Air flow mattress for pressure sores can be useful for people with additional health needs, particularly for people who are less mobile and more at risk of this condition. Pressure sores (commonly referred to as bed sores) usually affect those who are confined to a bed or spend an extended amount of time sitting/sleeping.
Pressure sores are an injury that breaks down the skin and underlying tissue, which can make life difficult and uncomfortable for the user. Pressure care mattresses are designed to enhance patient comfort for those suffering from a bed sore or at risk of developing one.
Pressure care mattresses are suitable for those with limited mobility, skin integrity, or other health conditions such as kidney failure. Conditions that affect a person’s blood flow can lead to tissue damage, making them more likely to develop a bed sore.
At Opera, we have an extensive range of pressure care mattresses specifically designed to help users with limited mobility and other health conditions. We also have a range of hospital beds available for purchase - combining a bed with a mattress could be the ideal solution to your medical needs.
All our products can be purchased directly through our website, but if you need any more information, contact our product support team and we'll be happy to help.
The Opera range of pressure care mattresses
Before you purchase a pressure care mattress, it is essential that you determine the user’s level of risk. Our complete guide to pressure ulcers explains the signs and symptoms of pressure sores and the four main types.
The main questions to consider before buying a new mattress are:
- How long does the person spend in bed, and is it for long periods of time?
- Have they previously had a bed sore, or do they currently have one?
- Are they able to move by themselves and what are their mobility levels?
- Do they have any medical conditions?
The primary purpose of a pressure care mattress is to distribute the user's weight more evenly across the surface of the mattress. This reduces pressure on any one area of the body, as well as reducing pressure sore risk. This is typically achieved from a mattress that has pressure-relieving properties, and gives support without creating pressure points.
At Opera, we have three main types of pressure care mattresses:
Pressure care mattresses are an essential tool in effectively managing pressure ulcers. Once you've found the perfect mattress, you can combine it with a medical bed from our extensive range of profiling care beds.
If you're unsure which care mattress is best for your needs, our helpful team is able to support you.
Static (Foam) pressure care mattresses
Static foam (or foam pressure care mattresses), is a type of pressure relief mattress that is designed to distribute a patient's weight evenly across the surface of the mattress. This helps to prevent the development of pressure ulcers.
A static foam pressure care mattress is made up of single or multiple pressure relieving foams. This type of mattress is made from foam materials that are specially designed to conform to the shape of the patient's body, providing support and reducing pressure on vulnerable areas of the skin.
The foam typically has a high-density, which means it can provide more support and better distribute the patient's weight across the mattress. These mattresses also reduce the risk of pressure sores, which can develop over time for those living in long-term care environments.
Who would benefit from a static foam pressure care mattress?
A static foam pressure care mattress is recommended for people at risk of developing a pressure sore, or those who may have already developed a pressure sore in the early stages. These include people who may be bedridden or have limited mobility.
Some specific examples of people who may benefit from a static foam pressure care mattress include:
- Elderly or frail individuals with limited mobility or spend long amounts of time in bed
- People with medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injuries that affect their ability to move or frequently change position
- Users with chronic conditions or recovering from surgery that require long-term bed rest
- Individuals who have medical conditions (such as a stroke) and have limited mobility
Static foam pressure care mattresses help prevent bed sores
By reducing pressure on vulnerable areas of the body (such as the hips, shoulders and heels), a static foam pressure care mattress can help prevent the development of pressure ulcers. Pressure sores can be painful, difficult to treat and may impact the quality of life for someone living with one.
Additionally, for those who have already developed pressure ulcers, a static foam pressure care mattress can help prevent the bed sore from worsening.
If you'd like to find out whether a foam pressure care mattress is suitable for your needs, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
Opera static mattresses
Opera® static mattresses are high-quality everyday pressure care mattresses designed for users who are at risk of developing sores but are able to move by themselves or be regularly tuned by a carer.
Some of the characteristics you can expect from an Opera static mattress include:
- Single or layered foam options
- Castellations to ease profiling and relieve pressure.
- The use of high density edging foam, which eases transfer.
- Firmness ratings which help to ensure user comfort.
As you can see, there are many benefits to using our static pressure mattresses. If you'd like to find out more about the range of mattresses we have, view our dedicated static pressure mattress page.
Alternating Air flow mattress for pressure sores
Air mattresses (also known as air-flow mattresses), relieve and redistribute pressure through a dynamic lying surface. Alternating air therapy mattresses have a row of lateral air cells that constantly inflate and deflate to alternate the pressure within the lying surface.
Air pressure care mattresses are controlled by a quiet pump unit that connects to the mattress itself. Usually, the pump hooks onto the footboard of the bed for easy storage and convenience.
