How to Prevent Bedsores in Bedridden Patients

Updated on August 22, 2019

Bedsores, also known as pressure sores, are a common health complication for patients who have to spend a significant portion of their time in bed. Traditionally, treating these sores has usually been achieved by moving the patient manually every so often. This is still the method that many nurses stick to, but it is not a perfect system.

For one thing, relying on manually moving patients means depending entirely upon  a nurse remembering to do it. If the nurse forgets, the patient will be left static and vulnerable to developing bed sores. Fortunately, there are now automatic solutions that don’t rely on anyone moving the patient.

Alternating Mattresses

Alternating mattresses are designed to be used by patients who are bedridden or who need to spend a lot of time in bed. These beds come in a number of different styles and varieties, depending on the needs of the patient in question.

Alternating mattresses, also known as pressure mattresses, are designed to provide an additional level of support to the patient’s head and body, reducing the amount of pressure on individual areas of the body. Unlike regular mattresses, an alternating mattress contains numerous air pockets that are strategically inserted in order to add to the comfort.

Static Mattresses

There are three types of mattress that you need to know about  – reactive surface, active surface, and hybrid. 

Static mattresses have a surface that stays static and uses a single layer or sometimes multiple layers of foam to provide support and relief for the user. By equally distributing the weight of the patient, static mattresses prevent sores from developing.

Static foam mattresses are better for the prevention of ulcers, rather than as a means of treating them. If the patient already has ulcers or sores then a static mattress is not the best choice. These mattresses are better than a regular mattress, and will certainly help to reduce sores, but they are not the most effective type.

Alternating Mattresses

Alternating Mattresses are sometimes known as air-flow mattresses because they are designed to enable air to flow through them. The mattress is paired with a pump, to provide air flow. The physical structure of the mattress means that there is constant movement beneath the patient’s skin. This movement alone can replicate the effects of turning the patient. The pump inflates deflated cells in the mattress, which causes the other cells to deflate. This process occurs over and over again to simulate movement.

If you think that your relative or patient could benefit from an alternating mattress, you can buy an alternating mattress at bosshard medical – https://www.bosshardmedical.com.au/shop/pressure-care/alternating-mattress/.

Alternating mattresses provide a simple solution for patients who are bed bound or who will need to spend long periods of time sedentary. If a patient has already developed ulcers then an alternating mattress will provide them with comfort and pain relief. They are much better than traditional mattresses, or the more common static foam mattresses. Patients across Australia could benefit from these mattresses becoming the standard on long-term care units, as well as intensive care units.

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