Kinetic Concepts launches Skin IQ 1000 MCM to help prevent and treat stage I-IV pressure ulcers

Sep 6 2012

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) announced today the U.S. launch of the Skin IQ^™ 1000 Microclimate Manager (MCM) by its Therapeutic Support Systems^™ (TSS) business. The Skin IQ^™ 1000 MCM is a for-sale mattress cover that, when combined with a bariatric pressure redistribution mattress, such as the AtmosAir^™ Fit Mattress Replacement System (MRS), helps prevent and treat stage I-IV pressure ulcers for patients who weigh up to 1,000 pounds.    

"Skin IQ^™ MCM can simplify surface selection and expedite therapy while providing outstanding clinical results," said Rose Raizman, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Enterostomal Therapist, Rouge Valley Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Powered by innovative Negative Airflow Technology, Skin IQ^™ 1000 MCM provides an alternative to conventional low air loss therapy mattresses currently used for managing skin microclimate. Comparative studies have shown that Skin IQ^™ 1000 MCM provides a higher moisture vapor transfer rate, which helps keep skin dry and cool, and a lower temperature at the skin/mattress interface. Combining Skin IQ^™ 1000 MCM with the KCI AtmosAir^™ Fit MRS and BariMaxx^™ II Bed provides comprehensive care for obese patients, helping prevent and treat pressure ulcers while facilitating patient handling and supporting patient dignity.

Designed in response to clinical findings that skin microclimate, a term for moisture and temperature at the skin/mattress interface, is a key contributor to pressure ulcer development, the Skin IQ^™ 1000 MCM mattress cover continually draws excess moisture away from the patient's skin/mattress interface and helps control skin temperature. Managing the skin microclimate of obese patients is particularly important due to patients' tendency to experience limited mobility, elevated skin temperature and excess skin moisture from perspiration, incontinence and wound drainage.

Compatible with most bariatric pressure redistribution mattresses on the market, Skin IQ^™ 1000 MCM offers healthcare facilities an effective solution to controlling the skin microclimate of obese patients while using their existing pressure redistribution mattresses. In addition, Skin IQ^™ 1000 MCM provides a bacterial and viral barrier, and contains bactericidal properties.

"The introduction of recent microclimate management technology into the Wound Care Clinic has the potential to decrease rental costs, while treating and preventing pressure ulcers and moisture-related breakdown," said Jean de Leon, MD, Director Wound Care Clinic, Baylor Specialty Hospital, Dallas.