positioning on pressure ulcers in patients with severe ARDS: results from a multicentre randomised
controlled trial on prone positioning, Intensive Care Med (2014) 40:397–403
2. Bunker D, Thomson M, Chin Necrosis as a Consequence of Prone Positioning in the Intensive Care Unit Case Reports in Medicine Volume 2015,Article ID 762956, 3 pages
3. Guerin C, Reignier J, Richard JC, Beuret P, Gacouin A, Boulain T, Mercier E, Badet M, Mercat A, Baudin O, Clavel M, Chatellier D, Jaber S, Rosselli S,Mancebo J, Sirodot M, Hilbert G, Bengler C, Richecoeur J, Gainnier M, Bayle F, Bourdin G, Leray V, Girard R, Baboi L, Ayzac L, Group PS (2013) Prone
positioning in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. N Engl J Med 368:2159–2168
4. Ward C, Wubbels M, Schembri L (2012) Using Complete Pressure Off-loading and Advanced Wound Care to Treat a Complex Sacral Pressure Ulcer.
Poster Presentation
5. Clancy J (2011) Winning the war against pressure ulcers. Poster presentation
6. Malbrain M, Hendriks B, Wijnands P et al (2010) A pilot randomised controlled trial comparing reactive air and active alternating pressure
mattresses in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers among medical ICU patients. Journal of Tissue Viability 19(1):7-15
7. Finnegan MJ (2008). Comparing the effectiveness of a specialised alternating air pressure mattress replacement system and an air fluidised
integrated bed in the management of post- operative flap patients. A randomised controlled study. Journal of Tissue Viability 17(1): February 2008
8. Russell L, Reynolds TM (2000) Randomised controlled trial of two pressure relieving systems. Journal of Wound Care 9(2):52-55
9. Evans D, Land L, Geary A (2000). A clinical evaluation of the Nimbus 3 alternating pressure mattress replacement system. Journal of Wound Care9(4):181-186
10. Land L, Evans D, Geary A et al (2000) A clinical evaluation of an alternating pressure mattress replacement system in hospital and residential caresettings. Journal of Tissue Viability 10(1): 6-11
11. Phillips L (2010) Nimbus range of pressure redistributing mattresses. Wounds UK, 2010, 6 (2): 116-122
12. The Impact of Cleaning Chemicals on Polyurethane Mattress Cover Materials and their Propensity for Physical Damage, Jo Milnes MA(Hons),MSc(Dist): Technical Manager, Dartex Coatings Limited, Acton Close, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 1FZ. 2013

March 2020 Only Arjo designed parts, which are designed specifically for the purpose, should be used on the equipment and products supplied by Arjo. As our policy is oneof continuous development we reserve the right to modify designs and specifications without prior notice. ® and ™ are trademarks belonging to the Arjo group of companies.
© Arjo, 2020
At Arjo, we are committed to improving the everyday lives of people affected by reduced mobility and age-related health challenges. With products and solutions that ensureergonomic patient handling, personal hygiene, disinfection, diagnostics, and the effective prevention of pressure injury and venous thromboembolism, we help professionals
across care environments to continually raise the standard of safe and dignified care. Everything we do, we do with people in mind.
Arjo AB · Hans Michelsensgatan 10 · 211 20 Malmö · Sweden · +46 10 335 4500
www.arjo.com

ARJO.A00295.1.1.INT.EN