Factors to contemplate and mattress choices for individuals with spinal cord injuries, explained
For individuals with spinal cord injuries, finding the right bed can significantly improve their quality of life by reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and promoting healing. Specialised pressure relief mattresses and turning beds designed for medical use are the best options for these individuals.
Pressure Relief Mattresses
These mattresses are engineered to reduce pressure over bony prominences, promote blood flow, and help prevent skin breakdown. They often feature advanced foam, air, or alternating pressure systems. According to a recent guide on pressure relief mattresses for bedsores and spinal cord injuries, these mattresses significantly reduce caregiver effort and enhance healing by distributing pressure evenly [5].
Turning Mattresses
Turning mattresses are innovative beds or overlays that automatically turn or reposition patients at set intervals. By promoting better blood circulation and reducing prolonged pressure on any single area, they are highly effective in preventing pressure ulcers in immobile individuals [4].
Orthopedic Hybrid Mattresses
While not specifically designed for medical use, some orthopedic and hybrid mattresses provide balanced pressure relief and support for people with back problems. These mattresses can offer additional comfort and spinal alignment benefits where appropriate.
For example, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid offers a good mix of pressure relief using memory foam layers and supportive coils for spinal alignment, showing low pressure buildup in pressure mapping tests [1]. The WinkBed Luxury Firm is excellent for arthritis and sciatica, providing firm support combined with pressure relief, responsiveness, and cooling features [2]. The Amerisleep AS2 is a medium-firm, pressure-relieving mattress noted for good spinal support and cooling, helping reduce stiffness and pressure points during prolonged lying [3].
Specialized Medical Beds
For individuals with spinal cord injuries, the primary focus should be on specialized pressure relief mattresses and beds designed for medical use, such as alternating pressure mattresses, low air loss mattresses, or foam mattresses with high-pressure redistribution properties. These options prevent tissue ischemia by minimizing constant pressure and promoting microcirculation.
Notable examples include the Envella Air Fluidized Therapy Bed, designed for those who need advanced wound care and features adjustable airflow and firmness [6]. The SpanAmerica In-Home Styles Mattresses provide stability and have two-part bolsters for one side of the bed [7]. The Invacare MicroAIR Alternating Pressure Mattress offers support for different weights [8].
One of the most suitable mattresses for a person with paralysis is the ProBed: The Freedom Bed. This bed is suitable for a person with a spinal cord injury as it rotates from side to side to relieve pressure and prevent bedsores. It also comes with powered height adjustment, and the head and leg areas can rise automatically [9]. The ProBed: The Freedom Bed is available in sizes A3F Standard, A3FX Extended, and A3FXB Bariatric, and offers a rental program [10].
It's important to note that not all companies offer a trial period, but some have a returns policy or a rental subscription. Some mattresses can automatically alternate pressure and perform routine repositioning, making them ideal for individuals who require constant care.
In summary, the best beds to prevent pressure buildup and bedsores in spinal cord injury patients are specialized pressure relief mattresses and automatic turning mattresses, with supportive orthopedic hybrid mattresses like Saatva, WinkBed, and Amerisleep offering additional comfort and spinal alignment benefits where appropriate [1][2][3][4][5]. For more information and to purchase these mattresses, you can contact the respective manufacturers or talk with a representative from SpanAmerica.
[1] Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid: [website] [2] WinkBed Luxury Firm: [website] [3] Amerisleep AS2: [website] [4] Turning Mattresses: [source] [5] Pressure Relief Mattresses: [source] [6] Envella Air Fluidized Therapy Bed: [source] [7] SpanAmerica In-Home Styles Mattresses: [source] [8] Invacare MicroAIR Alternating Pressure Mattress: [source] [9] ProBed: The Freedom Bed: [source] [10] ProBed: The Freedom Bed rental program: [source]
- To alleviate pressure over bony areas and promote blood flow, individuals with spinal cord injuries should consider specialized pressure relief mattresses, incorporating advanced foam, air, or alternating pressure systems.
- For preventing pressure ulcers in immobile patients, turning mattresses are highly effective, offering automated turning or repositioning at set intervals to minimize prolonged pressure on any single area.
- Although not specifically designed for medical use, some orthopedic and hybrid mattresses, like the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid, WinkBed Luxury Firm, and Amerisleep AS2, provide balanced pressure relief and support for people with back problems while offering additional comfort and spinal alignment benefits.
- For individuals with spinal cord injuries, the primary focus ought to be on specialized pressure relief mattresses and beds designed for medical use, such as alternating pressure mattresses, low air loss mattresses, or foam mattresses with high-pressure redistribution properties like the ProBed: The Freedom Bed, as they help prevent tissue ischemia and promote microcirculation.
- When purchasing a mattress for spinal cord injury patients, it is essential to consider factors such as product reviews, health and wellness benefits, lifestyle needs, and shopping choices, while being aware that some companies may have a trial period, returns policy, or rental subscription options.
