Low air loss and alternating pressure medical air mattresses, pads and overlays- 2 Top-rated products

The results you're about to see are based on over 18 months of consulting with 6 personal care professionals, followed by a statistical modeling of over 800+ user experiences.

This guide took just under a year to compile, but we wanted to make sure that what we publish is reliable and helpful.

We present 3 highest-rated products.

Drive Medical Med Aire system - best overall

This Drive Medical is both a low air loss and alternating pressure mattress. The alternating pressure mode can be turned off and the mattress used in a "static" mode".

The head region is static, meaning that that top 3 baffles are firmly in place while the rest of the chambers alternate, which eliminates the need for extra cushioning or pillows.

The low shear cover is permeable for all vapors and resistant to fluids. The capacity is 450 pounds and the dimensions are 80 x 36 x 8 inches. As shown in the image, the set comes with a cover pump, included at no extra cost.

It's made of 20 "deep-bladder" baffles and each of them is removable. The CPR (crankcase pressure regulator) inflates and deflates quickly.

Bottom line

This Drive Medical is an advanced and well-thought out system we found. The pump is "smart" so that it returns to an alternation if left in static mode for longer than two hours.

It's also equipped to handle power outage - design of the baffles (cell-on-cell) keeps it inflated for 24 hours during power outages - it also prevents a common issue with lower quality products - bottoming-out.

Most importantly - the combined power of the two pressure relief systems does a better job at minimizing maceration and distributing. It distributes weight in a way that's superior compared to products that feature only one of the two systems. This is THE system to go with

Drive Medical backs this product up with a 1-year limited warranty.

Vive alternating pressure pad / overlay

This Vive is by far the most popular among alternating pressure pads and overlays. An important difference between this Vive and the Drive Medical (above) is the fact that the former is meant to be used as a pad or overlay for an existing mattress while the later is a standalone product - mounted directly onto the frame of the bed.

The other crucial difference is that this product uses only one pressure-relief system (alternation), and the Drive Medical incorporates both. Pads and overlays like this Vive are meant to be used for less severe wounds.

The 130 heat-sealed chambers minimize the chance of potential air leaks and can support up 300 lbs.

Bottom line

While looking into the manufacturing practices and the user satisfaction ratings, we were honestly left in awe about the low price tag of this Vive, especially having in mind that the pump comes included.

Vive stands behind their product with a no-questions-asked warranties - 90 day for the pad and 1 year for the pump.

Lateral rotation mattress - Micro air by Invacare

On the high-end of both features and price, you have the Invacare lateral rotation mattress.

The experiences with lateral rotation mattresses vs. manually turning the bed-ridden person are mixed. Most of the personal care experts we talked to recommend manual turning when possible. The rotation mattress, however, is huge plus for night-time turning.

This Invacare is based on their patent called z-cell technology and can turn up to 40 degrees.

Reference information:

The construction of has improved significantly over the last decade. Alternating pressure air mattresses are used in medical facilities now, such as hospital rooms, rehab facilities, and nursing homes, because they are better for the patients. But, how do they work?

What is a low air loss mattress?

It is basically, an air-conditioned mattress made of air bladders that are inflated for the patient’s comfort. However, the bladders are manufactured with small air holes in them.

This means they constantly “leak” air. The purpose of this is to help prevent bedsores.

As the air leaks out of alternating bladders, it wicks away moisture at contact points between the mattress and the patient’s skin. By keeping the skin dry, the mattress helps to prevent bedsores. These bladders are automatically re-inflated once they reach a minimum setting of inflation, and the process begins again. Some models circulate over 100 liters of air every minute, keeping the patient dry and cool without drying out medical dressings.

At no point is the patient unsupported on any section of the unit. The air loss and re-inflation take place on alternating cylinders so that there is no loss of support.
The patient does not feel that the bed is deflating beneath them; rather, if anything, they have the feeling of floating. The pumps themselves vary in noise level, but most are designed to be whisper quiet so as to not annoy the patient.

What is an Alternating Pressure air mattress?

It's the type of a medical air mattress  that uses the the pump to quietly removes air from the alternating cylinders in the bed. This creates a wave motion  which gently shifts the patient’s weight slightly.

The head of the unit does not have cylinders that deflate. This helps to make their sleep more comfortable. As for the alternating cells, patients seldom notice the changes, since they are quite gradual.
They have a cycle time, during which the air is completely changed out in each cell at least once. This cycle time can be adjusted, but the average choice is 10 minutes.

Combination of the two technologies

Most health workers agree that, for more serious injuries (stage 3 and 4) the best mattresses for bed-ridden patients are the combination of the two technologies. The patient receives the benefits of the air-flow against their skin, preventing bedsores, while the patient and caretaker both benefit from the technology. It allows caretakers to deflate one side other, in order to turn or transport the patient.

