There are a lot of complications that come with being bed-bound. If you’re taking care of an elderly relative or are bed-bound yourself, you know that bedsores (pressure ulcers) can be a serious issue.
In fact, it’s estimated that bed sores cause around 60,000 deaths each year. And in the U.S. alone, they result in roughly 2.5 million hospitalizations annually.
Prevention is key when dealing with bedsores. But effective prevention typically requires regular movement and care (even during the night). An alternating pressure pad, alternating pressure mattress, or low air loss mattress can go a long way in preventing bedsores. And it can do so without continuous manual intervention from a caregiver.
For those who know how hard it is to deal with bedsores, any product that can help prevent and treat them could be a lifesaver.
There are three main types of pressure ulcer care and prevention products:
- Alternating Pressure Pads
- Alternating Pressure Mattresses
- Low Air Loss Mattresses
These range in size, function, use, etc. So, we’ve combed through all the products out there to make selection easier for you.
We’ve conducted in-depth research on 20+ of the highest quality alternative pressure pads, mattresses, low air loss mattresses, and pressure distribution mattresses to bring you the best products for your unique situation.
In this article, you’ll find:
| Image | Category | Product | Price |
1  | Best Alternating Pressure Pad | Vive Alternating Pressure Pad | |
2  | Best Alternating Pressure Mattress | MedAir Low Air Loss Mattress with Alternating Pressure | |
3  | Best Low Air Loss Mattress | Drive Medical 8″ Med-Aire Alternating Pressure and Low Air Loss Mattress | |
4  | Best Heavy Duty Alternating Pressure Mattress | Invacare microAIR Advanced Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress MA1000 | |
5  | Best Value | Vaunn Medical Cloud Air Pressure Mattress Topper |
Confidence at Home is a member of the Amazon Associates Affiliate Program. We may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this article. This does not impact our unbiased review process.
Best Alternating Pressure Pad
There are a lot of alternating pressure pads on the market. But the Vive Alternating Pressure Pad looks like the most reliable.
It is 78” long and 36” wide, fitting most hospital beds and roughly any size bed, for that matter (though it may only cover one side of the larger mattresses). With flaps on either end, the Vive can be easily secured to any mattress by simply folding the flaps under the mattress.
This product has 130 individual air cells and a cycle time that alternates every 6 minutes. Unfortunately, the cycle time itself can’t be changed, but the pump does allow you to change the pressure/firmness of the air flow.
This product also probably has the highest number of ratings and reviews of any alternating pressure product on Amazon. And the vast majority of them are positive.
The pressure pad is made of durable vinyl and is completely waterproof, making it very easy to clean. On the other hand, some users have found that the vinyl produces a strong chemical/plastic smell upon removal from the packaging. Others have said the odor was almost non-existent, and most agreed that the smell went away in a matter of days if it was strong when opened.
In addition, it doesn’t get any easier than setting up the Vive Alternating Pressure Pad. You simply unroll it, secure it to a mattress, attach the air hose and pump control, and inflate. The product is also waterproof, easy to clean, and very easy to store. You can simply deflate it, roll it up, and easily store it in a typical household closet.
Because this product is only 3” in thickness, inflation is much quicker than most alternating pressure or low air loss mattresses. It typically takes about 10 minutes for the Drive Alternating Pressure Pad to inflate.
On the other hand, 3” of thickness and only one cycle time may not be enough for some users. Depending on the size of the user, the severity of their bedsore, or the limitation of their movement, some users may need a larger, more customizable alternating pressure product.
The majority of users find that this pump is relatively quiet as well. Most describe it as a “low hum” that is very easy to live with – nothing too loud or distracting.
In addition, a lot of users say that this product is surprisingly durable, with many running it non-stop for days on end with no problems and great results.
Overall, the Vive Alternating Pressure Pad looks like a reliable alternating pressure pad that has proved to be effective for a lot of users.
Best Alternating Pressure Mattress
If you’re looking for an alternating pressure mattress instead of just a pad, you’re not going to want to settle for second best. And the MedAir Low Air Loss Mattress with Alternating Pressure is the best you’ll find.
I know you’re thinking, “why does it say low air loss in the name?” Is it still an alternating pressure mattress? The answer is yes, it is both. A lot of alternating pressure mattresses are now made with low air loss capabilities. The air is already flowing through them, so why not use it to treat bed sores as well.
The MedAir has 8” thick alternating air cells on top of a comfortable foam base to prevent any kind of injury or discomfort if the air suddenly cuts off. It is 80” long and 36” wide, and it fits most standard hospital bed frames.
