That a hospital bed is for people with specific needs makes the selection process a daunting one. It is uneasy to make a choice because of the varieties of hospital mattresses available just as it is with beds.
What should I consider when choosing a hospital mattress?
There are three main things to consider when choosing a hospital mattress for a patient. These factors include the size of the mattress, budget, and the patient’s health. There isn’t just one type of hospital bed and mattress and this means you may have to rely on reviews from previous buyers and current users to make an informed decision.
Innerspring mattress
The patient’s condition plays a big part in the choice of hospital mattress. One of the most common hospital bed mattresses around is the innerspring mattress. It has a lot of similarities with a regular mattress. If a patient wouldn’t be spending a long time in bed, Innerspring mattress is a good choice. It is not really different from most of the mattresses found in most bedrooms. The major advantage of this type of bed is its adaptability.
Foam prevention mattress
There are patients required to spend an extended period in bed. These patients need foam prevention mattress so that excess pressure isn’t exerted on some areas of the body. This helps to prevent sores from developing. These sores are caused by sleeping on a regular mattress for an extended period which can worsen the patient’s condition. The design of a foam mattress is unique, and it helps the patient from developing sores.
There are so many makers of foam mattresses and they aren’t all of equal quality. Some of these mattresses are better than others and this means that you must be meticulous when selecting a bed for your condition.
Alternating pressure relief and medical air mattress
An alternating pressure relief mattress becomes a necessity when the patient already has an ulcer or bedsore. The design of this type of mattress helps with inflation and deflation of air cells thus producing a soothing feeling for the patient. This improves air circulation through a shift in pressure points.
A patient with bed sore needs air to be freely circulated as a result of extensive stay in bed. Sweating is also prevented if air flows through the mattress properly. We already know that sweating has an undesirable effect on the human skin.
This mattress is also okay for people with delicate skins especially if they stay in bed for a long time. Pressure ulcers can be prevented and treated with low air loss mattresses and alternating mattresses. Their technologies aren’t exactly the same but they do the same thing. Air passes through the spaces in the air cylinder and cover of a low airflow mattress. Air movement is important for keeping the skin dry which makes a lot of sense for people who sweat at night. The airflow also improves comfort and relieve pressure on the body.
Lateral rotation mattress
This is another option for patients that are bedridden. Its design makes it possible for the user to be rotated gently to both sides so that they can be more comfortable. It also prevents pressure sore. A bedridden patient will find it difficult to change sleeping side or position and this can lead to problems.
Other factors to consider
There are a few other factors to think about when sourcing for a good hospital mattress. Firmness and comfort are some of the factors to consider. Support is needed to prevent bedsores and one way to provide this support is by purchasing a bed with quality comfort.
The level of the comfort of the mattress depends on what you want to derive from it. While some people are more comfortable with a firm mattress because of its ability to cradle them while asleep, others are more comfortable with soft mattresses. However, there are different levels of softness and your selection should be based on what suits your needs.
A vast majority of hospital mattresses are firm. They also feature layers suitable for use by the patient. If a patient is battling various ailments, a high-density foam (such as innerspring) mattress is the recommendation.
Your sleeping experience should also be considered when selecting a quality mattress. If you are a back or side sleeper, a firm mattress is what you need to avoid a sore body. You must also factor how the bed is constructed to be sure it fits your sleeping needs.
Cost/Budget
Hospital mattresses are ideal for medical and healthcare facilities because of how well they fit into hospital beds. Nonetheless, a basic hospital bed may still be useful at home if it is of high quality and fully adjustable. It is also ideal for facilities where patients are admitted for a longtime.
Setting up a budget is important if you want to purchase the best hospital mattress. A basic innerspring mattress should cost at least $100. To purchase high-quality deluxe LAL mattress, you will have to spend up to $6000. This type of mattress is for bariatric users.
Hospital mattresses with top-quality are good value for money due to the singular reason that they feature a specific design for catering to the needs of patients battling skin break down. The cushions are also ideal for patients that spend an extended length of time in bed. Mattresses made from high-quality materials are durable and last for a very long time.
When it comes to mattresses, there are a few economic options that can get the job done as long as you know what you want. We recommend that you choose what works for you or something that will address your specific condition if you have any preference. You can also liaise with manufacturers for customized options so that they can produce a hospital bed that is most suitable for your use.
You should not only consider the cost price of the hospital mattress. It makes sense to also factor in delivery options and shipping. There are loads of companies that provide quality services which includes dispatching the purchased item to the desired location or address. This information can be retrieved easily from the website of the company if you’ve opted to make an online purchase.
You should equally be concerned about returns and warranty. It is not set in stone that when you make a purchase online, the mattress will be of good quality. However, there are some companies that provide guarantees for customers who have reservations about the product they have purchased.
Mattress size
By design, a hospital mattress should fit on hospital beds and they are not the same as the mattresses used at home. However, if you are purchasing a hospital mattress for use at home, make sure you get a bed that fits the cushion. It is also important to think about the patient’s condition and available space when making a purchase.