What kind of mattress is best?

wrenwood · 07-14-2003, 10:15 AM

My friend has been using a waterbed for ages. She has decided to "grow up" and wants a regular mattress in Queen size. We need suggestions on what brand might be best,etc.
She is a T4 para and would like feedback.
Thanks

SCI-Nurse · 07-14-2003, 02:17 PM

Unbaffeled waterbeds are good for pressure reduction, but do make it difficult to do transfers and ADLs. Grown-ups do sleep in waterbeds (I have slept in one since 1975!!!)

When looking for a pressure reducing mattress, a combination of pressure reduction and stability for ADLs is usually required. Often the more stable, the less pressure reduction, so it is a compromise.

Many people like mattresses like the TempurPedic, although many do not like the fact that you have a pit where you have been lying, which can make turning a problem. Some swear by the Select-Comfort, although I don't recommend them because they will not release their interface pressure data while claiming low pressures.

Others have done well with mattresses designed specifically for the pressure ulcer prevention market. Called "replacement mattresses" they are most available in hospital bed sizes, but most of the manufacturers (Span-America, BG Industries Maxifloat, etc,) also make double and queen sizes, or will make them custom.

I do not recommend using just a standard mattress, and avoid "orthopedic" mattresses as they are too hard.

Select a bed frame that is open-framed (not platform) so that if you ever need to use a portable lift your bed will accomodate this.

(KLD)

hydr0skunk · 07-14-2003, 02:29 PM

ive been on a nimbus 3 mattress for 4yrs and ive had no trouble with it

SCI-Nurse · 07-14-2003, 03:12 PM

The Nimbus 3 is a low air loss mattress like the TxCair or Microair 3500S. It is very soft...like a waterbed, so can be difficult to use for independent transfers and ADLs. Medicare and many other insurances will not cover this as a prevention mattress, but only for treatment of existing pressure ulcers. It is designed to be used only with a hospital bed with rails for safety.

(KLD)

Andy · 07-14-2003, 05:23 PM

I am doing fine with a regular mattress so far, T6 level. Of course each case is different, but I think that paras are much more mobile and 'squirmy' when sleeping than someone with a higher level injury that would really need a special mattress. YMMV.

07-14-2003, 10:15 AM	#1
wrenwood Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 11	What kind of mattress is best? My friend has been using a waterbed for ages. She has decided to "grow up" and wants a regular mattress in Queen size. We need suggestions on what brand might be best,etc. She is a T4 para and would like feedback. Thanks

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07-14-2003, 02:17 PM	#2
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,362	Unbaffeled waterbeds are good for pressure reduction, but do make it difficult to do transfers and ADLs. Grown-ups do sleep in waterbeds (I have slept in one since 1975!!!) When looking for a pressure reducing mattress, a combination of pressure reduction and stability for ADLs is usually required. Often the more stable, the less pressure reduction, so it is a compromise. Many people like mattresses like the TempurPedic, although many do not like the fact that you have a pit where you have been lying, which can make turning a problem. Some swear by the Select-Comfort, although I don't recommend them because they will not release their interface pressure data while claiming low pressures. Others have done well with mattresses designed specifically for the pressure ulcer prevention market. Called "replacement mattresses" they are most available in hospital bed sizes, but most of the manufacturers (Span-America, BG Industries Maxifloat, etc,) also make double and queen sizes, or will make them custom. I do not recommend using just a standard mattress, and avoid "orthopedic" mattresses as they are too hard. Select a bed frame that is open-framed (not platform) so that if you ever need to use a portable lift your bed will accomodate this. (KLD)

07-14-2003, 02:29 PM	#3
hydr0skunk Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Durham, United Kingdom Posts: 103	ive been on a nimbus 3 mattress for 4yrs and ive had no trouble with it

07-14-2003, 03:12 PM	#4
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,362	The Nimbus 3 is a low air loss mattress like the TxCair or Microair 3500S. It is very soft...like a waterbed, so can be difficult to use for independent transfers and ADLs. Medicare and many other insurances will not cover this as a prevention mattress, but only for treatment of existing pressure ulcers. It is designed to be used only with a hospital bed with rails for safety. (KLD)

07-14-2003, 05:23 PM	#5
Andy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 4,660	I am doing fine with a regular mattress so far, T6 level. Of course each case is different, but I think that paras are much more mobile and 'squirmy' when sleeping than someone with a higher level injury that would really need a special mattress. YMMV.