Hybrid Foam vs. Traditional Mattresses: Which Is Better for Pressure Care?

Choosing the right mattress for pressure care is a critical decision that can affect comfort, safety, and overall health outcomes.

In Australia, about 12.9% of patients in acute-care hospitals suffer from pressure injuries each year, adding up to a cost of around $9.11 billion annually across the country.

For individuals with limited mobility, the elderly, or those requiring medical support, selecting between a hybrid foam mattress and a traditional mattress can determine the difference between prevention and the development of serious pressure injuries.

This guide explores the key differences between these two mattress types and examines their effectiveness for pressure care.

Understanding Pressure Injuries and Quality Care

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are localised injuries to the skin and the tissue underneath. They typically occur over bony prominences due to sustained pressure. These injuries develop when blood flow to the skin is restricted for longer periods, leading to tissue damage that can range from minor redness (Stage 1) to severe wounds involving muscle and bone (Stage 4).

Let’s talk numbers:

• In Australia, hospital-acquired pressure injuries happen at a rate of 9.7 per 10,000 hospitalisations.
• The sacrum and heels are hit the hardest in about 70% of all cases.
• In aged care and long-term care homes, about 8.9% of residents deal with pressure injuries.

Selecting the right support surface plays a fundamental role in pressure injury prevention. Research shows that the right mattress can reduce the risk of pressure injuries by up to 39%. It’s not just about comfort; it’s a real step towards better health.

What Is a Hybrid Foam Mattress?

A hybrid foam mattress combines multiple technologies to create an adaptive, pressure-redistributing surface. This kind of mattress is composed of foam layers with air cell technology, creating a system that responds instantly to client movement and repositioning.

Enable Lifecare's ARIA+ Mattress embodies this advanced hybrid design. Pressure care mattresses feature a foam head cell and a series of transverse air cells, each containing uniquely profiled foam inserts held within a foam U-core, all protected by a vapour-permeable waterproof cover. This construction allows the mattress to function as both a static support surface for lower-risk clients and an active pressure-relief system when connected to a pump.

Main benefits of hybrid foam mattresses include:

• Dynamic pressure relief: Air cells react instantly when clients are repositioned, helping spread out pressure across the body.
• Stability for mobility: The foam provides stable support for transfers and movement while maintaining pressure redistribution.
• Adjustable support zones: Advanced models can target vulnerable areas such as the sacrum and heels with customised pressure relief.
• Progressive care capability: Systems like the ARIA+ can be upgraded from static to alternating pressure modes as care needs evolve.

This hybrid approach combines the soft support of foam and the adaptive characteristics of air technology, making these mattresses suitable for clients with changing mobility levels and long-term care needs.

What Is a Traditional Mattress?

Traditional mattresses typically consist of spring-based (innerspring) or basic foam without advanced pressure redistribution features. They provide static support across their surface, relying on uniform compression rather than adaptive pressure relief.

Characteristics of traditional mattresses include:

• Spring-based construction: Metal coils provide consistent support but lack targeted pressure redistribution.
• Basic foam: Simple polyurethane or memory foam layers offer contouring but may not provide adequate pressure relief for high-risk individuals.
• Static support: Pressure distribution remains constant regardless of client positioning or movement.
• Limited clinical applications: These mattresses aren’t designed for medical or aged-care settings.

Limitations for pressure care applications:

In the traditional mattress vs hybrid mattress comparison, traditional options face several challenges when used for pressure care. They may create high-pressure points over bony prominences, lack sufficient contouring for pressure redistribution, and provide inadequate support for individuals at risk of pressure injuries. Additionally, many traditional mattresses do not meet the clinical standards required for medical environments or aged-care settings.

Hybrid Foam vs. Traditional Mattresses: Key Differences

How Hybrid Foam Mattresses Work for Pressure Relief

Hybrid foam mattresses utilise a combination of foam and air cell technology to achieve top-notch pressure relief. Here’s how the system works:

Air Cell Response

When a client moves or is repositioned, the air cells inside the mattress react instantly to redistribute pressure. This dynamic response prevents pressure hotspots and keeps blood flowing to vulnerable tissue areas.

Foam Integration

The foam layers provide stability and comfort while allowing the air cells to function effectively. This combination reduces the instability often associated with full air mattresses while maintaining superior pressure redistribution.

Zoned Support

Advanced hybrid systems can provide targeted support to specific body areas. For example, the heel section may feature different pressure characteristics compared to the torso area, helping protect specific body parts based on their pressure risk.

Main Benefits of Hybrid Foam Mattresses in Australia

Climate Adaptability

Hospitals and care homes across Australia face hot temperatures and high humidity, which can affect skin health. Hybrid foam mattresses are made with moisture-wicking materials and vapour-permeable covers that help control the microclimate, keeping the surface cool and dry — important for preventing skin breakdown.

