mattress/bed to prevent pressure ulcers

[kris10]

I work in a high risk CT- ICU. Patients are hemodynamically unstable and cannot be turned for at least 6-12 hours, often longer. We need a high risk surface ie. mattress or specialty bed to prevent the patients from developing pressure ulcers. Any suggestions?

[Erbn Girl]

I work in an IMCU?Telemetry unit where often we have patients that require special beds or mattresses. One mattress overlay that I find very helpful in preventing pressure ulcers and increasing patient comfort is the ROHO mattress. It is a tufted mattress with a sand-type of filling which decreases pressure on the vulnerable areas of the patient's body. I request them often and find that if we have a repeat customer/patient, they will ask me to order the mattress again because it made their stay that more comforting. Just a thought!

[Erbn Girl]

I apologize for the inappropriate information I gave you about the ROHO mattress. Yes, it definitely is an excellent aid in decreasing the chance of pressure ulcers, but....it does not have sand in it, it is inflated. I was thinking of another type of mattress. But I still highly recommend the ROHO mattress as an adjunct in preventing pressure ulcers.

[barb o]

We currently use what is called an Accucair overlay mattress that uses a small motor to inflate air into a mattress that becomes about 6 inches thick with air. Works very well. We will soon be getting some new Hill-Rom beds that allegedly incorporate that same type of technology into the mattress so that overlays won't be necessary. That's something you could look into as well.

[BethanyJ]

I work on a rehab unit which utilizes Hill ROM products. The Flexicaire mattress is wonderful, but costly. They also manufacture motorized mattress overlays which are less expensive but still do the trick in preventing ulcers and promoting healing in those patients who do have ducubs.

[kris10]

Can you tell me which company makes these surfaces?

I will be trialing the products made by Hill Rom and Stryker. Any feedback would be appreciated

Thank you

[jenni g]

I work on a Med surg unit and ICU and we have Hill Rom beds with pressure relief to pressure points, THe beds have controls to be set for the best areas and according to the pts specific needs and the areas most prominent. We also use the air mattress overlay which has a cnotinuous flow of air in the mattress relieving pressure and allowing cont circulation of air to areas of the pt body. Both are very good and relieve pressure for the pts

[jenni g]

I work on a Med surg unit and ICU and we have Hill Rom beds with pressure relief to pressure points, THe beds have controls to be set for the best areas and according to the pts specific needs and the areas most prominent. We also use the air mattress overlay which has a cnotinuous flow of air in the mattress relieving pressure and allowing cont circulation of air to areas of the pt body. Both are very good and relieve pressure for the pts

[luxcapWOCN]

We just started using a mattress called the AirCell - far and away the best I've seen in 10 years of dealing with these complicated stage III and IV sores.

There are many fine air mattresses out there but I've found that either the purchasing department is unwilling to meet the high costs of the supplier or that the mattresses require training and constant recalibration. With this new AirCell, everything is automatic. Everything! The cost is fully covered by medicare under a group II pressure reducing air mattress.