The changing inflating and deflating air cells allow a dynamic Air flow mattress to provide advanced relief for pressure sores. By having the mattress constantly moving inside, your skin is less likely to develop a pressure sore by having periods of no pressure.
Who would benefit from an alternating pressure care mattress?
Alternating air pressure mattresses are typically used to help treat developed pressure ulcers and to prevent ulcers. They use alternating air cells to redistribute pressure on the body. This can help relieve pressure on specific areas - especially in people who are bedridden, need a long-term care environment or have limited mobility.
Generally, people who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers or who are already suffering from pressure ulcers would benefit from an air pressure care mattress. This includes individuals with:
- Spinal cord injuries, those who have suffered a stroke, are bedridden or have limited mobility
- Very fragile skin or reduced mobility
- Incontinence, who are at risk of developing skin irritation or an infection
- A medical condition that impacts their blood flow, such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease
- Obesity, as well as people who have difficulty moving/changing positions on a regular mattress
As mentioned previously, if you or your loved one spend long periods of time in bed, an alternating air mattress could be the best solution. If you are unsure which care mattress is the right solution, consult with your GP or medical professional.
Our profiling care beds are also specifically designed for users with additional health needs - particularly care service users.
An air flow mattress designed for relieving pressure sores
Alternating air mattresses are suitable for advanced pressure sores and are an effective way to treat them as well as prevent them.
If you care for a loved one, choosing an air mattress for them can help make them more comfortable and supported if they are unable themselves. As well as our mattresses, we also have other tools available, such as our alternative air pressure cushions.
Considerations for choosing an air flow mattress for pressure sores
Air pressure care mattresses use a pump unit to control the level of airflow in the pressure care mattress. While these mattresses can be beneficial for some individuals, there are also some potential areas to consider:
- Noise: Air therapy pressure care mattresses rely on an air pump to inflate and deflate air cells within the mattress, which can create noise that may disturb sleep or be distracting for some people. At Opera, our air mattresses have super quiet pump units to minimise user disturbance and annoyance.
- Maintenance: Air therapy pressure care mattresses require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly which can be time-consuming and may require additional costs. All our pressure care mattresses come with a minimum 2-year warranty for peace of mind. All our pressure care mattresses also have a fully wipeable water resistant PU cover for easy maintenance and infection control.
- Costs: Air therapy pressure care mattresses can be expensive. Our range of pressure care mattresses vary in terms of risk category, comfort grades and price. For more information, get in touch to find the best option for you or your loved one.
- Power supply: Air therapy pressure care mattresses require a constant supply of electricity to power the air pump. If there is a power outage, the mattress may not function properly. Fortunately, all our air mattresses are designed to still provide enhanced pressure relief in the event of product failure. Our in-house product support team is also able to provide over-the-phone troubleshooting.
- Comfort: While air therapy pressure care mattresses are designed to prevent pressure ulcers, they may not always be the most comfortable option. We provide a 10-night home trial across any of our mattresses when you buy a mattress protector.
If you have any more queries and would like to find out more before committing to a purchase, our friendly team will be happy to help.
Opera alternating mattresses
Opera alternating mattresses are made up of air cells that alternate to redistribute pressure across the user's body. Cells are powered by a pump unit where the user's weight, time cycle and airflow settings can be selected.
Some of the features you can expect with our alternating mattresses are:
- Overlay and full replacement mattress systems included
- Low noise pumps used for minimal disruption
- Auto-weighing technology available in some systems
- Suitable for high and very high risk users
If you'd like to find out more, you can view our range of alternating air mattresses here.
Hybrid (foam and air) pressure care mattresses
Hybrid pressure mattresses combine both static foam and air therapy into one mattress. This is usually in the form of alternating air cells inset in a foam mattress surrounded with a soft foam topper. Hybrid pressure mattresses provide advanced pressure relief that an alternating air pressure mattress brings, whilst still maintaining the high level of comfort found in a static foam pressure mattress.
In addition to the foam and other materials, a hybrid pressure care mattress may also incorporate other features. These include air channels and additional ventilation systems to help regulate temperature and reduce moisture, which can be a contributing factor in the development of pressure ulcers.
We also have a range of beds available for larger people with bariatric conditions, which can be combined with our hybrid mattresses.
Who would benefit from a hybrid pressure care mattress?
A hybrid pressure care mattress provides a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface for people with limited mobility or other health concerns that may increase the risk of pressure ulcers. By distributing patient weight evenly and reducing pressure on vulnerable areas of the body, these mattresses can help prevent the development of bedsores and manage existing skin damage.
