Taking care of the sick or old ones is challenging as they need extra care and support both physically and emotionally. Specialized mattresses are the best option for older and ill people or those with difficulty in mobility.
Several types and features of hospital bed mattresses are available based on the material type of the mattress and patient requirements. For example, air mattresses and foam mattresses prevent pain and pressure sores.
Types of Hospital Bed Mattress
Often a hospital bed mattress for home care provides more comfort and improved sleep to bedridden patients. Below given are the types of mattresses used to treat different medical problems.
Foam MattressComfort is the top advantage when using a foam mattress. It is great when a patient does not need a bed with many features like a pressure reduction system. The foam takes the body's shape, provides more support to the body parts like the waist, and reduces pressure on injury-prone areas such as the hips. In some models, the mattress has different layers, densities, and zones that help relieve pressure ulcers.
An Altera hospital bed with a foam mattress is ideal for more comfort.
- Innerspring Mattress
Physicians recommend this mattress to obese individuals with lower back pain or orthopedic issues. Due to its robust design and firmness, it is an ideal mattress that can support up to 350 pounds of weight.
Two polyester fiber pads deliver firmness while evenly distributed inner coils provide extra support. It is suitable for individuals who are not bedridden but just need to spend a few hours on a firm mattress. It can fit any standard-size Altera hospital bed.
- Alternating Pressure Hospital Mattress
This type of mattress provides therapy for bedsores. As the name indicates, it keeps the pressure points alternating throughout the body. The pressure in this air mattress is adjusted laterally or lengthwise, providing that it inflates and deflates.
This difference in the pressure on the body has incredible benefits. It stimulates the blood flow and aids in the skin healing of pressure sores are present. It also keeps lung secretion and other fluids circulating. This makes it the best choice for those who cannot reposition themselves and need to spend more time in bed.
- Air Mattress
Variable options are available as it comes with just a mattress or a combination of a bed and a pump. The mattress constantly blows out air and keeps the user floating on top of the mattress. It is the best for healing bed sores and keeps the skin healthy and dry by preventing moisture buildup.
A constant power supply is needed for this mattress to work efficiently. Some models have backup air cells that keep the motor on despite a power outage.
Features to Consider Before Buying Hospital Bed Mattress
The normal mattress does not usually fit the needs of the patients, which is why medical mattresses such as air mattresses or innerspring mattresses are used for more comfort and therapeutic purposes. But various options are available, making it a bit hard to choose. Considering a few key features of the mattress, it is possible to purchase one that meets the needs of an individual.
- Size
Bed size plays an imperative role in patient comfort. Generally, a normal size hospital bed is 80 inches long. But some beds and mattresses are bigger and provide high weight capacity is suitable for obese patients. Picking a longer mattress than the patient height will contribute to more position adjustment options.
- Mattress Life
Purchasing a mattress for Altera hospital bed is a long-term investment so choose wisely according to the patient's recovery time. Durability and budget should be major concerns when mattress shopping. If you need a bed for a shorter period, think about renting it.
- Support
Sufficient support provided by the mattress acts as a defender against back pain. A good bed should keep the body aligned by adjusting according to the curves of the body. If using a mattress that is too soft won’t be able to deliver the required support. Or using a firm mattress can cause pain.
- Cleanliness
A stain-resistant and waterproof mattress for Altera hospital bed is important, especially for incontinence patients. These beds are used for a longer period, which is why keeping them clean is crucial. Or else the chances are high that the patients get sicker using dirty mattresses rather than getting better.
- User Age
Old age makes a person weak physically that often requires a hospital bed. That is why choosing the mattress while considering the patient's medical condition is necessary. Sleep issues are usually experienced by the elderly so try picking a comfortable bed to facilitate good sleep.
- User Mobility
User mobility is one of the major factors that should be considered when purchasing a mattress. If a patient needs a bed for more than 12 hours a day, a mattress with greater support and pressure relief will work best. A foam and air mattress are great for the ones using the bed for a long period.
Risks Associated with the Use of Hospital Bed Mattress
A hospital bed mattress is not required for the ones who are not suffering from bedsores or do not have any limited mobility issues. These are specialized mattresses only used for patients with certain medical conditions.
Mattress labels might be misleading. For example, a mattress labeled as firm might be too firm for some or not firm enough for other patients’ requirements. That is why it is always suggested to consult the physician before purchasing a mattress, whether it’s an air mattress or a foam mattress.