Air mattresses or airbeds are the new age sleep comforters that not only give you a comfortable sleep but also help in combating many health problems that are caused or aggravated by the wrong sleeping posture. They improve the quality of life of people who suffer from back pain, sores or any of these kinds of health problems. The ability to adjust the firmness and shape of a mattress to accommodate different body shapes, sizes, and weights, can be a major factor in the healing process. Moreover, air mattresses manufactured without the use of materials that may release VOCs or other toxic compounds from the manufacturing process can exacerbate allergies in children or other sensitive individuals. Here comes the technology of alternating pressure mattresses.
What are Pressure Sores?
Sustained pressure on the skin of a specific part of the body can result in skin and tissue damage. This damage is referred to as pressure sores. The constant pressure on that part of the body makes it vulnerable, wearing the skin down, and exposing the vulnerable part of the skin to external elements. Pressure sores are usually caused by sustained sitting or sustained sleeping. There are four degrees of pressure sores that usually increase by continuous sitting or sleeping in one position.
Degree 1 – Reddening of the skin
Degree 2 – Superficial ‘blister’ like wound
Degree 3 – All layers of skin damaged, along with tissue under the skin
Degree 4 – Skin and underlying tissue extensively damaged together with bone, muscle, tendons, or joints.
What is Alternating Pressure Therapy?
Alternating pressure therapy uses a kind of pressure redistribution that stimulates and regulates blood flow to the skin. The alternating pressure therapy is defined in cycle times. The lesser the time between each cycle, more the amount of blood is allowed to reach the skin to relieve painful pressure points which then heals the bedsores. Some of the best alternating pressure mattress systems offer adjustable cycle times.
What are Alternating Pressure Mattresses?
Alternating pressure mattress systems offer different and unique benefits. One of the primary reasons that one uses an Alternating Pressure Mattress is to prevent or treat skin breakdown. Alternating Pressure Systems alternate inflation and deflation of air cells (bladders) to constantly change pressure points and promote circulation. Cycle time (head - foot) is about 10 minutes or programmable on some types of devices. These mattresses have bladders positioned laterally or length-wise which slowly deflate and inflate. This keeps the pressure alternating throughout the body.
Invacare MicroAir MA500 Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress System is lightweight and easy-to-use and aids in the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Injuries. It has Cell in cell design which helps to prevent bottoming out in the event of a power failure. This gives ultimate patient comfort and relief.
Invacare MicroAir MA500 Highlights
10 minute Cycle time
Cell in cell design helps prevent bottoming out in the event of a power failure
The streamlined pump design is lightweight and unobtrusive
Audio and visual alarms warn the resident during a power outage
Features Invacare MA 500 Mattress System
2-in-1 alternating pressure cycles help ensure protection for residents with low to medium risk
Natural heel slope is designed to decrease pressure in resident’s vulnerable heel area in Invacare Mattress System
Soft nylon urethane backed cells are designed to provide easy cleaning and help minimize the proliferation of bacterial growth
Highly vapor permeable and oversized pliable quilted nylon top cover is designed to provide low shear, friction, and moisture protection
8 adjustable comfort settings depending on the resident’s therapy requirement
Audio and visual alarms warn the resident during a power outage
Streamlined pump design is lightweight and unobtrusive.
How to use Invacare 500 Air Loss Mattress System?
Ideal for High-Risk Ulcer Prevention and for treatment of patients who already have Stage II skin breakdown.
Reduces interface pressure to aid in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
Air is sent inside the mattress to keep the mattress environment cool ad assist with moisture management and maintain a dryer environment.
The On-Demand Low Air Loss pushes air in between the bladders.
18 Air Cells: Made from 70 Denier urethane coated nylon. Easy connect and disconnect with quick connect elbows.
Safety Foam Mat: Added safety feature to prevent patients from bottoming out. 8 adjustable comfort settings depending on the resident’s therapy requirement
Warns patient and caregiver of low pressure and power outage.
Cable management system keeps cords away from the ground to help prevent trip hazards
Nylon non-slip base cover helps reduce shear and friction during bed articulation
Soft nylon urethane backed cells provide easy cleaning and help minimize the proliferation of bacterial growth
Cell in cell design helps prevent bottoming out in the event of a power failure
Multiple snap bladders make cells more secure with resident movement
Natural heel slope helps decrease pressure in a patient's vulnerable heel area
Compressor: 5 LPM compressor
Dual Therapy modes: This Compressor-powered Group II therapy mattress offers comfort and outstanding Pressure ulcer prevention and healing
Non-Shear Cover: Soft nylon urethane backed cells are designed to provide easy cleaning and help minimize the proliferation of bacterial growth
Proactive Protekt Aire 1500 Adjustable Alternating Pressure Pump and Pad with Flaps enables clinicians to control interface pressure by adjusting airflow. The manual airflow adjustment knob to adjust airflow.
