Quality aged care is dependent on proper pressure care, and the correct selection of mattress is the key to the prevention of pressure injury and client comfort. For aged care facilities and families managing in-home care, navigating the options between alternating air mattresses and foam mattresses can significantly impact client outcomes. This guide explores the key differences, benefits, and considerations for each mattress type to help you make an informed decision for effective pressure care management.
Understanding Pressure Injuries in Aged Care
Pressure injury (also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers) happens when constant pressure prevents blood flow to the skin and tissues. For elderly individuals with limited mobility, these injuries can develop in as little as 2-3 hours, particularly over bony areas such as the sacrum, heels, and shoulder blades. Older residents in aged care facilities are at special risk because of factors like reduced skin elasticity, reduced sensation, poor circulation, and poor mobility. These injuries can drastically reduce quality of life, extend care requirements, and lead to serious complications, including infection.
Pressure injury rates remain an issue in aged care facilities. According to a 2019 article from Macquarie University Lighthouse, evidence suggests that 10–30% of residents will develop them at some point during care. Proper prevention strategies, including appropriate pressure-relieving mattress selection, can reduce this incidence significantly while improving comfort and dignity for residents.
The Role of Specialised Mattresses in Pressure Injury Prevention
Pressure care mattresses are therapeutic mattresses that function as the first line of defence against pressure injury by redistributing the pressure, reducing shear forces, and maintaining microclimate at the skin-mattress interface. Unlike normal mattresses, therapeutic mattresses are specifically designed to cater to the needs of clients with compromised mobility or at risk for the formation of pressure injuries. Effective pressure redistribution systems ensure that no single body area bears excessive pressure for extended periods.
Newer pressure-care mattresses incorporate the most advanced technologies and materials to address numerous risk factors simultaneously. The choice between mattress types should be guided by a comprehensive client assessment, considering factors such as mobility level, current skin condition, body weight, and specific care requirements. Investing in quality pressure care surfaces can ultimately reduce long-term care costs by preventing expensive complications and improving client outcomes.
Alternating Air Mattresses: Features and Benefits
Alternating air mattresses function through a dynamic pressure redistribution system utilising air cells that inflate and deflate in alternating cycles. Such continuous motion mimics the body's natural repositioning to intermittently lower pressure on various parts to facilitate healthy blood flow. The cyclical nature of these mattresses makes them particularly ideal for high-risk clients who cannot reposition themselves.
These mattresses have variable pressure settings to accommodate different client weights and comfort needs, making them highly versatile for diverse care situations. Advanced designs include features such as rapid deflation for emergency CPR situations, low-air-loss technology to manage moisture, and whisper-quiet pumps for undisturbed sleep. For individuals with existing pressure injuries, alternating air mattresses often provide superior healing conditions by completely removing pressure from affected areas during deflation cycles.
Foam Mattresses: Features and Benefits
Pressure-care foam mattresses incorporate advanced designs with high-density, viscoelastic, or multilayer foam that shapes to the body, evenly distributing weight across the surface. These static surfaces provide consistent pressure redistribution through immersion and envelopment, cradling bony prominences and vulnerable areas. Ideal foam mattresses combine different densities and cuts to create areas for different parts of the body.
The advantages of quality foam mattresses include simplified maintenance, no dependency on electrical power, and generally lower initial costs compared to powered alternating systems. They provide reliable support for rehabilitation exercises and transfers, reducing the risk of falls during movement. Modern medical-grade foams also possess antimicrobial properties and moisture-wicking covers that help maintain skin integrity by creating a drier environment, crucial for pressure injury prevention.
Hybrid Mattresses: Combining Technologies for Enhanced Care
For clients with multifaceted needs, our range of hybrid mattresses for Australia provides the answer by combining foam and air technologies into one. These mattresses typically feature a foam base for even support with integrated air cells for dynamic pressure relief in critical areas. This combination delivers total pressure care while addressing comfort concerns that sometimes arise with purely air-based systems.
Hybrid mattresses offer excellent versatility for changing client conditions, allowing carers to adjust pressure settings as mobility or health status evolves. The foam components provide stability for transfers and positioning, while the air elements provide customisable support for vulnerable areas such as the sacrum and heels. These systems are the most advanced pressure care technology available, bridging the gap between foam and alternating air.
Making the Right Selection for Individual Needs
The decision between mattress types should be based on a systematic risk assessment using validated tools such as the Braden Scale, Waterlow Score, or Purpose T Tool. High-risk individuals with existing pressure injuries or severe mobility limitations typically benefit most from alternating air systems that provide dynamic relief. Medium-risk clients with some mobility may find appropriate support from high-specification foam or hybrid mattresses that balance comfort with pressure redistribution.
Consider practical factors, including the care environment, carer resources, and client comfort preferences. In aged care facilities, factors like noise level, ease of use, and maintenance requirements can be considerations in the final choice. Regular reassessment is essential as client conditions change, potentially necessitating changes between mattress types throughout the care journey.
Implementing Best Practices in Pressure Care
Regardless of the type of mattress, effective pressure care requires comprehensive management beyond the support surface alone. Employ regular repositioning schedules, meticulous skin assessment protocols, and proper nutritional support to complement the benefits of specialised mattresses. Ensure carers receive proper training on mattress operation, maintenance, and incorporation with overall pressure care strategies.
Enable Lifecare offers expert consultation to support aged care facilities and families in selecting the most appropriate pressure care solutions for their specific needs. Our comprehensive approach ensures your pressure care plan covers all factors contributing to pressure injury risk, from support surfaces to care protocols and staff education.
An investment in the proper pressure care mattresses is a guarantee of quality care and dignity for aged care residents. By understanding the differences between alternating air and foam mattresses, you can make informed decisions that ensure maximum comfort, prevent injuries, and enhance quality of life. Explore Enable Lifecare's range of pressure care mattresses today to find the right solution for your specific aged care needs.
