If you are looking for a mattress to use for people who are bedridden or facing any kind of injuries, then we have two options in the market that are Low air loss mattress and an Alternating pressure mattress. There are many varieties of technologies that are used in these kinds of mattresses.
Alternating pressure low air loss mattress systems (Apm mattress) stimulate blood flow with pressure redistribution; the skin is nourished. There are some Zero pressure mattresses in the market that give you ultimate comfort and support. There are many best alternating pressure mattresses in the market that you can choose according to your own requirements.
You might wonder which one is a better option, the Low air loss mattress or the Alternating pressure mattress; here we are reviewing these two mattresses, so if you want to make an informed decision, then you should keep reading.
Low Air Loss Mattress Vs Alternating Pressure Mattress Comparison Table
| Point | Low Air Loss Mattress | Alternating Pressure Mattress |
| Construction | It is made of Unique castellated cells that improve comfort and pressure reduction. | It is designed to solve the pressure ulcers and pressure sores of patients. |
| Durable | The polyurethane base of the mattress increases the lifespan of the mattress. | The mattress made of medical-grade vinyl increases its durability. |
| Easy to Clean | The removable cover makes it very easy to clean. | The Alternating pressure mattress is very easy to clean. |
| Edge Support | The Low air mattress provides effective edge support. | It reduces all pressure points and provides great support to the body. |
| Weight Capacity | The low air mattress can handle a weight of up to 500 lbs. | The Alternating pressure mattress can handle a weight of up to 275 lbs. |
Difference Between Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattress?
We are comparing the Low air loss mattress and Alternating pressure mattress, but first let’s see what are these mattresses, their pros, cons, and features.
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What is a Low Air Loss Mattress?
If you are a patient who spends most of the time temporarily or permanently on the bed, then this is a very good option for you. These are medical mattresses that are used for ulcers and wounds caused which are because of pressure on some body parts. If you don’t use these mattresses and treat them well, then you might face some serious consequences.
This mattress has some tubes that are filled with air, and when you lie on this mattress, it releases air after some time to ensure that your body parts are not in one posture for a long time because that can hurt the patient.
How it Works
This mattress is a great option for pressure ulcer patients. It evenly distributes the air and, after some time, releases it for the balanced support of your body parts. It is very effective for pressure ulcer patients. The advanced air passing technology not only helps the patient in reducing pressure but also helps the patient to stay dry from sweat and water.
Specifications
| Brand | Invacare |
| Colour | Blue |
| Construction Type | Foam Construction |
| Height | 6 inches |
| Material | Foam Construction |
| Length & Width | 84 x 36 inches |
| Dimensions | 84 inches x 36 inches x 6 inches |
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Features
It is one of the very popular mattresses among ulcer patients due to its Unique castellated cells construction that distributes the pressure equally among all your body parts and increases the body contact area with the mattress.
It comes with a concealed zipper cover that allows you to remove it easily and a machine wash that also reduces the risk of fluid ingress. It is very easy to operate because you just press one button, and the pump quietly inflates the air, and you can easily use it.
The mattress is made of Heavy-gauge medical grade vinyl material that makes it a very durable mattress, but it is not for heavyweight sleepers and can hold up to 500 lbs weight.
What is an Alternating Pressure Mattress?
The airflow is controlled by a pump attached to the bed’s footboard, allowing one to choose how far to direct the airflow. The pump is also responsible for the motion of the inner mattress, so the patient is greatly relieved of bedsores thanks to frequent movement of the inner mattress.
How it Works
A bladder filled with air is slowly filled and deflated so that air is circulated. In the case of losing one bladder, the other will fill up with air before the mattress moves up and down in order to ensure that no disruption of sleep occurs to the patient, the head of the part moves. The patient doesn’t even realize it’s happening. A bladder cycle lasts around 10 minutes from the first to the last bladder fill up.
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Specifications
| Brand | Graham-Field |
| Colour | Brown |
| Construction Type | Plastic Construction |
| Height | 78 inches |
| Material | Medical-grade vinyl |
| Length | 34 inches |
| Dimensions | 78 inches x 68 inches x 5 inches |
Features
This is a mattress for people that are suffering from pressure ulcers or pressure sores. It helps you to distribute the weight of the pressure points for the people who are not able to do it by themselves. It comes with an automatic system that inflates and deflates the air to reduce the pressure points.
This mattress has a 120-volt pump that quietly fills the bubbles of the mattress. It is very easy to operate because of the on/off switch buttons. If you want to install it on the bed or side table, then it comes with a built-in mounting bracket that makes it very easy to install.
The mattress is very durable because it is made of Heavy-gauge medical-grade vinyl, and the removable cover makes it very easy to clean. If you are someone below the weight of 275 lbs, then this mattress is suitable for you.
Who Should Choose the Alternating Pressure Mattress?
If you are suffering from Grade 3 and Grade 4 ulcers, then this medical mattress is recommended by medical experts. There are many other diseases for which the medical experts recommend these mattresses.
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Who Should Choose the Low Air Loss mattress?
Patients with spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, or other medical conditions who experience pressure wounds may benefit from the use of low air loss mattresses. Low air loss mattresses are well suited for both prevention and treatment of these wounds in patients who are immobile or lack adequate sensory perception.
Comparison between the Low Air Mattress Vs. Alternating Pressure Mattress
Both these mattresses are very popular and used by people who are suffering from different diseases. It reduces the chances of skin breakdown and provides an ultimate comfortable environment for the patients. But these mattresses are used for different medical conditions.
If you are looking for a mattress that would improve your blood circulation and provide great comfort, then you should go for the Alternating pressure mattress, but on the other hand, if you want a mattress for better airflow and moisture control, then you should go for the Low air mattress.
Low Air Loss Mattress vs Alternating Pressure Mattress? – FAQs
Our Verdict
The low air mattress and alternating pressure mattress are some of the best medical mattresses in the market that are used for patients with Pressure sores and ulcers. We reviewed these two mattresses and mentioned their pros and cons, so you can make informed decisions about your mattress.
You might be thinking about which one is better among these two mattresses, so both are good and used for different purposes like if you are looking for a mattress to improve blood circulation and flow, then you should go for the Alternating pressure mattress.
But if your preference is to get a mattress with good airflow and comfort, then you should go for the low air loss mattress. So, no one is better, but both are used for different purposes. You can select these according to your use.
