How Medical Air Mattress Prevent Bed Sore and Comfort to Your Body?

Posted by John Twin on July 17th, 2017

Bedsores, pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers are a common development in patients who are confined to bed for long periods and who have difficulty shifting their position. The prolonged pressure on the skin causes it to break down. Areas that are the most affected are the tailbone, heels, ankles, and hips. One way to minimize bedsores is with the use of a pressure mattress. It is designed to provide comfort and promote air circulation. It is one of the most commonly utilized mattresses for patients with mobility problems.

How It Works

A medical air mattress, as it is otherwise known, is ergonomically built to alleviate pressure on areas of the body most prone to developing bedsores. Since the patients who need them the most cannot move properly on their own, the mattress does the work for them. It features bladders or air pockets that move as air is circulated. The mattress is connected to an air pump that inflates and deflates the pockets so that the patient does not feel too much pressure on the body.

Read: Advantages of Using Gait Belt and How it Works For Patient Mobility

Types of Air Mattresses

There are several air mattresses, each with different functions.

• Alternating Pressure Mattress: This type alternates the inflation and deflation of bladders to change pressure points and facilitate circulation. The pain-relieving aids, which are available at Medtrica can be used at home and in health care settings.
• Low-air Loss Medical Air Mattress: This type of mattress uses air-filled cells to float a patient. It circulates air across skin to prevent moisture from building and causing bedsores. Depending on the model, the mattress may offer different pulsate modes and comfort settings. It is usually made to fit hospital and home care beds.
• Rotating Air Mattress: Also called a lateral rotation mattress, it facilitates lateral movement using air pressure so that the patient’s body turns. It may combine the function of low-air loss. Here, the patient is provided a dry, cool surface and assistance in moving the body to prevent bedsores.
• Overlay Pad: It is laid over a mattress to promote air circulation. It can be filled with air, water, gel, or foam. The pad may be static or dynamic where the level of support is constantly altered. It can be used on hospital and home cards beds.

Air mattresses including overlay pads are an essential addition to any hospital bed. Bedsores can develop very quickly and it is important to provide as much comfort as possible to patients. While mattresses do not eliminate the possibility of developing bedsores, they significantly reduce the potential. Patients still need to be manually repositioned regularly but with air mattresses, the pressure is markedly relieved. If you or someone you know needs prolonging bed rest or has difficulty moving, this assistive aid is what you should consider purchasing. You can get one that features removable and replaceable air bladders, a digital pump, and diagnostic alarms. The choice is yours.

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