A low air loss mattress might be an excellent option if you need to spend any time in bed in the comfort of your home or at a hospital.
A low air loss mattress can ease pressure on some areas of your body while also assisting you in maintaining a comfortable position.
Table of Contents
The two most common types of medical air mattresses recommended for those at risk of bed sores are low air loss and alternating pressure mattresses.
What is a Low Air Mattress?
A mattress with reduced air loss is essentially an air mattress with a thin layer of holes. These openings release air exceptionally slowly, keeping the skin dry and drawing moisture away.
To simplify it, low air loss mattresses are built to evenly distribute the patient’s weight across a large surface area and help stop skin breakdown. The top of the mattress surface has been laser-cut with tiny air holes that continuously fill with air, allowing the user to float on a cushion.
Can You Put a Sheet on a Low Air Loss Mattress?
Low air loss mattresses shouldn’t be covered with fitted sheets since they compress the air cells and limit airflow. Instead, flat sheets made of thin knit or jersey cloth are recommended.
Low air loss mattress covers have a particular construction that lets air flow while preventing moisture buildup. Doing this creates a microclimate between the user’s skin and the mattress to maintain comfort and stop skin breakdown.
Airflow will be obstructed, and moisture will be trapped against the skin by quilted reusable pads and incontinence briefs. Disposable air-permeable incontinence pads designed for low air loss mattresses are preferable.
Who can benefit from a Low Air Loss Mattress?
Low air loss mattresses are well suited to any patient prone to pressure wounds, such as those who are immobilized or lack proper sensory perception (e.g., those with spinal cord injuries or neurological problems), or patients with medical conditions affecting blood flow; essentially, any patient who is unable to shift and reposition themselves while laying in bed.
What Group is a Low Air Loss Mattress?
Group 2 support surfaces have low air loss, powered flotation without low air loss, or alternating pressure to lower the pressure.
When Should They Be Considered?
Low air loss mattresses should be taken into account by those who:
- Tend to be bed-confined
- Show indications of getting pressure ulcers but are not bedridden
- Already have an active pressure sore (Stage II or higher)
Even though most people who get these mattresses have pressure ulcers or are getting them, it is also essential to think about people who have to stay in bed for a long time. The dying and terminally ill should also not be barred from consideration for the mattress because their skin is highly delicate and prone to damage.
How Do I Get a Low Air Loss Mattress?
The doctor fills out a Certificate of Medical Necessity form that says why the low air loss mattress is needed and what treatment has been done. Hospitals must offer this technology when it is medically essential and only a doctor’s prescription is needed. There is no medical documentation necessary if you pay for the mattress yourself.
So, a medical certificate approved by a certified doctor is all you need to claim your low-air mattress for medical reasons.
7 Best Low Air Loss Mattress Options
Proactive Medical 80030 Protekt Aire 3000
Proactive Medical 80030 Protekt Aire 3000 Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Overlay System is a single piece of equipment that can perform dual therapies of minimal air loss and alternating pressure. Pressure ulcers can be treated with a robust, powerful, quiet, and user-friendly pump.
The Protekt® Aire 3000 mattress includes 20 separate bladders, each contributing to the mattress’s exceptional pressure redistribution and deep immersion. The Protekt® Aire 3000 pump turns on and off every ten minutes and its adjustable airflow dial lets you make pressure profiles for each patient based on their needs.
Top Features
- One system that provides both low air loss and alternate pressure therapy.
- The airflow slider allows the patient to customize their level of comfort and pressure.
- A static function that facilitates the safe and easy transportation of patients.
- The cycle timer is set to 10 minutes with alternation.
- An audible and visible low-pressure alarm signals that airflow may be restricted.
THE MATTRESS AND THE COVER
- The patient is kept cool and dry thanks to the 18 laser holes.
- Nylon cover that is detachable, resistant to fluids, non-shear, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial.
- During alternate mode, the head and neck do not need to move unnecessarily because of the top pillow function.
- Optional elevated side rails.
- The maximum allowable load is 350 pounds.
Warranty:
18 Months Without Any Prorations.
Invacare MicroAir MA1000
With a high-powered pump of 1275 litres per minute, the Invacare MicroAir MA1000 provides minimal air loss therapy. The mattress’s 600 lb weight capacity is 80″L x 36″ W x 10″H.
The 3:1 alternating pressure feature keeps cells pumping and deflating all the time to support 2/3 of the body. Cycle times can be altered using ten changeable control settings to ensure personal comfort.
By continuously monitoring and adjusting pressures based on the user’s height, weight, and position, the simple Auto Set Mode is quite helpful.
Patient Care Mode offers quick maximum inflation to aid with tasks like bathing. The purposefully oversized quilted nylon cover is soft on the skin and reduces friction.
Top Features:
- Maximum protection against skin breakdown is provided by a high-powered pump that delivers genuine air loss and alternating pressure.
- The pulsation soothingly massages you and enhances blood flow through your small blood vessels.
- The Auto Set Mode can change cycle times and pressures manually or automatically.
Span America PressureGuard Protocol
The Span America PressureGuard Protocol mattress is available in two widths: 35″ and 42″. The 35″ width has a 400 lb weight capacity.
The quiet air pump has pressure settings for comfort and maintains pressure even when the power is turned off. Stability is provided during daily activities like bathing by a 30-minute auto-firm function. The warranty lasts for 18 months.
Top Features:
- Air Diffusion Matrix mattress cover layer and segmented Geo-Matt foam offer comfort while safeguarding the skin.
