best pressure relief mattress

Top 5 Best Mattress to Prevent Bed Sores – 2021

Taking care of a patient can be a complicated process at times, especially if that patient’s movements are restricted. Such patients are always at risk of developing bed sores, which might deteriorate their condition and add to their overall suffering even more.

To get rid of this problem by preventing bed sores from the very start, it is recommended to invest in pressure mattresses. If you are confused about what these are and how to buy one, keep reading, for we have listed our top 5 best mattresses to prevent bed sores along with a buying guideline just for you!

How to Choose the Best Mattress for Pressure Sores?

Here, we’ll discuss the features that will help you to distinguish between a quality and a bad mattress.

Pressure System

Different mattresses have different systems. Static mattresses work with foams, while dynamic mattresses have alternate pressure systems in place to help prevent sores. You can choose any according to your needs.

While considering which system to choose, keep the state of the patient in mind. If the patient is completely immobile, a static mattress might not be the best idea as it will require a lot of repositioning done by others. For patients with serious bed sores, always use dynamic mattresses as they not only prevent sores but also cure them.

Materials

Opt for mattresses that are made with high-quality materials. Bonus points if the materials are hypoallergenic because then it is all the better for the user as it will help keep off bacteria and dust.

Size

Always choose the size of the mattress, keeping the size of the bed frame and the comfort of the patient in mind. Also, consider whether it is thick enough to be used alone or needs another mattress to support it.

Maintenance

Patients suffering from bed sores might have damaged skin, blood getting in the mattress, and also make this a breeding ground for infection. Choose mattresses that are easy to clean and maintain over time. A mattress with a replaceable cover might work best for you.

Editor’s Recommendation: Top Five Mattress to Prevent Bed Sores

5 Best Mattress to Prevent Bed Sores

Here is a detailed list of our top 5 mattresses to prevent bed sores, along with their pros and cons listed.

1. Vive Alternating Pressure Pad

The Vive Alternating Pressure Pad is a great product for patients who are prone to developing bed sores.

Through its 130 air cells, this product helps to evenly distribute a patient’s weight across the mattress, so that there is no strain on any particular point. That also facilitates circulation and provides comfort to immobilized patients. This product has been designed with 130 air cells.

At any point in time, some of those inflate while the rest deflate. This helps to distribute the pressure evenly. The air cells are designed in such a way and sealed with heat so that they will not leak easily, resulting in making the product very durable.

One of the best things about this product is its variable pressure pump. You can customize it to get the amount of pressure you need to. The pump can offer multiple levels of pressure, and each of those pressure cycles lasts for 6 minutes. To add to this, the pump does not make much noise. So it will not hamper the patient’s sleep.

Another thing to mention about this product is its hassle-free installation process. Its dimensions allow it to fit on almost any bed frame, whether it is in the hospital or at a house. The tubes that come with it are not too hard to figure out and set up either, with the help of the instruction manual provided.

Pros

  • Prevents bed sores through even weight distribution
  •  Equipped with 130 air cells
  • Variable pressure pump provides multiple levels of pressure
  •  Ultra quite pressure pump does not disturb sleep
  •  Hassle-free installation process
  •  Durable

Cons

  •  A little stiff

2. Pressure Redistribution Foam Hospital Bed Mattress by Medacure

This mattress from Medacure is quite popular among patients, and for all the right reasons. Mainly designed for hospital beds, this product is known to evenly distribute a person’s weight across the surface. This improves circulation and lowers any risk of bed sores, which may happen due to constant pressure on specific points.

Designed with 3-tiered foam, this mattress not only helps prevents bed sores but also provides ultimate levels of support and comfort. It is known to promote airflow throughout, so there is no chance of any heat or moisture getting trapped. Therefore, you will have a peaceful sleeping experience every time you use this.

One of the best things about this product is the nylon cover that covers it. The cover is waterproof, so you do not have to worry about spilling anything on it. It is also removable, so even if you do get any stains, you can easily zip it off, get it cleaned with no hassle, and put it back on.

Along with all these qualities, this product is great in the size department too. It comes in 5 different sizes, so you can get one that fits your height and other needs. The mattress is also very easy to install, as it decompresses immediately upon delivery and is ready for use. All these qualities make it a great buy.

Pros

  • Evenly distributes weight to relieve pressure points
  •  3-tiered foam provides ultimate comfort
  •  Promotes airflow to decrease heat
  • Waterproof nylon cover which can also be removed
  • Comes in 5 different sizes

Cons

  • Some customers claim the cover gave them a rash

3. Classic Brands Cool Gel 2.0 Ultimate Gel Memory Foam Mattress

This mattress is one of the best mattresses you will ever get in the market due to its many layers of foam and its amazing features. First of all, it has a memory foam that is designed to fit your body and make sure that there is no strain on the pressure points.

The foam is also hypoallergenic, so you do not have to worry about dust, bacteria, and allergens. Next, it is equipped with a ventilated cool gel foam that will help keep you cool throughout the night and regulate the temperature for maximum comfort.

Along with these two types of foam, there is also a high-density base foam, which will provide you with the support you need while you sleep, so that your weight is evenly distributed.

One of the most wonderful things about this mattress is that it comes with a beautiful cover. The cover is knit and can be stretched in 4 ways. It not only adds to the elegant look of the bed but also ensures airflow and increases breathability. The waterfall edges of the cover make it really easy to get down from the bed too.

Another thing to note about this product is that it comes with 2 memory foam pillows, so you do not need to go accessory shopping again. It is also quite easy to set up. Due to its 14-inch height and base density foam, it already provides enough support. So, you might not need an additional base or frame, either.

