Can you use an Alternating Pressure Mattress on a spring based hospital bed frame?

I often get the question, "Can I use an alternating pressure mattress on a spring-based hospital bed frame"?
The short answer is Yes.... BUT there are considerations and concerns about developing a bed sore. In this article, we discuss the concerns of using an alternating pressure mattress with a spring-based hospital bed frame, what to look for, and what you can do to correct them

A hospital bed frame plays a crucial role in supporting your body and maintaining your position. An alternating pressure mattress plays a crucial role in comfort and skin protection. The right combination of bed frame and mattress is essential to provide proper support, position, comfort, and skin protection.

There are many hospital bed frames for home use. The most common home care bed frame utilizes springs that provide give for added comfort and support. Other frames utilize a more stable but less forgiving welded bar or solid pan. NOTE: Even if a person's weight is lower than the maximum capacity of the frame, a person's body shape must be taken into consideration. Both weight and body shape (where a person carries their weight) must be considered to determine if the spring-based frame is appropriate. Body weight concentration and its effect on the sagging of a 5' and 250 lb person is much different than that of a 6' 250 lb person. 

All hospital bed frames are acceptable for use with an alternating pressure mattress, However, as the springs in a spring-based hospital bed frame lose tension, they sag. Furthermore, a position in bed can contribute greatly to sagging. Sagging can significantly affect a patient's comfort, posture, and overall health.
Here's how,

The sag associated with spring-based hospital bed frames is most pronounced when the head of the bed is raised. Known as a Fowler position, the head of the bed is typically raised between 30º - 45º. When a person is lying flat, their weight is distributed evenly. However, when the head of the bed is raised, a person's weight becomes concentrated on their bottom. This causes the springs to sag and the person to sink into the mattress.

Increased Risk of Pressure Sores (Bedsores)

The sagging effect translates to the surface of the alternating pressure mattress. This can leave the patient sunken into a "hole". Sagging can contribute to increased pressures on areas like the hips, tailbone, and shoulders. This increases the risk of developing pressure ulcers (bedsores), which are painful and can lead to infections.

SKIN SHEAR
Skin shear is a significant contributing factor to bed sores. When springs sag, and the person sinks into the mattress, they slide. When they slide a person can shear their skin, especially in the coccyx, AKA tailbone and sacral areas. Click Here For more about how to stop sliding in an alternating pressure mattress

POOR SPINAL ALIGNMENT & POSTURE ISSUES
Sagging in the springs may not provide proper spinal support. This can lead to back pain, muscle strain, and poor posture, making long-term bed rest uncomfortable.

DIFFICULTY CHANGING POSITIONS
Sagging creates a "dip" in the bed, making it harder for a patient to move, reposition, or be transferred by caregivers.
Patients with limited mobility may struggle to shift their weight, increasing discomfort and pressure buildup.

REDUCED EFFECTIVENESS OF ADJUSTABLE FEATURES
Hospital beds often have adjustable sections for elevating the head, legs, or entire body.
A sagging spring frame can counteract these adjustments, preventing proper positioning for breathing, digestion, or reducing swelling.

WORSENED BREATHING & DIGESTION
Poor posture due to sagging can compress the lungs and diaphragm, making it harder to breathe.
It can also affect digestion by hindering acid reflux prevention (important for patients with GERD).

DAMAGED TO THE ALTERNATING PRESSURE MATTRESS
The metal springs can potentially damage the bottom side of your alternating pressure mattress or worse the air chambers. This can be very costly to replace

WHAT YOU CAN DO

HOW TO IDENTIFY IF THE SPRING BASED FRAME IS THE CAUSE OF THE SINKING
If a person either complains of feeling like they are in a hole or you can see the person sunken into the surface of the mattress,

TIP 1 - Check the weight rating of the spring-based frame. 

TIP 2 - With the person in the bed, raise the head of the bed to 30º - 65º. Inspect the springs under the bed. Determine if you can identify sagging.

TIP 3 - Replace worn-out or damaged springs.

TIP 4 - Place additional support boards over the springs to minimize or eliminate sagging. This must be done in sections to allow full range of motion in the frame.

TIP 5- Consider switching to a metal slat frame such as the NOA MEDICAL LIGHT for more even support.

If your spring-based hospital bed frame is functioning properly, and not causing a dip in your mattress, Click Here to see How Your Mattress can Contribute to Sinking into your Hospital Bed Mattress 

The information above is general in nature and is not meant to be utilized to diagnose or treat any condition. Always refer to your physician when seeking medical advice.

About the Author:

Jeff Adise has worked in the wound care industry for over 28 years. He is a product specialist and the developer of innovative therapeutic support surfaces for the treatment and healing of Stages I-IV pressure injuries in home recliners, lift chairs, wheelchairs, and beds. His innovative products are recommended for use by wound care specialists, physicians, and caregivers,  across the US. In addition, Jeff is currently collaborating with a team of Doctors and Ph.D. researchers to develop and gain FDA approval for a groundbreaking new topical wound care drug. The promising new drug has been shown to greatly improve the quality and speed of wound healing while reducing infection.

To Contact Jeff
E-mail: jeff@comfortsbest.com
Phone: (914) 262-7458