The right mattress for the right person
If a patient needs a pressure-relieving mattress, consider all
that patient’s personal factors when ordering it (Benbow,
2008). For example: does the patient get out of their bed
independently? If so, consider the height of the mattress; if
an overlay mattress is too high for them to get out of bed,
consider a replacement mattress. If the patient shares a bed
with their partner, they may require a double mattress. Has
the patient used a pressure relieving mattress before? If so,
which one and what was their experience? Many people
dislike like ripple mattresses, finding the constant mattress
movement uncomfortable and difficult to sleep on
(Sale, 2005).
A mattress, no matter how high its specifications, is of no
use if the patient does not use it. Do not be afraid to change
a mattress—not every mattress suits every patient. Because
community nurses cannot be with someone to ensure use, we
need to provide items that patients will use themselves.