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Objective:To compare the effects of Mepentol, a hyperoxygenated fatty acid preparation, with a placebo treatment in preventing the development of pressure ulcers.Method:The research study consisted of a multicentre double-blind randomised clinical trial. The incidence of pressure ulcers, relative risk (RR), preventable fraction and number necessary to treat (NNT) were calculated. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with log-rank test, and Cox’s proportional hazards regression model were used to compare both groups.Results:A total of 331 patients completed the study: 167 in the control group and 164 in the study group. Pressure-ulcer incidence during the study was 7.32% in the intervention group versus 17.37% in the placebo group (p0.006). These results show that for each 10 patients treated with Mepentol one pressure ulcer was prevented (NNT = 9.95). Survival curves and the regression model showed a significant statistical difference for both groups (p≤0.001). The average cost of Mepentol during the study was ₠7.74.Conclusion:Mepentol is an effective measure for pressure ulcer prevention. It was more effective than a greasy placebo product, and was found to be cost-effective.Declaration of interest:This study was sponsored by Laboratorios Bama-Geve SA, Barcelona, Spain.