The Forté Alaise is an advanced Hybrid Static Care Support Surface combining together the pressure redistribution benefits of both foam and air. Utilising a series of 13+ individual Air Cells, it offers excellent comfort, anatomical support and pressure redistribution. The Alaise is ideal for long-term care applications where maximum pressure care is required with virtually zero maintenance.
Clinical Pressure Mapping
Pressure Mapping for the Alaise was completed using the RESNA/NPIAP 50th Percentile Male Mannequin. The test dummy is manufactured in such a way that the major bony prominences of the human body are exaggerated, exhibiting peak pressure with no soft tissue. It would seem an initial PM view of the bony prominences (Occiput, Scapula, Sacrum, Heels etc.) appears excessive for a short interval however, the human body in fact becomes exponentially more vulnerable for these ‘at-risk’ regions over a longer interval with the "Damage-Spiral Initial Direct Deformation of the skin leading to Internal Inflammatory Response and then Ischemia," At Forté Healthcare we utilise this Pressure Mapping test, employing the use of the RESNA Mannequin, as an essential tool in our Research & Development, ensuring every customer has a Support Surface performing to its peak. Additionally we can help minimise prevalence of Pressure Injuries.
Please note: Pressure Mapping is a commonly used tool in attaining clinical data on Interface Pressures, however Forté Healthcare acknowledges "it cannot be used to conclude on internal stresses and the stress concentration levels in deep vascularised tissues, particularly muscles." The Pressure Mapping example provided by Forté Healthcare is only intended for use as a clinical aid, "rather than a replacement to clinical judgement."
Improved Body Contact Area
One Major goal with any static pressure care support surface is to reduce high pressure points at any section of the body. Reducing peak pressure can be achieved by ensuring maximum contact area between the support surface and the body.
- Maximum contact area is achieved in the Alaise using 5 separate ‘banks’ of air cells “arranged in zones corresponding to anatomical locations.” For each individual area of the body, scapular, pelvic, calf, heel, each bank provides tailored immersion and envelopment relative to the specific size and weight of the individual.
- In addition, the Forté innovation team has included a reservoir system where some air from the sacral region redistributes to the posterior of the knee. The knee pit or popliteal is typically an area of the body that is not in contact with the support surface.
Enhanced Stability, Safer Transfers
- Foam components – within the air cells users body control. Firm Strengthened sides are integral in pressure injury prevention and maintaining an independent life.
- Many systems currently in the market have very little control as to where the air can travel, throughout the entire mattress, and in particular side to side. Air within the Alaise is contained into cells horizontally (4+ Across) to maintain lateral stability and vertically (scapular, pelvic, calf and heel) which are preventing air ‘running away’ to uncontrolled areas of the mattress.
Full Length & Width Pressure Care Surface
- Many Static Air Systems do not include the Heel section of the mattress as part of the Air system, where the air cells stop at the calf area. The Alaise incorporates air cells from head to foot. The Calcanei (heels) are one of the most susceptible areas of the body for a Pressure Injury to develop. The Alaise ensures that the heels are fully protected with dedicated air cells incorporating a heel slope with a softer Immersion area.
Friction and Shear Reduction
- Extremely Low Sheer and friction achieved with a compartmentalised anti-shearing inner cover. The air cells, foam and outer cover are all separated with a high stretch slip material creating a dynamic tension reducing system particularly effective when utilising the adjustable bed function. The ‘slip’ area is below the outer cover to prevent instability on the interface.