Homepro Medical Supplies

If you need a hospital bed in your home, you have options on both the type of bed you get and the hospital bed mattress. Among the many mattress material choices is an air mattress for a hospital bed. But why get one?

Types of Air Mattresses
First, let’s examine the types of air mattresses you can get.
Several types of air mattresses are available. Popular ones include:

Alternating Pressure Air Mattress
Alternating pressure, in the context of a home hospital bed air mattress, refers to a specific feature designed to prevent pressure ulcers or bedsores in patients who are confined to bed for extended periods. It involves the alternating inflation and deflation of different sections or cells within the air mattress.

Typically, the mattress is divided into multiple air cells or chambers, which are inflated and deflated in a sequential pattern. This alternating action redistributes the pressure on different areas of the patient’s body, relieving constant pressure points that can lead to the formation of bedsores. The cycle of inflation and deflation creates a pulsating effect, which promotes blood circulation and reduces the risk of tissue damage.

The alternating flow feature is controlled by a pump or an air supply unit connected to the mattress. The pump regulates the timing and sequence of inflation and deflation, usually on a pre-set cycle that can be adjusted to meet the patient’s specific needs.

At Homepro Medical, a popular alternating flow air mattress is the PressureGuard APM 2.0 Mattress with Alternating Pressure or Lateral Rotation.

This mattress is unique in that it can switch between being an alternating air or lateral rotation air mattress with the flick of a switch!

True Low Air Loss Air Mattress
Low air loss in relation to a home hospital bed air mattress refers to a feature or technology designed to manage the moisture and heat buildup on the surface of the mattress. It is commonly used in medical settings, such as hospitals or home care, to provide enhanced comfort and prevent skin breakdown for individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility.

A low air loss mattress typically consists of multiple air cells or chambers that are inflated with a constant flow of air. These air cells have tiny laser-perforations or microvents that allow a controlled amount of air to escape from the mattress surface. The escaping air creates a gentle airflow across the patient’s skin, which helps to reduce heat and moisture buildup.

The primary purpose of low air loss mattresses is to prevent or treat pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores) that can develop due to prolonged periods of immobility. The constant airflow helps to keep the skin dry and cool, reducing the risk of skin breakdown and promoting faster healing of existing ulcers. Additionally, the low air loss feature can provide a more comfortable sleeping surface by reducing heat and perspiration, which can improve overall sleep quality for the patient.

At Homepro Medical, a popular true low air loss air mattress is the Protekt Aire 9900 True Low Air Loss Mattress System with Alternating Pressure and Pulsation.

The mattress is both reliable and offers exceptional value for money.

Lateral Rotation / Turning Air Mattress
In the context of a home hospital bed air mattress, “lateral rotation” refers to a feature or function that allows the mattress to rotate or turn the patient laterally, typically from side to side. This rotation is usually controlled electronically or mechanically by the bed system.

Lateral rotation is often used to prevent or manage complications associated with prolonged immobility, such as pressure ulcers (bedsores) and respiratory issues. By periodically changing the patient’s position, lateral rotation helps redistribute pressure on different areas of the body, promotes blood circulation, and reduces the risk of skin breakdown. It can also assist with pulmonary hygiene by aiding in the movement of secretions in the lungs.

The degree and frequency of rotation can vary depending on the specific bed and mattress system.

At Homepro Medical, a popular lateral rotation air mattress is the dual Invacare microAIR MA900 Lateral Rotation True Low Air Loss Mattress System.

This mattress helps provide pressure relief and moisture management, with built-in side bolsters for added safety.

Features and Benefits of Air Mattresses
When choosing an air mattress for a home hospital bed, there are several features that you should consider to ensure comfort, support, and safety. Here are some of the features you should look for:
1. Size and fit: Ensure that the air mattress fits the dimensions of your hospital bed properly and is suitable for your weight.
2. Material: Look for an air mattress made from high-quality, durable materials that are easy to clean.
3. Pressure settings: Choose an air mattress with adjustable pressure settings to provide customized comfort and support.
4. Pump: Look for an air mattress that comes with an efficient pump that can inflate and deflate the mattress quickly and quietly.
5. Alternating pressure system: Consider an air mattress with an alternating pressure system that periodically inflates and deflates different air chambers to promote circulation and prevent pressure sores.
6. Weight capacity: Make sure the air mattress can support your weight and the weight of any additional medical equipment.
7. Noise level: Choose an air mattress with a low noise level to minimize disturbance during sleep.
8. Warranty: Look for an air mattress that comes with a warranty to protect your investment in case of defects or malfunctions.
9. Ease of use: Choose an air mattress that is easy to set up, use, and maintain, with clear instructions and user-friendly controls.
10. Safety features: Look for an air mattress with safety features such as anti-slip bottom, fire-resistant materials, and a pressure relief valve to prevent over-inflation.
11. Removes direct pressure on an individual’s body. This works to control and even reduce the instance of bed ulcers and sores.
12. Improves the circulation of the blood.
13. Helps to regulate body temperature.

Mattresses for hospital beds are designed specifically to address certain health issues that can arise from being bedridden or in bed for long periods of time. Getting a top-quality air mattress for a hospital bed helps ensure certain blood and skin problems do not arise.

Talk with a Homepro home medical equipment expert to ensure you are getting the right air mattress for your home hospital bed. We also rent hospital beds and rent medical air mattresses should you be in the New York City area.