Choosing
the right hospital mattress isn’t an easy task because it is used by people
who have special needs. The fact that there are various brands and types of
hospital mattresses makes it more daunting.
Some important considerations
when choosing a hospital mattress
There
are three important factors to consider when choosing a hospital mattress. These
factors include mattress size, budget, and the patient’s health. If you are
unsure of which mattress to buy, there are more than enough customer reviews
and guides that will give you an insight on what is best.
Innerspring Mattress
As
earlier explained, the health of the patient has an important role to play on
the choice of hospital bed. Innerspring
mattresses are very popular. There is a lot of similarities in terms of
features between an innerspring mattress and a regular mattress. If a patient
wouldn’t be staying in bed for a long time, an innerspring mattress is
recommended. It is very similar to some of the mattresses used in bedrooms. An
advantage of the innerspring mattress is that it is easily adaptable.
Foam Prevention Mattress
With
a foam prevention mattress, bedsores can be prevented especially if the patient
has to be in bed for an extended period of time. The design of a foam mattress makes it
impossible for bedsores to arise. The quality of foam mattresses vary from one manufacturer
to another. Some are usually better than the others, it is all about finding
out what suits your needs.
Alternating Pressure
Relief and Medical Mattress
This
type of mattress is recommended for patients that already have bedsores and
ulcers. Its design is such that inflation and deflation of air cells is done
internally so that the patient experiences a soothing feeling. What this does
is to shift the way air is circulated by shifting pressure points. The
unrestricted movement and circulation of air is important because a person with
sore doesn’t need pressure applied to any part of the body. These sores are a
consequence of extended periods in bed. If air flows through the mattress as
well as it should, it will prevent the patient from sweating as well. This type
of mattress is also recommended for people with delicate skin who stay in bed
for a long duration. As earlier explained, bedsores and pressure ulcers can be
prevented by using low air loss mattresses or alternating pressure relief mattresses.
These two serve the same purpose albeit they operate differently. What a low
airflow mattress does is to blow air through the spaces in the air cylinders.
Through this, the skin is kept dry and it is recommended for people with
tendency to sweat at night. Body comfort is also improved through the flow of
air because of the pressure relief tendencies of the mattress.
Lateral Rotation Mattress
This
is another option available to bedridden patients. This bed prevents bedsores
and body ulcers by rotating constantly so that the patient experiences comfort
and relief. This helps a bedridden patient change sides frequently so that
pressure is not applied to just one part of the body.
Other factors to consider
Comfort
and firmness are important considerations for getting the best hospital
mattress. Without support, a patient will develop bedsores and we must guide
against this. You should also think about sleeping experience and how long will
be spent in bed. The way the bed is constructed is also a big factor too. You
should also consider the following:
- Size of the mattress: The
design of a hospital mattress makes it fit into a hospital bed. They aren’t
exactly the same as the mattresses used in houses. If you opt for a mattress
that you can use at home, endeavour to buy one with a cushion. The size of the
mattress must be commensurate with the space available in the room. Perhaps,
the most important consideration is the condition of the patient.
- Cost/Budget: Hospital
mattresses are ideal for almost all healthcare facilities. As earlier stated,
we can use a basic hospital mattress at home. However, it must be of impressive
quality and easily adjustable. Regardless, of the quality of a hospital
mattress, you must have an idea of how much you are willing and able to spend.
If it is a basic innerspring mattress, the price range is usually about $100.
If you want a high-quality bariatric mattress, you should be ready to pay more
because they cost about $6000. A high quality hospital mattress saves you money
in the long run. Their design is such that a patient experiences comfort even
if they already developed pressure ulcers. The durability of a high-quality
mattress is incomparable too. You could also engage a manufacturer to produce a
hospital bed based on your specification; it all depends on the size of your
pocket. Cost of delivery and shipping should also form a part of your financial
consideration. Also, warranty and return are important aspects to know.