Pressure offloading is essential in footwear, seating, and bedding to prevent pressure ulcers from forming. 

When skin or body tissue is subjected to sustained body pressure that is too high, it can cause localized ischemia—reduced blood flow to tissues. For people who sit or lie down for long periods or have reduced sensation from neuropathy, they may not feel the discomfort or recognize the harm. These pressures can cause or exacerbate wounds that can be life threatening.

Body Pressure mapping systems identify issues such as: 

  • Shoes that press on bony areas
  • Wheelchair cushions with poor support
  • Mattresses that don’t distribute weight properly

Footwear Pressure Offloading

Offloading footwear reduces focal pressure, prevents blisters, calluses, and ulcers, and allows existing ulcers to heal.

In-shoe pressure mapping lets you know what's happening in your patients' shoes before and after custom modifications and insoles are used. You can

  • Identify plantar pressure profile discrepancies
  • Compare and track pre and post treatments
  • Educate patients about their pathologies with visual biofeedback
Foot Pressure
3 box graph foot function
Wheelchair Pressure Mapping

Seating Pressure Offloading

When sitting, most pressure concentrates on the ischial tuberosities, sacrum, and coccyx. Immobility increases risk because the person cannot shift weight.

Offloading through specialized cushions (gel, air-cell, foam) helps:

  • Distribute forces
  • Reduce shear when adjusting position
  • Protect high-risk bony areas

Measuring seat pressure to select or modify cushions is especially important for wheelchair users who may sit for many hours.
 

Seating Pressure

Bedding / Mattress Pressure

Bedding or mattress pressure can effect the entire body from the head down through the shoulders, hips, and heels.

Offloading bedding (e.g., pressure‑relief mattresses, heel protectors) helps:

  • Reduce prolonged pressure overnight
  • Minimize shear from repositioning
  • Reduce moisture buildup if materials wick sweat

Because people lie on these surfaces for long periods, even small pressure points can cause injury.
 

Full Body / Mattress Pressure
bedding pressure