Adjustable Firmness Options

The ability to customise firmness settings makes these mattresses suitable for all kinds of clients, from lightweight elderly clients to bariatric clients requiring additional support.

Healthcare Integration

Hybrid foam mattresses are widely used across Australian hospitals and aged-care homes. Enable Lifecare's products are TGA-registered medical devices, complying with Australian healthcare standards and eligible for NDIS funding if needed.

Clinical Performance

These mattresses are designed to handle the tough demands of healthcare environments, with features like welded seams for infection control, antimicrobial treatments, and easy-clean surfaces that withstand hospital-grade disinfection procedures.

Choosing the Best Mattress for Pressure Relief Needs

• Risk Assessment: Start by doing a full risk assessment using validated tools to determine pressure injury risk level. High-risk clients usually require more advanced mattresses, with features like dynamic pressure relief.
• Mobility Level: Can the client move or turn in bed on their own? If they have limited mobility, you’ll want a mattress that can automatically adjust pressure, like a hybrid foam mattress.
• Environment: Is the mattress going into a hospital, aged care facility, or someone’s home? Home care settings may need mattresses that are easy to maintain, don’t rely too much on power, and are simple for carers to use.
• Clinical Requirements: Look for products that meet TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) standards and follow clinical guidelines for pressure injury prevention.
• Compatibility: Check compatibility with existing bed frames and any required accessories such as bed rails or positioning aids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What type of mattress is best for pressure sores?

A: Hybrid foam mattresses with dynamic support and air-cell technology are among the top recommendations for pressure injury prevention and treatment. Models designed for clinical or aged-care use, such as Enable Lifecare’s ARIA+, offer strong support while helping protect the skin.

Q2: Is hybrid better than memory foam for pressure relief?

A: Yes, hybrid foam vs memory foam mattress comparisons consistently show hybrid systems provide superior pressure relief due to their dynamic and customisable support zones. The combination of foam stability with adaptive air technology helps redistribute pressure evenly.

Q3: Can traditional mattresses be used for elderly care?

A: Traditional mattresses generally lack adequate pressure redistribution and are not recommended for elderly individuals at risk of pressure injuries. Hybrid foam mattresses for pressure care are more appropriate for this population.

Q4: How do I know if a mattress helps with pressure care?

A: Look for TGA-listed, hospital-grade, or NDIS-approved mattresses with documented evidence of pressure-relieving performance. Enable Lifecare's hybrid mattresses have verified clinical benefits for pressure injury prevention and treatment.

Additional Pressure Care Solutions

Choosing the right mattress is only one part of good pressure care. To keep clients safe and comfortable, it’s also important to use the right bed accessories.

Enable Lifecare provides a full range of bed accessories, including safety rails, support bars, and mobilisation aids that complement mattress choice. These accessories are designed to fit together smoothly with hybrid pressure care systems, creating a safer and supportive environment.

But even with the best equipment, it’s still crucial to have a clinical professional assess the client’s needs. Regular reassessment ensures that pressure care interventions continue to meet changing client needs and maintain clinical effectiveness throughout the care journey.

The Enable Life Care Difference

Enable Lifecare stands out in the Australian healthcare market through comprehensive expertise in pressure care solutions. Our "Fast Intelligent Care" approach combines fast delivery with evidence-based products and ongoing clinical support.

Clinical Partnerships

Enable Lifecare works closely with healthcare professionals to develop pressure-relieving mattress types that meet real-world clinical challenges. Our products undergo continuous refinement based on feedback from occupational therapists, nurses, and other healthcare specialists.

Innovation Focus

With years of research and development, Enable Lifecare has become a leader in pressure care technology. Our hybrid mattress systems are the result of clinical research and hands-on healthcare experience.

Complete Support

Beyond product supply, Enable Lifecare provides ongoing training, technical support, and maintenance services. This full-service approach helps healthcare facilities maximise the clinical benefits of their pressure care investments.

A Smarter Choice for Safer Sleep

When it comes to pressure care, choosing between a traditional mattress and a hybrid foam mattress is an easy choice. Given Australia's significant pressure injury burden and associated costs, the evidence strongly supports hybrid foam mattresses as the best choice for pressure care applications.

Hybrid foam mattresses offer greater advantages: dynamic pressure relief, adaptability to changing care needs, clinical validation, and integration with comprehensive care systems. For individuals at risk of pressure injuries, these benefits lead to improved comfort, reduced complication risk, and better overall health outcomes.

For healthcare facilities and families seeking the most effective pressure care solutions, hybrid foam mattresses represent an investment in both immediate comfort and long-term health protection. The technology, clinical evidence, and practical benefits make them the clear choice for anyone serious about pressure injury prevention and quality care delivery.