How to Choose the Right Mattress for Pressure Relief – Med Mart

If you or a loved one spends extended time in bed due to mobility issues, choosing the right mattress is crucial. The wrong surface can lead to discomfort, poor sleep, or even pressure sores—also known as bedsores.

Whether you're looking to prevent skin breakdown or manage an existing condition, this guide will help you choose a pressure relief mattress that matches your needs.

Why Pressure Relief Matters

When a person lies in one position too long, pressure builds on certain areas of the body—usually the back, hips, tailbone, heels, and shoulders. Without proper support and circulation, this can cause:

Skin irritation
Pain or discomfort
Pressure ulcers (sores)

The right mattress helps by relieving pressure, controlling heat and moisture, and distributing weight evenly.

1. Start With the Patient’s Current Condition

Ask yourself a few key questions:

Does the person already have pressure sores or skin at risk?
Are they able to shift positions on their own?
What are their medical conditions (e.g., stroke, paralysis, ALS, etc.)?
Do they experience excessive sweating or skin moisture?

These answers will guide you toward the best type of pressure-relief mattress.

2. Consider Weight and Height

Mattresses perform differently based on body size.

For lighter individuals, softer support surfaces may be sufficient.
For heavier individuals, look for mattresses with high weight capacities and firm support layers that won’t compress too much.
Always ensure the mattress matches the bed width and length (standard, bariatric, or extra-long sizes).

3. Match the Mattress to the Level of Care Needed

Here are the most common types of pressure-relief mattresses:

Foam Mattresses

Ideal for low to moderate risk users
Contours to the body and helps distribute weight evenly
Available in layered and contoured styles for added support

Alternating Pressure Mattresses

Best for high-risk or immobile users
Uses a pump to shift air between chambers, relieving pressure points
Often includes features like low air loss (for moisture control)

Low Air Loss Mattresses

Excellent for moisture control and skin protection
Allows air to circulate under the user, keeping the skin dry and cool
Helps manage heat and sweat buildup

Combination Mattresses (Alternating + Low Air Loss)

Designed for serious conditions like stage 3-4 pressure sores
Offers both pressure redistribution and skin cooling
Often used in hospital or long-term care settings

Mattress Type	Best For	Key Benefits	Risk Level
Foam Mattress	Users with some mobility	Contours to body, improves comfort, low maintenance	Low to Moderate Risk
Alternating Pressure	Users who are mostly immobile	Air cells inflate/deflate to reduce pressure points	Moderate to High Risk
Low Air Loss Mattress	Users with moisture or heat concerns	Promotes airflow, helps manage skin temperature and moisture	Moderate to High Risk
Alternating + Low Air Loss	Users with existing pressure sores or paralysis	Combines pressure relief with moisture control	High to Very High Risk
Bariatric Mattress	Users over 350 lbs	Higher weight capacity, firm support, wider sizing options	Any Risk Level

4. Other Features to Consider

Side bolsters for added safety and fall prevention
Adjustable firmness settings for changing needs
Easy-to-clean materials for hygiene and maintenance
Battery backup in case of power loss (for air mattresses)

Still Unsure? Let Us Help.

Finding the right mattress can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Call us at 888-413-8994, and our product experts will guide you based on your specific needs, medical situation, and budget.

Related to