Pressure mattresses are generally used within hospitals and care homes to offer patients pain relief against pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers. Pressure sores occur when an individual spends prolonged periods of time in the same position; and typically occurs in those with restricted mobility and/or poor skin integrity. There are three types of commonly used pressure mattresses:

Dynamic Mattresses 

Also known as Air mattresses or alternating mattresses, Dynamic Mattresses need an electricity supply and are aimed at more vulnerable people. The pumps attached to this type pump air through the mattress at different intervals offering pressure relief and offloading of tissue. This mattress consists of multiple air pockets or cells which will incrementally inflate and deflate to help blood flow across the resident’s body.

Static Mattresses

Static mattresses help to reduce pressure across the whole body. Their surface remains static and relieves pressure overtime by evenly distributing an individual’s weight over a large surface at a continuous low pressure. It responds to an individual’s body shape, heat and movement. Static mattresses combine different types of foam and/or involve cuts or castellations on the foam surface.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid Mattresses, also known as Combination Mattresses, combine the static and alternating mattress systems into one mattress. This is usually comprised as alternating air cells inset in a foam mattress with a soft foam topper. Therefore, the hybrid pressure mattress provides optimum pressure relief whilst maintaining the foam mattresses high level of comfort. The majority of hybrid pressure mattresses require a mains-powered air pump to operate the alternating air cells.

Pressure relief mattresses are effective for improving sleep as they increase the individuals overall comfort levels.  They are an essential part of caring for an individual with bed sores, so understanding how a pressure mattress works is vital for choosing the right type of mattress in order to make the individual as comfortable as possible. You can browse our range of Dynamic Mattresses here, or call us on 020 8236 0060 for any further queries or assistance.