Hospital mattresses are usually classified according to the type of patient they are intended for. However, sometimes they are classified like household mattresses, based on the materials they are made of, because these determine important characteristics such as firmness or heat-dissipation capacity.
Today we are going to talk about hospital mattresses, types, and what to take into account when ordering those that will be used in a hospital or geriatric center. We will focus on the most commonly used classification, although we will also explain the usual compositions of the core or cover for each specific type.
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How to choose a hospital mattress?
Hospital engineering is not limited to internal communication between professionals or between patient and nurse, which is Advantencia’s area of expertise. It is a broad field that studies everything from the organization of available space in rooms and testing areas, to how to make the best use of materials and structures such as sanitary mattresses and beds with lifts.
Therefore, hospital mattress needs will vary from one healthcare center to another, depending on who the patients will be, although the general rule is to have at least one unit of every mattress type available in order to adequately care for any patient.
Most hospital mattresses can be disinfected periodically. Keep this in mind to avoid using the few models that cannot undergo this treatment once they leave the factory—for example, for immunocompromised patients.
Types of Hospital Mattresses
Clinical mattress
It is the most common type of mattress in hospitals. It has a slightly higher firmness than usual and, most importantly, it adapts perfectly to automatic or manual multiposition beds.
The different models of clinical mattresses are designed for almost any type of hospitalized patient— from someone awaiting surgery to those recovering in the ICU. They are usually sold with simple sterilization options, and the covers are made from materials such as cotton to minimize the risk of allergies, both respiratory and skin-contact related.
Anti-bedsore mattress
These are the mattresses designed for elderly patients or patients who must remain immobilized for long periods. While healthcare staff attempt to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers by changing patients’ positions several times a day, there are surgeries that require complete immobilization for a time.
When these patients must maintain a position that does not adapt to Fowler variants, anti-bedsore mattresses are the first choice.
They are also recommended for patients with circulatory problems, specific neurological injuries, and those who present urinary incontinence, due to factors that increase the risk of skin ulcers or bedsores. Do not confuse a waterproof mattress with a hospital mattress simply covered with a topper. A topper does not offer the same protection against mold or yeast formation inside as a mattress that is fully waterproof on its entire external surface.
Anti-bedsore mattresses are usually foam mattresses and therefore not waterproof. It is important to evaluate what is most relevant for each patient: whether it is low firmness and excellent adaptability of the foam, or ensuring waterproofing even if the mattress is not as soft. In some cases, certain allergies in the patient require avoiding foam as the first choice.
For patients with circulatory problems, gel mattresses may be the most suitable option.
Orthopedic mattresses
Ideal for people with severe back or hip problems, although any patient can rest well on them. These mattresses have medium to very high firmness, generally made with several cores to distribute weight more evenly across the contact surface. They may be spring-based, or made of viscoelastic materials and various cores of different firmness levels.
Bariatric mattresses
Designed to ensure proper rest for patients with severe obesity problems. More expensive, they sometimes allow the investment to be amortized thanks to greater durability.
Characteristics to consider when choosing a hospital mattress
Many hospital mattresses have two covers. On one hand, there is a cotton layer, perfect for warm climates and for patients prone to excessive sweating; and another wool cover on the opposite side, for colder months. Keep in mind that some patients may present skin sensitivity when in contact with a wool cover, which is why a hypoallergenic cover is often used.
In addition to anti-bed-sore covers, there are mattresses designed for people prone to excessive sweating or with sphincter problems. These focus on the ability to dissipate heat and moisture, and in some cases, an additional waterproof layer is added so it can be removed and cleaned easily.
Covers or top layers that help dissipate heat and moisture also reduce the risk of unwanted contamination from spores. Remember that patients with dangerous allergies to certain spores, not just pollen, are especially at risk of respiratory allergies.
Finally, check the warranty that should accompany each clinical mattress. Pay attention to its duration and, above all, to the average conditions required for it to be valid. Also check whether the manufacturer offers an estimated lifespan, even if it is not a mandatory commitment, but rather an average value.
A healthcare center must have different types of hospital mattresses, prioritizing specific ones according to the age and particularities of the average patient. The needs of a hospital are not the same as those of a center that works exclusively with elderly patients.
If you need personalized advice for a specific healthcare center, you can send us your questions through our contact form.
