What are Hospital Bed Air Mattresses?
hospital bed air mattresses are medical devices that help prevent and treat pressure ulcers (bedsores). They are designed for patients with limited mobility or those confined to bed for long periods. It is usually used on hospital beds, but can also be used on nursing beds or at home.These mattresses use air-based technology to provide comfort and address specific medical needs. Below are the main types and features of hospital bed air mattresses:
Types of Hospital Bed Air Mattresses
- Alternating Pressure Mattresses
- Have air-filled cells that inflate and deflate in cycles.
- Redistribute pressure across the body to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of tissue damage.
- Low Air Loss Mattresses
- Include tiny perforations or vents that release air to manage moisture.
- Reduce heat and humidity, keeping the skin dry and healthy, especially for patients prone to bedsores.
- Lateral Rotation Mattresses
- Gently turn patients from side to side to reduce pressure on specific areas.
- Often combine alternating pressure and low air loss features for better functionality.
Considerations
- Noise: The air pump can be noisy, which may disrupt quiet environments.
- Cost: These mattresses are often more expensive than standard options, which might affect purchasing decisions for homes or healthcare facilities.
- Electricity Requirement: Most models need a consistent power supply, posing challenges in areas with unreliable electricity.
Hospital bed air mattresses are essential in modern healthcare, offering effective solutions for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment while enhancing patient comfort.
How Do They Prevent Bedsores?
1. Alternating Pressure Mechanism
Hospital bed air mattresses use air-filled cells that inflate and deflate in cycles. This process reduces pressure on specific areas of the body, helping to prevent tissue damage. Pressure ulcers can develop quickly, sometimes within 30 minutes, if static pressure remains on one spot.
2. Improved Blood Circulation
The alternating pressure cycles enhance blood flow, ensuring tissues get enough oxygen and nutrients. This prevents pressure sores and supports healing for existing ulcers.
3. Skin Temperature and Moisture Control
Many air mattresses feature low air loss systems to manage the skin’s microclimate. These systems keep the skin cool and dry, reducing the risk of moisture-related damage.
4. Protection Against Shear and Friction
These mattresses are designed to reduce shear and friction forces that occur during movement. This extra cushioning helps protect the skin and increases comfort.
5. Customizable Pressure Settings
Advanced models offer programmable pressure cycles, allowing caregivers to adjust settings based on each patient’s needs. This reduces the need for manual repositioning, making care more efficient and comfortable.
6. Examples of Effective Models
For example, Grace Medy‘s spherical air mattress and strip-shaped removable air mattress. Both have alternating pressure cycles, inflating and deflation in a cyclic manner, relieving pressure on the body, preventing the occurrence of bedsores, making patients more comfortable and making care easier.
7. Recommendations from Studies
Clinical studies recommend replacing the traditional practice of repositioning every two hours with alternating pressure air mattresses. This method better prevents bedsores, allows patients to rest undisturbed, and improves the overall quality of care.
Key Features of Hospital Bed Air Mattresses
Air Chambers
Hospital bed air mattresses contain multiple air cells arranged in parallel. Made from strong materials like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or reinforced urethane plastic, these chambers inflate and deflate in sequence. This process helps distribute pressure evenly, reducing the risk of pressure sores.
Pumps
A digital pump or air supply unit controls the inflation and deflation of the air chambers.
– Efficiency and Noise: These pumps are efficient and quiet. Some models operate almost silently, ensuring restful sleep.
Alternating Pressure
This feature allows different sections of the mattress to inflate and deflate at different times. It improves blood circulation and reduces pressure ulcers.
– Example: The PressureGuard APM 2.0 Mattress by Homepro Medical has alternating air and lateral rotation modes, adjustable with a simple switch.
Low-Air Loss Technology
Low-air loss mattresses release air slowly through small holes, keeping the surface cool and dry. This prevents skin breakdown and helps heal existing ulcers.