Features of Proactive Protekt Aire 1500 Adjustable Alternating Pressure Pump and Pad
Proactive Protekt Aire 1500 Adjustable Alternating Pressure Pump and Pad with Flaps has hanging bed hooks
Cycle Time: 10 minutes
Lighted On/Off switch
Medical grade fire retardant PVC
Thickness: 11.5 gauge
Pad size: 35.5"W x 78.5"L
Weight capacity: 300lb
Operating Instructions for Proactive Protekt Aire 1500 Adjustable Alternating Pressure Pump and Pad
Position pump on a horizontal surface or hang it by means of the hook.
Open mattress on the bed. Secure it with end flaps or straps. Air tubes must be at foot end of bed.
Connect air feed tubes to air outlet on the mattress and pump, ensuring that the tubes are not kinked or twisted.
Allow space for bed rails to drop freely.
Plug the pump into a suitable electrical power source and switch on. The switch indicator should now illuminate.
Allow 20 minutes for the mattress to inflate fully. Cover with a sheet and tuck loosely.
Please use pressure adjustable knob to give the maximum patient comfort
Cleaning Guidelines for Proactive Protekt Aire 1500 Adjustable Alternating Pressure Pump and Pad
Prius Healthcare Enhance DX Mattress System is a pressure relief mattress with 18 eight-inch air cells to help maintain a continuous circulation of dry airflow for patients who are at low to medium risk of developing pressure ulcers according to use sound clinical judgment. Enhance DX can also be used for patients who have an existing stage 1, 2, and 3 pressure Ulcer. This mattress system provides constant low pressure by redistributing the patient’s pressure over a greater area than a standard mattress.
Reason to Choose Prius Enhance DX Mattress
Nylon woven fabric with PU coating finish
Cable management keeps electrical cables off the floor
Low slip base cover keeps the mattress in place
CPR quick release system deflates the system within 20 seconds
The slimline pump design is unobstructed
Features Prius Healthcare Enhance DX
The Enhance DX employs 8" air bladders with the cell in cell design (4.5" of therapy, 3.5" of static air), to provide therapeutic alternating pressure and also allow the mattress to stay inflated in a power outage
Durable woven polyester bottom cover with PVC lining for infection control
The Enhance DX replacement mattress can accommodate patient weights up to 500 lbs
Low friction, low shear cover
Easy to clean and maintain
2 in 1 alternation
Pressure mapping
How to use Prius Healthcare Enhance DX Mattress System?
Unpack the system and place the pump at the foot end of the bed.
Remove the existing mattress from the bed frame.
Place the Enhance DX mattress on the frame and position the mattress so the air tube is at the foot of the bed.
Secure the Enhance DX mattress straps to the bed frame.
Hang the control unit on the footboard of the bed frame.
Connect the mattress air hose to pump
Check air hoses under the mattress to make sure they are not kinked.
Plug in the control unit and turn it on.
The pump will now inflate the mattress.
Press the control button on the pump to select alternation or static therapy.
Set the required pressure by pressing the “+” to increase pressure or to reduce pressure.
Pressure is constantly monitored by the control unit. When pressure is less than the selected pressure the “Low Pressure” LED will illuminate and an alarm will sound.
For emergency, mattress deflation turns the CPR valve to the ‘’OPEN’’ position. The mattress should deflate within 20 seconds. To close the CPR simply turn the valve to the ‘’CLOSE’’ position.
How to Clean Enhance DX Mattress System?
The mattress should be cleaned weekly using a damp soft cloth and mild detergent. The mattress cover can be washed and thermally disinfected in a washing machine by following the procedure below. (Do not use a phenol-based cleaning solution)
The pump unit should also be cleaned weekly using a damp soft cloth and mild detergent. The pump casing is manufactured from ABS plastic. If the case is soiled the pump can be wiped down with a solution of sodium hypochlorite dilution, 1000ppm, or any EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectant. (Do not use a phenol-based cleaning solution.)
It should also be cleaned and checked at a minimum of every six months. The air filter can be removed by removing the filter cover and pinching the center of the filter and pulling outward from the back of the cover.
Drive Med-Aire Plus Bariatric Alternating Pressure and Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System is designed to provide alternating pressure to optimize pressure redistribution for patients with up to Stage IV pressure ulcers. The Cell-on-Cell design of 10-inch deep air cells prevents bottoming out and also provides up to 24 hours of power outage protection. The mattress is ideal for use in nursing homes, hospitals, and home use.
