Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are painful skin injuries over bony prominences caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They typically occur in people who are bed-bound, use wheelchairs, or are unable to change their position frequently (as seen in comatose patients). To prevent and treat bed sores, it is crucial to use appropriate support surfaces such as specialized mattresses that can redistribute pressure and promote blood flow to the affected area.
Choosing the best mattress to prevent bed sores can make a significant difference in the prevention and management of these wounds. A pressure relief mattress is designed to distribute weight evenly, reduce friction, and minimize shear forces, which can contribute to the formation of bed sores. These mattresses come in various types, including foam, air, and alternating pressure mattresses. Foam mattresses are typically made of high-density foam that conforms to the body and reduces pressure points. Air mattresses are filled with air cells that can be adjusted to provide custom pressure relief, while alternating pressure mattresses are designed to cycle through inflation and deflation to redistribute pressure and promote blood flow.
In conclusion, investing in a mattress for bed sores can help prevent and treat these painful skin injuries. When choosing a pressure relief mattress, consider the patient’s needs, the level of care required, and the features of each type of mattress. By using the appropriate support surface, caregivers can help alleviate the discomfort and promote the healing of bed sores.
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Common causes of bed sores
Below are some common causes of bed sores:
- Prolonged pressure: The most common cause of bed sores is prolonged pressure on the skin, which occurs when a person remains in one position for a long period of time without changing position or relieving pressure on certain parts of the body.
- Friction and shearing: When the skin rubs against another surface, it can cause damage to the skin, making it more vulnerable to bed sores. Shearing occurs when the skin moves in one direction and the underlying tissue moves in another direction, which can cause damage to the skin and increase the risk of bed sores.
- Moisture: Skin that is constantly exposed to moisture is more prone to bed sores. This can be due to perspiration, incontinence, or other medical conditions that cause excessive sweating.
- Poor nutrition: People who have a poor diet or are malnourished are more susceptible to developing bed sores, as their skin is weaker and has a harder time healing.
- Immobility: People who are confined to a bed or wheelchair due to illness or injury are more prone to developing bed sores.
- Reduced sensation: People with reduced sensation due to nerve damage, spinal cord injury, or certain medical conditions may not be able to feel pain or discomfort, which can increase the risk of developing bed sores.
- Age: As people age, their skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making them more susceptible to developing bed sores.
Best Pressure Mattress for Bed Sores/Pressure Ulcers
Here are the 6 best pressure mattresses for bed sore/pressure ulcers, these are the best seller pressure mattresses currently available in the market:
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Vive Alternating Pressure Pad
The Vive Alternating Pressure Pad is an essential medical tool for individuals who are at risk of developing bed sores and ulcers due to extended bedrest. This mattress pad offers immediate relief by promoting increased circulation and eliminating pressure spots. Its proprietary algorithm inflates and deflates each of the 130 air cells, creating a wave-like therapy surface that evenly distributes weight and pressure, instantly improving the patient’s quality of life. With its customizable controls, ultra-quiet pump, and flexible, non-binding air hoses, this mattress pad provides a comfortable and personalized experience for its users.
In addition to its comfort and effectiveness, the Vive Alternating Pressure Pad is also built to last. Its premium vinyl mattress is durable and can support up to 300 pounds, making it ideal for a wide range of patients. The mattress pad is also waterproof, ensuring that it is easy to clean and maintain. Vive offers a free guarantee of one year on the pump and 60 days on the mattress pad, giving users the confidence they need to trust the quality of their purchase. Overall, the Vive Alternating Pressure Pad is an excellent investment for those looking to improve the quality of life for immobilized or weak patients who cannot shift their weight frequently.
2. Vaunn Medical Cloud Air Whisper Quiet Alternating Air Pressure Mattress
The Vaunn Medical Cloud Air Whisper Quiet Alternating Air Pressure Mattress is an excellent solution for individuals on extended bedrest, providing effective relief from painful pressure ulcers and bed sores. Its revolutionary air-lift technology distributes constant airflow throughout the body, increasing circulation, relieving pressure spots, and preventing skin maceration. The advanced sleep wave therapy, consisting of 130 pre-programmed air cells, gently inflates and deflates in a proprietary algorithm, effectively eliminating pressure and distributing the user’s weight. The gentle wave-like therapy works to relax muscles, promote blood circulation, and provide a cool sleep surface for optimum comfort.
