What Is A Low Air Loss Mattress

A minimal air loss mattress is one of the numerous innovative designs available to us in the name of sleep comfort.

There has been unfortunate growth in the number of people who must spend their days in bed, and this mattress was designed with them in mind.

Traditional beds, which trap heat and can lead to skin damage and rashes, are no match for the low air loss mattresses’ comfort and mobility.

Pressure ulcers and back pain can be treated with this sort of mattress because it is long lasting, efficient, and inexpensive.

In case you still require clarification, scroll down if you find this all to be unfamiliar.

What A Low Air Loss Mattress Is

The bed is a haven of solitude and quiet at the end of a long day for the vast majority of people.

This is the one place in the house where we may relax, think about nothing, and fall asleep peacefully.

To those who are bedridden due to illness or disability, the comforts of home can become a source of stress and discomfort.

It may prevent people from sleeping peacefully while they are recuperating, adding to their pain and distress.

A minimal air loss mattress was designed by medical professionals as a solution to the issue.

So, what exactly is a “low air loss mattress”?

Patients suffering from pressure wounds will find a low air loss mattress system to be quite helpful in reducing their discomfort and allowing them to get the rest they need to heal.

The intended users of this mattress are those who will be confined to bed for an extended period of time.

The low air loss mattress is made up of several individual air tubes that puncture and refill at regular intervals.

This activity improves airflow throughout the body and reduces discomfort, especially in the hips, heels, and shoulders.

How Does It Work?

Pressure sores can be prevented and managed with the use of a mattress with a low air loss design.

Bedsores and pressure ulcers are both common names for the same condition.

These are the injuries found on the skin and skin tissues due to the long period of applied pressure on the skin.

These are the wounds that the skin and its tissues sustain when sustained pressure is applied.

Pressure wounds or ulcers are caused by these four major factors: friction, pressure, shear, and moisture on the skin’s surface.

Friction, pressure, shear, and surface moisture are the four main causes of pressure wounds and ulcers.

Low air loss mattresses vary in construction depending on the manufacturer and the specifics of the mattress’ intended use.

However, there are some consistent features among all minimal air loss mattresses.

This mattress uses air as a support mechanism instead of springs or foam, with the help of air chambers and blowers.

All low air loss mattresses include a support system that consists of an air chamber.

Cylindrical PVC and Nylon components are typically used to create the adjustable air chamber.

When applied on a mattress, this generates a surface that can help relieve patients’ back pain.

The air chambers, located at various positions on the mattress, help to disperse the patient’s weight and relieve pressure on specific areas of the body.

Another important component of this type of mattress is the cover.

The mattress cover is an additional vital part of this mattress.

The surface of the mattress cover is perforated with tiny pores that constantly vent the mattress.

By forcing air through the perforations, any moisture on the patient’s skin is removed.

Skin breakdown and rashes are caused by too much pressure from sleeping on a hard mattress, but our design eliminates that risk.

Why Is It Called Low Air Loss Mattress?

Since this mattress has microscopic openings all over its surface, air may easily enter and leave it.

When air escapes from a mattress, it seeps into the space between the pad and the mattress.

Since perspiration evaporates as vapor and dissipates through the mattress cover, it helps to reduce skin maceration.

Who Can Receive Optimum Benefit From Low Air Loss Mattress?

It is possible to use this mattress to both prevent and treat skin breakdown, rashes, and back pain.

Patients with sensory deficits due to conditions like neurology and spinal cord injuries benefit greatly from a low air loss mattress system as well.

It is helpful for those who are bedridden or otherwise unable to move around much and need to switch positions frequently to improve circulation.

Are Air Loss Mattresses Good for Preventing Pressure Ulcers?

The patient who lies on an air loss mattress reports feeling as though they are weightless. Since the skin isn’t under as much stress, it doesn’t sweat as much when the temperature is mild. Second, because air is blown towards the patient’s body, any moisture that does accumulate is quickly evaporated.

Are Air Loss Mattresses Good for Healing Pressure Ulcers?

Pressure ulcers can be healed rapidly with the help of air loss mattresses because they increase blood flow to the area. When the pressure on a wound is relieved, more blood can flow to that area and help it recover more quickly. By keeping the wound dry, time spent healing is reduced.

