THE University of Bolton which is leading research into the prevention of pressure sores is taking a new mattress topper to market.

Building on Bolton's history, the university has an acclaimed technical textile department revolutionising materials.

In 2013 the university developed a revolutionary cushion for wheelchair users was put on the market designed to prevent pressure sores

It was created after seven years of research by Subhash Anand of the university's Institute for Materials Research and Innovation, retired engineer Bryan McArdle and Baltex Technical Textiles.

Following the development of the Airospring cushion, a mattress topper has now been created.

The treatment of pressure sores costs the NHS up to £2.6bn a year.

Prof Anand said: "Working in partnership with Baltex has been hugely productive and is paying dividends for the university in terms of the royalties being generated from the patent.

"The demand for these products is potentially global."

Mr Wood, managing director of Baltex, said: "I am very proud of the association with the University of Bolton which is providing world class research in the area of advanced textiles.

"It is a great advantage to all the employees at Baltex."

The two have worked together for more than a decade.

The collaboration success story includes partnership developments such as orthopaedic support bandages for compression therapy, the world’s first single-layer three-dimensional fabric for venous leg ulcers and a knife-proof smart material for use as a protective vest to be used by the police and military.

Over 15 years there have been three patents and six projects delivering outcomes.