Rehabmart offers many different types of pressure relief mattresses at discount prices. Visit our low air mattress page to view the different products we have to offer!

How to Prevent and Treat Pressure Ulcers with Low Air Loss Therapy


If you have ever been confined to bed for any length of time, you probably understand how bedridden people can develop pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores.  Lack of movement greatly reduces circulation in the body, and pressure against the skin reduces blood supply to that area and the affected tissue dies.  Pressure ulcers start as a red area of the skin that does not turn white when pressed.  This develops into a blister or open sore and then forms a crater.  Pressure ulcers are very painful and tend to develop more on areas where the bones are close to the skin, such as elbows, heels, hips, ankles, shoulders, back and the back of the head, although they can certainly form anywhere on the body. 

While there are many different therapies for preventing and treating pressure ulcers such as using sheepskin and powders sprinkled on bedding to reduce friction, one of the best and most proven therapies is to use a Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure mattress.  Rehabmart is proud to introduce the Plexus AIRE SELECT Alternating Pressure and LAL Mattress System to their current selection of alternating pressure mattresses.

The longer it takes for any wound to heal, the greater the risk of infection, re-hospitalization or surgery.  Anyone with circulatory issues such as those with diabetes, severe burns or obesity, or individuals who are unable to move due to brain injuries or disabilities can benefit greatly from using the Plexus AIRE SELECT Alternating Pressure and LAL Mattress System. Designed using Plexus® 3 layer air channeling technology, this overlay mattress not only provides effective pressure redistribution, but by combining the overlay with the microprocessor-controlled pump, it provides direct low air loss at the interface of the patient and the support surface to assist in managing the microclimate to help prevent skin maceration.
  
From library.rehabmart.com
  
This system features 20 nylon-coated 8 inch high air cells that circulate over 100 liters of air per minute to reduce heat and moisture which helps to manage the patient microclimate at all times.  Alternating pressure cycles every five minutes, enhancing the total therapy provided by this amazing mattress system.  A foam base provides additional protection during power failures, while the patient settings are automatically restored once the power comes back on.

The lightweight and compact controller pump operates very quietly, and easily attaches to the foot of any bed.  This user-friendly control unit provides multiple pressure adjustment settings to customize the therapy needed at any given time. It also automatically senses changes in pressure and makes adjustments to maintain the desired pressure and support at all times.  An alarm will sound if the pressure is not being perfectly maintained.

The quilted Plexus® nylon top cover reduces shear, friction and moisture build-up and an optional machine-washable nylon cover is also available.  An optional Dual Function Foot Stop/ZIP Cushion helps prevent foot drop, while eliminating pressure by floating the heels.

The Plexus AIRE SELECT Alternating Pressure and LAL Mattress System also saves a lot of money over time for the regular user compared to renting comparable systems.  If you or a loved one are bedridden and unable to move on your own, this alternating pressure and low air loss system is highly recommended by many satisfied users all over the world.  This system has been approved to prevent and effectively treat all stages of pressure ulcers and can accommodate weight up to 700 pounds.
 
To view more pressure relief mattresses, please go to the Pressure Relief Mattress page.
 
 
 
Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO