Current patient support products focus solely on pressure relief and high absorption capacity, neglecting liquid management and product composition. By developing a more carefully designed product, the result will be more comfortable and competitive with existing alternatives. The microclimate's comfort depends on the efficient transport of moisture and liquid within fibers, yarns, and structures. To achieve this, a complex materials structure is necessary that can transport larger amounts of liquid away from the skin.

This project's specific objectives include:

• determining fiber selection and yarn formation
• defining the role of knitted configuration of 2D and 3D spacer structures in liquid vapor management
• defining the layer to layer transport of liquid and moisture in multilayer structures
• constructing and validating microclimate in patient support interface and incontinence prototypes

The project will combine expertise in weft-knitted, 3D textiles, and textile testing from the University of Borås with production and know-how in warp-knit (2D and 3D), layer assemblies, and patient support interfaces from two industrial partners: Care of Sweden AB and Facilette AB. These partners are active producers of materials and products for medical applications and will contribute end-user requirements and specialized material suppliers of fibers, yarns, and 3D spacer material for the medical area. The industrial partners' main challenge will be to apply research findings for competitive incontinence sanitary protection (Facilette AB) and to apply research findings in a patient support system that supplies and controls an optimal microclimate (Care of Sweden). The expected results are scientific publications, new research questions, and potential future innovations.