An alternating pressure mattress is a mattress that is specifically designed for use by patients who are bedridden and have a lack of ability to move in their bed or change up their resting position. They also may be used for those with a lowered mental awareness level.
These mattresses have various individual air tubes that will inflate and deflate on their own, which offers changes in pressure to certain parts of the body. This helps to increase blood flow as pressure is applied and then released. These mattresses are offered to lower the possibility of bed or pressure sores.
Alternating pressure mattresses can help those who have fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, burns, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and more. They can also aid in healing and preventing ulcers known as bedsores. The mattress is used to provide a higher level of comfort to the individual who is using it.
Other ways to help protect sensitive body parts of a bedridden individual include specialized cushions that lie on the mattress, sheepskin pads, water-filled mattresses, and variable pressure mattresses which offer manual inflation control. In addition, mattress overlays are useful for people who have issues turning at night or who have burns on the body.
You may be wondering what the difference is between an alternating pressure mattress and a low air loss mattress. Both of these types of mattresses are used in managing wounds and skin issues, but they both work on different principles.
With alternating pressure, the mattress inflates and deflates tube on a set schedule. So, if pressure in one tube is high but low in another, that will eventually switch to offer a change. This gives better blood circulation and less possibility of bodily ulcers.
Low air loss mattresses, on the other hand, have air filled cells but also circulating air across the skin in order to lessen moisture and provide constant pressure. Low air loss mattresses are best used to reduce problems with moisture or heat buildup in the body.
