Written by Hulet Smith, OT
Dealing with immobility and illness is demanding enough without the added pain and stress of pressure wounds. Low air loss mattresses can get you back on the road to good health, delivering optimal pressure reduction to prevent, treat, and more effectively heal pressure injuries. Optimizing recovery for people of all ages, low air loss (LAL) mattresses also reduce moisture, heat, shearing, and friction, providing exceptional healing support for burn injuries, circulatory disorders, and wound care management.
 | 1) Low Air Loss Mattress with Inflatable Guardrail and Bed Pan Access | OB-2680 PremiumAir View Product |
Cleverly designed to provide optimal pressure relief without needing a pump, the Bariatric ZERO Air Loss Mattress by United Mattress takes the 5th position on our list with its unique air cell and memory foam combination. You’ll never have to worry about the electricity failing when you use this innovative mattress, as its patented design doesn’t require a power source for inflation or operation. Its clinically proven pressure relief has been demonstrated to be 300-percent more effective than traditional LAL mattresses for both healing and preventing stage 1 - 4 pressure injuries. Patients using this mattress often report feelings of floating, as the air cells in its top layer mimic weightlessness, distributing the patient’s weight across the mattress to alleviate pressure points.
Available in standard and extra-long length sizes that both safely support up to 700 pounds, this ultra-comfortable mattress from United Mattress maximizes support for a wide range of users, including bariatric patients. Its top and bottom covers safeguard the mattress with fluid-proof, tear-resistant, and flame-resistant protection, while an anti-shearing layer prevents skin friction. Because the memory foam is placed underneath the air cells, it provides additional cushioning comfort, but heat and moisture are kept to a minimum by enabling airflow directly beneath the user. As this video demonstrates, it's easy to set up and start using right away, the air cells in this mattress will stay inflated for weeks and can be quickly re-inflated with the included manual pump when necessary. The air cells in the foot, head, and middle section each have valves to allow for adjustable inflation and deflation as needed.
Coming in at #4, the LAL / APL Pressure Redistribution Mattress System - Serene Elite by Apex Medical offers a feature-rich design in a lower price range than many other models offering similar benefits. While the Serene Elite offers exceptional pressure relief to both prevent and treat pressure injuries for patients at high to very high risk, it’s also specially designed to accommodate severe burn injuries and prevent skin-breakdown issues for patients with fragile, sensitive skin. Its adjustable pressure limiting (APL) component cycles between continuous low-pressure mode and alternating mode with 5 different settings and 10 different comfort levels, providing effective, personalized, and comfortable support for patients unable to tolerate regular alternating pressure therapy. It envelops the user with its deep immersion, effectively reducing skin degradation, especially over more bony prominences.
By continuously increasing and decreasing its volume every 15 seconds, this unique therapy mattress from Apex Medical provides regular pulsation and massage to improve blood flow and oxygenation, resulting in faster healing. Delivering true low air loss therapy with its high-performance 1,300 blower that provides more than 120 LPM, the Serene Elite optimizes comfort, temperature control, and airflow for the best patient experience. It comes in three different widths with weight capacities ranging from 397 to 992 pounds, ensuring comfortable support for every user. Its ventilated, moisture-wicking, and liquid-resistant quilted cover highlights four-dimensional stretch to mitigate friction and shear and is zippered for easy removal and cleaning. A number of other benefits, such as unique heel relief flotation, bottoming-out prevention, a quick-deflating CPR valve, and much more make this mattress a great, customizable solution for patients who need true low air loss therapy for more serious and involved injuries.
Taking the 3rd spot in our review with quiet, efficient, and user-friendly operation, the Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell LAL (Low Air Loss) Mattresses by MedaCure also offer the lowest price point of most quality LAL mattresses on the market. Available with or without a raised perimeter, this feature is especially helpful for patients prone to falling out of bed, enhancing safety and protection. This medical-grade LAL mattress also allows you to adjust the comfort level with a pressure range or go by the patient’s weight, delivering optimal customization to meet each user’s unique and changing requirements. The multifunctional digital pump is ultra-quiet, offering both alternating pressures up to 8 LPM or static functionality. Four cycle times ensure perfect support for every user.
Equipped with 40 air cells in a 20-on-20 design to prevent bottoming out during power failures or while sitting up in bed, their EZ Snap-in/Snap-out design facilitates easy replacement of the air cells. This MedaCure mattress also highlights patented quick-inflation CPR to ensure proper support in an emergency. Its patented quick connector and quick-change air filter make it convenient and simple to set up. Economically priced for both institutional and home care, the Comfort Zone can be used with hospital beds and most standard beds, with the user-friendly control pump attachable to most bed frames and hospital bed rails.
