The Peg Pillow - a Way to Alleviate Discomfort for Patients With Feeding Tubes

Author(s)

Rachel Gandhi

School Name

Center For Advanced Technical Studies

Grade Level

11th Grade

Presentation Topic

Engineering

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

The PEG Pillow is an innovative way to alleviate discomfort for patients with gastric feeding tubes. Sleeping on their stomach is risky and uncomfortable as it can increase the rate of infection or dislodgement due to pressure placed onto the tube. The purpose of this product is to allow anyone-from infant to adult-to be able to lay on their stomach/side without experiencing any irritation or pain. Nearly 450,000 in the United States alone manage feeding tubes. The main problems experienced with feeding tubes are the high maintenance costs; $32,000 per year. Major complications being 33% of the cost. In adolescent years would be more frequent due to their high activity lifestyle. The PEG Pillow would lower these costs by decreasing rates of infection and dislodgement. Therefore, if the PEG Pillow is used then comfortable sleep is achievable while also being affordable. The pillow being made from cotton and held in with straps; making it simple and easy to produce. The methods used for this experiment would be human volunteers with gastric feeding tubes to test the effectiveness of the pillow. Through the use of surveys, it can determine if the product allowed for a more comfortable sleep. The data gathered from people that don't have gastric feeding tube concludes that the product allows for one to not feel the feeding tube while laying on their stomach or side. Making it comfortable and unnoticeable. Therefore, allowing patients to not have to alter their life any further to accommodate a feeding tube.

Location

John's Hall 105

Start Date

3-28-2020 9:00 AM

Presentation Format

Oral Only

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 28th, 9:00 AM

The Peg Pillow - a Way to Alleviate Discomfort for Patients With Feeding Tubes

John's Hall 105

The PEG Pillow is an innovative way to alleviate discomfort for patients with gastric feeding tubes. Sleeping on their stomach is risky and uncomfortable as it can increase the rate of infection or dislodgement due to pressure placed onto the tube. The purpose of this product is to allow anyone-from infant to adult-to be able to lay on their stomach/side without experiencing any irritation or pain. Nearly 450,000 in the United States alone manage feeding tubes. The main problems experienced with feeding tubes are the high maintenance costs; $32,000 per year. Major complications being 33% of the cost. In adolescent years would be more frequent due to their high activity lifestyle. The PEG Pillow would lower these costs by decreasing rates of infection and dislodgement. Therefore, if the PEG Pillow is used then comfortable sleep is achievable while also being affordable. The pillow being made from cotton and held in with straps; making it simple and easy to produce. The methods used for this experiment would be human volunteers with gastric feeding tubes to test the effectiveness of the pillow. Through the use of surveys, it can determine if the product allowed for a more comfortable sleep. The data gathered from people that don't have gastric feeding tube concludes that the product allows for one to not feel the feeding tube while laying on their stomach or side. Making it comfortable and unnoticeable. Therefore, allowing patients to not have to alter their life any further to accommodate a feeding tube.