– Example: The Protekt Aire 9900 True Low Air Loss Mattress System has laser-cut holes for improved low-air loss, offering better comfort.
Materials
These mattresses use durable materials like nylon, PVC, and urethane plastic. This ensures they stay firm and don’t leak air.
– Weight Capacity: Most models support between 350-440 pounds (159-200 kg), making them suitable for many users.
Lightweight and Easy Maintenance
Air mattresses are light and easy to clean, which helps both patients and caregivers.
– Removable Cells: Some models have removable air cells, making cleaning simple.
Adjustable Pressure Settings
Patients can customize pressure settings to adjust comfort and support based on their needs.
Safety Features
Advanced models may include side bolsters, defined edges to prevent falls, and power outage protection for up to 24 hours. This ensures continuous care even during power failures.
Benefits for Patients and Caregivers
Improved Blood Circulation
Hospital bed air mattresses improve blood flow by changing pressure points. This process helps the body stay refreshed and supports better sleep.
Prevention of Pressure Sores
By regularly shifting the body’s position, these mattresses reduce the risk of pressure sores. Key areas like the back, hips, buttocks, and elbows get relief from constant pressure, lowering the chance of ulcers.
Reduced Caregiver Effort
The built-in air pump adjusts pressure automatically, minimizing the need for caregivers to reposition patients frequently. This reduces strain on caregivers while keeping patients comfortable.
Cooling and Breathability
Low-air loss technology keeps the mattress surface cool and breathable. It prevents overheating, ensuring comfort and reducing skin irritation.
Pressure Redistribution
The mattress continuously redistributes pressure on the patient’s body. This reduces the risk of sores, especially in vulnerable areas like bony parts.
Relief and Healing of Bed Sores
These mattresses are designed to relieve pressure and help heal bed sores. They reduce stress on sensitive areas like the abdomen, improving comfort and speeding up recovery.
Increased Mobility and Stress Reduction
Patients using these mattresses enjoy long-term benefits like better mobility, improved sleep quality, less stress, and easier breathing. These features are crucial for individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
Easy Maintenance and Portability
The mattresses are lightweight, collapsible, and simple to maintain, making them ideal for home and hospital use. Their portability adds convenience for both patients and caregivers.
Clinical Evidence and Recommendations
Effectiveness of Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses
- A study with 9058 participants showed that alternating pressure air surfaces reduced the risk of pressure ulcers compared to foam surfaces, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.63 (95% CI 0.34 to 1.17).
- Research in EClinicalMedicine found that only 6.9% of patients using high-tech air mattresses developed pressure sores (grade two or worse), compared to 8.9% on specialist foam mattresses.
Comparison with Standard Mattresses
- A comparative study showed that 11% (5 out of 42) of patients on air mattresses developed new pressure ulcers, compared to 33.3% (5 out of 15) on standard mattresses.
- All patients with ulcers on air mattresses fully recovered, whereas only 40% of patients on standard mattresses recovered.
Guidelines and Recommendations
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends alternating pressure mattresses for individuals at high risk, emphasizing pressure redistribution and a dry environment.
- A University of Leeds study advises using clinical judgment to select between foam and air mattresses based on patient needs, comfort, and risk factors.
Incidence and Recovery Rates
- A retrospective study found a lower incidence of pressure ulcers with alternating pressure air mattresses (4.2%) compared to standard hospital mattresses (13%).
- Recovery rates were 100% for patients using air mattresses, compared to 40% for those on standard mattresses.
Cost-Effectiveness
- Alternating pressure air surfaces are more cost-effective than foam surfaces, offering benefits such as reduced hospital stays and delayed onset of pressure ulcers.
Microclimate and Pressure Redistribution
- Airflow mattresses effectively manage skin temperature and moisture, preventing build-up and reducing the risk of skin breakdown.
- These mattresses redistribute pressure through the inflation and deflation of air-filled cells, reducing tissue damage and promoting healthier skin.