A substantially smooth, seamless managed friction material surface and apparatus for placement on a support surface between the support surface and a living being for preventing abrasion or decubitus ulcers in a living being. The managed friction material surface comprises a plurality of plies having a smooth side and a first, high friction zone and second, low friction zone. At least one adhesive ply is interposed partially between adjacent plies; and the plies are selectively bonded to form adjacent frictional zones of high and low friction. Unbonded plies are allowed to move substantially freely with respect to one another thus providing a lower friction zone. The apparatus comprises the managed friction material surface such that the bonded zone is configured for positioning remote the bony prominence and the unbonded zone for positioning proximate the bony prominence, seamlessly occupying different areas on the same side of the material surface.