A healthcare mattress is a vital piece of equipment in a hospital or care home setting. We all know how important a good night’s sleep is, even when we are only talking about sleeping on a domestic mattress at home. So, when we are looking at a healthcare mattress and the part it plays in helping patients and long-term care home residents to rest, recuperate, and recover, the state of the mattress becomes even more important. Depending on whether the patient requires proper support, pressure relief, or assistance with hygiene, there are different healthcare mattresses that suit. 

An innerspring mattress

One of the most common healthcare mattresses that are found in hospitals, an innerspring mattress is made of steel coils that are covered with fabric and padding. The coils are spread across the mattress to provide support and help distribute the weight of the patient evenly. This type of mattress also provides a firm and stable surface, with airflow encouraged to help prevent the build-up of moisture.

Foam mattresses

This type of mattress is designed to mould to the shape of the person sleeping on it, which allows for the ultimate comfort and body weight distribution based on each specific person. Various types of foam are used in the manufacturing of these mattresses, including memory foam and polyurethane foam. Foam mattresses are the best choice when there is a need for good pressure redistribution to aid in limiting and preventing bedsores and pressure ulcers. The design allows for a comfortable night’s sleep as it absorbs movement and reduces motion transfer.

Air mattress

An air mattress is made with chambers that are filled with air, allowing for the adjustment of support and firmness depending on each patient’s needs. This is a fantastic choice of mattress for a patient who requires pressure relief but in a customisable form. Alternating pressure or low air loss features are often included too, helping with patient blood circulation and limiting pressure ulcers from gaining hold.

Bariatric mattress

A mattress that is designed to support the weight of heavier patients, it is much wider and offers a robustness and increased weight capacity over traditional healthcare mattresses. Where heavier patients are concerned, a bariatric mattress provides long-term support, helping to keep the patient clean, safe, and comfortable

There are a few different types of healthcare mattresses to choose from, each suitable to specific needs and patient types. 

What ties it all together is the robustness and quality of the mattress’s manufacturing. A sturdy mattress can make a massive difference to the state in which a patient or resident finds themselves. 

High-quality techniques, materials, and processes ensure that a mattress delivers exceptional comfort and meets specific healthcare needs, such as providing extra support, reducing bed sores and other ailments, and incorporating waterproof layers to manage consistent exposure to excess liquids.

Partnering with a mattress supplier that consistently delivers all this and more ensures patients and residents receive the best treatment and care possible.