PROCESS FOR MAKING A POLYVINYL ALCOHOL GEL SUPPORT PAD

摘要

A polyvinyl alcohol gel pad. The gel pad has properties which make it useful as a support pad in the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (also known as pressure sores) and for other purposes. The polyvinyl alcohol gel is made by cross-linking high molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol using a cross-linking agent, such as formaldehyde, in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as hydrochloric acid, and by incorporating at least one internal plasticizer, such as propylene glycol, in the gel. The support pad is completed by putting a thin-film envelope around the gel.