Standard procedures
Pressure Mapping
Purpose:
To provide a wide range of appropriate and evidence-based treatment options to guests on the basis of the therapist’s clinical reasoning and with clear goals in mind.
Many of our guests are at an increased risk of pressure sores for a number of reasons. Prolonged postures, such as sitting in wheelchairs or lying in beds exacerbates this risk and the pressure mats are an excellent tool for ascertaining if the cushions or mattresses being used are likely to help relieve the pressure or may actually cause problems. A pressure map (produced from a pressure mat reading) can be provided as part of an NHS referral for improved equipment or to provide extra information in the treatment of pressure issues.
- For seated pressure mapping use one mat. For supine or prone readings, use two mats as shown later in the procedures
Single mat use
- Decide which readings you require. Usually you will need at least one reading with the guest’s current set up (e.g. guest’s own cushion and wheelchair, in zero tilt with guest’s own lateral supports etc) plus potentially one reading showing a difference you have made (e.g. guest’s own cushion and wheelchair in approx. 25 deg tilt, or using a specified Leuchie cushion).
- The pressure mat should be placed on top of the cushions used, with only the guest on top of the mat (e.g. no sheepskin or repose cushions). The cable should be at the front on the guest’s right-hand side. The guest should be wearing their normal clothing. The mats are able to wiped clean if there are any concerns about soiling, but try to avoid this.
- The guest should be positioned on the mat as usual and the cable tucked to the side of the chair to protect it.
- The guest should then be allowed to sit in place for at least ten minutes.
- After ten minutes, untuck the cable and connect to a laptop which has the FSA software installed.
- Launch the FSA software and press the scan button (a square with a diamond in it). This should immediately show you the areas of high and low pressure.
- Make sure that the scale at the side shows 0 at the bottom and 200 at the top.
- The picture shows the position of the cable for orientation purposes. The bottom of the picture is the front of the cushion and the top of the picture is the back. The left-hand side of the picture is the right-hand side of the cushion/guest and vice versa.
- To make a record of the scan, click on the record button – the square button with a red dot in it. If you want a static shot, you only need to record for a second. If you want a dynamic shot, you can leave the recording going while you make changes, such as putting the wheelchair into tilt. However, a dynamic recording is very hard to share with others as only those with FSA software will be able to view it. In most cases, static shots will be more useful.
- Repeat the process to try different positions or different cushions etc. Remember to allow ten minutes for the guest to settle into position before scanning.
- You can use the text box at the bottom of the screen to record things such as the cushion being used and the degree of tilt, the time of day and any other useful information. It would be useful to put the guest’s name and the date in here if you are sharing with other members of the MDT.
- When the reading has been taken, disconnect the cable from the computer. Save the file to the Guest’s folder on Sharepoint – it will have a .fsa suffix and you should name it with the guest’s name and the date the reading took place plus any other identifying word required (e.g. JDoe full tilt 010421).
- Remove the mat as soon as practicable possible, wipe it clean and store it wrapped around the foam roll and inside the rigid carry case.
Double mat use
- Place both mats in place on the bed, with the leads at the front on the left as you look at the mat.
- Position the guest on top of the mats and allow to settle for ten minutes.
- Plug both mats into the laptop.
- Open Windows File Explorer and browse to C:\ProgramData\Vistamedical\FSA\4.1\Templates
- Double click on ‘Linked’
- Follow instructions for single use to scan and record.
Recalibration
The mats should be recalibrated annually
- Set the calibration kit up by placing the short planks on the floor and slotting the long planks into them so that they form a frame with a horizontal slot.
- Lie one wooden plate on top of the frame and then place the mat on top of that with the cable at the front left. Smooth out any wrinkles and then lie the inflatable pad on top with the pipes at the front. Place the other plate on top so that the mat and inflatable pad are sandwiched between the two pieces of wood.
- Lift the plates and insert them into the horizontal hole in the frame.
- Attach the pump and sphygmamometer if not already attached.
- Attach the mat to a computer with FSA installed and launch the FSA app.
- Go to Tools and select ‘Calibration Wizard’.
- On Step 2, click ‘More Options’ and ensure that ‘create verification file’ is selected.
- Follow the instructions. (The pipe running from the hand pump has a rotating valve that allows you to release air when turned anti-clockwise.)
- Once the wizard has run, it will show you the calibration file. Look through the entries (ignore 0 and 20) and ensure that the ‘minimum’ and ‘maximum’ values are within +/- 20mmHg of the value shown in the text box and that the coefficient of variation is less than 10%. If not, the calibration wizard should be run again.
If in any doubt, this video may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i-Mlyxk9rE&t=103s
L Wallace 09/01/25 for review January 2026
Posted in Therapy