Choosing the Best Alternating Pressure Mattress

With so many alternating pressure mattresses on the market, choosing the Best Alternating Pressure Mattress system is a daunting task. The most important consideration is the therapeutic needs of the patient.

In the prevention and treatment of pressure sores, the patient need is determined by the patient’s health care provider.  However, a wound care specialist may be more qualified to accurately suggest the best equipment for healing and prevention. This is made a little more complex by the plethora of alternating pressure mattress systems on the market.

Many alternating pressure mattresses look similar, make the same claims, and can vary widely in price range however, there are significant differences between the features, functions, and benefits. Here are a few things to look for based on over 25 years in the wound care industry.

The skin is the body's largest organ receiving greater than 30% of the body’s blood circulation. When you are healthy and circulation is normal, your skin is tough, pliable and protects us from infection. Despite this resiliency, for persons of limited mobility whose condition affects circulation the skin can become susceptible to breakdown.

Pressure ulcers can happen in every setting. Almost 1/5th of pressure ulcers develop at home. For those who are confined to bed or to a chair for more than one week, the incidence rises. Proper medical attention, nutrition, care and therapeutic medical equipment is essential. Knowledge is one of the most important factors.

Pressure ulcers are not only painful and very difficult to treat but they can be fatal. "Pressure ulceration in elderly patients is associated with a fivefold increase in mortality" (nih.gov).

Preventing bed sores at home is key!

Treating pressure ulcers at home involves:

• Reducing pressure on the affected skin
• Caring for the wounds
• Controlling pain
• Preventing infection
• Maintaining good nutrition
  (mayoclinic.com) 

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a significant cause of disability, with profound physical, functional and emotional consequences. While TSCI does not exclusively compromise the life of the individual after the incident, the decrease in functional independence has the greatest impact on many individuals. However, many TSCI patients want to be self-reliant to control their own comfort or to be part of the care giving process which includes the prevention of pressure ulcers. A new therapeutic mattress innovation was made specifically to address the needs of people with TSCI or debilitating conditions that has limited their mobility not their independence.

Why do people with MS need special mattresses?

Because of the problems with sensation and movement that are often a component of multiple sclerosis, people with the disease often require special mattresses to keep them safe from developing bed sores and other skin problems. What should a person with MS consider when buying a mattress?

Pressure sores are areas of injured skin and tissue caused by sitting in one position for too long. In the case of a home dialysis patient, the duration of treatment often requires individuals to sit in a recliner from three to five hours, frequent position changes are needed to prevent skin damage. However, this is not always possible with less mobile or older patients. Pressure ulcers can occur when the blood supply to the skin or underlying tissue is disrupted for a short period of time by the increase in pressure. When a change in position doesn't occur often enough a pressure ulcer or decubitus ulcers often occurs. There are several ways to prevent skin breakdown during dialysis.

Alternating Pressure Mattress Systems - Rent vs Buy?

Health care professionals recognize Alternating Pressure with Low AIr Loss as the prime therapy for prevention and treatment of bed sores. They prescribe alternating pressure mattress systems with low air loss to their patients. This leaves patients faced with the choice of Renting or Buying.

People who spend long periods of time in a hospital recliner or geri chair are at a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers, which are preventable can: develop quickly, are often difficult to treat and can be very dangerous if not treated properly. Unfortunately insurance will only pay for the most basic skin protection which leaves those who need it most at highest risk.

So you have a super comfortable mattress, expensive silk linens, a wonderfully soft blanket and the perfect pillow....and you still are not getting a good night's sleep. You are not alone. Here is one crucial factor to help you sleep better.