- The Protective Heel Slope provides foot protection, and the Safety Edge design reduces the possibility of entrapment.
- With a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs, numerous size options and configurations exist.
MedVance Comfort Alternating Mattress
The MedVance Comfort Alternating Air Pressure Mattress Pad with Ultra Quiet Alternating Pump, an ultra-quiet air pump that pumps air into this hospital-grade air mattress, runs at a decibel level of under 20. Dual pump cores provide maximum output and simple digital adjustment. With their digital pumps that have diagnostic indicators, they can make them fit the needs of each patient.
The detachable quilted polyurethane cover ensures premium patient comfort. It resists water and is simple to keep clean and maintain. The bed frame is secured to the cover with adjustable straps, which feature an anti-slip covering.
It is easy to use and quick to inflate this mattress and pump setup. Additionally, this product has an emergency CPR feature that lets you quickly deflate the mattress by pulling the red tag.
Top Features:
- The Comfort mattress offers protection against bed sores and ulcers brought on by prolonged bed rest.
- Pressure points are relieved, and the mattress supports improved circulation.
- It offers suitable support and comfort for immobile patients who have difficulty frequently transferring their weight.
Apex Medical Domus 3-8″ Mattress
Apex Medical Domus 3-8″ low air loss for the patient’s comfort, has vents that pull moisture and heat away from the mattress. There are 20 8″ air cells that are replaceable one by one.
To meet individual demands, Domus 3 offers two therapeutic techniques. Switching modes to redistribute pressure and static modes make a steady, consistent surface for all uses. Different pressure settings are based on the patient’s weight and personal preferences.
The mattress and pump system are simple and set up on hospital or home beds.
Top Features:
- To ensure a restful night’s sleep, the little Pump operates at a noise level of 30 dB(A).
- Pull the tag on the mattress to swiftly deflate it in an emergency to promote patient safety with a low-pressure alarm and a CPR strap.
- It is vapour-permeable, water-repellent, and flame-resistant.
Medical MedAir Low Air Loss Mattress
Medical MedAir Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System with Alarm, an ultra-quiet air pump that pumps air into this hospital-grade air mattress, runs at a decibel level under 20. Dual pump cores provide maximum output and simple digital adjustment.
Their digital pumps with diagnostic alarms can be made to fit the needs of each patient.
It uses an easy-to-use digital LED screen to show weight and pressure. Additionally, this product has an emergency CPR feature that lets you quickly deflate the mattress by pulling the red tag.
A 24-hour power outage is protected by the cell-on-cell design with 8′′ deep air cells, which avoids “bottoming out.”
Top Features:
- To assure patient comfort in static mode, a pillow function keeps the air in the three cells at the top of the bed at constant pressure.
- Patients will feel comfortable due to its detachable quilted poly PU cover.
- With adjustable straps, the cover is fastened to the bed frame and covered to prevent slipping.
- The majority of hospital beds will suit this mattress.
Drive Medical 14027 Med-Aire Mattress
Drive Medical 14027 Med-Aire Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System with Alternating Pressure, an active mattress replacement system that offers alternating pressure and less air loss to help redistribute pressure, reduce friction and shear, and control the microclimate.
Also, the air bed system has 20 air bladders that are each 8 inches in diameter and can be switched out independently. There is also a pillow for head support and comfort.
Alternating pressure mattresses have removable 4-way stretch PU covers that are vapor-permeable, low shear, and fluid resistant. This helps keep the skin from getting wet and rubbing against the mattress.
Top Features:
- Notifies you automatically when the air pressure is low.
- The Aire cells are made of 40% nylon and 60% PVC for endurance and durability and are 8″ high.
- To ensure that the patient is always comfortable, the LED and audio alarms provide critical performance data and notify a caregiver when the pressure drops below 10mmHG.
FAQS
- How long does it take a Low Air Mattress to Inflate?
The inflation time for actual low air loss mattress systems is 5 minutes.
- Can a Low Air Loss Mattress be inflated faster than 20 Minutes?
Yes, you can attach a regular hand pump or a powered pump to the CPR tag. The CPR tag may be removed to reveal a direct valve that permits more air to enter the mattress quickly.
- What will happen in case of a power failure? Will the mattress system still work?
- The Cell-in-Cell developed air cells are used in APM mattress systems. This implies that when there is no electricity, the inner cells will continue to be inflated for at least 24 hours.
- The bottom cells of another mattress system perform the same job as the inner cells and are divided into two layers.
- For patients’ peace of mind, the other systems offer a compartment at the mattress base where you can place a foam layer.
- How do you know if the pressure setting of the mattress suits the patient’s weight?
If the pressure setting is bottoming out, it is not enough (or too low) for the patient. If you put your hand right under the patient and in the space between the deflated air cells, you can tell if the patient has hit bottom. The patient should be able to feel the light contact. Simply raise the pressure range a little bit if there are any incidents of bottoming out.
- How clean are the mattress and pump?
Keep the pump free of dust and clean it with a moist cloth and a gentle detergent. Use a mild laundry detergent to clean the mattress cover and air cells, then let the equipment air dry.
Conclusion
So, patients with pressure wounds may experience everything from slight discomfort to intense pain, depending on the severity of the injury.
However, with correct management (and a prevention program that includes a low air loss mattress), healthcare practitioners may significantly reduce the frequency of these unwanted occurrences and assist in treating them when they arise.