Gel Mattress Toppers, Hospital Mattress Pads, and Hospital Bed Overlays

How do Hospital Bed Overlays Reduce the Risk of Pressure Ulcers?

It might be hard to imagine that simply laying in bed can produce such a negative reaction, but one of the many side effects of prolonged bed rest is the development of pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers or bed sores. Ranging in severity from Stage I to Stage IV, pressure ulcers are areas of the skin that become inflamed, and if left untreated, become infected, possibly leading to some very serious consequences. They typically occur in more bony parts of the body, when the constant pressure of the bone against the skin from laying on a flat surface alters the natural circulation of blood that helps nourish the skin.

Hospital bed overlays are specifically designed to relieve or reduce this pressure that the weight of your body and bones exert on your skin as it presses against the surface of the bed. They can be used to prevent pressure ulcers and/or to help already formed pressure ulcers to heal. Pressure-relieving overlays like alternating air pressure mattresses and pressure-reducing overlays like static air pressure mattresses help immensely in both the prevention and treatment of bed sores.

How do I Choose the Best Hospital Bed Overlay for Me?

There are a number of varied types of mattress overlays available that can address every unique user’s requirements. It is always recommended to consult with your doctor to determine the best configuration to accommodate your own special needs. Dynamic mattress overlays constantly change the level of support through the use of inflation/deflation of air or the movement of fluids like gel or water through various chambers within the overlay device. Static mattress overlays adapt to the contours of the body, maintaining a constant inflation level, reducing pressure by distributing the patient’s weight more evenly over a wider area.

Some great static options include convoluted mattress overlays and memory foam overlays. These static designs are best suited to prevent pressure ulcers as they distribute weight more evenly, easing pressure on the skin. The special cushioning provided by ‘egg-crate’ textured foam mattress overlays, air-filled mattress overlays and memory foam mattress overlays help reduce friction and pressure on bony prominences of the body.

Gel or water filled hospital bed overlays are another good static overlay option, and they additionally provide a cooler and more comfortable sleeping surface. Internal baffles in most water and gel designs help to keep the body balanced in the center of the mattress, while they also eliminate the usual water mattress rocking effect. These devices are usually constructed with medical grade, anti-microbial vinyl, which makes them a good choice for incontinent patients, as well.

Alternating Pressure overlay systems offer a dynamic design, alternately inflating and deflating specially designed air cells within the overlay, reducing pressure. Along with delivering unparalleled pressure relief, alternating pressure overlays additionally provide improved air circulation around the body, helping patients to stay cool and dry. Some alternating pressure systems also offer Low Air Loss (LAL) therapy, maintaining a dry, aerated sleeping surface that prevents moisture from building up between the patient’s skin and the mattress. Alternating pressure overlays can be configured in several different designs, including the use of foam and gels.

Specially designed mats intended for use as pressure relieving hospital bed overlays include the Geo-Matt and the StarMatt. The Geo-Matt highlights the exclusive "Ring-of-Air® ", which enhances ventilation of the surface, wicking away heat and moisture from the patient’s body. Individual cubes anatomically sized to correspond to specific areas of the body within the overlay design conform perfectly to each patient, relieving pressure from bony areas and minimizing shear forces that can pull or tear delicate skin tissues. The StarMatt mattress overlay is a non-powered yet adjustable hospital bed overlay that also conforms to the user’s body without restricting blood flow or aggravating soft tissues. This four-section overlay system has the capability to adjust each section to perfectly conform to the individual using it, all with the use of a simple hand pump.

Rehabmart is pleased to offer a diverse range of superior quality hospital bed overlays from such respected and experienced manufacturers that include ROHO Group, Star Cushions, Invacare, Independence Medical, Medline, Drive Medical, Prius Healthcare and McKesson Medical Surgical.

Mike Price, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CTO

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