The MedAir has a highly adjustable hanging pump that allows you to change the pressure based on weight and set the cycle time in 6, 9, 12, or 25-minute increments. It even allows you to adjust the pressure and cycle based on how high you have raised the bed (using a raising hospital bed frame, for example).
It even comes with a remote that allows the user to make adjustments while the pump is hanging at the foot of the bed.
The mattress also comes with several straps to secure it to a bed frame. As a half air mattress that weighs only 28 lbs., this feature is essential to the safety of the product. It can slide a lot easier than regular mattresses, which typically weigh upwards of 40 lbs.
According to a diverse set of different users and reviewers, this mattress is one of the most comfortable alternating pressure mattresses on the market. Of course, in an industry where comfort is usually a secondary concern (a lot of these alternating pressure products are just not that comfortable) it isn’t that hard to stand out. Nonetheless, the MedAir has a reputation for being comfortable.
On the downside, some customers have had problems with reliability – especially with the pump. The main concerns and complaints with this product revolve around the pump dying, failing to inflate correctly, etc. Of course, these are sporadic events, but they are something to keep in mind when buying.
Overall, though, the MedAir Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattress is probably the best alternating pressure mattress that you’ll find for your money.
Unless you’re looking for a higher weight capacity or something of that nature, this product is going to be hard to beat. It’s extremely versatile and customizable – i.e., it works for a wide variety of different users.
Best Low Air-Loss Mattress
As a low air loss mattress, the Drive Medical Med-Aire mattress is about as good as it gets. It is a dual alternating pressure and low air loss mattress and has 20 horizontal, elongated air bladders, nine of which have laser-drilled holes to allow for low air loss capabilities.
The Drive Med-Aire mattress is relatively heavy-duty, holding up to 350 lbs. But what really makes this product stand out is its durability. A lot of users have found that the air pump can be run continuously for days on end without stopping. Many reviewers have also been using the mattress for years without problems.
The air cells are apparently built using 40% nylon and 60% PVC, which allows them to last longer than other materials. There are always some varying experiences though, as some users have reported repeated failures and a need to replace multiple air cells in a matter of weeks.
For added safety, the Drive Med-Aire comes equipped with an LED light and audible alarm that sound when the pressure drops below a certain threshold. This negates the need for constant caretaker monitoring and provides an extra layer of safety, especially when someone is completely bedbound and/or nonresponsive.
Like most low air loss and alternating pressure mattresses, the Drive Med-Aire is 80” long and 36” wide. It fits most bed frames and weighs about 30 lbs. It also comes with a nylon stretch cover that is apparently completely breathable and compatible with the low air loss technology.
On the downside, the mattress can take 30-45 minutes to inflate, and it only has two pressure cycles. While this appears to be adequate for many users, some may desire more cycle options, like those provided by the MedAir Low Air Loss Mattress and the InvaCare microAir mattress.
Surprisingly, while Drive claims that their air pump is “Whisper Quiet”, a decent amount of users have complained that the pump is too loud. Obviously, no pump is completely quiet, and most people purchasing low air loss or alternating pressure mattresses acknowledge that the pump will make some noise. So while the Drive’s pump may be quieter than other pumps on the market, don’t expect it to be completely silent.
Best Heavy Duty Alternating Pressure Mattress
If you’re willing to pay a high price, the Invacare mircoAir MA1000 is probably the best alternating air mattress you can buy. It provides alternating pressure (with horizontal elongated air bubbles), low air loss capability with micro holes, and pulsating technology to promote good circulation.
Maybe most importantly, the MA1000 can hold up to 600 lbs. So, if you’re looking for the most heavy-duty and reliable mattress, you may want to consider paying up for the Invacare.
The Invacare microAir has 3-in-1 alternating capabilities, meaning that it alternates air cells in a 3 to 1 fashion, always supporting two-thirds of the body.
In addition, the Invacare comes with a hanging pump that is highly adjustable. You can simply set the user’s weight and height, and the mattress will locate their position on the bed and adjust the pressure accordingly. If you want to adjust the settings any more than that, you can also increase or decrease the pressure – on a scale of 1 to 10.
Also, the pump allows you to alternate cycle time from 3 minutes up to 95 minutes. You’d be hard pressed to find another alternating pressure mattress or pad that offers that kind of customizable cycle time.
The mattress also has a patented HeelSense technology, that locates the user’s heels and decreases pressure automatically to protect an area that is very vulnerable to pressure ulcers. The Invacare mattress also comes equipped with Auto Fowler mode, which detects a patient’s buttocks and adjust pressure accordingly.
As we noted above, some users find the horizontal air tubes to be relatively uncomfortable. The Invacare, however, comes equipped with a breathable quilted nylon cover that can provide some added comfort. It also has a foam base that protects the user from falling to the hard bed frame if the pressure stops.
