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

Many alternating pressure mattresses look similar and make the same claims, however, vary widely in the price range. There are significant differences between the features, functions, and benefits. Here are a few things to look for:

Patient profile There are many patient factors that must be taken into consideration however, the majority of patients fall into the following profile:

• 100 lbs. – 350 lbs.
• Prevention or treatment of stage I – IV sores
• During the day or night sits or sleeps with the head of the bed raised
• Transfers or requires care while on the mattress
• Has limited mobility

Five Prime factors leading to the development of a pressure sore

There are many considerations however, the five prime factors in the development of pressure ulcers are:

• Pressure
• Moisture
• Heat
• Shearing
• Friction

Therapy offered by the Mattress

In choosing a mattress for the prevention and treatment of stages I – IV pressure ulcers, choose one capable of addressing the 5 prime factors. Look for a mattress that combines Alternating Pressure and Low Air Loss in one system. Alternating pressure with low air loss is considered a preferred therapeutic modality in the prevention and treatment of pressure sores.

Mattress Cover

The mattress cover is extremely important. A low-shear, low-friction cover addresses shearing and friction while a multi-stretch feature improves comfort. Look for a mattress with a cover with the following benefits:

• Low Shear - Helps Prevent Shearing Injuries
• Low Friction - Helps Prevent Friction Injuries
• Multi-Stretch Urethane - Improves Comfort and durability
• Anti-microbial - Hygiene and Infection control
• Fluid proof - Hygiene and Infection control
• Stain-resistant - Aesthetic
• Fire retardant - Patient Safety
• Durable Zipper - Prevents separation of the top & bottom covers
• Waterfall Flap - Prevents body or cleaning fluid intrusion
• The Latest Cover Innovation incorporates the Low Air Loss Therapy into the cover for enhanced therapy

You do not want a mattress with a vinyl or fabric cover.

Pump

Features and construction are the main factors that separate high quality from lower quality pumps. There are systems with more “advanced” functions. Some are more marketing hype than real benefits. Choose a mattress with a pump that at least offers the following functions:

• • Alternation mode - For pressure redistribution
• • Static mode - For safe patient transfer and care
• • Adjustable comfort settings - Patient comfort
• • Low-pressure alert - Patient care
• • Loss of power alert - Patient care
• • Fall back mode - Prevention of caregiver error
• • Metal pump parts with vibration mountings instead of plastic. - Pump longevity, reliability, and whisper quiet function
• • Better systems have dual pumps - Whisper quiet function, faster inflation, durability, longevity, best for heavier patients
• • Higher liter air flow - Faster inflation, longevity, best for heavier patients

Mattress Features

In addition to the above, you should choose an alternating pressure mattress that offers the following features:

• Static Head bladders - Prevents head from moving during alternation mode
• Ventilated body bladders - Provides Low Air Loss therapy
• Specialized heel bladders - Additional protection against heel ulcers
• Static air base - Prevents bottoming out during power outage
• Non-kinking hoses - Improves airflow while inclined, effectiveness, reliability
• Bladders made from TPU - Maximum durability and longevity

The material and welding of an alternating pressure low air loss mattress are very important for durability, reliability, and longevity. The most durable material is TPU, Thermoplastic Polyurethane. TPU is extremely durable and soft to the touch.

Other considerations

The availability of parts is a very important consideration. Most companies do not offer mattress and pump parts therefore the entire mattress or pump must be replaced. This is very costly, especially when a simple parts replacement fixes the issue. Look for a mattress made by a company that offers and stocks mattress and pump parts for immediate shipment.

Competitive Bidding

The term competitive bidding sounds enticing however, this does not translate into a benefit to the consumer. In fact, mattresses made for competitive bidding instituted by Medicare to lower costs, are meant to meet a purchase price point by Medicare. This resulted in many manufacturers sourcing inexpensively built products overseas to “bid competitively”.

These products are of lower quality, reliability, and durability however, most importantly effectiveness. Some of these systems function however, they don’t work. Meaning operationally the bladders alternate, but the patient still breaks down. This leaves the patient thinking that alternating pressure with low air loss therapy does not work, but this is not the case. When choosing an alternating pressure low air loss mattress system, make sure it is not a mattress that was made for competitive bidding.

Cost

Alternating air pressure mattress with low air loss systems range in price from three hundred to ten thousand dollars or more. While the low-cost systems seem attractive, the patient is the one who suffers when the system is ineffective or unreliable. There is a much higher cost of ownership. Conversely, the higher-cost systems are not necessarily worth the over-inflated price. Much of what you are charged for is name or marketing. Furthermore, most of the names selling high-end systems do not manufacture and purchase their systems from contract manufacturers. This drives the price way up. For a high-quality alternating pressure with low air loss mattress system expect to pay between $1,500 - $3,000.

Alternating Pressure Mattress Product Knowledge

Choosing the best alternating pressure mattress system is an important healthcare decision. Unfortunately for many people reading this article, have experienced the frustration of trying to get answers. This leaves consumers/caregivers on their own to determine which is the best mattress system for the individual needs of a patient. When choosing a mattress system, ask questions, educate yourself.

Take the above factors into consideration when choosing the best alternating pressure mattress. If you still have questions, contact wound care or an alternating pressure mattress product specialist for advice.

Jeff Adise has been in the wound care industry for over 25 years. He is a product specialist and the developer of innovative therapeutic support surfaces for home recliners, lift chairs, wheelchairs, and beds. Wound care specialists, physicians, and caregivers recommend his innovative products. Disease-related organizations for conditions such as ALS, recognize and recommend his cushions. Jeff is working with doctors and Ph.D. researchers on a groundbreaking topical wound care serum. This innovative new drug has been shown to greatly accelerate the speed of quality healing while reducing infection.

Contact e-mail: jeff@comfortsbest.com

tel: 888 450-0045