Name of the Procedure:

Powered Pressure-Reducing Air Mattress
Common name(s): Air Mattress, Medical Air Bed
Technical/Medical term: E0277 - Powered Pressure-Reducing Air Mattress

Summary

A powered pressure-reducing air mattress is a specially designed medical bed that uses air pressure to help manage and redistribute body weight. It minimizes the risk of pressure sores, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, especially for patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Pressure ulcers, bedsores, tissue injuries due to sustained pressure.
• Goals: To prevent the formation of pressure ulcers and to promote the healing of existing pressure sores by distributing weight evenly across the mattress.

Indications

• Patients who are bedridden for extended periods.
• Individuals with limited mobility.
• People with existing pressure ulcers or at high risk of developing them.
• Patients with medical conditions that impair sensation (e.g., spinal cord injuries, severe neuropathies).

Preparation

• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.
• An assessment of the patient’s skin condition and risk for pressure ulcers is necessary beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. Setup: The mattress is placed on the bed frame.
2. Connection: The mattress is connected to a power source and the control unit.
3. Adjustment: The air pressure is adjusted according to the patient's needs using the control unit.
4. Use: The patient is repositioned onto the mattress. Care staff ensure the patient is comfortable and supported.
5. Monitoring: Regular checks are performed to ensure the mattress is functioning correctly and provide repositioning assistance as needed.

Duration

• Installation and adjustments typically take about 30 to 60 minutes.
• The mattress is used continuously until the patient’s condition improves or they are no longer at risk for pressure sores.

Setting

• Hospital settings, long-term care facilities, or at home under medical supervision.

Personnel

• Nursing staff, caregivers, or family members trained in using the control unit.
• Healthcare professionals, such as nurses or healthcare aides, to perform regular monitoring and repositioning of the patient.

Risks and Complications

• Malfunction of the mattress which can cause discomfort or pressure sores.
• Infection risk due to improper cleaning of the mattress.
• Allergic reactions to mattress materials (rare).

Benefits

• Reduced risk of pressure sores.
• Enhanced comfort for bedridden patients.
• Acceleration of the healing process for existing sores.
• Immediate and continuous benefit upon proper use of the mattress.

Recovery

• Patients do not typically require a rehabilitation period for the use of the air mattress.
• Regular cleaning and maintenance.
• Periodic follow-up assessments to adjust settings and monitor skin condition.

Alternatives

• Static foam mattresses: less expensive but less effective at pressure reduction.
• Gel-filled mattresses: can also distribute pressure but may not be as adjustable.
• Alternating pressure mattresses: another type of dynamic mattress which periodically inflates and deflates to shift pressure.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel a gentle, continuous support and may notice a reduction in pain or discomfort from pressure sores.
• Generally, patients do not experience pain from using the mattress itself.
• Regular repositioning and checks from caregivers can enhance comfort and effectiveness.