Clinical Support for
Skin IQ™ Microclimate Manager
™
Microclimate Manager
MANAGING SKIN MICROCLIMATE IS KEY COMPONENT TO
PREVENTING PRESSURE ULCERS
The term microclimate refers to the temperature and moisture at the skin’s surface where it comes in contact
with a support surface. Microclimate encompasses two of the five factors that contribute to pressure ulcer
development – pressure, shear, friction, moisture and temperature. Recent studies reveal the importance of
microclimate in the complex relationships that occur among all five factors.1
Regulating the skin’s temperature helps prevent skin breakdown
Poor microclimate management can result in elevated body temperature, which raises tissue metabolic activity.
When metabolic activity increases, the blood supply to body tissues, including skin, is restricted and the risk for the
development of pressure ulcers increases.1
Controlling excess skin moisture helps maintain skin integrity
Perspiration from increased body temperature and fluids from incontinence, wound drainage, or other factors can lead
to excessive moisture on the skin, reducing the skin’s resiliency to withstand pressure, shear stresses, and friction.1
Skin IQ™ Microclimate Manager
Skin IQ™ Microclimate Manager (MCM) is a waterproof, vapor-permeable, single-patient-use mattress cover that
works in conjunction with a pressure redistribution mattress to help prevent and treat pressure ulcers. Powered by
Negative Airflow Technology (NAT), Skin IQ™ MCM continually draws excess moisture away from the skin/mattress
interface and helps control skin temperature.
Benefits of Skin IQ™ Microclimate Manager
Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate
Provides Outstanding Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate
Skin IQ™ MCM’s moisture transfer rate of 130 (g/m2)/hr2 is greater than
the average (97.7 (g/m2)/hr) for conventional low air loss (LAL) surfaces.3
Offers Excellent Moisture Removal
Bench studies show that Skin IQ™ MCM removes 3.8 times more
moisture at the skin/mattress interface than the same mattress without
Skin IQ™ MCM.4
May Help Reduce Skin Maceration
By removing excess moisture from the skin/mattress interface,
Skin IQ™ MCM may help reduce the incidence of periwound maceration.5,6
Reduces Temperature at Skin/Mattress Interface
Bench studies show that NAT reduces temperature at the skin/mattress
interface by more than 1°C in 45 minutes.3 This translates to a 10%
reduction in tissue metabolism rate.7
Conventional LAL
Skin IQ™ MCM
Odor Reduction at 30 Days
Reduces Shear and Friction
Skin IQ™ MCM’s top layer material reduces shear and friction to help
prevent and treat pressure ulcers.8
Helps Control Odor
Bench studies show that NAT significantly reduces odor at the skin/mattress
interface when compared to the same surface without airflow.9
Helps Improve Patient Comfort
Skin IQ™ MCM helps maintain patient comfort. In a healthy human study
of 16 subjects, when Skin IQ™ MCM was used on a pressure redistribution
surface, it significantly improved the subjects’ level of comfort.2
Days
p=0.002
S. Aureus Growth Reduction
Provides a Bacterial and Viral Barrier
The top layer of Skin IQ™ MCM is a bacterial and viral barrier.10
Contains Bacteriocidal Properties
All layers of Skin IQ™ MCM contain a bacteriocidal agent.11
Reduces Bacteria Growth
Bench studies show that NAT reduces Staphylococcus aureus growth by
2.24 logs during a 24-hour period when compared to a hospital bed sheet.12
After 24 hours on Skin IQ™ MCM, 98% of the S. aureus inoculum were
killed, and there were 99% fewer S. aureus on the Skin IQ™ MCM than
on the control surface.12
Bed Sheet
Skin IQ™ MCM
Doesn’t Diminish Pressure Redistribution Effectiveness
Pressure mapping testing shows that Skin IQ™ MCM does not diminish the pressure redistribution properties
of the underlying mattress.13
May Help Reduce Risk of Entrapment
Skin IQ™ MCM is designed to fit tightly on a pressure redistribution mattress. This design eliminates the possibility
of a gap between the mattress and bed frame or side rail, which may happen if an undersized overlay is placed
on top of a mattress.
Offers Early Intervention
The immediate availability of Skin IQ™ MCM allows for early intervention, which may help reduce
the length of a patient’s hospital stay.14
Microclimate Manager
References
1. Clark M, Romanelli M, Reger SI, et al. Microclimate in context. International review. Pressure ulcer prevention: pressure, shear, friction and microclimate in context. A consensus document. London: Wounds International, 2010.
2. KCI data on file.
3. Reger SI, Adams TC, Madklebust JA, Sahgal V. Validation test for climate control on air-loss supports. Arch Rhys Med Rehabil. 2001;82(5):597-603.
4. KCI data on file.
5. KCI data on file.
6. Bergstrom N, Braden BJ, Laguzza A, Holman V. The Braden Scale for predicting pressure sore risk. Nurs Res. 1987;36(4):205-210.
7. Flam E and Raab L. What is low air loss therapy? European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Aberdeen, Scotland. May 5-7, 2005.
Available at: http://www.epuap.org/aberdeen/page3.htm
8. KCI data on file.
9. KCI data on file.
10. KCI data on file.
11. KCI data on file.
12. KCI data on file.
13. KCI data on file.
14. Dorner B, Posthauer M, Thomas D. The Role of Nutrition in Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel White Paper. 2009;1-15.
For more information about Skin IQ™ Microclimate Manager,
visit www.kciSkinIQ.com
Note: Skin IQ™ Microclimate Manager has specific indications, contraindications, safety information and instructions for use. Please consult product labeling
and instructions before use. For instructions, compatibility and safety information specific to the bed mattress/frame, consult product labeling provided by
the manufacturer.
©2011 KCI Licensing, Inc. All rights reserved. KCI USA, Inc., PO 659508, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9508, 1-800-275-4524. All trademarks designated herein are proprietary to KCI
Licensing, Inc., its affiliates and/or licensors. DSL#11-0193.EMEA • 5-11