Get quick answers to common questions about pressure relief mattresses—features, benefits, and how to choose the right one for your comfort and care.
1. What is the best mattress for pressure ulcers?
The best mattress for pressure ulcers depends on the patient’s risk level, weight, and overall condition. For low-risk patients, high-density foam or viscoelastic (memory) foam mattresses provide effective pressure redistribution and comfort. Examples include the Protekt 300 Pressure Foam Hospital Bed Mattress and the Joerns PrevaMatt Hospital Bed Mattress.
For moderate to high-risk patients or those with existing ulcers, alternating pressure mattresses or low air loss mattresses provide dynamic pressure relief and enhanced healing support. The Protekt Supreme Support Alternating Pressure relief Mattress and the Invacare microAIR MA500 Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress are excellent choices.
Bariatric patients require specialized pressure relief mattresses with higher weight capacities and reinforced construction, such as the Protekt Aire 7000 Lateral Rotation Mattress System.
2. How does an alternating pressure mattress work?
An alternating pressure mattress uses a system of interconnected air cells that cyclically inflate and deflate to shift pressure points across the body. This dynamic movement mimics natural repositioning, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of tissue damage by preventing prolonged pressure on any one area.
Models like the Protekt Supreme Support Alternating Pressure Mattress and Invacare microAIR MA500 are equipped with quiet pumps and adjustable cycles to maximize patient comfort and healing.
3. Can a foam mattress prevent bedsores?
Yes, high-quality foam mattresses, particularly those made from viscoelastic memory foam, help prevent bedsores by redistributing pressure and cushioning vulnerable areas. The Protekt 300 Pressure Foam Mattress is a prime example designed to reduce peak pressure points for low to moderate risk patients.
However, foam mattresses alone may not suffice for high-risk or immobile patients who need more dynamic pressure relief options.
4. What is the difference between a pressure relief mattress and a pressure redistribution mattress?
Pressure relief mattresses focus mainly on cushioning to reduce discomfort, often providing a softer surface. In contrast, pressure redistribution mattresses are engineered to evenly spread the patient’s weight across a larger area to prevent high-pressure zones that cause tissue damage.
Pressure redistribution mattresses, like the Protekt 500 Gel Medical Mattress for Home Use, often use advanced materials such as gel, foam, or air cells for targeted ulcer prevention.
5. How long does it take for a pressure ulcer to heal with a special mattress?
Healing time varies with ulcer severity, patient health, and quality of treatment. Early-stage pressure ulcers may heal in a few weeks with proper support from mattresses like the Protekt Supreme Support Alternating Pressure Mattress, while more severe ulcers can take months.
Specialized mattresses reduce ongoing tissue damage by minimizing pressure and improving circulation but should be used alongside comprehensive wound care.
6. Are gel mattresses better than foam for pressure ulcers?
Gel mattresses or overlays, such as those found in the Protekt 500 Gel Medical Mattress, offer superior temperature regulation and reduce shear forces compared to foam alone, which helps maintain skin integrity and comfort.
Foam mattresses generally provide better overall pressure redistribution and cushioning. The best prevention often involves combining gel overlays with foam mattresses.
7. What mattress is recommended for bariatric patients?
Bariatric patients need mattresses with high weight capacities (usually over 500 lbs), reinforced structures, and wider dimensions. These mattresses, like the Protekt Aire 7000 Lateral Rotation Mattress System, use advanced pressure redistribution technologies to provide durable support and reduce skin breakdown risk.
8. Can Medicare cover an alternating pressure mattress?
Medicare may cover an alternating pressure mattress if prescribed by a physician for pressure ulcer prevention or treatment. Coverage eligibility depends on medical necessity documentation and meeting specific criteria.
Products like the Invacare microAIR MA500 Alternating Pressure Mattress often qualify when prescribed appropriately.
9. How often should a pressure relief mattress be replaced?
Pressure relief mattresses typically need replacement every 3 to 5 years, depending on patient use, weight, and mattress wear. Signs to replace include loss of pressure-relieving properties, visible damage, or increased discomfort.
Regular inspection and maintenance ensure continued protection.
10. Do alternating pressure mattresses require maintenance?
Yes, alternating pressure mattresses require routine maintenance, such as cleaning air cells, checking pump operation, inspecting for leaks, and washing covers.
The Protekt Supreme Support Alternating Pressure Mattress and similar products come with user-friendly maintenance guidelines to ensure longevity and therapeutic consistency.
