If you’re considering employing an air mattress as your regular mattress, you’ve probably come across a few different options. There are several sorts of air cell mattresses to select from, just as there are several types of foam mattresses.
Although these beds are often intended for persons who require pressure redistribution for their joints, wound care, or essential pressure relief following an injury, they may still provide a lot of comforts if you select the appropriate one.
We’ve got some excellent information for you below if you’re having a hard time encouraging your spouse to switch to a new mattress system, like an air mattress, or just want to learn more about the wide varieties of air mattresses.
Check whether all of this information assists you with your next mattress replacement.
What is an alternating air pressure mattress? (Alternating air pressure mattress review)
An alternating air pressure mattress is a medical device that is used to prevent and treat bed sores.
These mattresses work by inflating and deflating different areas of the mattress in an alternating pattern. This helps to keep the blood flowing and prevents bed sores from developing.
The Drive Medical 14027 Med-Aire Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System with Alternating Pressure isn’t necessarily an entry level mattress replacement system. The 14027 offers more pressure options, with two pressure settings, 6 different air speeds, and an automatic inflation and deflation cycle.
It also brings up to 1.5 inches of air release at 1.8 cubic feet per minute. The 14027 is 80 inches long, the widest beds we’ve seen. The outside of the replacement mattress is black and the inside is a purple-tipped fleece that is removable and washable.
The mattress has 20 individual cells letting you customize the bed to your individual shape. The mattress has an audible and visual alarm and Remote Control for inflating and deflating the air mattress.
The center of the mattress is four and a half inches wide, making it suitable for most wheelchairs. The mattress weighs 28.3 pounds and is 80 inches long x 36 inches wide x 8 inches tall. The wheels on the frame are five inches in diameter.
The pump has 8 LPMs (liters per minute). The control unit cycle time is 10 minutes and the mattress comes with a 2 year warranty.
What is a Low Air Loss Mattress? (Air pressure mattress reviews)
Low air loss mattresses are designed to improve blood circulation and prevent pressure ulcers. They work by circulating air continuously through the mattress, which helps keep the patient’s skin dry and cool.
This reduces the risk of skin breakdown and infection. Low air loss mattresses are often used for patients who are at high risk for developing pressure ulcers, such as those who are bed-ridden or have a history of pressure ulcers.
The Drive Medical Med Aire Bariatric Heavy Duty Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System consists of the Med Aire active combination bariatric therapy system, and 20 individual air cells.
The Med Aire offers alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy to optimize pressure redistribution, shear/friction reduction, and microclimate control.
The Active Combination Bariatry Therapy System provides both alternating pressure and low air loss therapy to optimize pressure redistribution, shear/friction reduction, and microclimate control.
The Med Aire system allows the user to set the comfort level of the device, with 4 cycle times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, and 3 comfort weight settings that can be adjusted by the patient or caregiver.
The Med Aire system also features a diagnostic audio and visual alarm. The Med Aire Bariatric Heavy Duty Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System is backed by a five-year limited warranty.
Low Air Loss Mattress Vs Alternating Pressure Mattress
Design and System of Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattresses:
As expected, two concepts or systems work here; however, both contribute to a similar response.
The Similarities:
Low air loss and alternating pressure mattresses require steady airflow to function correctly.
This is because all mattresses lose air over time, and when this happens, the structure of the mattress changes, causing problems such as painful backs.
Due to the needed airflow, firms who make and market these mattresses incorporate air pumps into the goods or create pumps that can simply sit next to the bed and manage interface pressure on the body.
Both mattress designs have adaptive pumps or blowers that adjust themselves or manually to maintain optimal pressure inside the mattress.
These auto-adaptations control the compression and expansion of an air mattress while someone is sleeping on it, making the bed softer and more comfortable to sleep on.
When it comes time for someone to get out of bed or sit up in a hospital or in-home care bed, an air mattress will be helpful since the blower can be swiftly adjusted to accommodate surface tension changes. This makes it much easier for folks to get out of bed.
Alternating Pressure Mattress System:
To make things as simple as possible, consider an alternating pressure mattress to be a device that employs many air cells or air ‘bladders.’
Inside these mattresses, the blower controls and modifies the pressure in each air cell individually to protect users from developing pressure sores.
Additionally, fluctuations in air pressure keep the mattress’s body moving and, therefore, the sleeper moving, which aids in boosting blood flow.
Almost all alternating pressure mattress systems have a comprehensive blower that handles all those changes for you. You don’t have to stand in and won’t have to do anything unless you want to.
You can still do this if you work as a caregiver and have a specific need to alter settings to prevent pressure point discomfort or skin disintegration.
These air mattresses are often designated for medicinal use rather than regular sleeping. However, such mattresses will assist bariatric patients who require in-home care.
Low Air Loss(LAL) Mattress System:
Low air loss mattresses contain microscopic pores on their surface that allow air to gently escape from the bed, giving the patient the sensation of weightlessness.
