In the article, we consider what orthopedic mattresses are for bedridden patients.
Unfortunately, serious illnesses or other circumstances can lead to a partial or absolute loss of ability to move independently. In this case, the person may be permanently confined to a wheelchair. And against the background of more serious diseases - even to bed. In such situations, patient care includes measures to prevent pressure sores. The most effective means used for these purposes are orthopedic mattresses for bedridden patients.
Polyvinyl chloride
It is very important what material the orthopedic mattress is made of for a bed patient. Polyvinyl chloride is mainly used, which differs from other materials in its convenience. Such a mattress for bedridden patients, as a rule, does not get wet, does not absorb moisture, moreover, it is washed if necessary very easily and has a long service life.
Such a mattress is suitable for patients who do not control physiological needs.
Polyurethane foam
More expensive are mattresses made of polyurethane foam. Such material does not take away the heat of the human body; moreover, it perfectly passes air, which allows the skin to "breathe".
The product is easy to care for, but it is only suitable for those patients who can control urine and feces.
Kinds
What types of orthopedic mattresses for bed patients are?
To date, a large number of specially designed devices greatly facilitate patient care. Now there are various devices, ranging from pillows for legs, ending with beds with an adjustable frame base. The most effective means is an orthopedic mattress for patients who are constantly forced to lie. There are several varieties of products in this category.
In the manufacture of anti-decubitus mattresses for bed patients without a compressor, different materials are used. Structurally, they can differ from each other. For example, to consist of spring blocks or not to have any at all.
Their common task is to reduce the effect of squeezing the body of a lying patient. Mattresses, which have an independent spring block, are endowed with the ability to adapt to the bends of the human body. This increases the area of support on a horizontal surface, that is, on the whole body, and not on specific areas.
The use of such funds for the prevention of pressure sores is effective. True, it is much more suitable for patients who suffer from partial or temporary loss of mobility.
Mattresses for bed patients of a balloon type are more effective at home. In them, a uniform distribution of pressure on the surface can be achieved due to the special substance that serves as their filler. It smoothly adjusts to any convexity of the body lying. Similar to the influence of independent spring units, this option ensures uniform contact between the body and the surface of the mattress.
The third option for orthopedic mattresses for bedridden patients for the prevention and treatment of pressure sores are pulsating types of a cellular type. The principle of influence of such devices is to periodically change the fulcrum of a sitting or lying body. Thanks to the compressor, the insulated cavity is successively filled with air. Similar changes in the configuration of the mattress is an additional massage effect.
Which mattress for bedridden patients to choose is rather difficult to decide.
Convenience and Feature
Orthopedic mattresses for bedridden people, first of all, support the necessary position of the spine, while not exerting pressure on the integumentary tissue to avoid squeezing it. Thanks to the use of such mattresses, patients are in a state of weightlessness in a natural and faithful position. This is achieved by applying blocks of independent springs and a special material with a shape memory called “memorix”.
Upper layer
In high-quality orthopedic products, the top layer is made of materials with a relief surface. Thanks to this, a passive massage effect on the skin appears, which contributes to high-quality blood circulation. Due to the fact that the human body is in direct contact with the bed, and between the skin and the sleeping surface there is a layer of air, better air exchange is achieved, and at the same time a comfortable microclimate is maintained, and patients do not sweat in a dream.
It is worth noting that medical mattresses for bedridden patients are good prevention and although they do not solve all health problems, they help not to aggravate them, giving significant relief.
What to look for when choosing?
The length of the patient's supine position is determined by the severity of the disease. It can be resuscitation, postoperative or post-traumatic periods along with complete or partial paralysis. Actually, the choice of a mattress depends on these factors, which should prevent the appearance of pressure sores.
When purchasing such a product, it is necessary to take into account several of the following aspects that affect the cost, quality and functionality of operation:
- Materials of manufacture. Mostly, such accessories are made of latex, rubberized fabrics or PVC. The fabric, of course, is much more comfortable for the skin, however, here you must not forget about sanitary and hygienic standards. In especially difficult situations, those who are sick should choose moisture-resistant products that are easy to wet clean and disinfect.
- The volume of compressor noise. As part of the choice of cellular-type mattresses, the comfort of a lying patient directly depends on the noise produced by a running compressor. Strong sounds (more than ten decibels) can cause anxiety, even annoy, of course, this will affect well-being.
- The presence of airflow. An additional useful, but not necessary function is blowing, which reduces sweating, while improving airflow to areas of the body that are prone to necrotic processes.
Patient care
Of course, the purchase of an expensive and multifunctional product does not replace a set of measures for the care of bedridden patients. Regular changes in the patient’s position along with constant skin care and keeping clothes and linen clean are necessary conditions for a speedy recovery or maintenance of a stable condition.
When deciding on the appropriateness of buying a special mattress, which serves to prevent the occurrence of tissue necrosis, it is very important to remember that bedsores can cause additional suffering to a person who is already in an extremely difficult situation. In addition, the necrotic process is easier to prevent than to cure. In this regard, in a house in which there is a bed patient, the presence of an anti-decubitus mattress should be a prerequisite.
Customer reviews
In reviews of mattresses for bedridden patients, their advantages and benefits are reported. Especially praised is a mesh model called OSD-QDC 303. It is noted that this mattress is equipped with a compressor and its regular use has a positive result even in the presence of pressure ulcers of the second degree.
There are positive comments about the Roho model. It is noted that this is the best choice when dealing with complications after burn wounds. It is recommended for patients who suffer from severe bedsores. It is reported that through the use of this model, the condition of the skin is improved and blood circulation is normalized.