Hybrid pressure care mattresses are suitable for high to very high risk users in developing pressure sores. This includes:
- Frail elderly individuals who tend to spend a long time in bed or have an illness or disability makes them more susceptible to bed sores.
- People with limited mobility or disability, for instance MS, cerebral palsy or paraplegia.
- People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory diseases, who may be more prone to developing pressure ulcers due to decreased circulation.
- People who are overweight or obese, who may be at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers due to the increased pressure on their skin and tissues.
Hybrid pressure care mattresses are designed to make people more comfortable whilst delivering advanced pressure relief. If you are unsure if a hybrid mattress is suitable for you or your loved one, we’re happy to help. Just call us on 0333 222 8584 and we'll be able to advise accordingly.
Opera hybrid mattresses
Opera hybrid mattresses use a combination of foam and air cell technology to provide advanced pressure relief alongside optimal user comfort. Opera's hybrid mattress range consists of both powered and unpowered options, which rely on the user's movement to adjust the air cells.
Some of the benefits of using an Opera hybrid mattress include:
- You can enjoy the benefits of both foam and air technology.
- Powered and unpowered hybrid mattresses are available.
- These mattresses are suitable for very high risk users
- An eliminated risk of 'bottoming out' during profiling
If you'd like to find out more, you can view our hybrid pressure mattresses here.
Automated Turning Systems
Automatic lateral turning systems are an effective way of treating high-risk and advanced pressure sores. The system is placed underneath the mattress and automatically tilts the user at a 0-30° tilt for a period of 30,60 or 90 minutes. It's important to know that these systems are not complete mattresses, and are used in conjunction with any mattress.
By automatically turning the user, it ensures they are continually being turned which can be challenging for carers to carry out. These systems are used both at home and within care environments.
The system turns the user gently and quietly without needing a carer to do it for them. Automated turning systems also take the strain off carers' backs and help reduce injury from manual turning. Meanwhile, the AutoTurn system is available in a bariatric version, which turns users who weigh up to 400kg.
Considerations when choosing a pressure care mattress
Aside from the risk category and type of pressure relieving surface, there are some other key considerations to bear in mind when specifying an Opera® pressure care mattress.
We've listed the key things to think about below:
- System type - Pressure care mattresses are available in two different forms: an overlay system or a full replacement system.
- Size - All Opera® pressure care mattresses 2000 cm/6 ft in length and are available in a variety of widths to accommodate different bed sizes, including 90cm/3ft singles, 105cm/3ft6 and 120cm/4ft.
Overlay systems - An overlay system is a shallow depth mattress that is designed to be used on existing mattresses. They are usually about 2-5” in depth, and are laid on top of an existing mattress or underlay.
Two different types of overlay systems are available:
- Overlay vs replacement.
- Overlay vs full replacement
A full replacement system is a pressure care mattress that is only to be used as a single unit. They have deep air cells that are 6”+ in depth and their more sophisticated construction means they provide greater levels of pressure relief.
We're here to help find you find the best pressure care mattress
At Opera, we are committed to ensuring the best mattress suits the needs of the individual. We've thoughtfully designed our beds and mattresses to ensure that you'll be as comfortable as possible when sleeping at night.
We also offer a 10-night trial service where you can try any mattress in your home to see if it is suitable. It’s important that the pressure care mattress you purchase provides the correct level of support and pressure relief to the user.
Our team is also on hand to help choose the best mattress
The Opera® range
The Opera® range of pressure care mattresses is split into the three types of pressure relieving surface: static; alternating; and hybrid.
Opera® Static Mattresses
Opera® static mattresses are high-quality everyday pressure care mattresses designed for users who are at risk of developing sores but are able to move themselves or be regularly tuned by a carer.
- Single or layered foam options.
- Castellations ease profiling and relieve pressure.
- High density edging foam eases transfer.
- Firmness ratings help to ensure user comfort.
Opera® Alternating Mattresses
Opera® alternating mattresses are made up of air cells that alternate to redistribute pressure across the user's body. Cells are powered by a pump unit where the users weight, the time cycle and airflow settings can be selected.
- Overlay and full replacement mattress systems
- Low noise pumps for minimal disruption
- Auto-weighing technology on some systems
- Suitable for high and very high risk users
Opera® Hybrid Mattresses
Opera® hybrid mattresses use a combination of foam and air cell technology to provide advanced pressure relief alongside optimal user comfort. Opera's hybrid mattress range consists of both powered and un-powered options, which rely on the users movement to adjust the air cells.
- Enjoy the benefits of both foam and air technology
- Powered and un-powered hybrid mattresses
- Suitable for very high risk users
- Eliminated risk of "bottoming out" during profiling
