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Choosing the Best Alternating Pressure Mattress
Bed sores can lead to serious medical complications, and the best defense is prevention with a quality alternating pressure mattress. If you are bedridden or have limited mobility, let us help you find the best pressure mattress for your needs. In this post, you’ll get an in-depth look at how these sleeping aids work, as well as all the crucial factors, including type, material, pressure range, risk level, and recommendations suited to you.
The Types of Alternating Pressure Mattresses We Offer
What to Consider When Choosing Your Alternating Pressure Mattress
Speak with your care provider and make sure to take in consideration the factors below when deciding on the right alternating pressure mattress for you or your loved one.
Functionality
Alternating Pressure Pad
The purpose of an alternating pressure pad is to fluctuate pressure points across the sleeping surface, with air cells that constantly deflate and inflate. This helps promote circulation and also combat bedsores for patients at a higher risk. It is designed to lie on top of an existing mattress and is compatible with any type of bed.
We offer 3 different alternating pressure pads. A standard overlay pad and a tube design overlay pad, both use a pump that can be adjusted for firmness and is small enough to fit on a nightstand.
Alternating Pressure Pad
The purpose of an alternating pressure pad is to fluctuate pressure points across the sleeping surface, with air cells that constantly deflate and inflate. This helps promote circulation and also combat bedsores for patients at a higher risk. It is designed to lay on the top of an existing mattress and is compatible with any type of bed.
We offer a 5” and 8” mattress which each use a pump that can be adjusted for firmness, and is small enough to fit on a night stand. The 5” version features 130 air cells that fit easily under sheets and can support up to 300 lbs. The 8” mattress has 16 cells that span the entire width and can support up to 320 lbs.
Low-Air-Loss
Essential for patients at a high risk of pressure sores, a low-air-loss mattress floats the patient on air-filled cells. It releases a gentle flow of air through the mattress surface to keep the skin dry and cool, helping to manage moisture and reduce the risk of skin breakdown. They pump between 100 and 150 liters of air per minute to regulate skin temperature and preserve moisture levels while not drying out therapeutic dressings.
Alternating Pressure & Low-Air-Loss Combo
Combining the two functionalities is extremely beneficial. The functions to work together to provide comprehensive pressure sore prevention and skin protection. This type of mattress is ideal for individuals who are bedridden, have limited mobility, or are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers, especially those with conditions like paralysis, severe injury, or advanced chronic illness.
For this dual functionality check out our 5” mattress, 8” Mattress, or Full Alternating Pressure Pad System.
Explore our Alternating Seat Cushion and Full Alternating Wheelchair Cushion, designed to provide targeted pressure relief for individuals who spend extended time sitting, whether in a standard chair or wheelchair.
Material
PVC
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is commonly used in alternating pressure mattresses because it offers several key advantages that make it ideal for medical and therapeutic applications. Its strength and tear-resistant nature allow it to handle constant inflation and deflation cycles. It also allows for a flexible but airtight seal for proper function and redistribution of air for pressure relief.
Latex-Free Vinyl
The latex-free vinyl used in our inflatable pressure pads and mattresses was chosen for its durability, resistance to punctures and moisture, plus ease of care. Flexible and soft when inflated, it is perfectly comfortable for a night’s rest and won’t irritate common allergies.
Weight Capacity
Be sure that the pad or mattress you choose can accommodate the patient who will be resting in it. Our alternating pressure pad has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, while the 5” pressure pad can hold slightly more, at 320 lbs. For maximum weight capacity, the 8” alternating pressure mattress can accommodate 400 lbs.
Pump Features
Each alternating pressure pad and mattress comes with a pump that allows you to adjust firmness at the turn of a dial. It can fit comfortably on a nightstand, with quiet operation that won’t disturb your sleep.
The 8” alternating pressure mattress allows even more customization, offering different modes and indicators:
- Adjustable firmness
- Sitting mode customizes the pressure to make sitting upright comfortable while still letting you take advantage of alternating pressure
- Static mode keeps cells inflated at their current pressure, disabling the alternating air current.
- Low and high pressure indicators
Mattress Cover
Our 8” alternating pressure mattress and full alternating pressure pad come with a cover designed to regulate body heat during the night. It is waterproof and durable, so you can count on it lasting as long as you need it. It can be removed and washed regularly to maintain freshness.
Risk Level
Choosing your pressure mattress greatly depends on the patient's level of mobility, plus their risk of developing pressure sores. Before deciding, it’s always best to confirm with a medical professional. Check out our recommendations below to learn which mattress design would best suit your patient or loved one’s needs.
Our Recommendations for...
Low Risk
For patients at a low but present risk of developing pressure sores, the Tube Alternating Pressure Pad is an excellent starting option. Its compact, tubular air cells provide gentle pressure redistribution, helping to improve circulation and reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. It’s ideal for shorter-term use or for individuals who need a lighter, more portable solution. With similar design, the Alternating Pressure Mattress Pad is also a great choice. It offers full-length support with 130 alternating air cells, multiple pressure settings, and enhanced comfort—making it a smart next step in preventative care.
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Moderate Risk
When the risk of pressure sores becomes more serious, it’s time to consider an alternating pressure pad with medical-grade quality. Our 5” alternating pressure pad offers adjustable firmness, alternating air cells, low air loss, and water-resistant cover that can be easily installed on top of an existing mattress. Air pressure can be adjusted from 35 to 130 mmHg, making it a good choice for a range of patients. Simply tuck the ends of the pad under your mattress, and it’s ready to go.
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High Risk
For high-risk patients who have already developed pressure sores and lack mobility, the best option is the full 8” alternating pressure mattress replacement, which has 19 air cells that can be adjusted for sitting, low to high pressure, and static mode that keeps the mattress inflated evenly. Its thick design is made to fit in most hospital bed frames, offering advanced pressure redistribution and comfort. For those who need a slightly lower-profile solution with full-body support, the Full Alternating Pressure Pad System is also an excellent choice. It features 5" deep alternating air cells and a static mode, making it effective for extended care while still fitting on top of a standard mattress.
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Temporary Use (Surgery Recovery)
Whether you are recovering from surgery, are sick in bed, or need relief from temporary aches and pain, the best solution is to find a slim and easy-to-install mattress topper. Our alternating pressure pad is a great choice, featuring adjustable firmness, alternating pressure-relief, and a design that can be installed right on top of your regular bed.
You can check out the Tube Alternating Pad as another overlay options convenient for temporary use.
Frequently Asked Questions
See what other Vive Health shoppers are asking, and find all the answers you need to make the best purchase possible.
Q: What are air mattresses made of?
A: All our air filled pressure mattresses are made of latex-free vinyl. This ensures long-term durability preventing rips or tears that could lead to air loss.
Q: Do air mattresses prevent bed sores?
A: Yes, our pressure mattresses are designed to prevent the development and progression of bedsores or ulcers. Their job is to eliminate points of high pressure and are equipped with features like variable pressure settings and quiet operation to help promote restful sleep.
Q: How does an alternating pressure mattress work?
A: Using a pump that is attached to the foot of the bed, the mattress inflates individual pressure cells to remove weight and pressure off areas vulnerable to developing bedsores. What makes an alternating pressure mattress different from a normal air mattress, is the constant airflow between alternating lateral air cells.
Need More Help?
Get more information on all Vive Health products by talking to our customer service and product specialists. Call between 8:30am and 9pm EST daily at 1-800-487-3808 or email us at service@vivehealth.com
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