Emerging Therapy: The effectiveness of DermaTherapy is evidence-based. DermaTherapy silk-like fabric has been recognized and recommended in the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel guidelines: "Consider using silk-like fabrics rather than cotton or cotton-blend fabrics to reduce shear and friction." Managing the patient's microclimate is an intervention used for both the prevention and treatment of skin damage. DermaTherapy helps control the patient's microclimate by reducing friction and shear against the skin, regulating moisture and heat, controlling bacteria, and is virtually lint-free. Developed by the industry leader in engineered healthcare products, DermaTherapy's patented performance is backed by independent clinical studies. It´s time to redefine the standard of care. It´s time to put an end to hospital-acquired skin damage.

1. HEALTHCARE LINENS:
DO THEY REALLY IMPACT
PATIENT CARE?

2. Healthcare bedding has changed
very little in the last half century.
Patients usually sleep on
poly/cotton or 100% cotton.
These cotton fabrics have no
special properties, despite our
individual healthcare needs.
Introduction

3. Introduction
Billions of dollars are spent
attempting to prevent and treat
skin diseases; little attention is
given to the single items with
which people have the most
contact–the bedding and gowns.

4. Introduction
Treatment of pressure ulcers in long-term care facilities cost on average
between $1,284 and $4,647 per ulcer, per resident.
In a 100-bed facility housing 500 residents per year, pressure ulcer treatment
costs can exceed $300,000 annually.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services included pressure ulcers
as one of three sentinel events for long-term care; therefore, the formation of a
pressure ulcer or subsequent deterioration of a pressure ulcer can lead to
significant monetary penalties in long-term care (maximum $10,000/day).

5. A SYSTEM OF BED LINENS
AND PATIENT APPAREL SHOULD
BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE
THERAPEUTIC PROCESS IN
HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS.

6. News
2014 International Pressure Ulcer Guidelines
New 2014 International Pressure Ulcer Guidelines are now available. These
guidelines are a collaborative effort among the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory
Panel (NPUAP), European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and Pan
Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance (PPPIA).
Silk-Like Linen is presented in the section entitled "Emerging Therapies for
Prevention of Pressure Ulcers." The new guidelines recommend that woundcare
professionals "Consider using silk-like fabrics rather than cotton or cotton-blend
fabrics to reduce shear and friction."

7. Silk-Like Linen vs. Polyester/Cotton
Silk-Like Linen Polyester/Cotton

8. Microclimate Control Friction and Shear
Designed to facilitate the ease of movement
in bed. The smooth fabric prevents the skin
from “sticking” to its surface which in turn
prevents shear injuries.
Provides a smooth, non-irritating surface
which allows shear forces to more easily
slide at the fabric/bed interface, and not
within skin tissue layers, reducing friction.

9. Microclimate Control Moisture & Heat
Immediately wicks moisture away from the
body and dries very quickly. Water loss
from the fabric is facilitated through rapid
wicking and evaporation.
Helps to remove heat from the body and
reduces perspiration.
Helps maintain the body’s water balance to
more effectively control skin temperature
and moisture.
DRYING COMPARISON
WICKING RATE

10. Bacteria Grows on Generic Cotton Blends
Microbiological Analysis: AATCC 100 – 24 hours exposure time
Generic cotton-blend bedding has no ability to reduce the growth of bacteria.
In fact, bacteria grows quite readily and rapidly on generic cotton-blend fabrics.

11. A safe, durable antimicrobial treatment helps maintain freshness and
eliminates odors on the fabric caused by germs and bacteria
These laboratory results were verified in actual bacteria measurements
in healthcare settings.
Antimicrobial Properties

12. Bioburden Analysis in Hospital Setting
Average CFUs of bacteria/cm2 per Item

13. Silk-Like Linen is Virtually Lint-Free
Virtually no lint =
No transfer of fibers & lint to open wounds.
No airborne particle contamination.
Elimination of potential source for hospital-
acquired infections.
This has been of significant interest to
hospital infection-prevention professionals.
DermaTherapy reduces particle counts by 98.7% over the knit bedding
and 97.3% over the woven bedding

14. Reductions in Length of Stay

15. The Value Proposition for Healthcare
Reduction in facility-acquired
skin damage.
Improved treatment of existing
skin damage.
Improved skin condition for
patients at discharge.
Immediate results in key problem
areas within a facility.
Improved patient comfort.
More durable and longer lasting.
Less medical waste.
Improved quality control for incoming
linens and gowns.
Reduced potential for cross-
contamination.

16. Anecdotal Reports from Caregivers
Repositioning – The reusable under pad can replace draw sheets.
Worker’s comp – Claims have declined, due to easier repositioning.
Burn units – “No GREEN” drainage (Pseudomonas) or odors from burns,
when using Silk-Like Linen.
Radiation burns – Silk-Like Linen has been used to provide relief and
skin healing of radiation burns.
Infections – WFBMC reported 59% reduction in C Diff; Wesley Long
Hospital reported no MRSA for 17 consecutive months.

17. Conclusions
Silk-Like Linen helps control the microclimate – moisture, friction, and
shear – between a patient’s skin and support surfaces, thereby
reducing the potential for skin damage.
Silk-Like Linen does not generate airborne particles, significantly
reduces the bioburden on bedding and gowns, and reduces the
potential for cross-contamination.
Silk-Like Linen promotes ease of movement in bed and helps improve
comfort and ability to sleep.

18. The DermaTherapy System