What Is a Pressure Relief Mattress For? 🛌🏻
If you are looking to improve the wellbeing and comfort of someone who needs to spend long periods in bed, you may have asked yourself: what is a pressure relief mattress used for?
These specialised mattresses have emerged as an effective and essential solution for people living with conditions that limit their mobility, as well as for those undergoing post-operative recovery.
A pressure relief mattress is an orthopaedic aid designed to help prevent and properly treat pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores, which develop when the skin supports the full body weight over a prolonged period.
Body weight on a hard surface, combined with a lack of ventilation, can also restrict blood flow in the tissues. For this reason, considering a pressure relief mattress is crucial to addressing the situation in time.
Choosing the Most Suitable Pressure Relief Mattress
Once the need for a pressure relief mattress is clear, it is important to note that there is a wide range of materials and models designed to meet the specific needs of each user.
As a medical device designed to support the health and overall wellbeing of people with limited mobility, a pressure relief mattress is manufactured using advanced technology to distribute body weight evenly.
However, there are different types of pressure relief mattresses available:
- Foam or PVC pressure relief mattresses: ideal for people with a low risk of developing pressure ulcers, such as users who can be transferred to a chair or reposition themselves independently. These mattresses improve weight distribution thanks to their high-density material.
- Memory foam pressure relief mattresses: made from foam that easily adapts to the shape of the body, providing enhanced comfort. With different density options available, they are used both for the prevention and treatment of pressure sores.
- Alternating air pressure relief mattresses with compressor: composed of air cells that inflate and deflate alternately to promote blood circulation and skin ventilation. This type of mattress is most suitable for people with a medium risk of pressure ulcers, such as those who can make slight position adjustments in bed on their own.
Although materials play an important role, at this point you may have a clearer idea of what you are looking for, but there is still more to consider.
Finding the Perfect Pressure Relief Mattress Model
When you decide to purchase a pressure relief mattress and understand exactly what this therapeutic mattress is used for, as well as the most suitable material, this is only the first step.
The type of bed is also a key factor. For home use, you can choose between models with a quiet compressor or those with different density layers on the top surface, which make maintenance easier thanks to washable covers.
For profiling beds, which help redistribute body weight when changing position, it is important to consider mattresses that offer greater flexibility and include cut-outs designed to adapt to the bed’s movements.
Taking these differences into account, pressure relief mattresses are also available in different sizes to ensure a perfect fit to the bed, preventing uncomfortable and potentially risky slipping for the user.
Benefits of Purchasing a Pressure Relief Mattress
The main function of this type of orthopaedic device is to prevent and support the treatment of pressure ulcers, but it also offers additional benefits:
- Improves blood circulation, helping to maintain tissue health and prevent necrosis.
- Enhances comfort by providing optimal support for rest.
- Facilitates daily care by improving user positioning and repositioning, as well as hygiene routines.
Investing in a pressure relief mattress is an important decision that has a significant impact on the wellbeing and comfort of people with reduced mobility.
At OrtoPrime, you will find a wide catalogue and expert guidance from orthopaedic professionals to help you choose the most suitable pressure relief mattress.
If you still have questions about what a pressure relief mattress is used for or which option is best for your specific case, do not hesitate to contact us by phone. We will help you find the ideal balance between functionality, price, and comfort.