Pressure Relief Mattress Buying Guide

Pressure Relief Mattress Buying Guide: Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Care Homes & Home Care

Choosing the right pressure relief mattress is critical for preventing pressure ulcers, ensuring patient comfort, and meeting clinical care standards. This comprehensive guide helps you select the most appropriate mattress based on risk assessment, patient needs, and budget.

What is a Pressure Relief Mattress?

A pressure relief mattress uses advanced foam, air cells, or hybrid systems to reduce and redistribute pressure on the body, preventing pressure ulcers in at-risk patients.

Why pressure relief matters:

• Pressure ulcers affect 1 in 20 hospital patients and up to 30% of care home residents
• Treatment costs the NHS £1.4 billion annually
• Proper mattress selection reduces ulcer incidence by 60-80%
• CQC compliance requires appropriate pressure relief equipment

Types of Pressure Relief Mattresses

1. Foam Pressure Relief Mattresses

Best for: Low to high risk patients (Waterlow 10-20), care homes, home care

Key features:

• Multi-layer foam (visco-elastic, memory foam, high-resilience)
• Castellated surfaces for airflow and pressure distribution
• No power required - cost-effective, quiet
• 5-7 year lifespan
• Compatible with profiling beds

View Foam Mattresses

2. Alternating Pressure Mattresses

Best for: High to very high risk (Waterlow 15+), existing ulcers, bed-bound patients

Key features:

• Air cells inflate/deflate in cycles (10-20 minutes)
• Continuous pressure variation prevents sustained pressure
• Adjustable settings for patient weight
• Pump with alarms for safety
• Active pressure relief, not just redistribution

View Alternating Pressure Mattresses

3. Hybrid Mattresses (Foam + Air)

Best for: Very high risk, complex care needs, maximum protection

Key features:

• Foam base for comfort + air cells for active relief
• Best of both technologies
• Static mode option
• Superior patient comfort

View Hybrid Mattresses

Key Factors When Choosing

1. Risk Assessment (Waterlow Score)

Waterlow Score Guide:

• At risk (10-14): Standard foam pressure relief
• High risk (15-19): Advanced foam or alternating pressure
• Very high risk (20+): Alternating pressure or hybrid essential

2. Mattress Depth

Minimum depths by risk:

• Low risk: 125-150mm
• Medium risk: 150-175mm
• High risk: 175-200mm
• Very high risk: 200mm+

3. Weight Capacity

• Standard: 135-175kg (21-27.5 stone)
• Heavy-duty: 175-222kg (27.5-35 stone)
• Bariatric: 222-318kg (35-50 stone)

4. Cover Specifications

Essential features:

• Waterproof and breathable
• Stretch fabric (maintains pressure relief)
• Anti-microbial
• Wipe-clean
• Sealed seams
• BS 7177 fire resistance

Features for Different Care Settings

Care Homes

• Durable wipe-clean covers
• Range for different risk levels
• BS 7177 compliance
• Profiling bed compatible
• Replacement covers available

Home Care

• Appropriate for assessed risk
• Easy for family carers
• Quiet operation (if powered)
• Clear instructions

Cleaning & Infection Control

Daily cleaning:

• Wipe with disinfectant wipes
• Check for damage or tears
• Ensure cover properly fitted

Between-patient cleaning:

• Full disinfection with hospital-grade cleaner
• Inspect for damage
• Allow to dry completely
• Document cleaning

Use Clinell Universal Wipes for daily disinfection.

Mattress Accessories

• Mattress protectors (breathable, waterproof)
• Replacement covers
• Heel protectors
• Positioning aids
• Bed rail bumpers
• Pump mounting brackets

Budget Considerations

Price Range	Features	Best For
£150-£300	Basic foam, low-medium risk	Low-risk patients, short-term use
£300-£600	Advanced foam, medium-high risk	Care homes, long-term care
£600-£1,200	Alternating pressure, high-very high risk	High-risk, existing ulcers
£1,200-£2,500+	Hybrid, bariatric, advanced features	Very high risk, complex needs

Funding options: NHS Continuing Healthcare, ICB equipment loans, local authority funding, Disabled Facilities Grant, charity grants, VAT relief (0% for disabled/elderly)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which mattress my patient needs?

Conduct a Waterlow risk assessment. Low risk (10-14) = foam. High risk (15-19) = advanced foam or alternating pressure. Very high risk (20+) = alternating pressure or hybrid.

Can I use a standard mattress on a hospital bed?

No. Standard mattresses don't provide adequate pressure relief and won't articulate with profiling beds. Always use healthcare-specific mattresses.

How often should mattresses be replaced?

Foam: 5-7 years (care homes), 7-10 years (home). Air systems: 3-5 years (pump), cells may last longer. Covers: 2-3 years (high-use), 5+ years (home).

Are pressure relief mattresses VAT exempt?

Yes, when purchased for disabled or chronically sick individuals. Select "VAT Relief" at checkout for 0% VAT.

What if fluid gets into the mattress?

If fluid penetrates the cover, the mattress must be removed from service. Contaminated foam cannot be adequately disinfected and must be replaced.

Next Steps: Shop Pressure Relief Mattresses

Browse our complete range of pressure relief mattresses with free next-day delivery on orders over £75.

Shop by type:

• Foam Pressure Relief Mattresses
• Alternating Pressure Mattresses
• Hybrid Mattress Systems
• Very High Risk Mattresses

Need expert advice? Our team helps care homes and families choose the right equipment daily. We understand CQC requirements, Waterlow assessments, and pressure ulcer prevention.

Related products:

• Hospital & Profiling Beds
• Bed Rail Safety Bumpers
• Infection Control Supplies

Delivery Information

Order by 4pm for next-day delivery on orders over £75 (UK mainland). We supply direct to care homes, NHS facilities, and private customers.

Trade accounts: Open a trade account for volume pricing, monthly invoicing, and priority support for care home groups.

VAT Relief: All mattresses qualify for VAT relief when purchased for disabled or elderly users. Select "VAT Relief" at checkout.