Because it combines just about every advantageous feature from the best LAL and AP mattresses in our review and adds a few of its own special benefits, we awarded our #2 spot to the high-tech Invacare microAIR MA900 Lateral Rotation True Low Air Loss Mattress with Pump. This top-of-the-line LAL mattress delivers true low air loss therapy with its high-performance 1275 blower, helping to inhibit moisture and moderate temperature to keep patients cool and dry. It also offers alternating pressure in 10 adjustable comfort settings for customizable support. But, what really sets this mattress above the others is its lateral rotation. Perfect for patients at risk for infection, pneumonia, and other pulmonary concerns, the microAIR MA900 provides continuous 20 and 40-degree lateral rotation therapy to reduce these risks.
Helping to eliminate manual turning and repositioning of the patient, air pressure and selectable turning angles create an angled plane that causes the patient’s body to turn. Combined with the AP and LAL therapies, the lateral rotation offered in this Invacare mattress further helps to regulate heat and moisture, reduce friction and shear, and relieve pressure for effective pressure wound prevention, treatment, and healing. Available in three different sizes accommodating between 600 and 1,000 pounds depending on the model chosen, the microAIR MA900 highlights soft nylon urethane-backed air cells that help minimize bacterial growth and are easier to clean. The air-filled side bolsters prevent patient falls and can be removed, while the innovative external exhaust system keeps the mattress cooler and the pump quieter.
Many people think that sleeping on low air loss (LAL) mattresses is the closest feeling to what sleeping on the clouds would it be like - and for good reason! Patients continue to prefer LAL mattresses again and again due to their pressure-relieving qualities. Many patients report that they get better sleep when they use this type of mattress. But, if there was a LAL mattress that felt like a "premium cloud", we are sure it would be the PremiumAir Low Air Loss Mattress by Obbomed Group. This LAL mattress boasts multiple features that no other mattress does. This mattress really is the crème de la crème!
The most innovative feature of this LAL mattress is its "Easy Go" bed opening. The opening allows a caregiver to easily slide a bed pan under the patient, so the patient can use the bathroom while in bed. The position of the bedpan is comfortable for the patient, and convenient for the caregiver. The opening can quickly be inflated and deflated.
The PremiumAir Low Air Loss Mattress by Obbomed Group features a wide and comfortable surface with automatic lateral rotations that will conform to your body to relieve pain and grant you high-quality rest. Your skin will be nourished by the pressure therapy system, improving your blood flow and decreasing discomforting friction and shear. Good recovery is always boosted by a good night of sleep; with this air mattress, you can sleep well and get healthy.
Feel confident sleeping on this comfortable and long-lasting air mattress capable of supporting up to 450 lbs. This bed features soft guard rails that will protect you from accidental falls at night.
Set up your customized lateral and alternating rotations preset to quickly activate it using the remote control before going to bed. With this air mattress in your bedroom, you enjoy consistent rest and recovery night after night!
Low air loss mattresses, also known as LAL mattresses, are often prescribed for patients susceptible to pressure wounds. They’re helpful for anyone confined to bed for extended periods of time, such as people recovering from surgery, injury, or a medical condition. They’re also used by people with mobility impairments who can’t shift or reposition themselves while lying in bed, along with folks who have fragile skin, or those recovering from burn injuries.
Although we cover more in-depth information about features to look for in our article on how to choose the best pressure relief mattress, here are some of the main points to consider:
While some LAL mattresses simply provide low air loss, there are many that combine different therapies in order to deliver the most relief, especially for more severe injuries and patients at higher risk of pressure wound development. Alternating pressure (AP) added to low air loss is considered to be the prime therapeutic modality to optimize prevention and treatment of pressure wounds, enhancing circulation while it also maximizes airflow to keep wounds dry and users cool and comfortable in a weightless sensation. The option of lateral rotation is especially helpful for patients with pulmonary concerns and those unable to turn over and reposition independently, as it aids in moving fluids and congestion by turning the patient periodically.
Sometimes referred to as genuine low air loss, true low air loss mattresses provide a higher output of pumped air for more effective therapy. Compared to the typical lower liter-per-minute rate (LPM) of 8 LPM, a true low air loss mattress may offer upward of 100 LPM. While 8 LPM is great for stage 1 and 2 pressure injuries, the higher LPM of a true low air loss mattress is often preferable for more severe stage 3 and 4 pressure injuries.
