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According to Health Direct, pressure sores–also known as ulcers, bed sores, or decubitus ulcers–develop when the skin is damaged by constant pressure or friction.
Painful and uncomfortable pressure sores can form when patients are confined to a bed or wheelchair due to disability, illness, age, or frailty. This creates sleep disturbances and infections and affects rehabilitation, mobility, and quality of life.
This article will guide you through the benefits of pressure mattresses and what is best for quality patient care.
Hospitals and care homes often use pressure mattresses to offer patients pain relief. Three types of pressure mattresses are commonly used.
According to this National Library of Medicine article, the common pathway to ulceration is tissue ischaemia, or when pressure is sustained and increased, blocking blood circulation.
If a patient spends prolonged periods at the hospital or care home and cannot move without assistance (due to type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, or frailness from age), this restricted mobility can pose problems.
When patients spend most of the day lying or sitting in the same position, the skin and tissue can be damaged, causing pressure sores or ulcers. Patients can experience different levels of sores, categorised into four grades:
Direct causes of pressure sores include pressure, friction, immobility, loss of sensation, and combined pathology.
Indirect causes include mobility issues, poor nutrition, health conditions such as heart failure, ageing skin, incontinence, and mental health conditions.
Most patients felt pressure sores affected their lives emotionally, physically, mentally, and socially, causing a severe impact on their health and quality of life. These patients are dependent on their support system and health services.
A pressure-relieving mattress is specially designed to improve a patient’s comfort. It provides a high level of body support and differs from normal mattresses by including air pockets that distribute pressure evenly across the body.
Care home beds help prevent bed sores and ulcers, allowing patients to move independently and roll over as easily as possible. Using an electric or adjustable bed also makes relieving constant pressure on vulnerable body areas and repositioning more achievable.
Pressure mattresses are easy to adjust for patient needs. Air mattresses, for example, can have their pressure levels customised to the user’s weight and medical condition.
Often including removable, washable covers, pressure mattresses are easy to clean and maintain for infection control.
A pressure mattress decreases the risk of pressure sores or ulcers in patients with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or other conditions that limit mobility.
Available in various types-such as foam, gel, air, and hybrid models- pressure mattresses give patients a great selection based on their support needs.
Pressure mattresses can improve comfort, reduce pain from pressure points, and improve sleep quality for patients who spend much of their time in bed.
Pressure distribution improves blood flow for patients, reduces the risk of tissue damage and promotes healing.
Pressure mattresses conform to the user’s body shape with materials such as memory foam or air cells.
Alternating air pockets constantly relieve pressure all over the body without needing a carer or nurse, improving patients’ sleep quality. To learn more about patient care options, consider why dialysis couches are important for patient comfort!
Let’s explore pressure mattresses and if they match your patient’s requirements!
With a Control Unit and an Air Mattress, this alternating mattress overlay includes a Patented Internal Mechanism with low vibration, noise, low power consumption, and a modular design for convenient production and maintenance.
Key features include its compact size, CPC quick connectors, memory reverts, a sturdy double hook, mechanical shock absorption, power safety management, a patented CPR quick valve, and more.
This 13 cm (5 “) air mattress contains pressure control, a built-in pressure detector and a feedback system that monitors any changes in pressure. This overlay’s size matches most hospital beds’ dimensions, so there’s no need to worry about gaps or bed slipping.
The Access Air Mattress consists of 54 cm x 13 (21 cm x 5” air cells), which allows for shortened spacing between tubes and provides intensive protection for critical body parts.
This compliant mattress is a triple-layer memory foam mattress that exceeds the Australian Wound Management Association’s minimum requirements for pressure surfaces.
With three different layers of foam for comfort, there is a reduced risk of pressure injury. Internal side rails stop deformation on the mattress sides. Including a 2-way stretch, this mattress variety includes a vapour-permeable cover and a durable vinyl base cover.
Access Health’s PUPPS-compliant mattress is extremely comfortable and durable. Its dimensions are 190 x 90 x 50 cm, perfect for aged care, community care, and hospital settings.
The Sentech is a microprocessor-controlled mattress replacement system that provides alternating pressure relief and low air loss. These two therapies can be combined or operated independently.
Structure: 165mm air cells are integrated with a 75mm foam mattress, and these air cells are individually replaceable. Air is retained in case of power loss. An emergency CPR pull, with an 8-second deflation, starts at the bed head.
The cover is a quilted, multi-layered anti-shear fabric that reduces friction and is vapour permeable (breathable), reducing heat and moisture build-up. This 2000 system provides a continuous movement of cells to alleviate constant pressure and enhance circulation.
Established in 1978, Access Health supplies the best to healthcare professionals. As a major supplier for Daily Living and Mobility, Patient Handling, Practice Supplies, Trolleys, Carts, IVs, and Shelving, we offer the best in patient care. If you’re looking for a quality pressure care mattress, we help you access healthcare products.
Certified to the International Quality Standard (Quality Approved ISO 9001), we always pride ourselves on going that little bit extra to locate the product you need if we do not have it in stock. Contact us today for a quote or recommendation.
Disclaimer: Access Health is not qualified to agree or deny whether this content is correct. For accurate information, consult your medical professional or provider.
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