Parentgiving offers pressure relief mattresses and other mattress systems that can increase comfort and help alleviate pain. Pressure relief mattress and bed pad systems prevent pressure ulcers, commonly called bed sores or pressure sores, by alternating pressure to disperse it away from bone protrusions. Many systems use air chambers in their mattresses or pads.
A solid, all-night sleep is important for good health and it can be essential to older people who are ill or require therapeutic care. Sleeping comfortably can eliminate pain and increase mobility.
There are many different styles of relief mattresses and pads available, including bed overlays made of materials like foam and gel; more robust mattress systems that can be retrofit over existing beds, many of which are inflatable and adjustable; and sophisticated systems, which make use of air pumps and digital controls.
Read our buyer's guide to help you find exactly the right product or system.
Choosing The Pressure Relief Mattresses & Pads
One of the many side effects of prolonged bed rest is developing pressure ulcers or as they&rsquore commonly known bed sores&mdashareas of skin that first redden and then can turn into open sores that if untreated become infected. Pressure ulcers are identified by their stage of development from Stage 1 to Stage IV increasing in severity. Typical areas of skin affected are those over bony parts of the body&mdashit might be hard to imagine that simply laying in bed can produce such a reaction but all it takes is the pressure of bone against skin against the flat surface of a typical mattress to alter the natural flow of blood that nourishes skin.
Studies have shown that in hospital and long-term care facilities alike up to a third of patients develop bed sores. In addition to changing position frequently lying on a pressure relief mattress can help enormously. Pressure points can be protected by either pressure-reducing surfaces such as a static air pressure mattress or pressure-relieving surfaces such as an alternating air pressure mattress. A pressure reduction device reduces pressure though not as much as a pressure relief mattress.
Once ulcers have developed in most cases only a pressure relief mattress combined with skin protection and wound-healing measures will help.
Prevention Is Best
The best approach is to prevent ulcers from happening in the first place. If bed rest is part of recuperation from illness or if your nightly sleep position creates uncomfortable pressure points a bed sore mattress like the Thera Pad Extra Thick 4 Inch Eggcrate Bed Pad can help prevent pressure sores.
Another choice is a water and gel mattress pad to reduce interface pressure while providing a cooler more comfortable sleeping surface. Look for an internal baffle design that balances your body in the center of the mattress while eliminating the traditional water mattress rocking effect good designs are often made from anti-microbial medical grade vinyl.
If you want more than pressure reduction investigate a pressure relief mattress system. An alternating pressure relief mattress is often is divided into several compartments that are alternately inflated and deflated by an electrical pump.
Another option is a full mattress replacement. Invacare&rsquos Alternating Pressure Relief Mattress Replacement System is an 8" thick mattress that aids in the treatment of pressure sores in Stages I and II. The pump features a clip-on hanger adjustable comfort range visible normal and low pressure indicators and a static function to suspend the alternating mode. Cycle time is 8 minutes with pressure ranges from 30-50 mmHg. The mattress has twenty interchangeable individual 8" nylon/polyurethane air bladders for easy cleaning and maintenance and features an emergency CPR valve and quick connector for easy operation.
The Therapeutic Foam 5 Zone Pressure Reduction Support Mattress by Drive Medical is a deluxe deep foam mattress also designed to prevent pressure related bed sores and ulcers. Its mattress features an egg crate top layer to reduce painful pressure points and increases comfort and support. The removable nylon cover reduces friction and minimizes resistance to ensure optimal skin integrity it&rsquos also breathable waterproof machine washable and anti-microbial.
Once bed sores develop a more sophisticated air pressure mattress system may be needed. The Roho Dry Floatation Mattress Overlay-4 Section [1964] has four individually adjustable 20" x 34" sections with rows of soft interconnected air-filled cells that conforms precisely to the contours of the body providing "passive compression therapy" against the skin. This allows for enhanced blood flow to the wound site maximizing the healing process.
Be sure to ask your doctor for guidance on the right pressure mattress to prevent and/or manage bed sores if you will be in bed for a prolonged period of time.
