- Analysis in the subcutaneous fat layer showed similar patterns to the facial skin distributions but with greater spread of the stress since fat is less stiff (more prone to deformity).
- The dressings and tissue protectants reduced the fat layer SEDs by 35% and 84% for the forehead and chin respectively.

Ohio State University, Columbus

- Stress and strain distributions on facial skin
- Stress and strain distribution in subcutaneous fat layer

Results of prophylactic dressings

Peko, L, Barakat‐Johnson, M, Gefen, A. Protecting prone positioned patients from facial pressure ulcers using prophylactic dressings: A timely biomechanical analysis in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Int Wound J. 2020; 1– 12. 
https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.13435

Using prophylactic dressing to prevent facial pressure ulcers for COVID-19 patients

- Without dressings, the forehead skin stress concentration peaked at 7.3 kPa, and 28.9 kPa at the chin.
- Forehead stress pattern elongate horizontally, and diffuse at the chin.
- The maximum SED values at the forehead was 1.8 kPa, and 5.1 kPa at the chin.
- The dressings significantly reduced the SEDs. Skin SEDs decreased by 61% and 91% for the forehead and chin respectively. 

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