Development of an Innovative Air Mattress from Dialysis Bags for Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Bedridden Patients in Community, Wanon Niwat District, Sakon Nakhon Province

Abstract

This study is a research and development study conducted in Wanon Niwat District, Sakon Nakhon Province, from August 2025 to February 2026. The sample group consisted of 30 bedridden patients in the community and 30 patient caregivers. The research instruments included the Braden Scale for pressure ulcer risk assessment, a satisfaction assessment form, and an innovation usage data recording form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, namely percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics, namely the Paired t-test.
The research findings revealed that the air mattress innovation made from dialysis solution bags was evaluated by experts at the highest quality level (Mean = 4.60, SD = 0.47). The Braden Scale scores for pressure ulcer risk after using the innovation were significantly higher than before use (p < 0.001), indicating that the innovation was able to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development. Patient caregivers expressed the highest level of satisfaction with the use of the innovation. The repurposing of dialysis solution bags in the production of air mattresses can concretely help reduce the volume of medical waste. These findings demonstrate that the air mattress innovation made from dialysis solution bags is an effective innovation that can be applied in the care of bedridden patients in the community, while also contributing to improved medical waste management.