Air loss mattresses assist patients get a good night’s rest by reducing the risk of and speeding recovery from pressure ulcers. Sleep, according to studies, plays a crucial role in the recovery from illness or injury.

What Are the Things to Consider Before Buying an Air Loss Mattress?

Mattress Quality

Mattresses with a small amount of air leakage tend to be very costly. A good rule of thumb is to compare the price to the quality of the mattress before making a purchase.

Always check to see that the mattress pad is made of a soft, comfy material and that the air chambers are made of Nylon or PVC (like other mattresses). A good mattress will make your bedridden loved one more comfortable and may speed up their recovery from bedsores.

Maximum Weight Capacity

The maximum amount of weight that may be safely supported by a mattress is listed with each product. The patient’s weight must be evenly distributed throughout the mattress for it to be suitable.

Make sure the mattress can hold at least 100 pounds greater than the combined weight of both you and your loved one. Take a mattress with a weight capacity that is at least 100 pounds more than their actual weight (if they weigh 200 pounds, for instance).

This will ensure that the mattress can support your loved one’s weight in the event that they have a weight gain.

Portability

If the patient will be transferred to the hospital regularly, it is important that the mattress be portable so that it may be set up in both the patient’s home bed and the hospital bed.

Noise

The air pump in a low-air-loss mattress runs nonstop because of the continuous air flow. The mattress you choose should have a quiet pump.

What Are the Best Low Air Loss Mattresses for Pressure Ulcers?

The finest low air loss mattresses for pressure ulcers are discussed in depth below. To that end, we offer these reviews in the hopes that they may assist you in making an informed purchase.

#1 Drive Medical Med Aire Low Air Loss Mattress

The Drive Medical Med Aire mattress is an innovative hybrid that combines alternating pressure with low air loss to effectively treat and prevent pressure ulcers by minimizing skin maceration.

The diagnostic alerts on the digital air pump can be adjusted for each individual user. When the static mode is activated for more than 2 hours, the air pump switches to the alternating pressure mode.

Its cell-on-cell construction keeps air pressure stable for up to 24 hours without electricity and prevents rapid “bottoming out.”

The top three air cells of the mattress can be kept in a static position thanks to the mattress’ cushion feature. The mattress includes a lovely, removable 4-way stretch PU cover that is waterproof, breathable, and tear-resistant. The wearer is shielded from both rubbing and sweat.

Pros

• Both little air loss and alternating pressure are functional.
• Pre-programmed digital air compressor
• Bottoming out is avoided by the cell-on-cell construction that is used in the event of a power failure.
• Protects from fluids and moisture, has low friction, and has a four-way PU cover.
• Pillows’ Purpose

Cons

• Some purchasers have noted performance issues with the mattress after only a short time.
• There’s a lot of background noise from the air compressor.

#2 Medical King low air loss mattress

The medical king low air loss mattress is designed to accommodate patients weighing up to 350 pounds and is constructed from water-resistant material for their comfort and the care of incontinent patients.

The 130 air cells in the mattress inflate swiftly and evenly distribute weight across the surface of the mattress. There are multiple settings for different situations, such as sitting up or lying down, so the patient can choose the appropriate level of comfort for their needs.

The mattress also comes with an alternate air pressure option that might be especially helpful in certain settings. The standard size of hospital beds is accommodated by this mattress.

If your mattress sustains minor damage, the maker includes patches and glue in case you want to fix it yourself.

Pros

• Compatible with both minimal air loss and alternating pressure settings
• We recommend that you do not exceed 350 pounds when using this product.
• There are various predetermined settings from which to choose your desired level of comfort.
• The pressure pump incorporates hooks so that it can be hung conveniently from the bed’s side rail.

Cons

• In comparison to the other mattress pads on this list, this one is slightly inferior.

#3 Proactive Medical 80030 Protekt Aire 3000

The patient is kept cool, dry, and comfortable by the Proactive medical 80030’s air envelope, which is created by 16 laser air holes that continuously blast air.

The quilted, shear-resistant, and anti-microbial nylon cover may be removed for washing.

