Understanding Air Mattresses for Pressure Sores
Hospital bed air mattresses are designed to improve comfort, prevent pressure ulcers, and support healing for patients with limited mobility. Unlike regular mattresses, they use alternating pressure systems that inflate and deflate in cycles to reduce pressure points, promote circulation, and evenly distribute weight. Widely used in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care, these mattresses often include features like adjustable firmness, CPR deflation valves, and antimicrobial covers for added safety and hygiene.
Common types include alternating pressure, low air loss, and combination mattresses. Alternating pressure models shift air between sections to relieve pressure, while low air loss systems circulate air to keep the skin dry and healthy. Combination models offer both benefits, making them ideal for high-risk patients. Routine maintenance—checking pumps, cleaning surfaces, and inspecting air cells—is essential. Choosing the right type based on the patient’s condition ensures comfort and effective care.
Types of Hospital Bed Air Mattress
Alternating Pressure Mattresses (APMs):
Alternating Pressure Mattresses use a system of air cells that inflate and deflate in cycles—typically every 10–15 minutes—to reduce prolonged pressure on any one area of the body. This helps prevent pressure ulcers in immobile patients.
APMs are especially helpful for those at high risk of skin breakdown due to conditions like poor circulation or extended bedrest. Many models offer customizable settings and some include automatic pressure adjustments based on patient movement or weight.
While the pump noise and reliance on power can be drawbacks, APMs remain a top choice in both acute and long-term care settings for preventing and treating early-stage pressure sores. Routine checks ensure proper function and patient comfort.
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Low Air Loss (LAL) Mattresses:
Low Air Loss (LAL) Mattresses provide passive pressure relief while managing moisture—key for preventing skin breakdown. They use air cells with tiny holes to create a “floating” effect, allowing airflow that cools the skin and reduces humidity, heat, and friction.
Unlike alternating pressure systems, LALs maintain continuous airflow to manage the skin's microclimate, helping with odor control and healing of stage 2+ pressure ulcers. They’re quieter, fit standard hospital beds, and are ideal for patients with incontinence or heavy sweating. While less dynamic, their constant support can be gentler for sensitive patients. Regular maintenance is required to ensure proper function.
Hybrid Mattresses:
Hybrid mattresses blend foam and air technologies to offer both comfort and therapeutic support. Typically built with a high-density foam base for pressure relief and stability, they also include air cells that can be adjusted manually or automatically—operating in either static or alternating pressure modes. This makes them ideal for step-down units or home care settings, where both support and comfort are critical. Even in a power outage, the foam provides continuous support.
Many models also include low air loss features to improve skin microclimate and help prevent pressure ulcers. Their modular design—often with detachable pumps—allows caregivers to switch between passive (foam-only) and active (powered-air) modes, offering flexibility and cost efficiency. While they require some training to use effectively, hybrid mattresses are well-suited for patients at moderate risk or transitioning to more independent care.
Top-Rated for Air Pressure Mattress for Hospital Bed
Prius Duet Mattress System
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Multi-Therapy Integration: Combines Low Air Loss, Pulsation, 3-1 Alternation, Static, and 40° Lateral Rotation therapies in a single system. ​
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Auto-Set Function: Automatically adjusts pressure based on patient's height and weight for optimal comfort and support. ​
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Fowler Mode: Detects bed frame angle changes and adjusts pressure accordingly, maintaining therapeutic benefits when the patient is in an upright position.
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Patient Care Mode: Provides rapid maximum inflation to assist medical staff during patient transfers and bedside treatments. ​
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Weight Capacity: Supports patients up to 700 lbs, accommodating a wide range of patient needs.
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Safety Features: Includes visual and audio alarms for power failure, bed exit, and bottoming out, with an alarm mute function and keypad lock-out. ​
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CPR Quick Release: Allows for rapid deflation of the mattress within 20 seconds in emergency situations. ​
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Modular Design: Features 18 modular air cells for easy cleaning and maintenance. ​
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Cover Material: High vapor permeable and quilted nylon cover reduces shear and friction, enhancing patient comfort. ​
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Control Unit: Equipped with a user-friendly LCD control panel and integrated cable management to keep cords organized and off the floor.
Protekt Aire 3000
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Type: Alternating Pressure & Low Air Loss Mattress System
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Purpose: Designed for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (up to Stage IV).
