Anti-decubitus mattresses their pros and cons and how to choose the best

Anti-bedsore mattresses are designed to equip sleeping places for bedridden patients. The special structure and specially selected materials reduce pressure on the patient's body and improve blood supply to tissues that bear the greatest load. This helps to avoid the occurrence of bedsores and other complications of bed rest.

The problem for buyers is the fact that there is a fairly wide range of products of this kind on the market. Therefore, in order to purchase the most suitable product, some knowledge will be required.

Peculiarities

The special feature of anti-bedsore mattresses is their sectional structure. Each section is individually filled with air. This does not happen simultaneously, the number and location of the inflated cells constantly changes. This principle of operation helps prevent blood stagnation in tissues and reduce pressure on the points where the patient's body comes into contact with the bed.

This type of preventive equipment can be used both at home and in a hospital ward. Considering the serious consequences that developing bedsores can lead to, much attention is paid to preventing their occurrence when working with bedridden patients.

Existing varieties

As for the types of anti-bedsore mattresses, classification is carried out according to the types of materials used, structure and technique of impact on the patient’s body.

Operating principle

The so-called orthopedic structures belong to the static type of products. This type is referred to as "memory". Its structure is a solid layer of a special material that clearly repeats all the anatomical features of the patient's body. At the same time, the material "remembers" the patient's position and distributes the weight in such a way as to minimize the pressure on the body's tissues, thereby preventing the occurrence of bedsores. Recommended for active patients who are able to move independently, but spend a lot of time in bed.

The surface of the dynamic type of the product is constantly moving. In addition to maintaining the patient's body in the correct position, tissue massage is performed, which improves blood supply. It is an anti-bedsore mattress with a compressor. Thanks to the device, which is able to regulate the pressure in the sections, in addition to the main functions for the prevention of bedsores (repetition of the anatomical shape and massage effect), it is possible to slightly change the patient's position without using physical force. Comfortable for the patient and the caregiver. It is intended for inactive people who need help to perform any action.

Structure

The structure of static structures against bedsores is simple: filling material and a cover.

Speaking about the dynamic type (with compressor), we can distinguish the following varieties:

• tubular;
• cellular mattress.

The anti-decubitus product of tubular structure consists of several elastic cylinders filled with air. In most cases, the sections are not connected to each other. This is convenient in case of repair - only one element can be replaced. The volume and pumping force of each tube are adjusted using a compressor depending on the patient's needs and the degree of development of existing bedsores.

The cellular type of anti-decubitus equipment is usually solid. It is made of elastic material, divided into small sections (cells, honeycombs), alternately pumped with air. The sections are part of one system, which makes it impossible to replace one element in case of damage.

Materials

Polyurethane foam is most often used as the main material for a static anti-decubitus mattress. Its qualities are better than others for the requirements of caring for patients with bedsores.

The shell material of dynamic structures (with a compressor) is rubberized fabric, nylon or polyurethane. The main requirement for them is water resistance, strength and elasticity. The filler is mainly air. However, there are varieties that are filled with gel. The preventive effect is achieved due to the movement of liquid inside the sections in three directions (forward-backward, right-left, up-down).

Correct operation

The requirements for compliance with the operating rules mainly concern dynamic anti-decubitus mattresses. In the case of the static variety, the principle of use is extremely simple: put it on the bed, check the size, cover with linen. As for products with a compressor, it is important to consider several points:

• placed on top of a regular mattress;
• the air inflation tubes should be located at the patient's feet;
• each of the supply hoses must be straight, without twisting or tangling with others;
• lay out the linen and fold the edges (no pins or clips to avoid damaging the material!);
• install the compressor in such a way that it does not interfere with the passage around the patient’s bed;
• the pump is plugged into the socket only after the patient has been put to bed;
• When regulating the pressure in the cells (tubes), a test is carried out - between a regular mattress at the base and a dynamic type of product on top, the palm of an adult should move without effort.

