How a pressure care mattress reduces the risk of pressure injuries.

In this series of articles, we will look at the risk and causes of Pressure Injuries (PI), how the right Pressure Care Mattress can reduce the risk of pressure injuries and provide support and comfort. Considerations when choosing a pressure care mattress, as well as look at the importance of sleep in recovery and its benefits for physical and mental health.

Pressure injuries, otherwise referred to as pressure sores, bedsores or pressure ulcers, can become a significant health concern, especially for individuals with limited mobility. Pressure injuries occur from periods of sustained pressure, friction and shear on the skin and underlying tissue. This leads to reduced blood flow and subsequent tissue damage and can cause anything from minor skin discoloration to deep open wounds that may expose muscle and bone. In order to minimise the potential negative health impact of pressure injuries, understanding causes, risk factors and preventative measures is vital for healthcare providers, caregivers and those at risk.

Individuals with limited mobility or chronic conditions requiring extended bed rest are at an increased risk of developing pressure injuries. Lying in a static position for extended periods causing a lack of blood flow, friction and shear between the individual and their mattress. A pressure care mattress will help reduce the risk of pressure sores and increase comfort by distributing body weight, reducing pressure, shear and friction on at risk areas, improve blood circulation and provide pain relief.

A pressure care mattress helps with the prevention and control of pressure injuries by:

Pressure injury prevention – the constant shift of weight and pressure on the at-risk and sensitive areas of the body helps minimise the risk of pressure sores occurring.

Improved blood circulation – with a more evenly distribution of pressure across the body, blood flow is enhanced, this reduces tissue damage and discomfort.

Pain Relief – with the mattress providing weight distribution, less pressure on the sensitive and at-risk areas of the body results in less pain for the individual.

Increased comfort – better cushioning and support leads to better comfort and quality of sleep.

Reduces manual handling – making everyday support easier and safer for all.

A pressure care mattress can be vital for someone with special needs, aged care and bariatric applications, as well as individuals with injury and hospitalisation/operation recovery. Understanding the needs and potential risks of the individual are fundamental to determining the right type of mattress for them.

Both an air mattress and foam mattress disperse body weight and help prevent pressure sores, however, offer different sleep solutions and individual care. An air mattress can dynamically adjust pressure with air pressure alternation in different zone areas of the mattress. A foam mattress utilizes its materials inherent properties to distribute pressure across the individual.

Typically, an air mattress will allow for individual cell pressure adjustments and provide tailored support for an individual’s needs, whilst a foam mattress usually offers less customisation. However, because of the slight movement from the pressure adjustments, some people find the air mattress less comfortable, with the more consistent feel of the foam mattress a preferable option for a better night’s sleep.

Generally, a foam mattress is the better option when there is a low to moderate risk of pressure sores and the user has a preference for the more static and consistent feel a foam mattress offers. When there is a requirement for dynamic pressure relief and a need to adjust pressure based on specific body areas because of the high risk of pressure sores, then an air mattress is more often the requirement. However, as always, any support equipment needs to be tailored to the needs and benefits of the individual, because – getting it right matters!