Bed sores (pressure ulcers) are a common problem for people who are bed bound or have limited mobility. Prolonged pressure on the skin causes skin and tissue damage. One of the best solutions to prevent and treat bed sores is using alternating pressure pads and mattresses. In this guide we’ll go into the details of these products, their benefits, and how they work to give you relief and healing, especially if you spend many hours per day in bed or who are classified as high-risk individuals.
What is an Alternating Pressure Mattress?
An alternating air pressure mattress pad is a medical device to prevent and treat bed sores by redistributing pressure on the body. These mattresses have a system of air cells that inflate and deflate alternately to create a dynamic surface that takes away constant pressure from the skin and tissues.
Features:
- Dynamic Air Flow: Alternating inflation and deflation cycles.
- Pressure Redistribution: Reduces prolonged pressure points, providing relief from bed sores.
- Low Air Loss: Cooling effect and moisture reduction.
- Flexible Air Hose: Non-binding and easy to install, ensuring hassle-free setup.
What to Put on a Bed Sore?
The best treatment for bed sores is a combination of proper wound care and using specialized products to take pressure off and heal. Recommended treatments are: Alternating air pressure mattress pads, hydrocolloid dressings, and other pressure-relieving devices.
- Hydrocolloid Dressings: Creates a moist environment for healing, which can be used alongside an alternating air pressure mattress pad.
- Antibiotic Creams: Prevents infection in open sores.
- Alternating Pressure Pads and Mattresses: Reduces pressure on the affected area. An alternating pressure pump, which is compatible with standard USA 110V outlets and operates quietly, helps control firmness or softness, promotes increased circulation, and minimizes the formation of pressure points for immobilized or weak patients.
How to Relieve Pressure Sores?
- Pressure Relieving Devices: Alternating pressure pads and mattresses, including hospital bed mattress options. These devices are particularly beneficial for patients experiencing prolonged bed rest, as they promote increased circulation, help manage skin maceration, and evenly distribute body weight to alleviate pressure spots.
Do Alternating Pressure Pads Work?
Yes, vive alternating pressure pads work well in preventing and treating bed sores, making them essential for those in need of an Vive alternating pressure pad replacement. They function by continuously adjusting the air pressure, which rotates throughout the mattress pad about every 6 minutes, helping to stimulate blood flow and distribute weight off pressure points.
Alternating Pressure Pad vs Gel Overlay?
Alternating pressure pads and gel overlays serve the same purpose but are different:
- Alternating Pressure Pads: Dynamic pressure relief by inflating and deflating air cells in the vive alternating pressure air mattress. An alternating pressure pad overlay is a flexible option that works over a standard medical bed mattress of any size, including Sleep Number beds and Memory Foam mattresses. It distributes weight, relieves pressure spots, promotes blood flow, and minimizes the formation of pressure points, making it suitable for immobilized or weak patients who cannot shift their weight frequently.
- Gel Overlays: Static but cushioned surface to distribute weight, though less dynamic than air chambers in an air mattress.
Conclusion: Alternating pressure pads are more effective for severe cases as they give continuous and adjustable pressure relief.
What to Avoid with an Alternating Pressure Pad?
An alternating pressure pad is given to prevent bed sores and to help heal existing sores by providing relief from bed sores:
- Pressure Redistribution: Reduces prolonged pressure on any one area, ideal for those at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.
- Blood Circulation: Tissue oxygenation is improved, providing relief from bed sores.
- Moisture: Keeps the skin dry and less prone to breakdown.
Additionally, using a mattress pad waterproof can further protect the mattress by repelling liquid and ensuring it remains dry and hygienic.
What does an Alternating Pressure Pad do?
An air pressure mattress pad does:
- Cyclic Inflation and Deflation: Moves pressure points to reduce skin stress, ideally acting as a mattress topper.
- Blood Flow: Prevents tissue ischemia by using devices like an alternating air pressure mattress pad.
- Moisture Control: Low air loss features to keep the skin dry while the alternating pressure pad sits comfortably on top of your existing mattress.
What is the purpose of an Alternating Pressure Mattress?
The purpose of a variable pressure mattress pad sits on top of your existing mattress and provides relief from bed sores:
- Prevent Bed Sores: By changing pressure points regularly, especially for those at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.
- Aid in Healing: For patients with existing sores.
- Comfort: Provides a comfortable and supportive surface that evenly distributes body weight to relieve pressure spots, making it perfect for immobilized or weak patients who cannot shift their weight frequently.
Do Alternating Pressure Mattresses Work?
Yes, alternating pressure mattresses work. Studies have shown that these mattresses, including the vive alternating pressure mattress pad, reduce bed sores and promote faster healing for patients with a high risk of developing pressure ulcers.
How to Use an Alternating Pressure Mattress?
Using an alternating pressure mattress:
- Installation: Place the mattress on the hospital bed frame and connect to the air pump.
- Settings: Adjust settings according to patient’s needs (pressure level, cycle time) to provide relief from bed sores.
- Monitoring: Check regularly for proper inflation and function, especially if using a hospital bed mattress.
What does an Alternating Pressure Mattress do?
A mattress pad for an alternating pressure mattress:
- Reduces Pressure Points: Inflates and deflates air cells in cycles.
- Comfort: Provides a comfortable surface for long term lying.
- Skin Breakdown: Reduces risk of bed sores.
What’s the difference between Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattress?
Low Air Loss Mattress:
- Continuous Airflow: Air flows continuously to keep the skin dry.
- Pressure Relief: Static surface with microclimate control.
Alternating Pressure Mattress:
Dynamic Surface: Air cells inflate and deflate in cycles, fitting perfectly on a twin size mattress or an existing mattress.
Better Pressure Relief: Actively moves pressure points.
Conclusion: Both medical bed mattress have their benefits but alternating pressure mattresses are more suitable for patients at high risk of bed sores.
Products
MedaCure Air Wave Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss
- Features: Alternating pressure with low air loss technology.
MedaCure Oasis Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss
- Features: Pressure redistribution and skin microclimate management.
Invacare microAIR MA500 Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress
- Features: Advanced pressure relief, user friendly.
Vive Health Alternating Pressure Pad
Features: Portable, easy to use, for home care
The alternating pressure mattress pad is perfect for immobilized or weak patients who are unable to shift their weight frequently and are at risk of developing bed sores and ulcers due to extended bed rest. It is portable, easy to use, and ideal for home care.
Vive Health 8″ Alternating Pressure Mattress
- Features: Deep alternating pressure relief for maximum comfort, designed to be a mattress topper for added convenience.
Conclusion
Bed sores are a big problem for people with limited mobility but with the right solutions, they can be prevented and treated. Alternating pressure pads and mattresses are one of the best options available, including the dynamic pressure relief and comfort of a heat resistant ulcer cushion pad. By knowing the products and their features, caregivers can make informed decisions to improve patient care and quality of life.
FAQs
1. How often to service an alternating pressure mattress?
Service an alternating pressure mattress according to manufacturer’s instructions, usually every 6-12 months, to ensure optimal performance, especially for those at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.
2. Can alternating pressure pads be used at home?
Yes, many alternating pressure pads are for home use and easy to install and use.
3. Are there any side effects?
No, generally. But make sure to maintain the mattress properly and clean your mattress regularly to ensure the settings are correct for the patient.
4. How long to heal bed sores with an alternating pressure mattress?
Healing time varies depending on the severity of sores and patient’s overall health but an alternating pressure mattress can hasten the process.
5. What to consider when choosing an alternating pressure mattress?
Consider patient’s weight, condition and mattress features (cycle time and low air loss).
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