Inside the mattress, an air blower blasts typically 100-150 liters of air. Laser technology is used to cut the holes in the bed.
The sense of weightlessness that the patient experiences is especially beneficial in rehabilitating those patients who are bedridden for an extended period and require a very soft and comfortable bed to avoid developing pressure sores.
Similarly, the air escaping from the mattress aids in the prevention of skin ulcers. Another advantage of this technique is that it induces moisture wicking, which keeps the skin dry and improves comfort while decreasing the possibilities of skin breakdown.
The dry and pleasant sensation is also highly essential from a psychological standpoint. It is critical for patients who are bedridden for an extended period to have a friendly atmosphere in bed so that they may have a good attitude and feel calm.
The regular air flow also benefits feverish patients by keeping them cold and reducing the moisture from sweat.
Low air loss mattresses are especially advised for wound therapy since they help minimize recovery time and problems. Mattresses with little air loss assist in minimizing moisture levels while also improving blood circulation to the wound site.
Comparison between Low Air Loss vs Alternating Pressure:
As previously stated, both mattresses effectively lower the chance of skin breakdown and give patient comfort.
Low air loss mattresses, on the other hand, soft air loss mattresses provide improved airflow and moisture regulation, assisting in the prevention and treatment of skin ulcers.
Alternating pressure mattresses provide maximum comfort while improving blood circulation in the damaged areas, allowing the injury to heal more efficiently.
Why use a low air loss mattress?
A low air loss mattress is a great option for patients who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers.
These mattresses use a pump to adjust the amount of air in the mattress, which helps to keep the patient’s skin from pressing against the surface of the mattress.
This reduces the risk of pressure ulcers developing. Low air loss mattresses are also helpful for patients who have trouble turning or moving around on their own.
Are low air loss mattresses comfortable?
Low air loss mattresses are designed to be more comfortable and supportive than traditional mattresses.
They work by circulating air around the patient’s body, which helps to keep them cool and comfortable. Low air loss mattresses are often used in hospitals and nursing homes, but they are also becoming more popular among consumers.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a low air loss mattress. First, make sure that the mattress is the right size for your bed. Also, be sure to check the weight limit to ensure that it can support your weight.
Finally, be sure to read the warranty information carefully before purchasing a low air loss mattress.
When would you use an alternating air mattress?
An alternating air mattress is often used in hospitals and nursing homes. The mattress helps to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. The mattress alternates between two pressure levels, providing relief for the patient.
Low Air Loss Mattress Weight Limit:
Low air loss mattresses are a great option for people who are at a high risk of developing pressure ulcers. However, there is a weight limit for these mattresses. If you weigh more than 500 lbs, you may be too heavy for a low air loss mattress.
If you are overweight and need to use a low air loss mattress, talk to your doctor or health care provider about the best way to protect your skin from pressure ulcers.
You may need to use a different type of mattress or use a pressure relief device in addition to the low air loss mattress.
Alternating Air Mattress Weight Limit:
The alternating air mattress is a popular choice for camping and other outdoor activities. It is also a common choice for people who have back problems.
One of the benefits of this type of mattress is that it can be inflated to different levels to accommodate people of different weights.
However, there is a weight limit for the alternating air mattress. If you exceed the weight limit, the mattress may not be able to hold you up properly, which could lead to an uncomfortable sleep or even an injury.
The weight limit for the alternating air mattress varies depending on the model. However, most models have a weight limit of around 400 pounds. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you may want to consider a different type of mattress.
Although an alternating air mattress can be inflated to accommodate people of different weights, it is not designed to support people who weigh more than 400 pounds.
So, Which Is best? Alternating pressure mattress vs low air loss mattress:
When it comes to choosing the right mattress for patients with pressure ulcers, it is important to consider the individual needs of the patient. Alternating pressure mattresses and low air loss mattresses both offer a great level of comfort, support, and pressure relief.
Alternating pressure mattresses are designed to provide alternating pressure points to help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, while low air loss mattresses are designed to help create a dry environment and reduce moisture that can lead to pressure ulcers.
Both mattresses offer a great level of support and comfort, but the best choice will depend on the individual needs of the patient. If a patient is at risk of developing pressure ulcers, the alternating pressure mattress may be the best option.
However, if a patient is looking for a dry and comfortable sleeping environment, then the low air loss mattress is likely the better choice.
Ultimately, both types of mattresses provide excellent support and comfort and the best choice will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the patient.
Conclusion:
An alternating pressure mattress is most commonly utilized in hospitals and caregiving settings where immobility, bedsores, and pressure ulcers are frequent, and repositioning duties are onerous.
A low air loss system is more typically utilized in the house as a regular bed for individuals who want to experiment with the system or try a remedy for severe discomfort while sleeping. These are also useful in rehabilitation following surgery.
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