Bursa-Like Devices Are More effectuve Than Other Cushioning Decices Independent Report Shows

Furniture World Magazine

A new independent scientific report states that a bursa-like device, namely LiquiCell, improves comfort better than other cushioning devices, such as gels, foams or air. By using a low viscosity fluid in an ultra thin membrane with strategically placed seal points, LiquiCell mimics the body’s natural response to discomfort, a bursa, thereby providing greater comfort. The report, “Fundamentals of body support. The bursa-like interface.,” was authored by R.H.M. Goossens, Ph.D., renowned Professor of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands, and was sponsored by LiquiCell Technologies. The document addresses the mechanical behavior of bursa-like devices and the studies that have been conducted on LiquiCell and other cushioning devices. According to Dr. Goossens, LiquiCell is the most effective cushioning device since it resembles bursae found in the human body. A bursa, or a sac with a smooth membrane filled with fluid, is formed by the body in response to high mechanical load on bone, muscle tissue or other tissue, Bursae protect body parts by lubricating points of friction and dissipate force by distributing it through the fluid. Normally, bursae produce just enough fluid to separate moving tissue and reduce friction. However, prolonged mechanical load, such as sitting, can cause discomfort that normally would be protected by bursae. “With the bursa-like body support provided by LiquiCell, it is expected, based on biomechanical theory, that the shear force on the body contact surface is very low, and that the small layer of liquid equalizes the pressure at the contact surface,” said Dr. Goossens. “Therefore, LiquiCell resembles the natural response of the body to discomfort, one of the best ways to alleviate discomfort.” LiquiCell acts like a bursa by channeling the liquid within its pad as pressure is applied or shifted across the surface area of it. By equalizing vertical pressure at the point of contact (thus reducing pressure), soft tissue compression is greatly reduced thereby significantly reducing skin friction and soft tissue shear stress, two of the most influential factors related to discomfort. Other cushioning devices do not allow for this. Medical and scientific evidence proves that while gels, foams and air do provide some relief of discomfort through vertical pressure reduction, they do not protect against the harmful effects of friction and shear stress. More About LiquiCell: LiquiCell is an ultra thin liquid-filled padding technology specifically designed to relieve the discomfort people experience over time when their body is in contact with another object. Using an innovative combination of a low viscosity fluid and strategically placed seal points that control the flow of liquid, LiquiCell improves comfort, aids in the protection of skin breakdown and increases human productivity. LiquiCell has successfully provided comfort in various applications, such as wheelchair cushions, travel pads, automotive seating, footwear, industrial and sport gloves, and office seating. Copies of the report are available upon request. “Fundamentals of body Support. The bursa-like interface.” by R.H.M. Goossens, Ph.D., Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. January 2004. Contact: Jen Stack, Relish Minds, 612.871.6678, jen@relishminds.com