Adjusting the choice based on wound staging

As of April 13, 2016, the National National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel updated their terminology and adjusted the guidelines for wound staging. The main change is a shift from "pressure ulcer" to "pressure injury.

You can see their full guidelines here.

Types of medical air mattresses

These specialized units are valuable in health care situations both in the hospital and at home. They are available in two forms: as an overlay, and as an entire system.

If you order an overlay, you will need a mattress on which to put the system. This will serve very much as a topper and is usually used for stages 1 and 2 wounds.

A replacement system is self-sufficient.  These are typically more expensive, as an entire bed would be.
Other Types of Therapy.

Some models offer additional therapies. Lateral rotation, for example, will constantly “rock” the patient from side to side. This is not a fast action, but does keep the patient constantly, gently rolling from one side to the other. This helps to reduce the risks of pneumonia and other pulmonary problems. It also helps to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract because of the shifting of the patient’s weight. The improvement of circulation and pressure relief help to prevent bedsores.

Pulse mode is available on some products. This setting will reduce the air flow in the pad every few seconds. It will reduce to 50% of the chosen setting, then re-inflate.

Medical Uses

Hospitals have never been recognized for their innate comfort. But, what about people who are bed-ridden for long periods of time? Critically ill, injured, or recovering patients often develop bedsores from pressure points. Otherwise called pressure ulcers, they are most common on the heels and ankles, as well as the tailbone and hips. Elbows and shoulders are also prone to bedsores for patients with extreme immobility. The best way to combat this is to move the patient regularly. This relieves the pressure on those specific spots, allowing circulation to resume, keeping the skin and flesh healthy.

Manual Alternating Pressure Mattresses, pads and overlays

These products have proven to be invaluable to the medical community for the relief of bedsores. Some models require manual operation to achieve the change of pressure. In these cases, the angle of the bed is changed and the operator can inflate or deflate sections of the bed with an electric pump.

Automatic Alternating Pressure pads and mattresses

More specialized products are available that offer more focused control. Each of these has a series of airtight bladders that are individually inflated from a mounted pump. This pump will inflate and deflate the bladders as programmed. This significantly increases the comfort of the bed and helps to improve circulation.

By changing the air pressure, the caregiver can keep circulation going without having to turn the patient as often. It also keeps fluid flowing and circulating through the patient’s system, delivering nutrients and medication.

Another benefit is that they can be programmed to change pressure every 30 minutes or so. This helps the patient rest better and contributes to overall skin and joint health.

Aid for Caretakers

Some models will even help turn a patient. The bladders or air chambers can be over-inflated on one side of the bed and under-inflated on the other side. This helps to painlessly turn the patient. This not only aids in circulation and skin health, it helps with sinus drainage. Models are also available with transfer capability, meaning that it will automatically inflate and deflate as needed when transferring a patient to another bed, a chair, or to a standing position.

Skin Health

These are available with anti-shearing zones. These are located at the head and foot, and are designed to prevent shearing of the heels and scapula.

Safety Improvements

In addition to making a patient more comfortable, there are some safety features included in many alternating pressure mattresses. One is the static perimeter. This will deflate automatically if a patient becomes trapped between the bed rails and the sides. There are also settings on some models to keep them inflated in the case of a power outage.

Configurations of a low air loss mattress

There are a couple of different configurations. All types are made of air-filled bladders, but the construction varies. Some models are made with parallel bladders, most commonly running across the width of the bed while others have chambers that inflate vertically, much the same shape as coils in a traditional bed.

These air bladders are available with a variety of inflation patterns. Some of them have 3-way alternating inflation. It can be set automatically to keep the patient comfortable for long periods of time, or it can be manually adjusted for individual comfort.

Sizes of an low air loss mattresses and alternating pressure pads

The most commonly purchased size of an alternating pressure mattress is Twin. The typical model is 8” thick after inflation, while the pads are much thinner. However, there are models that are thicker than this. They are not usually used in medical or care facilities. They are also available in larger sizes from a limited number of manufacturers.

Low air loss vs. alternative pressure mattress

There is no one-size-fits all rule and the choice of low air loss vs. alternating pressure mattress (or models that come with both) will depend on the severity of the injury as well as the weight and mobility of the bed-ridden person.

Based on the statistical analysis reviews, the most versatile products are those that are a combination of the two technologies for pressure relief like the Drive Medical we mentioned. Some models have  switches that will operate the option for about 20 minutes and then switch off. However, most people prefer ‘round the clock option.

Health care professionals appreciate the aid in turning patients afforded by an alternating pressure mattress. However, the technology does not eliminate the need for turning patients to prevent bedsores.

