As many as 2.5 million people in the United States suffer from pressure ulcers, and medical bedding futons are often used to help prevent and treat them.
Low Air Loss Mattress Vs Alternating Pressure Mattress are two of the most popular categories of medical bedding futons available for these patients.
In this Nousdecor article, I will compare these two categories of bedding futons to help you decide which is best suited for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Low Air Loss (LAL) Mattresses are designed to prevent skinbreakdown and support surfaces in high-risk individuals. They are suitable for wound therapy, dampness control, and comfort.
- Alternating Pressure Mattresses (APM) are inflatable bedding futons that shift force from different body parts. They provide relief from pain and improved circulation and are ideal for patients needing body juice circulation, pain relief, dampness control, or wound therapy.
- Low Air Loss Mattresses offer dampness control and comfort, help prevent skinbreakdown, and promote healing. They have small laser-cut holes that allow air circulation.
- Alternating Pressure Mattresses provide force redistribution and pain relief. The airbladders inflate and deflate in a cyclical pattern.
What’s Low Air Loss (LAL) Mattress?
A Low Air Loss (LAL) Mattress is designed to prevent skinbreakdown and support surfaces in people with a high risk of developing force ulcers. It is suitable for those needing wound therapy, dampness control, or comfort.
The mattress has small holes that release air to keep the skin dry and reduce pressure. Unlike Alternating Pressure Mattresses (APM), LAL does not inflate and deflate air cells alternately to shift force from different parts of the body. Instead, it helps improve body juice flow by relieving force on bony areas while keeping the skin dry.
Both bedding futons require an airpump to maintain desired force levels and adjust according to the patient’s position and weight. However, a LAL mattress is uniquely suited for individuals seeking protection against any category of skinbreakdown caused by prolonged immobility.
Definition of Alternating Pressure Mattress
A changeable force mattress is an inflatable mattress that shifts force from different parts of the body, providing relief from pain and improved circulation. It has several key components:
- Air bladders: These create cushioning layers of air to reduce skin friction.
- Covers: The covers are either waterproof or breathable to protect the mattress from fluid buildup.
- Hoses: These are connected to the mattress and pump to deliver continuous airflow.
- Adjustable airpump: The mattress comes with an adjustable airpump that allows each patient to customize their own comfort level.
These bedding futons are beneficial for various patients. They are great for those who need body juice circulation and pain relief. They are also useful for patients who require dampness control or wound therapy.
The alternating pattern of inflation eliminates discomfort caused by long-term exposure to one area of pressure, making them ideal for extended bed rest due to injury or illness.
Pros and Cons of Low Air Loss Mattress Vs Alternating Pressure Mattress
As a medical professional, I’m well aware of the pros and cons of both low airloss bedding futons and changeable force bedding futons.
Low airloss bedding futons have the advantage of providing dampness control and comfort. They can help prevent skinbreakdown and promote healing in patients with force ulcers. These bedding futons have small laser-cut holes that allow breeze circulation, reducing dampness buildup and keeping the patient dry and cool.
On the other hand, changeable force bedding futons are designed to help with body juice circulation and pain relief. These bedding futons have airbladders that inflate and deflate in a cyclical pattern, shifting force points and promoting body juice flow. This can help prevent force ulcers and alleviate discomfort in patients who are immobile or have limited mobility.
Both categories of bedding futons require an airpump to maintain the desired force level. The airpump continuously monitors and adjusts the force in the mattress to meet the patient’s needs. This ensures optimal comfort and aid throughout the day and night.
Additionally, low airloss and changeable force bedding futons share similarities in terms of their components. They both have airbladders that provide aid and force redistribution.
They also come with covers that are easy to clean and protect the mattress from spills and stains. Furthermore, both categories of bedding futons have hoses that connect the airpump to the mattress, allowing for the flow of air.
Understanding these differences and similarities is crucial when determining which mattress category is best for any given patient. Factors such as the patient’s medical condition, level of mobility, and personal preferences should be taken into account to make an informed decision.
The Pros
As a healthcare professional, I’m often asked about the benefits of low airloss bedding futons and changeable force bedding futons.
Low airloss bedding futons are great for providing wound therapy, dampness control, and comfort. They help to keep the skin dry, reducing the risk of force ulcers and promoting healing. Additionally, these bedding futons offer a comfortable surface for patients to rest on.
