Bedsores are pressure ulcers that happen due to prolonged pressure on the skin, such as laying on the bed, sitting in a wheelchair. However, it happens when you sit or lay in one place for a more extended period.
It can also be defined as pressure sores are the skin area, breaks down when something is rubbing or pressing against the skin. However, to treat bedsores, Alternate Pressure mattresses is available if you don’t know what it is? Then here you can see Alternating Pressure mattress reviews and select according to your choice.
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What is Alternating Pressure Mattress?
Alternating Pressure Mattress is a low air bed that filled with air cells so that contact/pressure points of the body could be reduced. These are designed for great comfort and enhanced circulation and prevent vital role in preventing bedsores.
It is an advance medical mattress technology that reduces pressure on the body and prevents skin breakdown and protect from bedsores.
It comes with different treatment time options such as 5,10, 15,20 minutes cycles. After completing the cycle, the deflated cells refills with the original firmness.
Who Use Alternating Pressure Mattress?
These Mattresses are used for patients who have a risk of developing ulcers or pressure sores, commonly called “Bed Sores.” These air beds are designed for great comfort that enhances circulation and uses in both home care and hospital environment.
Furtherly, these mattresses are used for burn patients, Multiple sclerosis, and Lou Gehrig’s disease, etc.
Pressure ulcers are skin injuries caused by prolonged pressure. Meanwhile, bedsores can be anywhere and mostly developed in soft bony areas of the body like heels, ankles, tailbone, hips, back, and shoulder blades.
Who are at risk of Bedsores and pressure ulcers?
Patients who are on the bed for a long period, using a wheelchair, skin injuries due to renal failure and dehydration are more prevalent of bedsores and pressure ulcers.
Moreover, people who suffer from decreased nutritional intake and immobile people have chances to develop pressure ulcers and sores.
Why is it called a Low Air Loss Mattress?
It reduces heat and moisture and provides the flow around the mattress to assist in managing the heat and humidity of the skin.
These alternate pressure mattresses have small air holes in the top surface of the mattress that reduces skin interface pressure and prevents pressure ulcers and bedsores. Due to these air holes, the skin remains dry and away from moistens.
Two types of low air loss mattresses are available in the market: On-demand mattresses and true Low air mattresses. The difference in both is that on-demand, you can turn the mode on and off as you want, and in true low air, feature runs continuously.
Features of Alternating Air Mattress
There are air bladders positioned laterally and lengthwise and have alternating pressure points under the body which promote circulation and relieve pain from different body parts.
They are accompanied by an adjustable air pump, which is easy to use and has the ability to circulation. This air pressure continuously changes the body fluid and blood flow. Some mattresses have perforated air cells that provide low interface pressure, and that’s an exceptional pressure relief offer.
How Alternating Pressure Mattresses Work?
In these mattresses, air cells inflate and deflate constantly; therefore, pressure points change constantly and promote circulation. Inflated cells on the mattress support the patient and deflated cells’ relief pressure from the skin.
First, one cell inflates, then deflates, and then the procedure is carried on. There is up and down motion gradually that even the patient does not feel. These gradual waves like movement continue all around the mattress except the head area.
The cycle time could be set according to the patient’s need, and the mostly 10-minute set is recommended mostly.
The active sensor technology configures air pressure based on patient weight. Therefore, with the help of alternating pressure mattress provides cool, dry air that speeds up the healing of bedsores and pressure ulcers.
Things to Consider
Somethings should be kept in mind on purchasing Alternating Pressure Mattress.
Turning
Many alternating pressure mattresses utilize air chambers that help and prevent bedsores by taking off the pressure of injured skin. With blood circulation, the comfort level increases.
Bed size
Basically, they are designed for hospital bed frames that ensure comfort and safety. Sizes of bed vary like standard model size is 75 inches long and 32 inches wide, which extended up to 80 inches long and 42 inches wide.
Skin Health
These mattresses have anti-shearing zones at the top and bottom of the mattress that provides safety to scapulas and heels from unnecessary friction. It automatically reduces airflow and circulates blood flow, which ultimately reduces pressure and prevents bedsores.
Safety
Many mattresses have a feature of the static perimeter that prevents entrapment between bed rails and mattress.
Transfer capability
With transfer capability, you can inflate and deflate cells as needed.
Budget
Above all of the benefits, you also see your budget, and everyone wants to purchase the best alternate pressure mattress at reasonable prices.
