Hospital Bed Mattresses, Memory Foam Mattresses, Low Air Loss Mattresses

What Kind of Hospital Bed Mattress is Right for Me or My Loved One?

There are many different types of hospital bed mattresses that range from basic innersprings and foam to high-tech air circulating mattresses. When selecting a hospital bed mattress, it is important to consider the level of comfort needed, the general condition of the patient’s health and the specific therapeutic needs of the patient. Choosing the correct hospital bed mattress is an important decision and should be made only after consulting with the patient’s doctor or therapist.

Some questions to ask before purchasing a hospital bed mattress are:

• How long each day does the patient use the bed?
• What are the patient’s long term needs?
• What level of comfort is needed by the patient?
• Is the patient at risk for falling off the mattress?
• How mobile is the patient?
• What kind of warranty comes with the mattress?

General categories of hospital bed mattresses include innerspring, foam, low air loss mattresses, alternating pressure mattresses, lateral rotation mattresses and bariatric mattresses.

Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are generally an economical choice and are most like traditional mattresses. These mattresses are fairly firm and allow air to circulate between the coils which may help patients feel more comfortable and cool. They are usually covered with an antimicrobial, waterproof vinyl cover for easy cleaning. They are best suited for patients who are not bedridden and have some mobility.

Foam Mattresses
Foam Mattresses are also an economical choice and are lighter in weight than innerspring mattresses. The cost of foam mattresses can vary based on special prevention features and the type and amount of foam used. Different types of foam hospital bed mattresses range from basic high-density foam mattresses to more expensive memory foam mattresses. Basic foam mattresses don't breathe as well as innerspring mattresses, but they have shock absorbing qualities that may help relieve pressure on ankles, elbows or hip joints. Prevention or therapeutic foam mattresses are specially designed to more evenly distribute body weight and help prevent pressure sores, especially on the vulnerable heel area.

Low Air Loss Mattresses
Low Air Loss Mattresses are a good choice for patients with pressure sores because they relieve pressure on weight bearing areas and allow air to circulate around the patient which can reduce skin moisture and aid the healing process. With a low air loss mattress, the patient “floats” on air-filled cells that are programmed to be set at the optimal pressure setting for the patient’s weight and health condition.

Alternating Pressure Mattresses
Alternating Pressure Mattresses provide all the benefits of low air loss mattresses but also include a comforting, pulsating massage to soothe sore areas in timed, intermittent cycles. Alternating inflation and deflation of air cells is helpful in treating pressure sores because it promotes circulation and constantly changes pressure points. A special cell-in-cell design provides added protection to the vulnerable areas of the upper torso and sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine that forms part of the pelvis) during power outages.

Lateral Rotation Mattresses
For bedridden patients that have pulmonary complications, lateral rotation mattresses can provide continual lateral or side to side therapy to mobilize secretions and other bodily fluids. Lateral rotation mattresses provide all the features of low air loss and alternating pressure mattresses but also include lateral rotation with side perimeter and static therapy. Lateral rotation mattresses can improve circulation, stimulate the movement of body fluids and can decrease restlessness in patients.

Bariatric or Heavy Duty Mattresses
Bariatric mattresses are designed to support patients from 350 lbs. to 1000 lbs. Bariatric mattresses come in foam and pressure relieving models.

No matter what kind of mattress is used, careful attention should be paid to make sure the mattress is properly sized to prevent gaps or possible patient entrapment.

To see a selection of Rehabmart’s hospital bed overlays, go to the hospital bed overlay page.

Rehabmart is pleased to offer a number of different Hospital Bed Mattresses from such well-respected manufacturers as Invacare, Drive Medical, Prius Healthcare, Skil-Care, Roho, Joerns and Convaquip.

Mike Price, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CTO

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