Foam vs. Air Alternating Hospital Bed Mattresses

Introduction

Home hospital mattresses are a great resource to have when transitioning to long-term home care. Specifically, they are helpful for patients with limited mobility who have to spend a lot of time in bed. Different hospital bed mattresses will provide different levels of comfort and skin protection, and can be incorporated as a tool into your home care routine.

Hospital Bed Mattress Types

Three common types of hospital mattresses are:

  • Alternating air pressure mattresses
  • Foam mattresses
  • Inner spring mattresses

In this article, we will discuss the benefits and differences between foam and air alternating hospital beds. They are typically best for pressure redistribution to avoid pressure ulcers during long-term bed use.

Understanding Foam Hospital Bed Mattresses

Foam hospital mattresses are specialized for pressure redistribution and reducing the risk of pressure wounds while staying comfortable. They are often made of high-density foam or other pressure-absorbing materials. Depending on the specific kind, some foam mattresses may be warmer than other types of mattresses.

Some foam mattresses are even further specialized to maximize pressure redistribution and comfort. In some, the foam layer may be specially cut to provide more even support for the whole body, like this Gravity 7 Foam Mattress. Others may have sections raised or sloped to specifically prevent pressure injuries in the ankles, neck, or back.

Understanding Air Alternating Hospital Bed Mattresses

Air alternating mattresses use air circulation to redistribute pressure in the mattress to different alternating areas. These mattresses use air cells that inflate and deflate in alternating patterns to redistribute pressure across different areas of the body.

Pressure Redistribution: Foam vs. Air Alternating

Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, are caused by prolonged pressure on a certain area of the body. The pressure between the surface and the bone causes the skin to break down, and a wound appears. One of the primary ways to both prevent pressure injuries and support wound healing is by shifting pressure off the area through pressure redistribution.

Foam Mattresses

A study found that pressure redistributing foam mattresses were associated with a “significantly reduced incidence and postponed occurrence of pressure injuries.”1  In other words, patients who used foam mattresses instead of traditional mattresses had a lower risk of developing pressure ulcers. Because foam helps redistribute pressure across a larger contact surface, peak pressure on vulnerable areas may be reduced.

Air Alternating Mattresses

Another study reviewed the effectiveness of alternating pressure air mattresses in preventing pressure injuries in patients who spend a lot of time in bed. They concluded that air alternating mattresses “may be used for patients at moderate or high risk of PI and, of course, in combination with other preventive measures.”2  These can be especially helpful for elderly or bariatric patients who cannot shift positions by themselves when used alongside a comprehensive pressure injury prevention plan.

Which Mattress Is Best for Preventing Pressure Ulcers?

Current research has not established a clear overall advantage of one mattress type over the other for all patient populations, and mattress selection often depends on clinical needs and risk factors. That is to say, they are both effective in doing so. The next factors to consider when deciding between foam or air alternating mattresses are your personal preferences for comfort and your user experience.

Comfort and User Experience Considerations

Although using both foam and alternating air pressure mattresses has similar benefits, the experience of using each of them differs.

Mattress Comfort: Foam mattresses contour to the body, while air mattresses tend to maintain an even surface.

Firmness: Foam mattresses can vary in firmness, but each mattress stays at one firmness level. Air alternating mattresses offer firmness adjustability with their different settings.

Temperature: Foam mattresses can retain heat, whereas air mattresses tend to be cooler due to the air flow.

Noise: Alternating air mattresses will have some noise from the pump.

Setup, Maintenance, and Durability

Foam and air mattresses also have differences when it comes to setting them up, maintaining them, and their durability.

Setup

Foam mattresses generally require little to no setup, as they can usually be placed just like a normal mattress. Air mattresses, however, have electrical (and sometimes mechanical) components that are a little more complicated. Some companies may offer a “white glove service,” in which the delivery persons will set up the bed for you when they deliver it. However, in other cases, this service is not offered, meaning you or a caregiver will need to do the mattress setup yourselves. Some models may require caregiver assistance or professional setup, depending on their design and weight.

Maintenance

Like most regular mattresses, foam mattresses also require little maintenance over time. While the foam itself may be a little hard to clean if stained or soiled, there are many protective covers available to make it easier to clean.

Air alternating mattresses, due to the electrical and mechanical components, generally require more routine maintenance, sometimes requiring a professional technician to do so. However, air mattresses are often easy to clean due to the covers often being made of vinyl or a similar material.

Mattress Durability

Foam mattresses often stay durable for a long time, typically for 5 to 10 years. They may start to break down or sag over time due to normal wear and tear.

Air mattresses may require additional maintenance due to the electrical and mechanical parts. However, this can depend on the design and quality of the mattress. Alternating air pressure mattresses can be expected to last from 3 to 7 years, but they may last longer with regular maintenance and quality manufacturing.

Cost, Portability, and Care Setting Use Cases

More important considerations are cost, portability, and whether the mattress fits your situation.

Cost

The cost of each kind of mattress can vary depending on the manufacturer, quality, features, and model. That being said, foam mattresses tend to be more cost-effective than alternating air pressure mattresses. Air mattresses often have more features and components, like a pump, that will increase the price.

Portability

Foam mattresses can be more difficult to move and transport due to the density of the material. Foam is often heavy, especially if the mattress is made of high-density foam. Many alternating-pressure mattresses can be partially deflated for transport or storage, which may improve portability compared with some foam mattresses. Even when fully blown up, they are lightweight and can easily shift positions.

Care Setting Considerations

One of the most important considerations is whether you have a caregiver and, if so, how often they are around to help. While foam and air alternating mattresses are both good for pressure redistribution and preventing pressure ulcers, you may need a caregiver to help you change positions in a foam mattress. With an air alternating mattress, you can often change pressure settings using the included handheld controls.

Safety and General Use Considerations

As with any medical equipment, be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer guidelines and instructions when setting up or using your hospital bed. This is especially important for air alternating mattresses, as the electrical and mechanical components can present a safety risk if used improperly.

Frame and hospital bed compatibility also matters. When researching your different options, be sure to know which frames are compatible with your preferred hospital mattress.

Conclusion

To summarize, here are some key points to remember about each mattress type:

Foam mattresses:

  • Good for even pressure redistribution
  • Cannot actively shift pressure
  • Generally more cost-effective
  • Can retain heat
  • Conform to the body
  • Low-maintenance
  • Last about 5 to 10 years
  • Heavy and harder to transport
  • Less complex setup
  • Silent

Air alternating mattresses:

  • Good for pressure redistribution
  • Can redistribute pressure over time with handheld controls
  • Can be higher in cost, depending on the model
  • Less conforming, firmer surface
  • Require regular and sometimes professional maintenance
  • Last about 3 to 7 years
  • Lightweight
  • More complex setup
  • Some noise from the pump

Overall, foam hospital mattresses and air alternating mattresses each have their own unique features and benefits that can cater to each person. Most importantly, it is essential that you have the care that you need. As you decide which hospital mattress is right for you, consider your preferences, your needs, and whether you have the help you need.

Footnotes