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Air Flow: Low air loss system provides continuous airflow to wick away moisture and keep the skin dry.
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Alternating Pressure: Inflates and deflates air cells alternately to relieve pressure points on the body.
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Pump Specs:
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Whisper-quiet operation
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Adjustable pressure settings for customized support
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Static mode and alternating pressure mode
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Mattress Construction:
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20 air bladders with laser holes for optimal moisture reduction
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Cell-on-cell design for emergency CPR support
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CPR Valve: Rapid deflation for emergencies
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Weight Capacity: Typically supports up to 350 lbs
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Cover: Waterproof, vapor-permeable, and anti-microbial cover
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Ideal Users: Bedridden patients or those with limited mobility at risk for skin breakdown.
Key Benefits for Medical Air Mattress for Bed Sores
- Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Alternating pressure mattresses help prevent bedsores by regularly shifting pressure points through alternating air cell inflation. This reduces prolonged pressure on skin, especially over bony areas, promoting tissue recovery and preventing ulcers that could lead to serious infections.
- Enhanced Circulation: These mattresses boost blood flow by mimicking a light massage, aiding in the prevention of issues like DVT and edema. Improved circulation speeds up healing and reduces recovery time, especially valuable for immobile, post-op, or elderly patients.
- Customized Support: Modern models offer adjustable firmness to suit individual needs based on weight and condition. This ensures proper support and comfort, with advanced systems allowing remote or panel-based fine-tuning as patient conditions change.
- Ease of Maintenance: Designed for hygiene, these mattresses include waterproof, antimicrobial covers that are easy to clean. Some have washable components and alert systems for leaks or issues, saving time and preventing cross-contamination.
Drive Medical Med-Aire Plus
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Purpose: Designed for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (bedsores) in patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
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Technology:
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Alternating Pressure: Cycles air through different mattress cells to reduce prolonged pressure on any single area.
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Low Air Loss: Provides continuous airflow to help keep skin dry and cool.
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Mattress Composition:
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20 individual air bladders, some with laser holes for air circulation.
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Removable, fluid-resistant, and anti-microbial stretch cover.
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Pump/Control Unit:
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Quiet, user-friendly digital pump with adjustable pressure settings.
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Offers multiple comfort settings and cycle time options.
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Safety Features:
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CPR valve for rapid deflation.
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Air pressure alarms and power failure alerts.
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Use Cases: Ideal for long-term care, hospitals, and home care settings.
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Weight Capacity: Supports patients up to 350 lbs (varies slightly by model).
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Dimensions: Generally around 80" L x 36" W x 8" H (can vary by model).
Invacare microAIR MA900
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Type: Lateral Rotation Low Air Loss mattress system
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Purpose: Designed to aid in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers
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Key Features:
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Lateral Rotation Therapy: Provides continuous lateral rotation to assist with pulmonary therapy and pressure relief
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Low Air Loss Technology: Delivers a flow rate of 1275 liters per minute to help maintain a dry and comfortable skin environment
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Adjustable Cycle Times: Customizable rotation cycles ranging from 3 to 95 minutes to meet individual patient needs
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Comfort Settings: Offers 10 adjustable comfort settings for personalized pressure redistribution
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Additional Benefits:
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Helps reduce caregiver strain by automating patient turning
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Supports skin integrity through enhanced microclimate management
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Lumex Select LS300
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Therapeutic Design: Combines alternating pressure and low air loss technologies to enhance pressure management and skin protection.​
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2:1 Alternating Cycle: Ensures that half of the body is always supported by inflating and deflating air cells in a 2:1 cycle, promoting effective pressure redistribution.
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Cell-on-Cell Technology: Features a dual-layer air cell design where the bottom cells remain inflated during power outages, providing added safety and comfort.​
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Adjustable Alternation Times: Offers cycle time settings of 10, 15, or 20 minutes, allowing customization based on patient needs.​
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Comfort Settings: Includes five adjustable comfort levels and an Auto Firm feature for rapid mattress inflation, facilitating patient transfers.​
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Static Mode: Allows caregivers to stop the alternating function, providing continuous low air loss therapy when needed.
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Safety Features:
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Low Pressure Alarm: Alerts caregivers to pressure drops; can be temporarily muted for 20 minutes.
