Evaluation of the Pressure Distribution Performance of Padding Bandage Materials

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the pressure distribution and pressure transference characteristics of four commercially available padding bandages. Two instrumental techniques were developed in order to measure pressure distribution accurately. These were the prototype electronic instrument and pressure transference measuring device. The results obtained from the prototype electronic instrument show that the pressure distribution performances of the four padding bandages are very different. In addition, each padding bandage has a distinctive pressure transference characteristic relative to its structure. A number of nonwoven trial fabrics were produced by using different needle-punching techniques, these were then assessed for their pressure transference performance. Based on these test results an optimum padding bandage was developed that exhibits superior pressure distribution characteristics than any of the commercial padding bandages available on the market.