The Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief and Bedsores (2023)

What to Look for In A Mattress for Pressure Ulcers and Bedsores

Bedsores can be dangerous if not treated with care and consideration¹. There are many features to keep in mind when searching for an accommodating mattress; we dive into the details to help you know what you're looking for.

Type of Mattress

Multiple mattress models are available for pressure ulcers; typically the best ones use bubble cells or alternating air pressure. You'll want to carefully research² how you or your loved one will be using the mattress, what the specific need is — preventative or treatment — as well as your budget.

Alternating Pressure Air Mattress

Air beds that use alternating air work by a connected series of air bubbles that are alternately inflated and deflated³ to prevent any one area from becoming overexposed to pressure. These types are also fantastic for minimizing the amount of moisture buildup that gathers around the body, which could exacerbate sores.

Additionally, this prevents the product from gliding on the skin (friction can cause ulcers) and continuous tension. These types help relieve stress through alternative bubble inflations, flexible design, and by promoting blood flow. The innovative design works to prevent dangerous bedsores and infections.

Low Air Loss Mattress

Another excellent option when choosing a mattress for bedsores is a low air loss⁴ product. These beds are powered by a blower, which works to circulate air throughout the mattress continuously.

Low air loss products are great for keeping patients dry, and these types are considerably more delicate, making them a great choice for individuals with susceptible conditions. These models can run at a higher cost and are often thought to be more challenging to set up, but they are considered more comfortable and conducive to healing.

Traditional Mattress

Traditional mattresses can also be used when trying to eliminate or prevent pressure relief. In fact, the American College of Physicians⁵ recommends traditional mattresses made of foam or gel that cradle you and don’t move much as this could help reduce friction.

Sleeping Position

Bedsores are common in those who are bedridden, in a wheelchair, or otherwise unable to sense pain⁶. For those with or at risk for pressure ulcers, it is recommended that they reposition frequently⁷ to diminish the chances of obtaining bedsores.

According to the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP)⁸, side sleeping may be your best bet when it comes to preventing many pressure ulcers. However, even if you sleep on your side, if you are in an at-risk group for bedsores, you may still want to change positions frequently.

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers

When loved ones become immobile and are bound to a bed or wheelchair, weight gain is typical due to the lack of exercise and movement. Once you realize they need a particular mattress to prevent or treat ulcers, be sure to check the weight capacity and account for possible weight gain. For example, if they weigh 160 pounds, get one that supports 260 pounds to be safe.

Read more about mattresses for heavy sleepers here.

Firmness

When you have pressure sores, the best thing you can do is stick with a mattress firmness level that offers the most pressure relief for your sleep position. However, this does not mean you should run right out and get the softest mattress you can find.

Getting a too-soft mattress for your sleep position can leave you with poor body alignment, which could lead to back pain. Generally speaking, you should try to stick to the mattress firmness level that most closely matches your sleep style and body type, and perhaps go down one firmness level to account for your increased need for pressure relief.

Cooling

Although cooling mattresses may not directly affect pressure ulcers and bedsores, they can provide overall comfort. Given that many people who develop these types of wounds spend much, if not all, of their time in bed, mattresses with cooling gels and breathable materials like coils, latex, or cotton may help prevent overheating.

Motion Isolation

The American College of Physicians recommends beds made of foam or gel that don’t move much. As such, foam mattresses that prevent motion transfer would likely be a good choice for these people because these mattresses are likely to absorb the kind of motion that could cause friction, which is one of the ways that bed sores occur.

Memory foam is one of the best materials for motion isolation, and if you want a bed with coils, look for ones that are individually wrapped to curb motion transfer.

Pressure Relief

Considering that ulcers and bedsores often develop from a buildup in pressure⁹, beds that evenly distribute body weight and keep the spine in a supported, neutral position can offer relief to spots where the pressure may typically build up, such as the hips and lower back. However, the amount of pressure relief that is offered will also depend on body weight and sleep position. For example, lightweight sleepers won’t get as much pressure relief on a firmer mattress as a heavier-set person would.

Edge Support

If a bed has good edge support, it means that you will feel supported when sitting or sleeping on the edge of the bed. If you feel as if you are falling off when sleeping or sitting on the edge of the bed, then your mattress likely doesn’t have good edge support.

Often, those with bedsores are immobile or incapacitated to some degree. Therefore, good edge support can help provide them with an extra level of security. Furthermore, if they have a nurse or caregiver who manually moves them, good edge support will give these people a larger surface area to work with.

Budget

Some budget mattresses may work just fine considering the specific need or the individual resting on the product; however, keep in mind how it will be utilized. It's wise to invest in a high-end bed if the damage to the body is already significant. However, if the product is only used preventatively or won't be used for a long time, the price may not be an essential factor.