Most users have also noted that this product is surprisingly quiet. You would expect such a powerful pump to make a lot of noise, but compared to most other alternating or low air loss mattresses/pads, the Invacare is relatively quiet.
On the downside, some users have found that they or their loved ones occasionally slide down the mattress because of the slick cover. This could cause some problems if you’re using the mattress on a hospital bed, which can be raised and lowered.
Also, in keeping in line with most horizontal tube alternating mattresses, some users have found the product to be a little firm.
In the end though, it’s undisputed that the InvaCare micrAir Mattress is probably the best dual alternating pressure and low air loss mattress that your money can buy. Just keep in mind that there are less expensive products if you’re not in need of a bariatric solution.
Best Value
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, look no further than the Vaunn Cloud Air Pressure Mattress Topper. This product is simply a plain, but effective, alternating pressure pad. It doesn’t provide any of the frills that some of the larger alternating or low air loss mattresses provide, but it gets the job done nonetheless.
It’s much less expensive than most alternating pressure pads and mattresses (products whose prices often range from the triple digits up to four digits).
The Cloud Air is your typical alternating pressure mattress. It’s roughly 78” long and 36” wide. It fits most beds, including hospital beds. And it has flaps on each end to secure it under a mattress.
The Cloud Air has 130 individual bubble cells, which some users find more comfortable than the elongated horizontal air cells.
The air pump can be hung at the foot of a bed. And it uses what Vaunn describes as Whisper Quiet technology. Although some users have commented that the pump is not as quiet as claimed, many have found that (compared to other pads) the pump is relatively quiet.
In addition, the mattress topper is extremely light, easy to clean, and easy to store. Also, there’s no difficult set-up involved. You simply attach the air hoses to the pump and pad, secure the pad to a mattress, plug it in and turn it on.
The Cloud Air is also a versatile product. Some users find that you can put it on a recliner chair or standing chair almost as easily as you can put it on a mattress.
Overall, the Vaunn Cloud Air is probably the best bang for your buck. You get reliable, versatile alternating pressure pad that is easy to set up, store, and use. The downsides are very limited, and the vast majority of users have had a very good experience and paid a very low price.
FAQs
What is an Alternating Pressure Pad
An alternating pressure pad is a fabric pad that alternates air pressure through multiple individual air pockets to constantly re-position a user while they lie on it. Alternating pressure pads are made to prevent bed sores, which occur when an individual is, for a number of reasons, immobile and unable to move from one spot for a long period of time.
These pressure pads typically come with a pump and several air hoses that connect to the pad and feed air into it. Most of these pads are large enough to be placed on mattresses, as that is where a majority of users will require them.
An alternating pressure mattress is very similar to an alternating pressure pad, except it is not just placed on top of a mattress, it is the mattress. Alternating pressure mattresses are typically air mattresses, though they are sometimes spring mattresses with an inflatable pressure pad attached to the top.
Difference Between an Alternating Pressure Mattress and a Low Air Loss Mattress
There are two kinds of mattresses for pressure reduction. They are an alternating pressure mattress and a low air loss mattress; both are similar with some key differences. Both mattresses have a pump attached to the bed for airflow, which is how they reduce pressure, and they both can be purchased and set up by a hospital bed supplier.
But they differ in a few key ways. An alternating pressure mattress primarily distributes air pressure to different points on the body over various periods of time. While a low air loss mattress seeks to accomplish a similar goal (the prevention and healing of bed sores), it goes about this task in a slightly different way. A low air loss mattress keeps a steady flow of air on every part of the body while you lie on it. It typically accomplishes this by constantly pumping air through tiny, laser-drilled holes in the mattress. And the purpose is to essentially keep dry and cool, keep the blood circulating, and prevent environments that can lead to or worsen bed sores.
What is a Pressure Ulcer, and Why do I Need a Specialty Mattress?
A pressure ulcer or a bed sore is a wound or injury to a person’s skin and underlying tissue frequently caused when a person lays in the same position for an extended period.
Pressure ulcers can affect any body area but are primarily found on the bony prominences: the hips, buttocks, at the base of the spine, heels, and elbows. They primarily develop gradually but can occur within a couple of hours.
Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers cost 9.1 to 11.6 billion dollars annually in the United States. Not only is the cost extensive, but an individual that develops a pressure ulcer has a reduced quality of life due to the wound.
Specialty mattresses are designed to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers or heal a pressure wound that has already occurred. It does this by lowering pressure on the injury, which a regular mattress does not do.
