Pressure relief mattress
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- Vive 8 inch Alternating Pressure Mattress. Best for: Replacing a hospital bed mattress. See options on Amazon
- Vive 5 inch Alternating Pressure Pad. Best for: Adding pressure relief on top of an existing mattress. See options on Amazon
- Vive Cooling Gel Mattress Overlay. Best for: Pressure spreading without a pump. See options on Amazon
Who is at risk of pressure injuries
MedlinePlus explains that pressure injuries, also called bedsores or pressure sores, form when skin and soft tissue press against a harder surface such as a chair or bed for a long time, cutting blood supply to the area. You are at risk if you spend most of the day in a bed or chair with little movement, are overweight or underweight, cannot control your bladder or bowels, have decreased feeling in part of your body, or spend a lot of time in one position.
Types of pressure relief surface
| Type | How it works | Vive example |
|---|---|---|
| Alternating pressure mattress | Replaces the mattress; air chambers inflate and deflate in cycles | 8 inch: 19 chambers, 10 minute cycles, 350 lb, 80 by 35 inches |
| Alternating pressure pad | Sits on top of your mattress with a pump | 5 inch: 16 chambers, about 6 minute cycles |
| Gel overlay | Honeycomb gel spreads weight; no pump | Cooling gel overlay for twin XL beds, washable cover |
Details are from Vive's product pages. Vive says its 8 inch mattress offers alternating, static and seated modes and fits standard twin XL and hospital frames.
Choosing a system
- Time in bed. Vive suggests its alternating pad for people likely to spend more than 15 hours a day in bed or at medium to high risk of pressure ulcers; ask the care team about the level of support needed.
- Mattress or overlay. A full replacement mattress suits a hospital bed frame; an overlay sits on the existing mattress.
- Weight limit and size. Check both against the user and the bed; Vive's 8 inch mattress is rated to 350 pounds.
- Pump and power. Vive says its 5 inch pad has a pressure range of 30 to 130 mmHg and stays inflated up to 24 hours in a power outage.
- Cover. A removable, water-resistant cover helps with incontinence and cleaning.
Setup and care
- 8 inch mattress. Vive says it has a digital pump, a removable waterproof cover made of latex-free vinyl, and modes for alternating, static and seated use.
- 5 inch pad. Vive says the pump can sit on a flat surface or hang on the end of the bed, the cover snaps in place, and the kit includes a replacement air bladder and patch kit.
- Gel overlay. Vive says the honeycomb gel spreads weight evenly, perforated pads help airflow, and the cover is removable and machine washable.
- Check daily that the pump is running, hoses are not kinked and the cover is dry.
Daily skin checks
MedlinePlus says you or a caregiver should check the body every day from head to toe, especially the heels and ankles, knees, hips, spine, tailbone, elbows, shoulders and shoulder blades, back of the head and ears. Contact a provider for early signs: skin redness, which is harder to see on darker skin, warm areas, spongy or hard skin, or breakdown of the top layers of skin or a sore.
Positioning and skin care in bed
- Pillows and foam. MedlinePlus suggests soft pillows or foam between body parts that press together, and under the calves to lift the heels when lying on your back.
- No pillows under the knees, which puts pressure on the heels.
- Keep skin dry. Use pads under the bottom to absorb wetness, and clean and dry the skin right away after using the toilet.
Wheelchairs and chairs
For chairs and wheelchairs, MedlinePlus advises a foam or gel cushion that fits, not a donut-shaped cushion, and shifting weight often. See our wheelchair cushion for pressure sores guide, home hospital bed guide and overbed table guide.
What to look for when you buy
Vive 8 inch Alternating Pressure Mattress
Best for: Replacing a hospital bed mattress
Vive lists 19 air chambers on 10 minute cycles, three modes and a 350 pound limit.
Watch out: Fits twin XL and hospital frames; check your bed.
See options on AmazonVive 5 inch Alternating Pressure Pad
Best for: Adding pressure relief on top of an existing mattress
Vive lists 16 chambers on about 6 minute cycles and a water-resistant cover.
Watch out: Needs power for the pump; plan for outages.
See options on AmazonVive Cooling Gel Mattress Overlay
Best for: Pressure spreading without a pump
Vive lists a honeycomb gel overlay for twin XL beds with a washable cover.
Watch out: Static surface; ask whether alternating air is needed.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What mattress helps prevent bedsores?
- MedlinePlus advises a foam mattress or one filled with gel or air for people at risk.
- How does an alternating pressure mattress work?
- A pump inflates and deflates air chambers in cycles so pressure points keep shifting.
- Who needs an alternating pressure pad?
- Vive suggests people likely to be in bed over 15 hours a day or at medium to high risk; ask the care team.
- What if the power goes out?
- Vive says its 5 inch pad stays inflated up to 24 hours in a power outage; check your own model's manual.
- Should I use a donut cushion?
- No. MedlinePlus says not to sit on donut-shaped cushions.
Sources
- Preventing pressure injuries (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- 8 inch Alternating Pressure Mattress (vivehealth.com), Vive Health
- 5 inch Alternating Pressure Pad (vivehealth.com), Vive Health
- Cooling Gel Mattress Overlay (vivehealth.com), Vive Health