In this article, we will discuss how to use an air bed mattress for patients. Air bed mattresses come in various types. While some are designed for everyday use, others find applications in campaigns or use them as car mattresses. But the most popular use of air mattresses is for bed-ridden patients who have to spend long hours in bed, in some cases days and months. As such, understanding how to use an air bed mattress for patients becomes crucial to ensure fighting or restricting bed sore formations.
Before we move to understanding how air mattresses work; how to use them, and some learn about some best air bed mattress, let’s understand what is an air bed mattress.
What is an air bed mattress?
As the name suggest, an air bed mattress is an inflatable mattress that can be used for various purposes such as an indoor mattress for everyday use mattress in the home, an outdoor mattress for campaigning or use in cars, or as a medical mattress for bed-ridden patients to protect their body against the formation of bed sores.
Depending upon their applications, air bed mattresses are designed in various structures to serve the purpose of usage. While the regular indoor inflatable mattress may popularly look like weaved mattresses (after inflating) with thick outer layers, the outdoor mattresses can have an intermediate thickness stitched to look like air columns arranged in series. The popular medical air bed mattresses, also known as bubble mattresses, have air chambers designed in the shape of small bubbles. The outer layer of these mattresses is designed thin to allow them to work as intended and we will learn this ahead- how to use an air bed mattress for patients.
What are air bed mattresses made of?
While most of the air bed mattresses are made from PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), there may be instances when you find the inflatable mattress made from Polyester (PET, Polyethylene terephthalate). Let’s learn about each of them briefly.
PVC is a synthetic polymer of plastic finding application in the manufacturing of many products such as pipes, raincoats, air mattresses, wires, bottles, etc. They are popular for their properties that make them chemically stable at high temperatures, a reason for their durability in the long run.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber prepared from chemicals ( mostly petroleum-based). These materials can stretch and shrink without losing strength and hence find popular applications as banners, covers, mattresses, etc.
Before we learn how to use an air bed mattress for patients, also called “Anti-Decubitus air mattress,” let’s learn how they work.
How do air bed mattresses for patients (Anti Decubitus) work?
The main objective of the Anti-Decubitus air mattress is to circulate the air inside the air chambers (Bubbles) to alter their pressure, regulating blood circulation in the patient’s body and protecting the patient from the formation of bed sores.
To do this air bed mattresses for patients come with a compressor, also called an air controller. The compressor is kept connected to the air bed mattress throughout use. Without the compressors, air bed mattresses will not work. They will have no air inside.
The compressor pumps the air in one air chamber and sucks the air from its adjacent one. This usually happens after every 10 minutes. This way the air pressure (popularly known as firmness) keeps changing, regulating the blood circulation flow in the patient’s body.
How to use an air bed mattress for patients?
The procedure to use an air bed mattress for patients, an anti-decubitus air mattress, is outlined below.
- Use the air mattress as a topper above the regular bed mattress.
- Use a cotton bed sheet above the air bed mattress.
- Connect the compressor and adjust the regulator to maintain a suitable air pressure. Please note not to keep the air pressure too high inside the air bubbles (air chambers). To ensure a suitable pressure, press the air chambers with your palm gently. When you do this, you will find one air chamber hard while the adjacent one is soft. If it’s so, it is correct.
- Keep the compressor on 24×7. If it’s switched off, the air mattress will not work. Rather it will become a PVC sheet without air.
- Place the compressor in a safe place to avoid someone striking it accidentally, or a child playing with its regulating knobs.
With this set of instructions guiding how to use an air bed mattress for patients, your air mattress is good to go. To ensure it remains hygienic clean it with a cotton cloth when you change the bed sheet, or anytime when the patient is not on the bed.
What are the best air bed mattresses for patients?
Air mattress companies, especially those associated with healthcare, realized the importance of air bed mattresses in fighting bed sores for bedridden patients and came with products designed specifically to serve the purpose. Some of the best-selling air bed mattresses for patients are laid below for your review and buying.
Wrapping Up:
It’s important to note that though air mattresses cannot replace our everyday use mattresses, they can be an easy alternative to meet an emergency need such as occasions when you have some guests in your house. Besides this, the air bed mattresses are best for campaigns outdoors and for bedridden patients. Using air bed mattresses for patients is easy and with slight care the user can ensure its durability in the long run.
We hope you found the guide on how to use an air bed mattress for patients helpful. If so, please share this with your friends. If you have more queries please ask us through the comments section below.
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FAQs
How to inflate an air bed mattress?
Most air bed mattresses come with an electric pump that can be used to inflate or deflate the air bed mattress easily. Simply attach the pump to the valve on the mattress, turn it on, and it will inflate within a few minutes. To deflate, just switch the pump to the deflate setting and the mattress will quickly deflate for storage.
How to adjust the firmness of my air bed mattress?
The firmness of the air bed mattresses can be adjusted by regulating the inside of the mattress through an air controller (Pump supplied with air bed mattresses). Most models feature adjustable air chambers that allow you to add or release air to achieve the desired level of firmness.
Are air bed mattresses durable?
Air bed mattresses are typically designed to be durable and long-lasting, especially if they are made from high-quality materials such as puncture-resistant PVC or reinforced vinyl. However, like any mattress, their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and the quality of the mattress itself.
Are air bed mattresses comfortable for everyday use?
Yes, many people find air bed mattresses to be comfortable for everyday use, especially if they have adjustable firmness settings that allow you to customize your sleeping experience.
Can I use an air bed mattress for camping or outdoor activities?
Yes, air bed mattresses are a popular choice for camping and outdoor activities due to their portability and convenience. Many models are designed specifically for camping and feature rugged construction, built-in pumps, and other features that make them well-suited for outdoor use. Just make sure to choose a model that is compatible with your camping setup and provides adequate insulation and support for a comfortable night’s sleep.
