Guidelines for home air-fluidized bed therapy, 1989.

Air-fluidized bed therapy (AFBT) is a pressure-relief system that employs the principle of body "flotation" on fine ceramic beads which are set in motion by warm pressurized air. AFBT has been used in the management of pressure sores or severe burns in the institutional setting. The safety and effectiveness of AFBT in the treatment of pressure sores have been established by a randomized controlled clinical trial. Nonpublished information on home AFBT tends to support these findings. It is well accepted by the clinical community that home use of AFBT for the treatment of pressure sores in certain patients can be an alternative to hospitalization when ordered by a physician. Home use can be optimized by applying patient selection criteria and treatment protocol. Assistance by a trained caregiver or provider is essential in the home management of patients with pressure sores receiving AFBT.