The vast majority of low air loss and alternating pressure mattresses do not come with a bed frame, so it’s important to determine the right fit for your existing bed, or you may need to purchase a whole new frame. Most LAL and AP mattresses come in at least two different size options, with some formats specifically intended for only hospital beds, and others designed to fit both standard home beds and hospital beds. Be sure to measure the bed frame you intend to use the mattress with ahead of time, to select the right fit for your unique needs. It’s also crucial to check the weight capacity of the mattress to be sure it can safely support your weight.
Because low air loss mattresses use specially designed air cells that release air, it’s important to use mattress covers that are vapor-permeable to facilitate that air therapy. Most low air loss mattresses come with their own removable and washable cover that’s been formulated to enable airflow while it also resists moisture and fluids. Look for covers that reduce friction and shear, such as multi-stretch designs, as these are more comfortable and non-irritating for the user’s skin. Zippered formats are also easier to remove for cleaning.
A: Often indicated for people at risk of pressure wound development or skin breakdown, a low air loss mattress is constructed with air-filled cells or bladders to alleviate pressure and shear forces, optimizing health and comfort. True low air loss therapy generally refers to a higher volume of air being released, or an LPM greater than 100.
A: A low air loss (LAL) mattress works by slowly releasing air from its multiple air cells that have tiny holes in them, along with programmable pressure levels to customize the rate of air released. As the air leaks out of the cells, it helps to keep the patient cool and dry for optimal comfort, reducing the risk of skin maceration. The weightless, floating sensation a LAL mattress provides also helps to relieve pressure for improved wound management and care.
A: An alternating air pressure (AP) mattress uses multiple air cells, with each cell slowly inflating and deflating at a pre-programmed rate via a pump blower. Frequently used for patients confined to bed for recovery or a medical condition, AP mattresses keep the head section static while the rest of the air cells gradually empty and fill again with air in an alternating cycle. Helping to redistribute pressure from the patient’s body, alternating pressure mattresses also enhances circulation to improve healing and promote faster recovery.
A: While they both use air cells or bladders in their design, low air loss mattresses slowly release air while alternating pressure mattresses gradually deflate and inflate at a predetermined, alternating cycle rate. Both types of mattresses help to alleviate pressure, while the low air loss mattresses promote improved airflow to keep the user cool and their skin dry. Combination therapy mattresses that integrate both low air loss and alternating pressure often offer the best support for people at higher risk and/or those with existing pressure wounds.
A: Low air loss mattresses help to prevent, treat, and heal pressure wounds, such as pressure ulcers or bedsores. They reduce the pressure in varying degrees, with lower LPMs more suitable for stage 1 and 2 pressure wounds, and higher LPMs more suitable for stage 3 and 4 pressure injuries. LAL mattresses are also used for people with fragile, weakened, or delicate skin, patients with burn injuries, and those recovering from wounds of all types.
A: If your doctor is enrolled in Medicare and prescribes an air-fluidized bed or support surface like a low air loss mattress, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) will cover it, at least partially. It is important to note that although Rehabmart can supply you with an itemized receipt of your purchase to submit to your insurance provider, we do not accept insurance, nor can we guarantee that your insurance provider will cover it.
As an effective and frequently used medical aid designed to promote healing and optimal health, low air loss mattresses alleviate pressure and keep users cool and dry. By slowly releasing air from their air bladders, these medical mattresses create a comfortable weightless sensation while they also improve airflow, effectively reducing pressure, heat, and moisture. They’re often indicated for pressure injury prevention and treatment, along with burn injuries, circulatory disorders, wound management, and fragile, compromised skin.
Although any of the quality mattresses in our review would provide a great solution for patients requiring their specific functions, we selected the Invacare microAIR MA900 Lateral Rotation True Low Air Loss Mattress with Pump as our #1 choice. Integrating most of the beneficial features found in the best LAL mattresses into one high-tech design, the microAIR delivers low air loss, alternating pressure, and lateral rotation to ensure unrivaled support, comfort, and performance.
Be sure to check out the other quality low air loss and alternating pressure mattresses we offer, along with our comprehensive selection of beds for both institutional and home care. You can also learn more caregiving tips and find valuable support at our Caregiver University blog.
Shi, C., Dumville, J. C., Cullum, N., Rhodes, S., Jammali-Blasi, A., & McInnes, E. (2021, May 10). Alternating pressure (active) air surfaces for preventing pressure ulcers. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8108044/.
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
 Mattresses by Medacure "Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell LAL (Low Air Loss) Mattresses by Medacure")
