Waterproof medical mattresses are often used in sanatorium and medical institutions. They can be used at home, as the product is not subject to pollution, which is important for families with small children.
Consider the features, types, manufacturing material, purpose and application of these products and what to look for when choosing.
Medical waterproof mattresses: description and types
Most often, mattresses that are used for medical purposes have an orthopedic or anatomical model, but are additionally equipped with a waterproof cover. They are used for patients who spend most of their time in a prone position.
For medical purposes, single-section and multi-section (from 2 to 4 sections) mattresses are used. The distribution is rather arbitrary, since single-section models made of foam materials easily take on any shape depending on the bed or the position of the person, despite the fact that they look like a solid whole canvas.
Multisectional options consist of several cells, are designed for bedridden patients and are convenient in care and maintenance.
Types of waterproof mattresses for a medical bed:
- orthopedic - designed for people with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, take the anatomical shape of a person;
- decubitus ulcers are inflatable models that can change shape without disturbing the patient.
Most often, anti-decubitus options made of rubberized material have a cellular or tubular surface. Inside the product, the air pressure can be changed, which prevents the formation of redness and pressure sores on the skin. Often a special case comes in the kit, which facilitates the care and cleaning of the product.
A quality mattress from bedsores provides the necessary comfort, has a massage effect, helps stimulate blood and protects against tissue and pressure sores necrosis.
Appointment and use of medical mattresses
The main objective of a medical waterproof mattress is to ensure patient comfort in a medical facility. The patient’s condition, ease of use and recovery period of bedridden patients depend on its qualitative characteristics.
Mattresses may differ in their characteristics, but must meet all the requirements of convenience and safety, primarily for the patient. Single-section models are most often used in medical institutions, regardless of the type of service. This is a universal product that ensures a comfortable stay of the patient in the hospital. They can be accompanied by special waterproof covers in order to extend the life of the product.
Sectional models made of high-quality foam filler are used in departments and medical facilities, where patients spend almost all the time in the “lying” position. These mattresses come with a mattress pad that performs a protective function. It can be made of waterproof materials, which facilitates the care or its treatment with disinfectants.
Anti-decubitus products with a therapeutic effect are made of polyvinyl chloride. In addition to it is a pump or compressor. They are used in geriatrics, as well as in institutions for the care of seriously ill persons.
The composition of the mattress and its characteristics
Medical waterproof mattress (St. Petersburg) is filled with polyurethane foam of secondary foaming and can have different densities. This material has high elasticity and resilience, and is also non-combustible.
All mattresses that are used for medical purposes are sheathed with a special moisture-resistant fabric. In addition to them, there is a special cover that protects the product from contamination, blood or liquid. Both the mattress material and the mattress cover are resistant to disinfection, washing and boiling.
Medical mattresses made of waterproof fabric are:
- hygienic;
- dustproof and waterproof;
- hypoallergenic;
- antibacterial.
Such products serve a long time and have light weight, so it is easy to carry mattresses if necessary.
Criterias of choice
By buying a mattress, regardless of the purpose and purpose of use, it is worth approaching thoroughly.
What to consider when choosing:
- Dimensions - a medical mattress can be either standard sizes or individually selected (two-piece waterproof can be 85x8x195 cm, 88x8x194 cm, 80x8x194, there are mattresses of increased comfort up to 16-18 cm thick, designed for weight up to 110 kg).
- Material of filling and upholstery - the internal composition may be of foam rubber, synthetic winterizer, stratofiber, holcon or latex, such a product is covered with medical leatherette, rubberized fabric, polyvinyl chloride or nylon, the medical mattress upholstery can be washed with agents containing up to 60% alcohol).
- The presence of a cover made of waterproof materials - they often come with quality products.
- The presence of antibacterial properties, wear resistance, density and elasticity.
Relying also on the cost of the product. If the mattress is made of quality materials and is additionally equipped with a cover, the price will be from 12 thousand rubles.
Mattress cover
When choosing a mattress for a medical institution, you should pay attention to the mattress cover, which will extend the life of the product and prevent its pollution.
Varieties of covers for medical mattresses:
- waterproof - made of cotton fabric and a substrate of polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane, the material is characterized by high mechanical strength and resistance to disinfection;
- decubitus - a two-layer cover that is filled with buckwheat or husk, divided into transverse segments.
The waterproof mattress cover is available in a variety of sizes, you can also sew it to order. It is best to choose one that will protect the mattress from two sides. The mattress cover can be attached with an elastic band (this option is cheaper) or with a zipper, which is much more practical, since the product does not move off the mattress.
The mattress cover can be sewn:
- microfiber or cotton, filled with anti-allergenic fiber - the most budget version of the mattress cover;
- made of cotton, filled with cotton;
- from wool, but you can take care of it only with a dry method of cleaning;
- from flax, which is considered an eco-raw material, is not subject to decay, but the texture is somewhat tough;
- made of bamboo fiber with an antibacterial component - such a medical cover on a waterproof mattress can be washed and exposed to various disinfection methods.
Conclusion
When choosing a mattress for medical purposes, it is worth considering many nuances, from the size of the product to the filler and the properties of the mattress cover. It should be understood that a good product cannot be cheap, because it has a long service life. Experts do not recommend buying a used medical waterproof mattress, since it is not known how the product was used and stored.