The CPR valve on the air pump allows for quick deflation of the mattress if necessary. This feature makes the mattress somewhat easier to transport than others.

An additional feature of this mattress is its non-slip cover, which will help keep the patient from rolling off while they sleep.

Pros

• Air vents from 16 lasers.
• Quick deflation is possible because to the CPR valve.
• Cover is made of a fluid-resistant nylon that can be removed for washing.
• The patient’s safety is ensured by a mattress cover with non-skid material.

Cons

• A small number of consumers reported that, after using the mattress for a few months, it no longer inflated.

#4 Invacare microAIR

Patients in the low to medium risk category for bedsores will be well protected by the Invacare microAIR air pressure mattress, which is a 2-in-1 alternating pressure and minimal air loss mattress.

Due to its innovative cell-in-cell construction, this mattress will not flatten out even if the electricity goes out in the middle of the night. The mattress’s inherent incline helps relieve stress on the back of the heel.

The mattress’s soft, nylon-urethane-backed cells may be easily cleaned, reducing the likelihood of bacterial growth. The mattress pad has a vapor barrier, an enlarged quilted nylon cover, and is moisture resistant to keep the patient comfortable.

Pros

• Dual-purpose mattress
• Its cell-in-cell construction ensures it won’t sink to the floor.
• Cells made of a nylon-urethane blend that is both soft and resilient
• Mattress protector that allows airflow and reduces friction

Cons

• There were several reports of sleep discomfort due to the mattress’s firmness.

#5 Vive Replacement Alternating Pressure Pad – Inflatable Low Air Loss Mattress Topper

The 130 air bubble cells and extra-long flaps on the Vive dual alternating pressure and minimal air loss mattress topper ensure a snug and comfortable fit on any mattress.

The pad is constructed from heavy-duty vinyl and can accommodate individuals weighing up to 300 pounds.

The twin-sized overlay fits over any mattress, whether at home or in a hospital, and the pressure pad may be attached to virtually any pressure pump with a 5mm connector. The top of the bed may be easily cleaned because it is waterproof.

Each of its 130 air cells has been thermally sealed to prevent air leakage. As a part of the box, there comes a repair kit.

Pros

• There are 130 separate air cells, each of which has the twin effects of high-quality alternating air pressure and little air loss.
• Long-lasting vinyl construction
• The top of the mattress is waterproof.
• Compatible with any standard 5mm air pump
• Weight capacity of up to 300 lbs.
• Can be easily placed on top of any bed.

Cons

Because the pad does not permanently attach to the mattress, it may move about when the user moves around on the bed.

• A few users complained that it was too challenging.

#6 Medacure Alternating Pressure Air Mattress with Pump for Hospital Beds

Last but not least, we have a product that is unlike the others in our inventory because it is not just a mattress pad but rather a full-fledged mattress system designed to accommodate both alternating pressure and low air loss.

The 17 minimal air loss cells that make up the mattress are both replaceable and simple to set up. There are also 8 ventilation cells that keep the mattress dry and comfortable while decreasing the likelihood of bedsores.

Maintaining a consistent pressure in the top three air cells creates a pillow-like surface for the patient’s head.

The 8 air pressure settings on the whisper-quiet pump are adjustable to meet the needs of each individual patient. It is safeguarded by a water-resistant and simple-to-care-for quilted poly PU cover.

The mattress is compatible with the majority of medical beds and can support up to 350 pounds. The mattress may be quickly deflated with a specific tag that serves as a CPR emergency system.

Pros

• Integrated air pump and mattress set
• Eight-mode, ultra-quiet booster pump
• Low-air-loss and variable-pressure systems in tandem
• Constructed using long-lasting poly PU material
• Waterproof and simple to clean

Cons

• Very few purchasers had mattress air leaks.

Final Words

I hope this article has helped clarify what exactly is a low air loss mattress.

After a long and difficult day, a good night’s sleep on a supportive and comfy mattress is essential.

In such case, I wish you the best of luck in locating the most suitable mattress for your requirements.

At this point, hopefully, all of your questions have been answered.

Please know how much I value the time you’ve spent reading this essay.