Fluidized positioner versus memory foam pillow to prevent head pressure injuries in children

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Fluidized Positioner and Memory Foam Pillow in the Prevention of Pressure Injury in the Children's Head: A Randomised Controlled Study

NA · Koç University · NCT06977152

This trial will try a fluidized positioner versus a memory foam pillow to see which better prevents head pressure injuries in ventilated, immobile children in the pediatric ICU.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages28 Days to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorKoç University (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Zeytinburnu)
Trial IDNCT06977152 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares two head supports—a fluidized positioner and a memory foam pillow—in mechanically ventilated, immobile children aged 28 days to 5 years treated in a pediatric intensive care unit. Participants receive one of the two supports during their ICU stay and are monitored for new pressure injuries and local pressure measurements at occipital, parietal, temporal, and ear regions. Outcomes include incidence of pressure injury, measured pressure on head regions, and pressure distribution homogeneity between devices. The study is conducted at Koç University Hospital and excludes patients with existing head PIs, recent head surgery, hydrocephalus, burns, or relevant skin/connective tissue diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Mechanically ventilated, immobile children aged 28 days to 5 years treated in the pediatric ICU with guardian consent and no existing head pressure injuries are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children with existing head pressure injuries, recent head surgery, hydrocephalus, head burns, significant dermatologic/connective tissue disease, or who cannot provide sufficient monitoring data are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the fluidized positioner could lower the risk of head pressure injuries and protect vulnerable skin in pediatric ICU patients.

How similar studies have performed: Pressure-redistribution devices and specialized pillows have shown benefit in reducing pressure injuries in adult populations, but robust pediatric-specific evidence is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being treated in the pediatric intensive care unit
* Being mechanically ventilated
* Being immobile, being in age interval of 28 days to 5 years
* Having consent for the participation of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having surgical intervention in the head region
* Parents want to leave at any stage of the project
* Having hydrocephalus or burn in the head area
* Having PIs on admission to hospital
* Existing dermatologic diseases affecting the skin or connective tissue
* Having emergence of a new condition during the intervention may significantly affect the risk of pressure injury (e.g., sudden surgery or complication)
* Inability to obtain sufficient data during the study (e.g., patient transfer)

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Zeytinburnu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pressure Injury, pediatric patients, Pressure injury, Risk assessment, foam pillow, fluidized positioner

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.