Care requirements

Proper care of the anti-bedsore mattress will prevent irritation and rashes on the patient's skin, and will also prevent the development of diseases due to accumulated dust. The cleaning procedure involves:

• moving the patient to another location;
• removing linen from the bed;
• treating the surface of the product with a damp cloth while inflated and only after disconnecting the compressor from the power outlet;
• it is possible to add hypoallergenic products (exclude abrasive substances!);
• Wipe the surface with a clean cloth and let it dry naturally in a place away from sunlight.

When the use of the equipment against bedsores is finished, the inflation tubes are carefully rolled up and packed together with the compressor. The mattress is deflated and rolled up. It is better to store it in a dark, dry room.

Possible disadvantages

Despite all the benefits described, specialized anti-bedsore mattresses have minor disadvantages. These include:

• lack of therapeutic effect - if bedsores have already formed, using a mattress will not eliminate them;
• dynamic models require constant operation of the compressor, which leads to significant energy consumption;
• the hum of even a new compressor can be quite loud and can disturb the patient;
• there are restrictions on the patient's weight (cellular);
• not suitable for certain types of injuries (unstable spinal cord injury, neck or spinal traction).

In addition, all products against bedsores are made of artificial materials, which can lead to increased sweating and discomfort. Mattresses equipped with a blowing system have a higher price (from 10,000 rubles to 25,000 rubles).

Nuances when choosing

When planning to buy an anti-bedsore mattress, you should consider several important points that can affect the result. Namely:

• patient weight – the limit for using cellular mattresses is 120 kg, tubular – 150 kg;
• the dimensions of the mattress must correspond to the patient’s parameters and the dimensions of the bed on which he will spend most of the time – it is very important that the product does not roll or sag;

  

• operating principle (static or with a compressor) – selected based on the patient’s condition and the type of injury;
• the presence of a blowing system outside the product - tiny laser holes that allow air to be released without affecting the integrity of the sections - improves air circulation around the patient's body, which significantly alleviates the condition;
• compressor operating volume – it is important to choose the quietest device that will not disturb;

  

• type of materials - when choosing, you should evaluate the composition of the anti-decubitus mattress and what smell comes from it; if you smell rubber, it is better to choose another product;
• country of manufacture - Asian factories produce decent products at prices affordable to the average consumer, Europe will cost several times more.

Manufacturers

Among the companies represented on the market, several leaders stand out, whose products not only have certified quality, but have also received positive feedback from consumers.

Customer Reviews

One of the best confirmations of the quality of the selected product are reviews from real people. You can read about the experience of other users on large Internet sites specializing in the sale of anti-bedsore mattresses and other equipment. You can also ask a question in the relevant topic of medical forums.

Speaking about the models of the brands under consideration, it can be noted that consumer reviews are mostly positive. Most buyers, choosing a comfortable price (from 5,000 rubles to 25,000 rubles), purchase a product that best meets their stated requirements. Everyone notes the positive effect of use and significant simplification of the procedure for caring for a bedridden patient.

Negative feedback from people is most often related to the incorrectly selected size, model or type of product. Also, many buyers note the importance of purchasing a mattress from an official representative of the manufacturer. Otherwise, there is a risk of buying a low-quality fake.

To sum it up

Anti-bedsore mattresses can be used for various diseases and injuries. The first thing you need to do when planning to buy such equipment is to consult with your doctor. The specialist will give recommendations on what type of mattress is best to use for a specific patient, based on his medical history and individual condition.

After receiving a consultation from a doctor, you can start looking for the right product. However, you should not rush. It is better to choose a trusted seller who provides a quality guarantee and the possibility of returning the product if the buyer is not satisfied with its work.

It should be remembered that even a high-quality anti-bedsore mattress made of hypoallergenic materials, which is classified as an expensive product, does not eliminate the need for constant care and physiotherapy procedures. This is especially true for patients who already have mild to moderate bedsores.

Video: How to choose the right anti-bedsore system, advice from the online store Dom Zdorovya