Features Drive Med-Aire Plus Mattress Replacement System
Active combination bariatric therapy system provides both alternating pressure and low air loss to optimize pressure redistribution, shear/friction reduction, and microclimate control
Designed to prevent, treat and heal all stages of pressure ulcers in the home or long term care setting
The digital control unit offers 4 cycle times and adjustable comfort weight settings for optimal immersion and patient satisfaction
3 diagnostic audio and visual alarms alert for issues with air pressure, the system, or power
System includes 20 individual air cells to maximize immersion and envelopment with a pillow feature for head stability & comfort
Advanced Clinical and Care Giver Features: Auto-Firm, Seat Inflate, auto-recovery, micro-processing feedback, lock-out, and more!
Cell-on-cell designed air cells prevent "bottoming out" and provide up to 24 hours of power outage protection
10" deep air cells are easily removed with quick disconnects for convenient servicing
Removable quilted Nylon cover is fluid-resistant, low shear, and vapor permeable helping protect the skin from friction and moisture
CPR valve allows for rapid deflation
Tubing quickly and easily disconnects with EZ Lock/Quick Release design
Drive Med-Aire Plus Bariatric Alternating Pressure and Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System User Manual
How to install Med Aire Plus Mattress Replacement System?
Place the mattress flat on the bed frame. The inflation tube should be towards the foot end so that it can be connected to the inflation nozzles on the control unit. See figure below for reference.
Cover the mattress with a cotton sheet
Hang the control unit over the frame or at the footboard of the bed. Make sure the control unit is secured
Connect the inflation tubes from the mattress to the control unit’s inflating nozzles. Make sure they are properly attached
Note: Make sure the air hoses are not kinked or tucked under the mattress. Also, check if the CPR valve is properly attached. The CPR strap is located at the head end right-hand side of the mattress as you are lying down.
Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet with grounded AC power.
Note: This product should be grounded. The power cord has a grounding wire with a grounding pin. This three-pronged plug must be plugged properly into an outlet and grounded
Turn on the power by pressing the power switch at the right side of the control unit. Proceed to the OPERATION section.
Meridian Ultra Care Xtra Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress has Stay-Flate cell-on-cell air bladder construction to provide a full ten inches of therapeutic support with bottom-out protection in the event of a power failure. In addition to the Alternating Pressure mode, the Static mode provides a firm surface when needed. Regardless of the operating mode, the mattress maintains the low air loss benefit.
Features of Meridian Ultra Care Xtra Pressure Mattress
16 liter-per-minute pump in an easy-to-use design
Two modes of therapy - static or alternating
Pillow function maintains the air cells at the head for patient comfort
Meridian Ultra Care Xtra Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress Features
Stay-Flate cell-on-cell design provides airbase and prevents "bottoming out" and up to 24 hours of power outage protection
Pillow function maintains the air cells at the head for patient comfort
Twenty rows of 10" alternating pressure air cells, nine with laser holes to keep the patient cool and speed recovery
Air cells made with nylon/polyurethane for increased durability and reliability
Quick disconnect cells for easy cell replacement
CPR quick deflate at head of the mattress
Quilted nylon zipper cover is low shear, fluid-resistant, and vapor permeable
16 liter-per-minute pump in an easy-to-use design
Two modes of therapy - static or alternating
Five pressure setting for maximum comfort
Cell Construction
Advantages of Meridian Ultra Care Xtra Pressure Mattress
Stay-Flat cell-on-cell design minimizes the risk of bottoming out and provides air support during power outages
Air cells made of nylon/polyurethane for increased durability and reliability
Cells are easily cleaned
Zipper cover is quilted vapor permeable nylon
Water-resistant
Easy cleaning
Low shear/low friction
Quick disconnects allow for easy cell replacement
Quick disconnect cells allow any area of the mattress to deflated and be zero pressure without affecting alternating benefits
High-flow 16 liter-per-minute pump
Dual compressor for increased patient comfort and weight capacity (100 lbs.) 10, 15 or 20 minute cycle times
Five comfort settings for easy pressure adjustment
Automatic reset from static to alternating after 45 minutes
Quick Inflate Pump reduces inflation time dramatically
20 liter-per-minute flow pump
Rapid deflate for quick transport
Small and easy to use
Safe-T-Guard Cover reduces the risk of falls and entrapment
Where to buy the Best Pressure Relief Mattress online?
At Health Products For You, we have an extensive range of premium alternating pressure mattresses that provide exceptional comfort while sleeping, great protection from pressure sores, and comfortable sleeping for elongated periods of time.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Taikhum Sadiq
Taikhum Sadiq has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2016.
He is an archaeology student and is passionate about learning about the past and how it impacts our future. He believes ...
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