ORTHOPAEDIC MATTRESS - Air Mattresses

Air mattresses

Orthopaedic air mattresses are composed of a series of air pockets with individual inflation and deflation controls for each pocket. The unique feature of the air mattress is that it allows adjustments to be made to different sections or zones of a mattress. This means that pressure can be added or relieved to localized body areas based on discomfort, or specific support requirements.

As a general guide, orthopaedic air mattresses see their use restricted to hospitals and patients with extreme conditions where high sensitivity to pressure can cause pain or sores.

Air mattresses at home

Orthopaedic air mattresses are completely different mattresses to put-me-up or camping mattresses and their use is purely medical. The air mattress is rarely seen in the home, but it can be used to ease the suffering of patients with limited mobility, joint problems or bedsores.

Air pocket mattresses are definitely in the premium price range when it comes to the orthopaedic mattress category. This is because they allow independent inflation and pressurization of the different pockets of the mattress using a remote control unit. This control allows the airbed to be adjusted at any moment in a highly controlled, but impact free way.

The top surface layer of an air mattress may include additional padding that utilizes a material like memory foam and any rails around the bed will usually have a soft or padded finish.

Manufacturers of orthopaedic airbeds often describe their products with terms like "electric profiling beds".

Airbeds

Airbeds are inflatable mattresses used for recreation (e.g. camping) and as put-me-up beds. They are cheap beds designed for short periods of use and they are generally made of textile-reinforced plastic. The support is achieved by means of filling the mattress with compressed air. This kind of bed has no orthopaedic properties and should only be used as a temporary measure for someone in good health.

Air mattresses are usually inflated by an electric pump and fold away for storage when not in use.