New Study from Lund University: Starfish Technology Keeps Skin Up to 7% Cooler Than Current Pressure Injury

Starfish of Sweden presents results from a study conducted in collaboration with researchers at Lund University and LTH. The study demonstrates that the Starfish mattress creates a significantly cooler microclimate at the skin compared to a standard mattress used in healthcare today.

The study included 29 healthy adults who lay in a static supine position for 75 minutes on two different mattresses: a standard pressure-relieving mattress and the Starfish mattress. The results show that skin temperature over the lower back was on average 7% lower on the Starfish mattress compared to the reference mattress.

Participants also perceived the Starfish mattress as cooler, while overall comfort remained high throughout the test period.

Temperature is widely recognized as a key factor in the development of pressure injuries, as higher temperatures increase tissue oxygen demand and can accelerate tissue damage under prolonged pressure.

“Our ambition is to change how healthcare approaches pressure injury prevention. Historically, the focus has almost exclusively been on pressure redistribution. This study shows that temperature and microclimate also play a critical role,” says Michael Hermansson, CEO of Starfish of Sweden.

A Global Healthcare Challenge

Pressure injuries are among the most common healthcare-related injuries worldwide:

• up to 1 in 10 patients develop pressure injuries
• tens of millions of patients are affected globally each year
• the global cost exceeds USD 100 billion annually

In Sweden alone, pressure injuries are estimated to cost more than SEK 2 billion per year, and a single injury can extend hospital stays by 5–8 days.

Temperature: An Underestimated Factor

Established research shows that elevated skin temperature is one of the earliest indicators of pressure injury development.

When temperature increases, tissue oxygen demand rises while blood flow is often reduced due to pressure. A combination that can lead to tissue damage.

Previous research suggests that even small reductions in temperature can extend the time tissue can tolerate load, giving healthcare professionals a larger window to prevent injury.

“If we can reduce the temperature in the skin microclimate, we can potentially increase the time tissue can tolerate pressure. This creates an additional safety margin for preventing pressure injuries,” says Michael Hermansson.

A Swedish Innovation with Global Potential

Starfish technology is developed in Sweden and is based on a patented structural design that influences the microclimate between the body and supporting surfaces.

The platform is scalable and can be integrated into multiple product categories, including:

• hospital mattresses
• wheelchair cushions
• operating tables
• intensive care and transport care
• rehabilitation and elderly care
• office furniture
• vehicle seating

The company’s strategy is to commercialize the technology through partnerships and licensing agreements with established manufacturers.

Next Steps

The study represents an important first step in the scientific validation of the technology.

Next steps include:

• further optimization of materials and microclimate
• additional clinical studies
• commercial partnerships within medtech

About Starfish of Sweden

Starfish of Sweden is a Swedish medtech company developing patented technology to improve the microclimate between the body and supporting surfaces. The company aims to contribute to more effective prevention of pressure injuries and improved patient comfort.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Hermansson
CEO, Starfish of Sweden
+46 707 29 41 00
michael.hermansson@starfishofsweden.com

Jim Roslund
Head of Communications, Starfish of Sweden
+46 70 149 93 10
jim.roslund@gingermanagement.se