Can Mattress Toppers Prevent Bedsores?

Mattress toppers are included in the category of support surfaces that can prevent bedsores. However, only mattress toppers that are designed for pressure redistribution are effective in the healing and prevention of bedsores. Among them are air, gel and foam mattress toppers certified to heal and prevent all stages or severity of bedsores. Deciding on which type of mattress topper to use should depend on the person's medical situation and the extent of the bedsores.

Air Mattress Toppers

• Government and medical protocols established for bedsores identify support surfaces for the prevention and treatment of them. Air mattress toppers, which use air to reduce pressure on the bones, allow blood to flow to the skin and tissues.

  Blood flow is important in preventing bedsores. Bedsores, also known as pressure sores, are wounds on the skin. They develop from reduced blood flow caused by sitting or lying in one position without movement for a long period of time. Bedsores often occur in people who are wheelchair bound or have an illness, injury or disability that requires them to remain in bed without shifting their body weight. People with certain chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis or diabetes, are also at risk for bedsores because of reduced blood flow.

  An air mattress topper is placed over the existing mattress on the bed. Look for air mattress toppers that are designed to both heal bedsore wounds and prevent them. Before buying an air mattress topper, know the maximum weight it can hold.

Gel Mattress Toppers

• Once bedsores cause damage to the skin and tissues under it, they could become infected or cause advanced damage to muscle and bone if not properly treated. The most common pressure point areas where bedsores develop are the hips, buttocks, elbows, back of the head, the shoulder blades, the base of the spine, ankles, heels of the feet and back and side of the knees.

  Gel mattress toppers use soft cell foam and liquid gel to reduce body weight on pressure points susceptible to bedsores. Consider a gel mattress topper for an individual with long-term immobility. Gel mattress toppers foster air circulation and prevent heat build up. This is important because bedsores can also form from moisture caused by perspiration when the patient is unable to move freely.

Foam Mattress Toppers

• When a bedsore develops, it's important not to continue to sit or lie on it. Hospital-grade egg-crate foam and memory foam mattress toppers help to take the pressure off the wounded area. They also work well in providing support that reduces or eliminates pressure to certain parts of the body.

  Egg-crate foam toppers are traditionally used in hospitals, especially for post-surgical patients. The shape of the mattress topper promotes air flow and reduces pressure points, thus preventing and healing of bedsores.

  Memory-foam mattress toppers, also used in hospital bedding, are designed to reduce bedsores by distributing the weight of the patient. This eliminates pressure on any one area of the body. Memory-foam mattresses are also breathable, encouraging air circulation.

  Foam mattress toppers are ideal for people who are immobile temporarily. However, they have a maximum weight capacity, so be sure to inquire how many pounds the foam mattress topper can hold before purchasing.