What Does An Air Mattress Do?

What Does An Air Mattress Do?

An air mattress can offer a range of benefits, from providing essential comfort for everyday use to serving an important medical purpose by preventing the formation of pressure sores. These versatile sleeping solutions have become popular not only for camping and temporary use but also within healthcare settings for their ability to enhance sleep quality and promote better circulation.

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What Are Air Mattresses Used For?

Air mattresses are primarily used to prevent pressure injuries, such as decubitus ulcers or pressure sores. These sores occur when the skin and underlying tissues are starved of oxygen, usually because a person is in the same position for prolonged periods. Especially in bony parts of the body, such as elbows, heels, or the back of the head, reduced blood flow can cause skin cells to die, leading to pressure sores.

How Do Air Mattresses Help?

Air mattresses help by using alternating motions and patterns to stop the build-up of pressure that leads to pressure sores. Often referred to as anti-decubitus mattresses, they help to promote better circulation in vulnerable areas of the body. They can provide either pressure relief or pressure redistribution, depending on the design and functionality of the mattress.

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief air mattresses target high-pressure parts of the body and reduce the amount of pressure in those areas. For example, an air mattress might be configured to have less air and therefore less pressure where the shoulder blades, calves, and elbows rest. Some of these mattresses include foam for added flexibility and comfort. The Somlent Serene is an excellent example of such a mattress, providing both comfort and effective pressure relief.

Pressure Redistribution

Pressure redistribution is achieved by alternately inflating rows of cells to distribute the user's body weight. Known as alternating-air mattresses, these keep redistributing pressure via continuous air movement, thereby reducing the likelihood of pressure ulcers forming on bony parts of the body. Low-pressure therapy is a particularly effective pressure redistribution method, and the Somlent Genius mattress embodies this approach while offering significant comfort.

What Are Alternating Air Mattresses Used For?

Alternating air pressure mattresses are often used to treat advanced pressure ulcers, such as Grade 3 and Grade 4. They provide ongoing pressure relief and reduce the need for caregivers to manually reposition patients. These mattresses mold to the person's body shape, with air cells deflating in high-pressure areas to minimize injury risk.

What Is a Hybrid Mattress?

A hybrid mattress combines foam and air systems, offering a balance between pressure relief and comfort without the full vibration of an air mattress. These are ideal for patients at high risk of pressure sores but who still retain some mobility. Hybrid mattresses like the Impulse Hybrid use a unique cell structure to minimize vibrations while ensuring enough airflow to support the patient.

What Is Pressure Mapping?

Pressure mapping technology provides a visual representation of pressure points on the body by having the patient lie on a pressure-sensitive mat, which sends readings to a computer to create a 3D map. This helps healthcare professionals identify high-pressure areas and develop strategies to redistribute pressure more effectively. Pressure-mapping trials have been conducted on Innova’s range of Somlent hybrid mattresses, demonstrating their efficacy.

Summary

Air mattresses serve the key function of preventing pressure sores, with various models available to suit different levels of pressure relief needs. Visit our showroom to view our range of Opera beds and mattresses, or arrange a visit from one of our qualified assessors to recommend the best solution for you.

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