11. How do I choose the right mattress firmness for pressure ulcer prevention?
The ideal mattress firmness balances support and cushioning. Medium-firm mattresses, like the Protekt 300 Foam Mattress, offer effective pressure redistribution without causing excessive sinking that can create new pressure points.
Patients with fragile skin may prefer softer gel-infused mattresses such as the Protekt 500 Gel Medical Mattress for added comfort and temperature regulation.
12. What are the benefits of low air loss mattresses compared to traditional alternating pressure mattresses?
Low air loss mattresses, like the Protekt Aire 3000 Alternating Low Air Loss Mattress System, combine pressure relief with continuous airflow that keeps the skin dry. This moisture management reduces infection risk, which is particularly important for incontinent patients.
Traditional alternating pressure mattresses shift pressure dynamically but may not address moisture control as effectively.
13. Can pressure relief mattresses help reduce the need for frequent repositioning by caregivers?
Yes, dynamic mattresses such as the Protekt Supreme Support Alternating Pressure Mattress reduce the burden of frequent manual repositioning by continuously redistributing pressure. While repositioning remains critical, these mattresses improve patient comfort and lower ulcer risk during extended immobility.
14. How important is mattress cover material in preventing pressure ulcers?
Mattress covers must be waterproof, breathable, and antimicrobial to prevent moisture buildup and infection. High-quality covers, as found on most medical bed mattresses, wick moisture away and maintain skin integrity, which is essential for ulcer prevention.
15. What should I look for regarding mattress warranty and support services?
A robust warranty and reliable customer support ensure your mattress continues to perform effectively. Leading models like the Joerns PrevaMatt Hospital Bed Mattress offer multi-year warranties covering material and functional defects, plus responsive service to assist with maintenance or replacements.
16. What is the difference between pressure redistribution mattresses and foam mattresses?
Pressure redistribution mattresses are specifically designed to evenly spread body weight over a larger surface area, often combining multiple technologies such as foam, gel, or air cells for targeted pressure management. Foam mattresses, like the Protekt 300 Pressure Foam Hospital Bed Mattress, primarily use high-density or memory foam to contour to the body and reduce pressure points.
While all foam mattresses provide some pressure redistribution, specialized pressure redistribution mattresses often incorporate additional features (like gel layers or air cells) for enhanced relief, making them more effective for higher-risk patients.
17. Which is better for pressure ulcers: foam mattress or alternating pressure mattress?
For low to moderate risk patients, high-quality foam mattresses provide effective pressure relief and comfort. However, for patients at high risk or with existing ulcers, alternating pressure mattresses such as the Protekt Supreme Support Alternating Pressure Mattress are superior because they dynamically cycle air cells to continuously shift pressure points, reducing prolonged tissue compression and promoting healing.
18. How do alternating pressure relief mattresses compare to low air loss mattresses?
Alternating pressure relief mattresses actively shift pressure by inflating and deflating air cells on a timed cycle, which prevents prolonged pressure on any one area. Low air loss mattresses, like the Protekt Aire 3000 Alternating Low Air Loss Mattress System, combine this with a continuous airflow system that helps to keep skin dry and prevent moisture-related skin damage.
Low air loss mattresses are ideal for patients with incontinence or heavy sweating, providing both pressure relief and skin environment control.
19. Are gel mattresses better than foam mattresses for pressure ulcer prevention?
Gel mattresses or overlays, such as the Protekt 500 Gel Medical Mattress for Home Use, excel in temperature regulation and reduce shear forces, which helps prevent skin irritation and maceration.
Foam mattresses typically provide superior pressure redistribution and body contouring. Combining a gel overlay with a foam mattress often offers the best balance of cooling and pressure relief for ulcer prevention.
20. Should I choose a static foam mattress or a powered alternating pressure relief mattress?
Static foam mattresses offer consistent, passive pressure relief through contouring materials and are suited for patients at low to moderate risk of developing pressure ulcers. They require less maintenance and are generally more affordable.
Powered alternating pressure relief mattresses provide dynamic pressure relief, essential for patients who are immobile or have severe ulcers. Products like the Invacare microAIR MA500 Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress adjust pressure points regularly to promote blood flow and prevent tissue damage but require regular maintenance and higher investment.
Need help choosing the right Pressure Relief Mattress? Contact our experts or browse our full range of Pressure Relief Mattresses to find the perfect fit for your needs today!