The ideal support condition described could only be achieved in zero gravity situations or when the body is suspended in a liquid. In these loading situations, the pressure distribution is uniform across the entire body surface. Such situations are unrealistic with support surfaces for obvious reasons. The best possible pressure distribution on a support surface would be one in which peak pressure and magnitude of pressure gradient are both minimized. The location of the high pressure and high pressure gradients would also seem to be of some importance given the high incidence of pressure ulcers near bony prominences. It is logical to strive to avoid high pressure in these areas.