Low Air Loss Mattress vs. Alternating Pressure Mattress
Both mattresses provide pressure relief through airflow delivered by a pump connecting to the mattress. A heavier or bariatric patient will need a greater flow of air compared to a lighter person who will need not as much airflow.
A low air loss mattress tends to be prescribed to prevent wounds, and an alternating pressure mattress is often prescribed for a person with an existing tissue or skin injury.
What is a Low Air Loss Mattress?
low-loss air mattress is used primarily for preventing bedsores It provides airflow to keep skin dry by utilizing a pump to inflate the mattress. The mattress has tiny laser-cut holes throughout the surface to allow for airflow. This airflow increases the surface area the patient is on and causes a slight enveloping of the patient.
The air is redistributed on a low air loss mattress as the patient moves. This action of redistribution keeps the patient cool and dry and acts as microclimate management.
When you first get a low air mattress, you will need to wait about five to ten minutes for the bed to inflate before you lay on the bed.
What is an Alternating Pressure Mattress?
This mattress also utilizes a pump to provide airflow, but instead of lasered holes, it has sets of air cells or bladders that expand and contract. These cells will deflate and inflate one at a time, constantly redistributing pressure across the user’s body. The air cells slowly work by a predetermined adjustable cycle.
Deflating and inflating the mattress cells stimulates blood flow which aids in keeping the area nourished and pressure-free. It also aids in the healing of wounds and keeps the patient comfortable, which is also essential for patient healing.
When it is medically necessary, a person can get either a low air loss mattress, an alternating pressure mattress, or a combination of the two types of mattresses.
Medicare Coverage of a Specialty Mattress
Medicare helps pay for specialty mattresses such as the alternating pressure mattress and a low air loss mattress if it is deemed medically necessary by a physician. They will not cover a mattress just for comfort. Mattresses are covered under your Medicare Part B coverage. You may have to pay a deductible, or 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
A physician will determine if it is medically necessary and prescribe a specialty mattress if you have a medical condition requiring one. You also have to be seen by a doctor at least every six months.
The doctor will see you for the condition that causes you to need a specialty mattress and continue to document this need.
Both your doctor and mattress provider have to also be registered with Medicare. You may have increased charges if you use someone who is not a Medicare participant.
If you feel you need this type of mattress, talk to your physician to see if you qualify for this type of product either in your home or at the facility you are residing. This link will give you more information on the Medicare coverage of pressure-reducing surfaces
Other Considerations
What Type of Therapy do You or a Loved One Need
The most important concern you or a loved one should have when purchasing an alternating pressure or low air loss mattress/pad is what type of treatment you actually need.
First, you should consult your doctor to learn the best way to treat/prevent bedsores if you or a loved one are at risk. Second, you should learn what product will do that best and which product you are well suited to. Finally, you should understand that an alternating pressure or low air loss product may not be enough to prevent bedsores. Standard procedures for prevention and treatment should be observed as well.
After that, you need to choose the product that is best suited to your needs. What size is the user, where is he or she staying, and what kind of pressure ulcer does he/she have or what is he/she susceptible to? These are all questions you need to keep in mind when choosing an alternating pressure or low air loss product.
Bedsores range in severity from Stage 1 through Stage 4. And a lot of products are made for patients at different levels of risk exposure. Again, it may be in your best interest to consult a physician about the required treatment and best product to choose.
Where Are You Using the Product
This factor is critical to consider when making your decision to buy a pressure ulcer prevention/treatment product. Are you or the potential user staying in a hospital, at home, in a long-term care facility, etc.?
If you’re staying in a care facility, they may provide alternating pressure mattresses, pads, etc., but for a variety of reasons, you may want to buy your own. One commonly cited reason is the exorbitant price that most providers charge for renting an alternating pressure or low air loss mattress.
You may also just be worried about the quality of the product and wish to provide your own. In addition, Medicare and other health insurance-specific situations could cause a buyer to want to search out a product on their own. Remember, it is unlikely that Medicare will cover you for one of these products if you don’t already have some kind of medically identifiable bed sore. If you’re looking to take preventative action, you may have to find and buy something on your own.
Obviously, if you’re using the product at home, you’re probably going to have to find and source it on your own. But using it at home also gives you more options. If a mattress isn’t right for you or your loved one, you can easily purchase and use an alternating pressure pad.
Conclusion
Finding an alternating pressure or low air loss product can be a daunting task. The fact that you’re even looking for one probably means that you or a loved one are going through a difficult time.
All of this combines to make it difficult to find and select the best product. To make this easier, we’ve tried to provide a high-quality resource for learning about and choosing the best alternating pressure or low air loss product.
We hope that we’ve helped you find a product that adequately suits your needs.
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