Choosing the Right Pressure Care Solution: Static Mattresses
Pressure ulcers, often known as bedsores, remain a significant concern for individuals with limited mobility or those who spend extended periods in bed. These painful wounds develop when prolonged pressure on the skin restricts blood flow, leading to tissue damage. Selecting the correct pressure care solution is crucial for both preventing new ulcers and managing existing ones. While active mattresses offer dynamic support, static mattresses play a vital role in a comprehensive pressure care strategy.
What is a Static Mattress?
A static mattress is a non-powered pressure redistribution mattress designed to conform to the user’s body shape. Unlike active mattresses that use alternating air cells, static mattresses rely on advanced foam technologies and construction to achieve pressure relief. They work by:
- Immersion: Allowing the body to sink into the mattress, increasing the contact area.
- Envelopment: Conforming closely to the body’s contours, distributing pressure more evenly.
This combination helps to reduce peak pressure points, improve blood flow, and minimise shear and friction forces, all of which are critical in preventing tissue damage.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Static Mattress:
Selecting the right static mattress involves a careful assessment of several factors to ensure optimal comfort and clinical effectiveness:
- Risk Level: The user’s risk level for developing pressure ulcers is paramount. This is typically assessed using a validated risk assessment tool, such as the Waterlow or Braden scale. Static mattresses are generally suitable for individuals at low to very high risk, depending on their specific design and materials.
- User Needs: Consider the individual’s weight, height, mobility, and any existing medical conditions. A mattress must be able to support the user’s weight effectively without bottoming out.
Mattress Features:
- Material Composition: Look for high-quality foams (e.g., viscoelastic, high-resilience) that offer excellent pressure redistribution properties.
- Zoning: Some mattresses feature different foam densities or cuts in specific areas to provide targeted pressure relief for vulnerable body parts.
- Cover Properties: A multi-stretch, vapour-permeable, and water-resistant cover is essential for skin integrity, hygiene, and durability.
- Stability: Ensure the mattress provides good stability for patient transfers and repositioning.
- Profiling Compatibility: The mattress must be compatible with profiling beds to ensure it articulates correctly without compromising its pressure-relieving properties.
Recommended Static Mattresses from Harvest:
Harvest offers a range of high-quality static mattresses, each designed to meet diverse pressure care needs and provide exceptional comfort:
Visco MultiZone Mattress: Our enhanced static mattress, the Visco MultiZone, features specialist foam “zones” strategically positioned across key areas of the mattress. This varying firmness allows for greater immersion and envelopment around the most vulnerable parts of the body, leading to superior pressure redistribution. It provides additional support where needed most, often reducing the need for dynamic mattresses. Proudly made in the UK and assembled by Harvest, it’s lighter than previous models and includes complete corners to minimise entrapment risks.
Discover the Visco MultiZone Mattress here
Prime Comfort Plus Static Mattress: The Prime Comfort Plus is an excellent static mattress known for providing great patient comfort and excellent pressure redistribution. Its clever side wall construction encases the foam, enhancing stability for the patient and assisting in transfers. A castellated foam top allows excess heat to escape, preventing overheating. Keyhole slots in the high-density base aid profiling, ensuring seamless integration with profiling beds.
Explore the Prime Comfort Plus Static Mattress here
Community Plus Static Mattress: The Community Plus Static Mattress is a highly versatile and cost-effective solution, suitable for patients at medium to high risk of developing pressure ulcers. Built with high-resilience CMHR foam, it offers excellent pressure distribution and comfort. Supplied with a four-way stretch, vapour-permeable, water-resistant PU cover, it’s designed for durability and easy cleaning. Its ability to be turned extends its service life, providing long-term value.
Learn more about the Community Plus Static Mattress here
Why Choose Harvest?
When you choose Harvest, you’re partnering with a provider committed to excellence in pressure care:
- Reliable and Durable Products: Our mattresses are built to last, providing consistent performance and peace of mind.
- Comprehensive Warranty: All our static mattresses come with a robust warranty for added reassurance.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: We offer a range of pressure care solutions designed to fit various budgets without compromising on quality.
- Servicing and Repair: Our dedicated service team provides prompt and reliable support, ensuring your mattresses remain in optimal condition.
- Mattress Management Programme: Our comprehensive programme offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to mattress replacement, with repair, cleaning, and decontamination services.
- Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training and support to ensure your staff can effectively use and maintain our pressure care solutions.
Choosing the right static mattress is a critical decision for a user’s well-being and overall care quality. Contact Harvest today to discuss your pressure care needs and find the best solution for your users.
