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Mattress To Prevent Bed Sores

Mattress To Prevent Bed Sores

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

Bed sores occur when the skin is damaged due to staying in one position for a prolonged period.

As a result of constant pressure, blood flow decreases to tissues, resulting in skin breakdown.

The appearance of bedsores varies greatly depending on their severity. They can be caused by unrelieved pressure, shear, or friction.

Specific beds, covers, and mattresses are commonly used to prevent and treat pressure sores.

Pressure relief mattresses come in a variety of styles (hybrid innerspring, low-air loss, memory foam, etc.) each with its benefits and drawbacks.

To prevent bed sores, hospitals use APAMs (alternating pressure air mattresses) which have the following features:

• Fluid and Moisture Resistant
• Hypoallergenic Stain-Resistant Vapor Transmission
• Flame-Resistant Thermal Conductivity
• Strong and Durable Elasticity to Manage Pressure
• Phthalate-free odor resistance

Herculite Inc. offers an APAM that provides all of these features (the fabrics are enhanced with a specially formulated antimicrobial system that lasts the life of the fabric).

Note: High-end consumer mattresses that provide excellent pressure relief (like Saatva Classic) are just as effective as APAMs unless you have severe bed sores.

#1 Best Mattress For Bed Sores?

It is possible to prevent bed sores with high-quality consumer mattresses just as effectively as with medical mattresses.

A meta-analysis conducted in 2021 suggests that specific mattresses designed for bed sore prevention are not likely to be any better than well-built foam mattresses (or other types).

The Saatva Classic mattress is our top choice for bed sore prevention. Provides maximum comfort, relieves tension and pressure throughout the body, and can last 10-15 years with proper use and maintenance.

The Saatva Classic is available in twin and twin xl sizes if you intend to place your mattress on a hospital bed.

Is A Pressure Relief Mattress Best For Bed Sores?

Pressure relief mattresses may be the best choice if you suffer from bed sores.

A pressure relief mattress is any mattress that relieves tension and pressure throughout your body.

The best mattresses for bed sores and pressure relief are spring foam hybrids (Saatva Classic), pure high-density memory foam (Loom and Leaf), or Talalay latex mattresses (zenhaven).

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

What Are The Main Types Of Pressure Relief And Bed Sore Mattresses?

Mattresses used for pressure relief and bed sores include:

• Innersprings: There are mostly springs with some light foam or micro coils on top. Not recommended for bed sores.
• Memory foam: Static mattresses with cross-cut cells, which allow the cells to move with the patient's body, providing partial immersion and envelopment.
• Hybrid gel/foam: They are non-powered and conform to the user's body, providing a sinking sensation.
• Hybrid spring/foam: This mattress provides balanced sturdy support thanks to its spring coil base and the comfortable top layer of foam. For bed sores, the best mattress is a hybrid spring foam mattress (e.g. the Saatva Classic).
• Low air loss: It is designed for patients who have already suffered from skin breakdown. Active therapy is delivered through tiny laser-drilled holes in the top of the mattress and air is pushed through the holes at all times to keep the patient cool.
• Alternative pressure: These mattresses inflate and deflate slowly with the assistance of air bladders.
• Powered (hi-tech): Patients can adjust their mattresses to meet their comfort and treatment needs with power pressure relief mattresses. They provide the highest level of pressure redistribution.
• Non-Powered (low-tech): For them to work in an outage, they must be placed close to an electrical outlet and have backup battery power.

Note: Most pressure relief mattresses fit twin-size hospital beds designed for one person.

Bed Sore Prevention And Other Important Tips

Ulcers caused by continuous pressure and irritation on a part of the body are called pressure ulcers.

For patients who are completely immobile and unable to move independently, a high-tech, adjustable mattress that can be repositioned periodically will prevent pressure ulcers.

The heel is a common place for pressure ulcers to develop. Get a pressure relief mattress with a heel slope to fill the space behind the Achilles tendon

You can prevent bed sores by following these tips:

1. Switch your sleep position as frequently as possible. This is a simple and effective way to prevent pressure sores.
2. Keep your skin clean. Ensure it is protected with a silicone-based barrier cream.
3. Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated.
4. Check the skin regularly for signs of sores.

The risk of pressure ulcers is higher for people with mobility issues, particularly if they are forced to sit or lie in bed for long periods of time.

Evidence suggests that mattresses with higher density foam can prevent sores from developing or worsening.

Best Mattress Topper For Bed Sores

The best mattress topper for bed sores is a 100% Talalay latex topper until you can buy a new mattress.

This is an excellent option if you need an interim topper.

You can find Talalay latex toppers on Amazon. The price is not too high. You will not regret spending $200-$300 on one.

Check out the Saatva Classic website. They also sell premium foam toppers that are exceptionally comfortable.

Best Mattress Pad For Bed Sores

You don't need a pad for bed sores.

Pads are harsher and not nearly as effective as Talalay latex (for bed sores).

Toppers are better than pads if you want to place a thin surface above your mattress.

For now, use a Talalay latex topper until you can buy a new mattress. The price is not too high (about $200-$300). Definitely worth it!

Best Medical Air Mattress To Prevent Bed Sores

Buying a high-quality mattress online works better for bed sores than any hospital mattress you can buy.

There is no better mattress than the Saatva Classic as it has more support and is better for preventing bed sores than a medical air mattress.

Best Hospital Mattress To Prevent Bed Sores

Buying a high-quality mattress online works better for bed sores than any hospital mattress you can buy.

