Pressure ulcer sufferers—also referred to as bed sores—are the target market for pressure mattresses. Long lengths of time spent in one position can lead to pressure sores; they are most common in those with poor skin integrity and/or limited movement. In order to maximize patient comfort, it is important to select the appropriate pressure mattress for the specific grade of bed sore.
Read More: pressure relief mattresses
This blog post will define pressure mattresses and discuss their differences from standard mattresses. Additionally, it will demonstrate how pressure sore mattresses function and how they might help people with bed sores feel more comfortable.
AN ECLAIM FOR PRESSURE SORES
Areas of skin that have been repeatedly compressed, causing damage to the skin and surrounding tissue, are known as pressure sores. When a weaker portion of the body, like the elbows or pelvis, is subjected to continuous pressure, the area deteriorates and the circulation is cut off.
Patients vary in their susceptibility to developing pressure ulcers. These consist of skin integrity and mobility. Four primary grades may be used to classify pressure sores based on their varied degrees of severity:
Skin reddening in Grade 1Level
2-Introduced “blister” similar to wound grade
3. Damage to the skin’s underlayer and all of its layers
Grade 4: Severe injury to the skin, underlying tissue, bone, muscle, tendons, or joints.
PRESSURE MATTRESS: WHAT IS IT?
A pressure mattress is made to make a person with pressure sores more comfortable. To ease the increasing strain on pressure points, the mattress offers excellent head and body support. With its precisely crafted air pockets, pressure relief mattresses are different from standard mattresses in that they apply less pressure to the body’s major pressure points.
MATTRESSES WITH STATIC OR FOAM (REACTIVE SURFACE)
Pressure-relieving foam, either single or numerous layers of it, makes up static mattresses. By equitably dispersing a person’s weight over a sizable area at a constant low pressure, their surface stays static and gradually releases pressure. It reacts to the movement, heat, and contour of a person’s body. The air pockets inside the foam layer or layers, together with curved surfaces and castellations, also contribute to further pressure alleviation.
Static mattresses can only relieve so much pressure because its primary purpose is to avoid pressure ulcers rather than heal them. It is crucial that caregivers often reposition their clients, especially those who are immobile, since this can prevent the development of sores. Static mattresses are therefore often only advised for Grade 1 and Grade 2 ulcers.
AIR-FLOW/ALTERNATING MATTRESSES (ACTIVE SURFACE)
Alternating pressure mattresses, sometimes referred to as air-flow mattresses, use a dynamic sleeping surface to alleviate and redistribute pressure. The construction of alternating pressure sore mattresses involves a row of lateral air cells that alternate continuously. A pump unit attached to the mattress and typically also attached to the bed’s footboard regulates the air flow in the mattress. The pump’s function is to both inflate and deflate the inflated and deflated cells.
While the deflated air cells relieve the skin above them, the inflated air cells apply pressure to support the user. The pump makes sure there are times when there is no pressure and that there is continuous movement beneath the user’s skin. In addition to treating pressure sores that have already occurred, alternating pressure mattresses are also used to prevent pressure ulcers in those who are immobile. They lessen the need for a caregiver to physically realign the patient while also offering continuous comfort to the patient. Though the moving sleeping surface is effective in releasing pressure, both comfort and compressor noise may be negatively impacted. It is advised to use alternating pressure relief mattresses for Grade 3 and Grade 4 ulcers.
COMBINATION/HYBRID MATTRESSES
Static and alternating mattress technologies are combined into one hybrid mattress. Usually, this consists of soft foam topper and alternating air cells inserted into a foam mattress. Consequently, the hybrid pressure mattress maintains the high degree of comfort of the foam mattress while offering the best possible pressure relief. For the alternating air cells in most hybrid pressure mattresses, an air pump that runs off the mains electricity is needed.
Hybrid mattresses are made for those who still have some movement but are at a high or extremely high risk of getting sores.