On the other hand, changeable force bedding futons provide excellent force redistribution and pain relief. These bedding futons have aircells that inflate and deflate in a pattern, which helps to relieve force points and prevent the development of force ulcers.
Patients who are at a higher risk of developing force sores or who are already experiencing pain can benefit greatly from these bedding futons.
Both categories of mattress require airpumps to maintain the desired level of force and adjust to the patient’s weight and position. These pumps continuously monitor and adjust the airforce to ensure optimal aid and comfort for the patient.
Benefits of Low Air Loss Mattresses
Low airloss bedding futons and changeable force bedding futons are both medical products that provide various benefits to patients.
Low airloss bedding futons are designed to offer wound therapy, dampness control, and comfort. They achieve this by releasing air through small holes, which helps reduce force on the body. These bedding futons are particularly beneficial for individuals who are at risk of developing ulcers due to factors such as weight or immobility.
On the other hand, changeable force bedding futons focus on improving force redistribution, body juice circulation, and pain relief. They accomplish this by using aircells that inflate and deflate, shifting force from different parts of the body. This dynamic force redistribution helps prevent the development of ulcers and promotes overall comfort for the patient.
Both categories of bedding futons require airpumps to maintain the desired levels of pressure. These pumps are also responsible for adjusting the force based on the patient’s position and weight.
Additionally, both low airloss and changeable force bedding futons come with covers, hoses, and airbladders, which are essential components for prevention and treatment purposes.
Benefits of Alternating Pressure Mattresses
Both categories of bedding futons have their own benefits, but changeable force bedding futons provide relief from pain, redistribution of pressure, and better body juice circulation.
Their aircells inflate and deflate alternately to shift force off different parts of the body. They require an airpump to maintain the desired force level and adjust to the patient’s position and weight.
Other features include airbladders, covers, hoses, mattress topper overlays, optimal mattress drying periods, and loss mattress systems for selecting the right tight top bed.
With these benefits in mind, it’s important to consider any potential risks before making a decision on which category is best for you.
The Cons
As a healthcare provider, I am well aware of the pros and cons of both low airloss bedding futons and changeable force bedding futons.
Low airloss bedding futons may be beneficial for patients who need wound therapy or dampness control but they can be quite noisy due to their airpumps.
Alternating force bedding futons are excellent for providing force redistribution and pain relief, however they can become uncomfortable when they don’t have enough air in them.
Both categories of bedding futons also require regular maintenance such as changing out hoses or covers.
Drawbacks of Low Air Loss Mattresses
You may find that low airloss bedding futons require constant attention and adjustment to maintain the desired force level.
Air pumps must be used to adjust settings for patient position and weight.
Mattress covers, hoses, and airbladders need periodic replacement.
Selling a pre-owned low airloss mattress isn’t always possible due to system breakdowns.
Alternating force bedding futons may provide better long-term value than an airbed with a mattress topper overlay.
Drawbacks of Alternating Pressure Mattresses
Although they may offer more long-term value, changeable force bedding futons require frequent maintenance and replacement of components like covers, hoses, and airbladders. This can be especially difficult if the mattress is a topper overlay or stored in an unconventional way.
Search features are limited when trying to find the best way to store a mattress, let alone selling pre-owned ones with no warranty in terms of quality for mattress topper overlay storage.
Although an airbed pump may help reinflate these bedding futons, using a heating pad on an airbed is not recommended due to safety risks.
Comparing Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattresses in Terms of Features
I’m here to talk about the features of low airloss and changeable force bedding futons.
Both categories of mattress have similar design elements such as airbladders, covers, and hoses. They also both require an airpump to maintain the desired force level and adjust to the patient’s position and weight.
Each category has different functionality that offers unique benefits:
- Low airloss bedding futons are great for wound therapy, dampness control, or comfort.
- Alternating force bedding futons provide pain relief, body juice circulation, or force redistribution.
Depending on your needs, one of these bedding futons may be just what you’re looking for in terms of comfort and ideal use cases.
Designs
Both low airloss and alternating force bedding futons require airpumps to maintain the desired force level and adjust to you. They have airbladders that inflate and deflate alternately, covers for extra protection, hoses to connect the pump and mattress together, and mattress topper overlays for added cushioning.
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Low airloss vs alternating force bedding futons— it’s your choice in comfort!
Functionality
Functionality-wise, both low airloss bedding futons and alternating force bedding futons require airpumps and have airbladders, covers, and hoses.