There is no better mattress than the Saatva Classic as it has more support and is better for preventing bed sores than a medical air mattress.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

Mattress To Prevent Bed Sores

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Bed sores occur when the skin is damaged due to staying in one position for a prolonged period.

As a result of constant pressure, blood flow decreases to tissues, resulting in skin breakdown.

The appearance of bedsores varies greatly depending on their severity. They can be caused by unrelieved pressure, shear, or friction.

Specific beds, covers, and mattresses are commonly used to prevent and treat pressure sores.

Pressure relief mattresses come in a variety of styles (hybrid innerspring, low-air loss, memory foam, etc.) each with its benefits and drawbacks.

To prevent bed sores, hospitals use APAMs (alternating pressure air mattresses) which have the following features:

• Fluid and Moisture Resistant
• Hypoallergenic Stain-Resistant Vapor Transmission
• Flame-Resistant Thermal Conductivity
• Strong and Durable Elasticity to Manage Pressure
• Phthalate-free odor resistance

Herculite Inc. offers an APAM that provides all of these features (the fabrics are enhanced with a specially formulated antimicrobial system that lasts the life of the fabric).

Note: High-end consumer mattresses that provide excellent pressure relief (like Saatva Classic) are just as effective as APAMs unless you have severe bed sores.

#1 Best Mattress For Bed Sores?

It is possible to prevent bed sores with high-quality consumer mattresses just as effectively as with medical mattresses.

A meta-analysis conducted in 2021 suggests that specific mattresses designed for bed sore prevention are not likely to be any better than well-built foam mattresses (or other types).

The Saatva Classic mattress is our top choice for bed sore prevention. Provides maximum comfort, relieves tension and pressure throughout the body, and can last 10-15 years with proper use and maintenance.

The Saatva Classic is available in twin and twin xl sizes if you intend to place your mattress on a hospital bed.

Is A Pressure Relief Mattress Best For Bed Sores?

Pressure relief mattresses may be the best choice if you suffer from bed sores.

A pressure relief mattress is any mattress that relieves tension and pressure throughout your body.

The best mattresses for bed sores and pressure relief are spring foam hybrids (Saatva Classic), pure high-density memory foam (Loom and Leaf), or Talalay latex mattresses (zenhaven).

What Are The Main Types Of Pressure Relief And Bed Sore Mattresses?

Mattresses used for pressure relief and bed sores include:

• Innersprings: There are mostly springs with some light foam or micro coils on top. Not recommended for bed sores.
• Memory foam: Static mattresses with cross-cut cells, which allow the cells to move with the patient's body, providing partial immersion and envelopment.
• Hybrid gel/foam: They are non-powered and conform to the user's body, providing a sinking sensation.
• Hybrid spring/foam: This mattress provides balanced sturdy support thanks to its spring coil base and the comfortable top layer of foam. For bed sores, the best mattress is a hybrid spring foam mattress (e.g. the Saatva Classic).
• Low air loss: It is designed for patients who have already suffered from skin breakdown. Active therapy is delivered through tiny laser-drilled holes in the top of the mattress and air is pushed through the holes at all times to keep the patient cool.
• Alternative pressure: These mattresses inflate and deflate slowly with the assistance of air bladders.
• Powered (hi-tech): Patients can adjust their mattresses to meet their comfort and treatment needs with power pressure relief mattresses. They provide the highest level of pressure redistribution.
• Non-Powered (low-tech): For them to work in an outage, they must be placed close to an electrical outlet and have backup battery power.

Note: Most pressure relief mattresses fit twin-size hospital beds designed for one person.

Bed Sore Prevention And Other Important Tips

Ulcers caused by continuous pressure and irritation on a part of the body are called pressure ulcers.

For patients who are completely immobile and unable to move independently, a high-tech, adjustable mattress that can be repositioned periodically will prevent pressure ulcers.

The heel is a common place for pressure ulcers to develop. Get a pressure relief mattress with a heel slope to fill the space behind the Achilles tendon

You can prevent bed sores by following these tips:

1. Switch your sleep position as frequently as possible. This is a simple and effective way to prevent pressure sores.
2. Keep your skin clean. Ensure it is protected with a silicone-based barrier cream.
3. Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated.
4. Check the skin regularly for signs of sores.

The risk of pressure ulcers is higher for people with mobility issues, particularly if they are forced to sit or lie in bed for long periods of time.

Evidence suggests that mattresses with higher density foam can prevent sores from developing or worsening.

Best Mattress Topper For Bed Sores

The best mattress topper for bed sores is a 100% Talalay latex topper until you can buy a new mattress.

This is an excellent option if you need an interim topper.

You can find Talalay latex toppers on Amazon. The price is not too high. You will not regret spending $200-$300 on one.

Check out the Saatva Classic website. They also sell premium foam toppers that are exceptionally comfortable.

Best Mattress Pad For Bed Sores

You don't need a pad for bed sores.

Pads are harsher and not nearly as effective as Talalay latex (for bed sores).

Toppers are better than pads if you want to place a thin surface above your mattress.

For now, use a Talalay latex topper until you can buy a new mattress. The price is not too high (about $200-$300). Definitely worth it!

Best Medical Air Mattress To Prevent Bed Sores

A high-end consumer mattress that you can buy online does a much better job at treating and preventing bed sores than a medical air mattress.

The Saatva Classic mattress is the best mattress to buy (better than medical air mattresses) if you have bed sores (or want to prevent them).

Best Hospital Mattress To Prevent Bed Sores

Buying a high-quality mattress online works better for bed sores than any hospital mattress you can buy.

There is no better mattress than the Saatva Classic as it has more support and is better for preventing bed sores than a medical air mattress.