Pros

  •  Equipped with memory foam to relieve pressure points
  • Ventilated cool gel foam helps control the temperature
  • High-density base foam provides support throughout the night
  •  Memory foam is hypoallergenic
  •  Beautiful knit cover gives a classy look and offers breathability
  •  Comes with 2 memory foam pillows
  • Very easy to set up

Cons

  • Quite expensive

4. Drive Medical Therapeutic 5 Zone Support Mattress

According to us, this is one of the best support mattresses out there due to its various qualities. Equipped with 5 layers of thick memory foam, this mattress conforms to your body and your sleeping positions and makes sure to reduce any pressure on specific points. This way, it prevents bed sores and ulcers easily.

It also makes sure to distribute the weight of the sleeper evenly so that there is no discomfort. The mattress can also hold a great amount of weight, so it does not get flat over time when there is a lot of pressure on it. Instead, its high-quality materials provide the sleeper with the support he needs for a good night’s sleep.

One of the best things about this bed is that it comes with a nylon vinyl cover, which can be replaced easily. The cover is also waterproof, so there is no risk of spilling water onto the mattress and ruining it. And since it is replaceable, it is also very easy to clean. You just need to get it off, wash it, and put it back on.

Along with all these, this mattress is also very durable due to its strong base. Therefore, you do not have to worry about replacing it after a few years. Even though this product has so many amazing features, it is not at all expensive. Its budget-friendliness also gives it an advantage over other alternatives.

Pros

  •  5 layers of memory foam help reduce pressure
  •  Evenly distributes weight for maximum comfort
  •  Provides ample support
  •  High-quality materials
  •  Comes with a replaceable cover
  •  Easy to clean
  • Strong base offers durability
  • Budget-friendly option

Cons

  •  Might require a little bit more maintenance than others

5. Drive Medical Med Aire Alternating Pressure Pump and Pad System

This mattress from Drive Medical is great for patients with bed sore or patients who have to lie in bed all day and are prone to developing bed sores. The 130 bubble cells of the mattress inflate and deflate alternately over a 5-minute cycle, providing relief to pressure points and helping prevent and cure bed sores.

The pressure pump that comes with this mattress is apt at producing various levels of pressure and airflow. Its quiet nature is a wonderful advantage, as it does not disrupt anyone’s sleep by doing its work.

Another good thing about this pump is that it has a long cord, so you do not have to necessarily place the mattress close to a socket for it to work. Since this product is quite easy to set up, you will not need the help of any professionals to deal with this.

It also comes with its very own repair kit, which is a feature you will hardly find in any other alternative product. This helps to ensure that if there is any minor problem in the mattress, you do not have to get the whole thing out to get it fixed.

Besides being super comfortable and providing adequate support, this mattress is also very durable and will provide a good rest for years to come. Despite all of these amazing features, this is also quite a budget-friendly option for most people, so you can get comfort and relief at a low price too.

Pros

  •  Equipped with 130 bubble cells that inflate and deflate alternately
  • Pressure pump produces various levels of pressure
  • Quiet pump system is good for a deep night’s sleep
  • Easy to set up
  • Comes with own repair kit
  •  Durable
  •  Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Might be a little too hard for some patients

How Does Mattress to Prevent Bed Sores Work?

To understand how a mattress helps to prevent bed sore, we first need to understand what a bed sore is. Bed sores are parts of the skin that are damaged or have their underlying tissue damaged due to suffering from continuous pressure on that part.

This usually occurs in patients who have to lie in their beds for prolonged periods due to restricted mobility or who have skin conditions. There are different kinds of mattresses that help to prevent bed sores. Such as – static mattresses, dynamic mattresses, and hybrid mattresses. Each one works in a unique way.

Static mattresses are made with foams that help distribute the weight of the patient evenly across all areas. This helps to reduce pressure on any specific point and provides comfort.

However, these are mainly for the prevention of bed sores, not cure. If any patients have already developed bed sores, they would need repositioning in addition to this.

Dynamic mattresses are equipped with bubble cells that inflate and deflate alternately through the help of a pressure pump that is connected to it. The inflated cells are aimed at providing support, while the deflated ones relieve the amount of pressure on the skin. These mattresses are good for both prevention and cure.

And lastly, we have the hybrid mattresses. These combine the nature of both static mattresses and dynamic mattresses and are good for patients who have a high chance of developing bed sores. And by using this, you can easily change the mattress from a static to a dynamic one or vice versa as per the patient’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the best mattresses to prevent bed sores:

1. Do air mattresses prevent bed sores?

Yes, air mattresses prevent bed sores as long as they provide alternate pressure for consistent cycles.

2. What helps bed sores heal faster?

Proper repositioning done by a caregiver after particular periods of time, a good pressure mattress, and medication as given by the doctor, helps to heal bed sores faster.

3. Does Medicare pay for air mattresses?

Yes, Medicare covers the cost of air mattresses for patients.

4. What is the best cream to use for bed sores?

To treat bed sores, it is best to use barrier creams like Sudocrem instead of anti-bacterial ones.

5. How can bedridden patients prevent bed sores?

To prevent bed sores, bedridden patients must be repositioned frequently. They should also use pressure relieving mattresses to help them in this regard.

Final Words

After reading this guide, it will be easy for you to find the best mattress to prevent bed sores. By now, you should know what mattress would be optimal for taking care of our loved ones. Therefore, go shopping, and ensure the best care possible through using these mattresses.

Last update on 2024-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. WaterFilterly is user-supported. We might receive a commission on any purchase you make through clicking links on this page.

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