One of the standout features of this mattress is its whisper-quiet pump with customizable controls. Voted as one of the quietest pressure pumps in the market, it allows users to enjoy a night of comfortable and peaceful sleep without waking their partner. Users may also customize the pressure level based on their needs. The mattress is built to last, with each air cell pre-treated and heat-sealed to ensure its integrity, and the medical-grade vinyl topper is waterproof and easy to clean, supporting up to 300 lbs. The size of the mattress topper is 36″x78″x3″ when fully inflated, and it includes top and bottom flaps to secure it to the bed. Overall, the Vaunn Medical Cloud Air Whisper Quiet Alternating Air Pressure Mattress is a high-quality and effective sleep solution for individuals on extended bedrest.
3. Roscoe Medical Alternating Pressure Mattress
The Roscoe Medical Alternating Pressure Mattress is a durable and effective solution for preventing bed sores and pressure ulcers. Backed by a one-year guarantee, customers can trust in the quality and longevity of both the alternating pressure pad and the pump. The mattress is suitable for both home use and hospital beds and can be easily installed over an existing bed. The alternating pressure pump and pad system can support up to 300 lbs, making it a suitable option for a wide range of individuals. With a compact design, the pump is quiet and does not disturb sleep, making it an ideal choice for those who need uninterrupted rest.
This bed sore prevention mattress overlay is an effective way to provide pressure sore relief and eliminate the need for a hospital bed in the home. The medical bed mattress is made from durable, heavy gauge, premium vinyl with 130 individual bubble cells, making it comfortable and supportive. Overall, the Roscoe Medical Alternating Pressure Mattress is a leader in bedsore prevention products, providing customers with a reliable and comfortable solution for pressure ulcer cushioning. With its easy installation, customizable pressure settings, and quiet operation, it is an excellent choice for individuals on extended bedrest who want to prevent the development of bed sores and ulcers.
4. Drive Medical 14027 Med-Aire Low Air Loss Mattress
The Drive Medical 14027 Med-Aire Low Air Loss Mattress is an advanced medical air mattress designed to optimize pressure redistribution, shear/friction reduction, and microclimate control. This active mattress replacement system provides both alternating pressure and low air loss, ensuring maximum immersion and envelopment through its 20 individual replaceable 8-inch air bladders. The mattress includes a pillow feature for head stability and comfort, making it ideal for patients who require extended periods of bed rest.
This alternating pressure mattress is made from durable materials, including a removable 4-way stretch PU cover that is fluid resistant, low shear, and vapor permeable. This material helps protect the skin from friction and moisture, reducing the risk of bedsores and other complications. In addition, the mattress features an audio and visual alarm that automatically alerts caregivers when air pressure is low, ensuring patient safety at all times. With a weight capacity of 350 lbs, this mattress is suitable for a wide range of patients and comes in dimensions of 80 inches in length x 36 inches in width x 8 inches in height. Overall, the Drive Medical 14027 Med-Aire Low Air Loss Mattress is a high-quality, reliable solution for patients in need of advanced pressure redistribution and skin protection.
5. Medical King Store Air Mattress for Hospital Bed Or Home Bed
The Medical King Store Air Mattress is a reliable and efficient solution for those looking to prevent bedsores or promote healing in hospital and home bed settings. Designed with alternating pressure and 130 air cells, this mattress can be easily installed and inflated in just a few minutes. With a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds, it can accommodate most users comfortably. Additionally, the mattress is made of waterproof material and is heat-sealed to ensure longevity and durability. Its customizable air pressure options allow users to adjust the mattress to their desired level of comfort.
This mattress is ideal for individuals who require extended periods of bed rest, such as patients recovering from surgery or those with chronic conditions. Its registered medical device status is a testament to its quality and efficacy in preventing and treating bedsores. Whether used in a hospital or home setting, the Medical King Store Air Mattress is an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and reliable solution for their bed needs.