FAQs

Low air loss mattress Medicare requirements

The Medicare requirements are one of the most commonly asked questions - you can see the exiting requirements here.

Are they only for hospital use?

No. They are also intended for home use. A hospital-sized pad can be placed on a bed at home. It can also be deflated and packed for a trip. They usually have a flap at the head and foot that can be tucked to prevent slipping.

How noisy are the pumps?

The pumps are very quiet, and often go unnoticed in hospital rooms with other medical equipment operating. Some say that the pump sounds a little like a ticking clock. Since the pumping technology is so intricate, providing inflation to different cylinders individually, the pumps are usually separate, rather than built-in.

Are these they complicated to set up?

Despite the intricate tubing systems that keep the cylinders inflated, most people say that the they are easy to set up.

Do they smell bad on arrival? Will it need to be aired out?

The better ones are made of vapor-permeable materials to minimize the odor.

In terms of the out-of-box vinyl smell, that quickly dissipates, even before the set up.

Do they take long to set up?

They sometimes have a longer inflation time at the beginning, up to 45 minutes for some models. However, these models will stay inflated for a day if the electricity goes out. Some of them have a cell-in-cell structure that assures a minimum amount of inflation at all times, while others incorporate layers of cells, one of which remains inflated.

Who invented the medical air mattress?

As we know it today and as it was presented above, the medical air mattress as we know it today was patented by the Picard Healthcare Technology. The patent was filed on June 10 of 2011 and published on Dec 13, 2012. You can read more on the Google patents page here.

Some people fear that their unit is defective because after a few minutes, they don’t see it inflating. Give it time, and you will see bumps forming where the air is entering the cylinders.

Are they easy to deflate?

Most come with a CPR tag. This can be removed to deflate the unit in an emergency.

What do I do if there is no air coming out of an outlet?

Since most of these models use alternating air currents to regulate inflation, it's advisable to wait and see. Air will probably come out of that outlet in a few minutes, when that side cycles on.

What is a CPR valve and why it's important for medical and bariatric use?

A crankcase pressure regulator or CPR valve is a way to reduce the pressure and control it so that it never rises above the pre-set firmness. the quality and reliability of the CPR valve plays a big role in the overall quality of the product. For this guide, we specifically looked into the manufacturing practices and potential issues with quality if the production of the valves is outsourced.

How long does it take to inflate?

Depending on the, thickness and volume it can take anywhere from a few minutes for pads and overlays to 45 minutes with more intricate systems.

What to do if one section is not inflating?

If a section seems to be lagging in inflation it doesn't necessarily mean that the product is faulty. A common issue that can cause the problem is a kink in the hose supplying the air to the baffles.

How to choose the firmness settings?

If your well-adjusted to the weight, there should be no bottoming-out.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a "bottoming-out test" and adjust the firmness accordingly.

• When to perform a bottoming out test on an alternating pressure air mattress?

The test should be performed each time the patient goes to bed and each time you change the position or inclination of the base.

• Use low-friction gloves so that you can easily slide your hand underneath and pull it out
• The test is to be performed when the unit is inflated and the alternation has begun
• The person should be laying on their side or back for the test
• If there is a zip-cover, unzip it to about 60-70% of the length (covers are usually zipped top-to-bottom, which means that the lower third can remain zipped)
• Do touch-test in the area below the pelvic and buttock region, usually one of the few cell sin that region will be less inflated and softer to touch
• Slide your hand between the person and the cells that you determined to be softer
• The rule of thumb - you should be able to easily insert your hand and the clearance should be about 2 inches, which is approximately one wrist-high
• If you have problems and it's difficult to slide your hand in, it's an indication that the firmness should be higher. Adjust the setting and wait for a few minutes until the pad is fully inflated
• If the clearance is higher than 2 inches, it might indicate that the firmness setting is to high. the rule of thumb is that the person should be immersed 30-50 % of the height of the top cells. If the immersion is lower, decrease the pressure settings, wait 10 minutes and repeat the test.
• Re-zip the cover and remember to always perform the test when changing the inclination.

What if you puncture a cell?

With full mattress systems, the baffles are usually separate and can be replaced by getting a spare directly from the manufacturer.

Cleaning the pump and pads / cells

Use a damp cloth with a bit of a detergent (choose a mild one) for the pump and try choosing a spot that keeps it safe from dust. Best practice for cleaning the body of the unit is to use a mild laundry detergent for the cells and the cover (if there is one). After cleaning the surface, give it time to fully air dry.

Updates of this guide

The part of this guide mentioning specific products is updated quarterly so that we can keep the information presented relevant.

The Sleep Studies team

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