Low airloss bedding futons facilitate wound therapy, dampness control, or comfort. They are designed to provide a constant flow of air to keep the skin dry and prevent sores. These bedding futons can also be used in combination with other therapies for full healing effects.
On the other hand, alternating force bedding futons promote force redistribution, body juice circulation, or pain relief. They work by continuously changing the force points on the body, which helps to prevent the formation of force ulcers. The airpump is necessary to maintain the desired force level and adjust to the patient’s position and weight.
Benefits
They offer many benefits, such as wound therapy, dampness control, force redistribution, improved body juice circulation, and pain relief.
Low airloss bedding futons and alternating force bedding futons both provide:
- Comfort for those in need of wound care
- Moisture control to keep skin dry
- Pressure redistribution to reduce the risk of ulcers
- Blood flow stimulation for healthy circulation.
These features make them ideal for any patient who needs support with these issues.
Now let’s take a look at the ideal use cases for each category of mattress.
Ideal Use Cases
If you’re in need of wound care, dampness control, force relief, or improved body juice flow, these bedding futons can be the ideal solution.
Low airloss bedding futons have small holes that release air to keep the skin dry and reduce force – making them suitable for those needing wound therapy.
Alternating pressure bedding futons feature air cells that inflate and deflate alternately to shift pressure from different areas of the body – perfect for those requiring redistribution, circulation, or pain relief.
Both categories require an airpump to adjust to position and weight while also featuring bladders, covers, and hoses.
Ultimately, it’s important to select a mattress based on your specific needs.
Comfort
You’ll be comfortable with either category of mattress as they both provide wound therapy, dampness control, and pressure relief. Both are fitted with airpumps to maintain the desired pressure level and adjust to your position and weight.
Here’s what else you can expect:
- Air bladders that adapt to your body shape for comfort
- Covers that protect against fluids or dirt from getting inside the mattress
- Hoses connecting the pump to the mattress for air circulation
- Inflating/deflating air cells shifting pressure from different parts of your body.
Whether it’s a low airloss or alternating pressure mattress, you’ll sleep better knowing you’re in good hands.
Maintenance
Maintaining either of these bedding futons is easy. They both require pumps to adjust pressure levels and have similar features like airbladders, covers, and hoses.
Low airloss bedding futons need an airpump to keep the skin dry and reduce pressure. Alternating pressure bedding futons need one to shift pressure from different parts of the body.
Both types of mattress also require periodic cleaning and inspection for leaks or other damages. To ensure maximum comfort, a qualified technician should be consulted for proper setup of the mattress’ settings. The technician will use an air gauge to check that all components are working properly.
All in all, with proper maintenance and upkeep, both low airloss and alternating pressure bedding futons can provide great relief for patients looking for wound therapy or pain relief.
Choosing Between a Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattress
Choosing between a low airloss mattress and a changeable pressure mattress can be tricky, so it’s important to learn the differences between them.
- Low airloss bedding futons have holes that release air to keep the skin dry and reduce pressure.
- Alternating pressure bedding futons have air cells that inflate and deflate alternately to shift pressure from different parts of the body.
- Both types of bedding futons require an airpump for desired pressure level adjustment.
- They also share design elements such as bladders, covers, and hoses.
Knowing the distinctions between these two types of bedding futons can help make better decisions about which category is best for different types of patients.
Other Alternative Mattress Options
Other mattress options, such as foam bedding futons and waterbeds, are also available for patients who need comfort and pressure relief.
Foam bedding futons contour to the body and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers by redistributing weight evenly.
Waterbeds use a layer of water-filled plastic cells to provide cushioning and support for patients with reduced mobility.
These bedding futons may be used in combination with low airloss or alternating pressure bedding futons in order to achieve optimal comfort levels.
Both types of mattress systems require regular maintenance to ensure that they remain functional and hygienic.
Additionally, covers should always be used to protect them from dirt, dust, dampness, or any other contaminants that could damage the system’s components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In conclusion, low airloss bedding futons and alternating pressure bedding futons are both effective solutions for those suffering from pressure ulcers.
Low airloss bedding futons provide dampness control and comfort, while alternating pressure bedding futons redistribute pressure and improve circulation.
Each mattress has its own features, so it’s important to consider what works best for you when making a decision.
Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to understanding your specific needs and finding the mattress that meets them.