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Quick Release CPR Valve: Enables rapid deflation in emergency situations.​
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User-Friendly Design:
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Footboard Mounting Hanger: Facilitates convenient placement and storage.
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Fully Zippered Quilted Cover: Enhances patient comfort and simplifies cleaning.​
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Specifications:
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Dimensions: 36" x 80" x 8"
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Weight Capacity: Supports up to 450 lbs (204.1 kg) evenly distributed
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Warranty: 2 years for the pump; 1 year for the mattress​
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HCPCS Code: E0277 (qualifies for insurance reimbursement)
Purchasing Tips for Air Pressure Mattress
Assess Patient Needs: Consider the patient's risk level for pressure ulcers, mobility, and overall health condition.​
Check Compatibility: Ensure the mattress dimensions align with the hospital bed frame.​
Evaluate Features: Look for features like adjustable firmness, quiet operation, and ease of cleaning.​
Budget Considerations: While investing in quality is essential, there are options available across various price points to suit different budgets.​
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Invacare
Invacare microAIR MA600 Alternating Pressure Mattress System - 36" x 80"
MSRP: $4,274New Leaf Price: $1,549 -
Drive Medical
Med-Aire Plus Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress System, 42" & 48"W
MSRP: $4,157New Leaf Price: $1,890 -
Span America
PressureGuard APM 2.0 w/ Alternating Pressure & Lateral Rotation — 35"W to 42"W
New Leaf Price: $1,969 -
Protekt
Protekt Aire 9900 True Low Air Loss Mattress System w/ Alternating Pressure & Pulsation, 36" x 80"
MSRP: $3,595New Leaf Price: $2,249 -
Protekt
Protekt Aire 9900 True Low Air Loss Mattress System w/ Alternating Pressure & Pulsation, 42" & 48"W
MSRP: $3,975New Leaf Price: $2,399 -
Protekt
Protekt Aire 9900 True Low Air Loss Mattress System w/ Alternating Pressure & Pulsation, 54" x 80"
MSRP: $4,574New Leaf Price: $2,746 -
On Sale!
Invacare
Invacare microAIR MA800 Alternating Pressure Mattress System w/ True Low Air Loss & Pulsation - 36" x 80"
MSRP: $5,690Was: $2,990SALE: $2,790 -
Prius
Prius Rhythm Multi Alternating Pressure w/ True Low Air Loss & Pulsation Mattress System - 36" x 80"
MSRP: $5,947New Leaf Price: $2,939 -
Drive Medical
Med-Aire Plus Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress System, 54" x 80"
MSRP: $5,850New Leaf Price: $2,949 -
Drive Medical
Masonair LS9500 Lateral Rotation Mattress w/ On-Demand Low Air Loss, 36" x 80"
MSRP: $7,280New Leaf Price: $2,999 -
Drive Medical
Med-Aire Plus Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress System, 60" x 80"
MSRP: $6,757New Leaf Price: $2,999 -
Invacare
Invacare microAIR MA800B Alternating Pressure Bariatric Mattress System w/ True Low Air Loss & Pulsation - 42" & 48"W x 80" to 84"
MSRP: $6,350New Leaf Price: $3,069 -
MOXI
Moxi BariSelect Low Air Loss Mattress with Pulse Mode, 42" to 60"W x 84"L
MSRP: $8,500New Leaf Price: $3,099 -
Protekt
Protekt Aire 9900 True Low Air Loss Mattress System w/ Alternating Pressure & Pulsation, 60" x 80"
MSRP: $5,400New Leaf Price: $3,199 -
Prius
Prius Rhythm Multi Bariatric Alternating Pressure w/ True Low Air Loss & Pulsation Mattress System - 42" & 48"W
MSRP: $6,752New Leaf Price: $3,327 -
Invacare
Invacare microAIR MA900 Lateral Rotation w/ True Low Air Loss Mattress System - 36", 42" & 48"W x 80"
MSRP: $7,125New Leaf Price: $3,749 -
Span America
PressureGuard Easy Air True Low Air Loss Therapy Mattress w/ Alternating Pressure — 35" to 42"W
MSRP: $10,266New Leaf Price: $4,286 -
Span America
PressureGuard Easy Air XL Bariatric True Low-Air-Loss Therapy Mattress w/ Alternating Pressure — 42" to 53"W
MSRP: $11,761New Leaf Price: $4,529