6. Vive 8″ Alternating Pressure Mattress
The Vive 8″ Alternating Pressure Mattress is an excellent solution for those who suffer from pressure ulcers, bedsores, or any other related ailments. The mattress has been designed with 16 air chambers that utilize a variable pressure pump to alleviate pressure points on patients. Users can also customize the frequency of alternating inflation and deflation and the overall amount of air pressure to suit their personal comfort. The three air cells at the head of the bed remain static to create a pillow of air, and the mattress also has a static setting for general use. Additionally, the ultra-quiet pump ensures a peaceful rest, and the waterproof vinyl cover that easily slips over the air cells protects the pressure mattress.
The Vive 8″ Alternating Pressure Mattress comes with a Vive Guarantee, offering peace of mind to those who purchase it. The pump has a 1-year warranty, while the mattress pad has a 60-day warranty. The mattress pad’s cover is designed to allow heat to dissipate for patient comfort, and it can support up to 400 pounds. The Vive 8″ Alternating Pressure Mattress is an excellent investment for anyone who needs a comfortable and effective solution to alleviate pressure spots, bedsores, and ulcers, making it an ideal choice for those with limited mobility or who are bedfast.
How pressure mattress can prevent or heal bed sores/pressure ulcers?
Here are some ways that pressure relief mattresses can help prevent or heal bed sores:
- Distributing weight evenly: Pressure relief mattresses are designed to distribute the weight of the body more evenly, reducing the amount of pressure on any one part of the body.
- Reducing friction: Pressure relief mattresses can also help to reduce friction between the skin and the mattress, which can cause damage to the skin and increase the risk of bed sores.
- Minimizing shearing forces: These mattresses are designed to minimize shearing forces, which occur when the skin moves in one direction and the underlying tissue moves in another direction. Minimizing these forces can reduce the risk of skin damage and bed sore development.
- Promoting blood flow: Pressure relief mattresses can promote blood flow to the affected area, which is important for healing bed sores. By improving blood flow, pressure relief mattresses can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, which can speed up the healing process.
- Customizable support: Many pressure relief mattresses are adjustable and can be customized to provide the best support for individual patients based on their weight, body shape, and specific needs.
- Reduced discomfort: Pressure relief mattresses can also help to reduce discomfort for patients who are already suffering from bed sores, as they provide a more comfortable and supportive surface to lie on.
- Preventing further damage: By reducing pressure, friction, and shearing forces, pressure relief mattresses can help to prevent further damage to the skin and promote healing of existing bed sores.
How caregivers can help prevent bedsores/pressure ulcers in bed-bound patients?
They can be very painful and can take a long time to heal, which is why it’s important for caregivers to take steps to prevent them from developing in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing bed sores in patients:
- Reposition the patient regularly: This is the most important step in preventing bed sores. If a patient is immobile, they should be repositioned at least every two hours. This can be done by turning them on their side or back or using a special cushion or mattress that helps distribute pressure more evenly.
- Keep the skin clean and dry: Moisture can make the skin more susceptible to damage, so it’s important to keep the skin clean and dry. This can be done by gently washing the skin with mild soap and water and using a soft towel to pat it dry.
- Use specialized cushions and mattresses: There are many different types of cushions and mattresses that are designed to reduce pressure on the skin. These can be especially helpful for patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help improve skin health and reduce the risk of bed sores. Make sure the patient is getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals, and consider working with a dietitian to develop a meal plan that meets their specific needs.
- Monitor the skin regularly: Check the patient’s skin regularly for signs of redness, swelling, or other changes. If you notice any of these symptoms, take steps to relieve pressure on the affected area and consult with a healthcare professional.
- Encourage physical activity: Even if a patient is bedridden, it’s important to encourage them to move and exercise as much as possible. This can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of bed sores.
- Use appropriate bedding: Make sure the patient is sleeping on a comfortable and supportive mattress that provides adequate pressure relief.
By following these tips, caregivers can help prevent bed sores and promote skin health in patients. However, if you notice any signs of bed sores or other skin problems, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for advice and treatment.
