Are you Sitting Comfortably? The Use of Polyurethane Coated Fabrics in Specialist Seating

Being seated for long periods of time can become uncomfortable; especialy for those with reduced mobility or significant medical needs.

Award-winning Seating Matters, a leader in therapeutic seating solutions based in Northern Ireland, extensively utilizes polyurethane (PU) coated fabrics, such as Dartex® by Trelleborg, in their products to enhance patient care at the skin contact point. 

These fabrics are particularly significant in the prevention of pressure injuries, a critical concern in both acute and long-term care settings. 


Pressure Injury Prevention

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers, are a significant risk for patients who spend extended periods seated or bedridden. An estimated 1 in 10 of the global healthcare population are affected by pressure injuries .

The Dartex® PU coated fabrics used in Seating Matters chairs, such as the Sorrento and Phoenix models, provide excellent pressure redistribution, a key factor in preventing avoidable pressure injuries. 

According to research cited by Seating Matters, specialist seating can lead to a substantial decrease in pressure injury prevalence, which directly correlates with reduced hospitalization costs and better patient quality of life .

Seating Matters' use of Dartex® by Trelleborg aligns with their commitment to providing optimum quality, safety, pressure management, and support for both patients and caregivers. 


Clinical Excellence

The use of Dartex® Performance range ensures that Seating Matters' products offer maximum functionality with all-around performance, including providing fluid-proof, virus-proof barriers for infection control. 

This commitment to quality and patient care is evident in the testimonials from healthcare professionals who have observed significant improvements in patient comfort and injury prevention when using Seating Matters chairs equipped with Dartex®.

Dartex®, a polyurethane coated fabric, was originally developed for use in the the NHS in the 1990s and has since become the material of choice globally in the healthcare and medical sector due to its superior properties compared to vinyl. 

The clinical advantages of using Dartex® in specialist seating are manifold. Firstly, the higher moisture vapor permeability (MVP) of polyurethane allows for moisture vapors from the body to pass through the contact surface, reducing the risk of moisture build-up which can lead to pressure injuries. 

The low friction surface of Dartex® by Trelleborg is ideal for reducing skin shear, as it minimizes the rubbing of skin against the contact surface, a common issue with vinyl materials. 

This is aided by the stretch properties of Dartex®; allowing immersion and envelopment of the sitter


Promoting patient comfort and well-being

The breathability properties of Dartex® fabrics makes it a comfortable proposition for Seating Matters chairs. 

Unlike vinyl alternatives used by other seatng manufacturers, polyurethane fabrics offer better temperature regulation and are generally more comfortable for extended use, making them a better choice for preventing pressure injuries.

The stretch properties of Dartex® fabrics are crucial in pressure injury prevention. Stretchable materials conform to the body's contours, minimizing shear and friction forces that can cause skin damage. 

By adapting to the patient's movements, these fabrics reduce the risk of skin breakdown and support the body's natural pressure relief mechanisms.


Clinical Seating – Fit for Healthcare Environments

The use of polyurethane coated fabrics in specialist seating by companies like Seating Matters represents a significant advancement in patient care. 

These materials' unique properties contribute to improved patient outcomes, particularly in the prevention of pressure injuries. As healthcare continues to evolve, the adoption of such innovative materials will be essential in providing high-quality, cost-effective patient care.

Seating Matters' dedication to clinical excellence and the use of innovative materials like Dartex® is a testament to their role as leaders in the field of specialist seating for healthcare applications.


Printed fabric options now available

Seating Matters has teamed up with Trelleborg to offer UV printed fabric options in the stunning Pozzicon print. Find out more..

www.seatingmatters.com / jim.decicco@seatingmatters.com
www.trelleborg.com/en/engineered-coated-fabrics/specialist-seating /TIS.ECF.Healthmed@trelleborg.com