Types of Pressure Relieving Mattresses
Types of Pressure Relieving Mattresses: People who spend a lot of time in bed and are unable to shift positions often or easily are at risk for developing pressure sores. Pressure sores are produced by continual pressure, which reduces blood supply to the tissues and may lead to the breakdown of the skin.
One may choose from a variety of distinct styles mattresses, each of which comes with its own set of advantages. In this guide, we will go through the Types of Pressure Relieving Mattresses, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each, and then propose the products that we believe are the best.
What Exactly Mean by the term “Pressure Relief Mattress”?
The development of pressure ulcers, more often known as bedsores, may be avoided with the use of a pressure relief mattress. It not only supports the head and the body, but it also redistributes a person’s weight, which in turn lowers the amount of pressure that is exerted on any one particular part of the body.
What is the Function of a Mattress That Offers Pressure Relief?
Bedsores may be prevented by relieving and dispersing pressure, since this minimises the amount of friction and shearing, two of the contributing factors. People who spend a significant amount of time in bed, who are unable to reposition themselves in bed on their own, or who already have pressure ulcers can benefit tremendously from pressure relief mattresses. These mattresses reduce and redistribute the pressure that is exerted on the body, which helps prevent skin injuries that can occur as a result of constant pressure.
There are three primary classifications of pressure relief mattresses that should be taken into consideration.
1) Mattresses made of Foam for Pressure
It is more common for manufacturers of foam mattresses to design them with the goal of preventing pressure ulcers than of treating them.
They are made up of either a single or numerous layers of pressure relieving foam, and they respond to changes in an individual’s body form, heat, and movement. Their surface maintains its stability and relieves pressure over time by uniformly spreading an individual’s weight across a broad area at a continual low pressure. This allows for the surface to accommodate a greater weight capacity.
Foam Mattress
In addition to providing pressure relief, castellations and contoured surfaces, in addition to the air pockets contained inside the foam layers, are also present.
It is essential for those who are unable to move from their bed to have their caregiver routinely rearrange their position in the bed. Pressure ulcers are something that might develop on a person if they are not moved about frequently. As a result, those who are at a low to medium risk of getting a pressure ulcer are the primary candidates for sleeping on foam mattresses.
2) Alternating Air Pressure Mattress
Alternating air pressure mattresses are most often used for the treatment of already existing pressure ulcers as well as the prevention of new ulcers for those who are unable to move themselves. These mattresses are recommended for patients with pressure ulcers of grades 3 and 4.
They not only provide the user with consistent relief, but they also have the advantage of bringing a reduction in the requirement for physical repositioning by a caregiver.
They do this by relieving and redistributing pressure via a dynamic lying surface, which is constructed with a row of lateral air cells that continually alternate. The flow of air is managed by a pump unit that is attached to the mattress; this pump both inflates cells that are not inflated and deflates cells that are already inflated.
While deflated air cells give relaxation for the skin above them, inflated air cells provide pressure to the user’s body in order to support and stabilize them. The pump guarantees that there is continual movement beneath the user’s skin in addition to intervals when there is no pressure being applied to the skin.
3) Hybrid Pressure Mattresses
The hybrid mattress delivers optimal pressure relief while still retaining high levels of comfort, in contrast to foam mattresses, which are not suitable for people who need greater levels of pressure relief, and air mattresses which may cause certain patients nausea due to vibration.
Individuals who are at a high or extremely high risk of getting pressure ulcers, but who still have some amount of movement, are the ideal candidates for hybrid mattresses.
The hybrid mattress has a distinctive cell stricture due to the combination of the foam and alternating support systems into a single product. Foam in the cells serves to dampen the vibration of the pump while also providing air flow that may be moulded to the form of the person.
As a consequence of this, it contributes to the creation of a surface that is both gentler and more supporting.
Even though pressure reducing mattresses are an important piece of equipment for the treatment of pressure ulcers, constant repositioning is still required in order to prevent the development of these sores. Always make decisions based on clinical judgement.
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