In healthcare, protecting patients from pressure injuries isn’t just best practice—it’s essential. Whether in theatre, ICU, or long-duration procedures, the materials used to support patients play a critical role in outcomes. One material that continues to stand out clinically and commercially is Akton® viscoelastic polymer.
Developed by Action Products, Akton® is purpose-built to address the real causes of pressure injuries—pressure, shear, and heat—in a way that traditional foams and gels simply can’t match.
Engineered for Real Clinical Challenges
Unlike standard materials, Akton® polymer is designed to behave more like human tissue. This “tissue-equivalent” property allows it to move with the patient, significantly reducing shear forces—the hidden contributor to many pressure injuries.
At the same time, the material works to evenly distribute weight and dissipate heat, preventing high-pressure points and hot spots from forming during extended procedures. These combined effects provide a more protective, patient-centred solution.
Key Clinical Benefits
1. Reduces Pressure & Shear
Akton® polymer delivers excellent shear-reducing qualities by combining an ultra-soft inner polymer with a flexible outer film. This allows the support surface to adapt dynamically to patient movement rather than resist it.
2. Prevents Pressure Injuries
The material is clinically proven to help prevent pressure injuries, making it ideal for high-risk environments such as operating theatres and ICU settings.
3. Temperature Management
By dissipating heat and reducing hot spots, Akton® supports skin integrity—particularly important for long cases where heat build-up can compromise tissue.
4. Enhances Patient Stability
The soft yet supportive surface improves positioning and reduces patient movement, leading to safer procedures and better ergonomics for clinical teams.
Built for Infection Control & Compliance
In today’s healthcare environment, infection prevention is non-negotiable. Akton® polymer products are:
- Impervious to fluids
- Non-porous and do not support bacterial growth
- Easy to clean and maintain
These features align strongly with infection control protocols, reducing risk while simplifying reprocessing.
Safe, Versatile & Patient-Friendly
Akton® polymer has been designed with both patients and clinicians in mind:
- Hypoallergenic and biocompatible
- Latex-free and free from phthalates, DEHP, and silicone
- Imaging compatible, allowing use across diagnostic and procedural settings
This makes it a highly versatile material suitable for a wide range of clinical applications—from surgical tables to wheelchairs and recovery surfaces.
Durable and Cost-Effective
While many pressure-relieving solutions are disposable or degrade quickly, Akton® polymer offers a reusable, long-life solution. It won’t leak or flow—even if punctured—and maintains performance over time.
For healthcare providers, this translates into:
- Lower long-term costs
- Reduced waste
- More consistent clinical performance
The Bottom Line
Pressure injury prevention requires more than just padding—it requires intelligent materials designed for how the body actually behaves under stress.
Akton® viscoelastic polymer delivers on this by:
- Reducing shear and pressure
- Managing heat
- Supporting infection control
- Providing long-term value
For clinicians and healthcare providers looking to improve patient outcomes while maintaining efficiency and compliance, Akton® represents a proven and practical solution.