15
Jul
Bedsores: All You Need to Know About Alternating Pressure Pads and Mattresses
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, can be a major problem for people who are bed or wheelchair bound for extended periods, especially if they do not use appropriate mattress toppers. In this post we’ll look at solutions to manage and prevent bedsores, with a focus on alternating pressure pads and mattresses like the vive alternating pressure pad.
What is an Alternating Pressure Mattress?
An alternating pressure mattress is a medical device designed to prevent and treat bedsores. It works by using an air pressure system to redistribute pressure across the body, reducing skin breakdown and promoting circulation. These mattresses are made up of air cells that inflate and deflate alternately, so no one part of the body is under pressure for too long, acting as an alternating air pressure mattress pad.
What to Put on a Bedsore?
Treating bedsores is more than just pressure relief. The best treatments are: using an alternating pressure mattress or air chambers to relieve pressure points.
- Topical Medications: Antibacterial ointments to prevent infection in conjunction with a suitable bed mattress.
- Dressings: Hydrocolloid or foam dressings to protect the sore and promote healing on individuals who are bed or who are classified.
- Specialized Cushions and Pads: Products like the Vive Health Alternating Pressure Mattress Pad provide targeted pressure relief.
How to Relieve Pressure Sores?
Preventing and relieving pressure sores requires a combination of:
- Regular Repositioning: Move frequently to avoid pressure on one area for too long.
- Alternating Pressure Mattresses: The MedaCure Air Wave Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss mattress provides continuous movement, no pressure on vulnerable areas. It features an ultra-quiet pressure pump that adjusts firmness and is compatible with standard USA 110V outlets, ensuring restful sleep, and integrates seamlessly with your existing mattress.
- Skin Care: Keep skin clean and moisturized to prevent breakdown.
Do Alternating Pressure Pads Work?
Yes, alternating pressure pads, such as an alternating air pressure mattress, do work in preventing and managing bedsores. These pads, like the Vive Health Alternating Pressure Pad, inflate and deflate air cells in cycles to redistribute pressure and improve circulation.
Is an Alternating Pressure Pad better than a Gel Overlay?
Both alternating pressure pads and gel overlays have their advantages: including ease of cleaning your mattress and targeting pressure points.
- Alternating Pressure Pads: Dynamic pressure relief, for higher risk patients. An alternating pressure mattress pad provides relief from bed sores and skin problems caused by extended bed rest, ensuring minimal pressure points. It promotes increased circulation, reduces skin breakage, evenly distributes body weight to relieve pressure spots, and is ideal for immobilized or weak patients who cannot shift their weight frequently.
- Gel Overlays: Consistent pressure distribution, more comfortable for some users when used alongside a heat resistant ulcer cushion pad.
For example the Invacare microAIR MA500 Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress is better than many gel overlays.
What to Avoid with an Alternating Pressure Pad?
Alternating pressure pads are prescribed to prevent bedsores in individuals undergoing prolonged bed rest or those who are immobile or mobility impaired. Used correctly, they prevent skin breakdown and promote healing in existing sores caused by high risk of developing pressure.
What does an Alternating Pressure Pad do?
An air pressure mattress pad works by shifting pressure from one area to another through timed inflation and deflation cycles, effectively targeting pressure points. This does: provide significant comfort and relief from pressure points via air mattress technology.
- Avoids pressure on one spot for too long.
- Improves circulation.
- Reduces risk of pressure ulcers by effectively managing pressure points and distributing weight evenly.
What is an Alternating Pressure Mattress for?
The main purpose of a variable pressure mattress pad is to prevent and treat pressure ulcers, especially when the mattress pad sits on top correctly. It does this by:
- Distributing body weight.
- Preventing skin breakdown for people who are bed or who are classified.
- Promoting circulation and providing a comfortable surface to rest on.
Do Alternating Pressure Mattresses Work?
Yes, alternating pressure mattresses, including those with an alternating pressure pad overlay or vive alternating pressure system, work for both prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Products like the MedaCure Oasis Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss mattress combine pressure relief with cooling, for patient comfort and reduced risk of sores.
How do you use an Alternating Pressure Mattress?
Using an alternating pressure mattress is easy:
- Installation: Place the mattress on top of a hospital bed mattress or home bed frame, ensuring the air chambers are properly aligned.
- Connection: Hook up the mattress to its pump using the flexible air hose, ensuring it is non-binding and easy to install.
- Adjustment: Set the pressure to the patient’s weight and comfort to target specific pressure points.
- Monitoring: Check the mattress regularly and make adjustments as needed.
What does an Alternating Pressure Mattress do?
An alternating pressure mattress: an innovative solution for patients who spend long hours per day in bed.
- Shifts pressure periodically to different parts of the body.
- Features a mattress pad waterproof design to prevent any liquid damage.
- Reduces skin breakdown and mitigates the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
- Heals existing sores.
What’s the difference between Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattresses?
Low Air Loss Mattresses: These mattresses provide a constant flow of air to keep the skin dry and cool, to prevent moisture buildup and skin maceration for people who are bed or who are classified.
Alternating Pressure Mattresses: Shift pressure by inflating and deflating air cells in cycles, working efficiently as an alternating pressure pad replacement.
Some models like the MedaCure Air Wave Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss do both and are compatible with a twin size mattress, securely fitting any hospital beds for home use frame, for patients at high risk of developing pressure.
End of Article
Bedsores are serious but with the right tools, such as an alternating pressure pad replacement, and knowledge they can be managed and prevented. Invest in quality products like alternating pressure mattresses and pads, which are perfect for immobilized or weak patients, and make a big difference to patient comfort and health.
Please visit Medicare for more information on how they can possibly help.
Ready to get started? Browse our top products like the Vive Health Alternating Pressure Pad and MedaCure Oasis Alternating Pressure with Low Air Loss today.