Whether you're choosing a pressure relieving mattress for a patient, a loved one or yourself, picking the right one is essential for both safety and comfort. The risk level of developing sores or ulcers is the biggest factor, and a doctor should be consulted to determine this, but there are other things to keep in mind as well. For example; whether it's for the home or a professional care setting, or whether you need an entirely new mattress or you're just looking to add support to your existing one.
Here at HospitalBeds.co.uk our pressure-relieving mattresses are labelled by pressure risk level for greater clarity, and we hope this guide to the Types of Pressure Relief Mattresses will make finding the right protection even easier.
If you're looking for an entirely new mattress instead of a mattress topper, but don't want the dynamic movement of an active mattress, Static Pressure Relief Mattresses are a great option. They usually feature a foam top that's cut into squares, conforming to the shape of a patient's body for pressure relief, as well as comfortable support and weight distribution. As there is no air or electric system involved, these are better for patients with some level of movement capability, and are not the best option for the completely immobile.
Highly durable entry-level mattress with extended longevity
Alternating Air/Active Mattresses
For the very highest risk and least mobile patients, even small movements around a bed can be impossible independently, and even assisted movement and transfers can be painful. Alternating Air Mattresses solve this by alternating pressure across the entire surface of the mattress to limit the build-up of weight forces and prevent sore and ulcer formation. Many of these mattresses feature customisable inflation and deflation settings, so each patient can benefit from personalised pressure and support.
Ideal for patient care in care homes and residential care settings
SensaCare Truflo provides constant auto pressure sensing
Promotes natural sleep patterns with Ultra-Silent pump
Hybrid Mattresses
As the name suggests, Hybrid Pressure Relief Mattresses combine the benefits of static mattresses and active mattresses to give you the best of both worlds. For example, they might use the foam surface of a static mattress laid on top of the alternating air cells of an active/dynamic mattress. Due to their versatility and adaptability, hybrid mattresses are often more expensive that static systems.
Distributes pressure with 18 cells, including static head cells
Visco foam underlay provides added support and stability
Provides two-cell alternating therapy for comfort and relief
Other Types of Pressure Relief Bed Support
Mattress Topers/Overlays
Pressure Relief Mattress Toppers (also known as overlays) are the most accessible and affordable type of bed pressure relief system. Instead of an entirely new mattress like those above, mattress toppers can be laid over standard mattresses to transform them into reliable and safe pressure relief set-ups.
Budget pressure relief overlay for use over an existing mattress
Features nylon TPU coated, micro-perforated sealed air cells
Includes a multi-stretch, waterproof and antimicrobial cover
Mattress Underlays
While Mattress Underlays aren't used on their own for pressure relief, they can provide greater stability on uneven or slatted beds, allowing pressure-relief mattresses and overlays to work more effectively. In the event of air mattress deflation or alternating mattress failure, they also serve as a base level of support and pressure relief until carer intervention.
Provides mattress stabilisation on uneven surfaces
Suitable for use on slatted, profiling and divan beds
Thin design to comply with bed rail height regulations
Includes waterproof cover for protection
Bariatric Pressure Relief Mattresses
While many bedridden patients struggle with mobility, obese patients can provide an extra challenge as carers can struggle to physically manipulate them. This can make reinforced Bariatric Pressure Relief Mattresses essential in preventing ulcers, sores and other injuries. They're available as both static mattress and active mattresses, but are reinforced and wider to better accommodate bariatric patients.
Triple cell-on-cell design for increased pressure relief
Bariatric 300kg max load for versatile use
Ideal for hospital, nursing and care home environments
Paediatric Mattresses
While pressure relief care is often associated with the elderly, children and infants with limited mobility or who are hospitalised or bedridden can be at risk of pressure-related conditions and injuries as well. These Paediatric Mattresses are suitably smaller to better suit paediatric patients and make caring for them easier.
Paediatric pressure relief mattress designed for profiling beds
High weight bearing to allow parents to sit with child
Focus on hygiene thanks to the washable cover
Pressure Relief DoEsn't Have to be a Sore Subject!
We've gone over the key differences between types of pressure relief mattresses and highlighted a few of our favourites, so we hope you've found the mattress for you. But if you're still looking, why not check out our full list of mattress types.
Have any more questions about pressure relief mattresses or just something to say? Let us know in the comments below!
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