Pressure relief mattresses help individuals prevent the formation of pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers. When patients are bed confined, the lack of mobility and movement inhibits circulation. Constant contact between the body and the mattress creates pressure spots that pinch off the tiny blood vessels, cutting off oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin and underlying tissues.
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Related Articles and/or Buying Guides: How to choose the best Pressure Relief Mattress, Overlay, or Support
Pressure ulcers form when the skin is deprived of these nutrients repeatedly. Constant friction or rubbing of the mattress against the skin also leads to bedsores, while staying in the same position leads to stretching and the bending of blood vessels which is another culprit. The risks of infection and the formation of pressure ulcers can be greatly reduced by employing a pressure relief mattress into the patient's treatment plan. Pressure relief mattresses, support surfaces and overlays come in a wide assortment of styles and sizes for each unique patient requirement.
Pressure-relieving support surfaces are generally relegated into two basic categories: low-tech devices which include air, gel, fluid or fiber filled mattresses or overlays, and high-tech devices which include alternating pressure (AP), low air loss (LAL), and fluidized air.
Because bedridden patients and their needs vary widely, there are a lot of different pressure relief mattresses, support surfaces and overlays available to meet all of these various requirements. Determining the correct pressure-relieving product for a specific user is dependent upon a lot of different factors. Individuals who are unable to move and shift position while in bed might also experience excess moisture/sweating which can also lead to the breakdown and integrity of the skin, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers and infection. It is always recommended to discuss the options with the patient's medical, therapy and rehab teams to ensure the right choice for that particular individual. The potential user's general state of health, abilities and lifestyle, comfort goals, and critical care needs should all be factored into the equation. Identifying the user's level of risk for pressure ulcers will help indicate whether a low-tech or a high-tech pressure-relieving surface should be used. Skin assessment, the level of immobility, sensory impairment, age extremes, vascular disease, acute illness, the level of consciousness, and a previous history of pressure damage are all important points to consider before making a final decision.
Low-Tech Pressure Relief Mattresses, Overlays and Supports
Low-tech pressure relief surfaces help to evenly distribute body weight over a large area, and are typically filled with foam, gel, air, fiber or fluid. Water mattresses, like our Premium Guard Water Mattress, or Hydr-O-Ease I Water Mattress Overlay use water baffles to enhance support through movement, reducing constant pressure and conforming to varying body weights. Memory foam pressure relief mattresses offer reduced interface pressure readings, like the shock-absorbing and self-molding foam used in our ShearCare 1100 Pressure Reducing Mattress.
High-density foam acts in a similar way to Memory foam, and is used in several of our selections which include the Derma Tech Mattress, Therapeutic 5 Zone Support Hospital Bed Mattress and our Multi-Ply ShearCare 300 Pressure Reducing Mattress. Gel-filled or gel-infused Memory foam is a more recent innovation and will usually involve a combination of gel and traditional memory foam that is infused throughout the mattress, such as in our ISOFLEX Mattress Replacement System.
High-Tech Pressure Relief Mattresses, Overlays and Supports
High-tech pressure-relieving surfaces include those devices that alternately deflate and inflate, or provide a constantly changing surface through other means. Low Air Loss (LAL) systems generally have tiny holes throughout the mattress and a blower system that blows air into the mattress, letting the air escape slowly and methodically, creating an alternating pressure surface. LAL support surfaces like our HybridSelect Low Air Loss Mattress Overlay System also help to keep the user cool and dry with their constant air flow, preventing sweating and skin breakdown.
Alternating Pressure (AP) mattresses and overlays are comprised of individual air tubes that automatically deflate and inflate according to a set schedule, one that the patient or patient's caregivers can determine. This helps to enhance blood flow through capillaries via tissue perfusion as the pressure is applied and then released. Our Care Guard APP Alternating Pressure Pump and Pad and microAIR Alternating Pressure Overlay are great examples of this alternating air technology.
More About Pressure Relief Mattresses, Overlays and Supports
Alternating pressure surfaces and pressure relief surfaces not only help the bedridden to improve circulation and prevent infection and sores, they can additionally help a wide range of patients with issues that include Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and anyone recovering from severe burns. Optional features such as sheepskin pads and special cushions can provide further protection for bony prominences and more sensitive areas of the body.
Rehabmart offers a generous diversity of pressure relief mattresses, overlays and support surfaces uniquely selected from high-end manufacturers that include Drive Medical, Stryker/Gaymar, Invacare, ConvaQuip, Joerns Healthcare, Roho and Sammons Preston.
Mike Price, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CTO
