The most crucial thing you can do to stop pressure ulcers from developing is to turn a bedridden patient. Frequently turning alternates pressure points on bony areas like the hips, elbows, heels, and lower back. Your loved one should be turned every two hours, placed on their right and left sides, and laid flat on their back. The optimal time interval is every two hours, but you don’t need to set the alarm to wake them up every hour at night.

 

Leave well enough alone if the patient is sleeping peacefully. Take advantage of the chance to turn them if they awaken their carers in the middle of the night. If patients have been lying on their back for a long time, it’s simple to forget which side they should be turning to. Using a medical alert bracelet, one way to keep track is to designate the side that a loved one should turn to next.

 

Wedge pillows are the best buddy when turning over a loved one in an air mattress. When lying on their side, place one between their knees, one under their ankles to “float” their heels off the bed, and one under their back to support them. Pillows provide comfort and also ease pressure on the skeleton.

 

Repositioning or turning over a loved one is still crucial even if they spend most of the day in a recliner and not in an air mattress. They can frequently accomplish pressure relief with minor changes in seating position. This activity will be simpler if they keep a folded drawing sheet underneath them while seated.

 

Are air mattresses effective in turning over patients?

 

When used in coexistence with other interventions, an air mattress works better. According to research, changing, eating well, and breathing clean air are the best preventative measures. Even though the patient is turned, the weight is not moved enough to stop pressure. 

 

For instance, for a patient with a spinal cord injury, the mattress turns the patient back and forth while keeping the spine immobile. Because they are buckled in, the turn’s angle is slightly steeper. Despite constant twisting and nourishment, the patient’s sacrum developed a stage 3 tumor. You need to get that butt off the bed while turning patients, and the rotation of an air mattress doesn’t allow for that.

 

How do air mattresses help patients to turn over and avoid bedsores?

 

Bed sores are avoided and treated with air mattresses. Bedsores happen when a patient spends a lot of time sitting or laying in one position. Bedsore develops when the skin and underlying tissue deteriorate. By easing and redistributing the pressure on the skin and promoting circulation, air mattresses and other aids stop this from occurring. 

 

All patients don’t require air mattresses; depending on the patient, ambulatory patients can get by with a foam mattress or even a standard mattress. Manually assisting the patient to change positions every two to four hours may be sufficient to prevent bedsores if they are immobile but have not yet developed any. 

 

It is always advisable to check the patient’s skin if they’re immobile. It also applies to individuals who must use wheelchairs because prolonged durations of staying in just one posture may have the same effect.

 

Why are air mattresses used for bedridden people?

 

Plastic or similar non-permeable, stretchable material makes up most air mattresses. Most air mattress manufacturers have some sort of patent that they claim makes their product superior. What is happening in reality?

 

  1. An associated pump inflates and deflates an air mattress composed of polyvinyl air cells at alternating pressure locations every 3 to 7 seconds.
  2. Various special beds and mattresses have been created to lessen the risk to the skin and musculoskeletal system from immobility.
  3. It distributes the body’s weight and releases pressure from bony regions vulnerable to pressure sores.
  4. The most frequent issue with bedridden patients is the occurrence of pressure sores on their pressure points. An air mattress helps reduce patients’ risk even if they’re bedridden.
  5. The idea of an air mattress has been developed to avoid the occurrence of bedsores among critically ill patients.

 

What to consider when choosing the right air mattress for you?

 

Air mattresses are a common option because of their robust adjustable supports. Knowing about the many kinds will enable you to better plan the comfort and care you offer your patients as someone who takes care of them.

 

 

Functional All-Foam Type A

 

  • Cleaning specifications

 

Verify the waterproof and stain resistance of the mattress overlays. You must understand the necessary cleaning frequency. A mattress system for incontinent patients with anti-microbial seams and covers is essential for the health of both the patient and the carer. The majority of hospitals satisfy this standard.

 

  • Comfort provided

 

Another crucial element that you should take into account is comfort. You should pick a mattress that evenly distributes the patient’s weight. The mattress’ margins should be solid, and there shouldn’t be much of a structural difference between the middle and the sides.

 

  • Size

 

Manufacturers of mattresses consider consumer demand and provide traditional sizes, including Queen, Full, and Twin. When choosing the right size for you, ensure the air mattress is the proper fit for the hospital bed. Additional sizes include King and Twin XL. Poor brands frequently experience air leaks. Air leaks frequently occur around air pumps, valves, and connections. You must choose a respected manufacturer with a track record of providing its consumers with high-quality goods.

 

  • Mobile usage

 

Take into account how long you spend sleeping. Patient needs differ based on their medical conditions. A person must take extra precautions to avoid skin disorders, including bedsores, skin shearing, and ulcers, the longer they stay in bed. Numerous hospital demands include low air loss, alternating pressure, innerspring, and foam mattresses. The variety of options online makes it very complex. But with some considerations, you can undoubtedly make the best choice.

 

Final Thoughts

 

It might be difficult enough to deal with illness and immobility without pressure wounds’ additional strain and discomfort. Utilize all tools at your disposal to keep your loved ones as comfortable as possible, including air mattresses, and get them started on the path to good health.