Mattresses and fluoroscopy

Casual enquiry made three years ago amongst colleagues and manufacturers of X-ray equipment suggested that mattresses were used relatively little in routine fluoroscopic examinations. There was talk of difficulties in fixing a mattress to a tilting table and of degradation of the radiographic image, either due to spills of contrast medium or to an increase in the film–focus distance; and doubt was expressed as to the durability of mattresses available.

In view of the discomfort involved in contrast examinations, and the pain caused to frail patients who may also suffer superficial abrasions, an attempt was made to discover how often and under what circumstances mattresses were used, and what were the disadvantages in their use.