The Influence of an Air Mattress on Respiratory Function in a Recumbent Posture

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify whether or not an air mattress affects respiratory function in recumbency. [Subjects and Methods] The respiratory functions of 19 healthy subjects and 10 subjects with decreased thoracic compliance were measured while they were lying on the air mattress and an ordinary mattress, and compared. The following 10 items were measured: ventilation volume, one-minute ventilation volume, dead space ventilation ratio, number of breaths, expiration and inspiration times, total respiration time, mean expiratory and inspiratory air flows, and the timing of abdominal elevation in inspiration. [Result] No significant differences in any of the items in either of the groups were found between the air mattress and the ordinary mattress. [Conclusion] The results clearly show that the air mattress had no adverse effects on respiratory function.