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Some people require specialized mattresses if they are sick or if they have reduced or impaired mobility.
A traditional mattress may not suit certain medical conditions, may aggravate them, or cause pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores.
Pressure ulcers occur due to a combination of factors. Prolonged external pressure on tissues causes a lack of blood flow to the affected area. Impaired drainage from the lymphatic system may also contribute to the development of sores.
Compared with traditional mattresses, hospital bed mattresses work better for preventing and relieving pain from pressure sores.
Hospital bed mattress manufacturers use different materials in their products than regular mattress manufacturers. These materials are similar to those found in traditional mattresses and include:
Hospital bed mattresses should also be waterproof, antimicrobial, and easy to clean. These features ensure the mattress meets medical-grade sanitation standards.
The head, leg, and bed heights are typically adjustable with hospital mattresses, and they can bend with the adjustment of the head and legs.
For individuals who must remain in bed, a hospital bed with a hospital bed mattress is safer and more comfortable than a traditional bed and mattress. However, it may not suit more mobile people.
One study demonstrated that a large-scale switch-out of hospital mattresses led to a reduction in hospital-acquired pressure sores. This resulted in a 66.6% decrease in stage 3 and 4 pressure ulcers and a 50% reduction in mattress comfort complaints.
Some experts suggest using silk-based fabrics, since they are superior in pressure ulcer prevention. Cotton-based fabrics may cause increased friction forces and damage to the skin.
A hospital bed mattress may not be suitable for people who are not at risk of developing bedsores, those who do not have reduced mobility, and those who do not need to remain lying down.
In addition, a person who will be using a hospital mattress at home may not be able to try the mattress before buying it.
Further, mattress labels may be misleading. For instance, a mattress labeled firm may be too firm for some or not firm enough for another person’s needs.
For those who do not require a new medical mattress, an alternative may be to add an extra layer to their existing mattress.
Here are some of the top hospital bed mattress toppers.
Vive Health Alternative Pressure PadThis product fits on top of hospital beds. People who have, or are at risk of developing pressure sores may benefit from this hospital bed mattress topper.
Pricearound $100Proshas top-end weight distribution capabilitiesConssome customers report the mattress as unbreathableThe topper has 130, individually sealed air bubbles that provide durable support. The topper suits people who weigh up to 300 lbs.
It has a pump that controls the pressure within the air bubbles. The air cycles through different levels of pressure to:
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Drive Medical Premium Guard Gel Mattress OverlayThis fluid-resistant nylon mattress overlay can sustain up to 500 pounds of weight. It also features 15 gel bladders covering the entire area of the patient’s body that is in contact with the mattress.
Pricearound $115Proscustomers report the mattress topper as durable and comfortableConssome customers report the mattress quickly becoming indented, making it impossible to roll over or get out of their bedsThe gel mattress overlay can also prevent and treat pressure ulcers.
The base is waterproof and stain-resistant.
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Below, we look at some common questions about hospital bed mattresses.
The best mattresses for hospital beds include features that redistribute weight to prevent too much pressure on certain body parts. Specifically, this feature can help prevent bedsores and pressure ulcers.
Regular mattresses do not work on hospital beds due to their inflexibility. Hospital beds are adjustable with moving head and foot sections. They require more flexible mattresses, often those made from foam.
Quality hospital mattresses should last from 7 to 10 years.
Doctors recommend hospital bed mattresses for people who must remain in bed for extended periods and those at risk of developing bedsores. Traditional mattresses may not provide enough support for people with reduced mobility.
Hospital bed mattresses include foam, gel, innerspring, and air mattresses that help redistribute a person’s weight across the surface to prevent and treat pressure ulcers.
Alternatively, people can place a specialized topper on their current mattress for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment.