Whether a patient is recovering from a surgery, chronically ill, or physically disabled, prolonged bed rest is often a necessary part of the treatment process —or, in some cases, a simple fact of life.
Unfortunately, this comes with numerous complications. Pressure ulcers are among the most notable.
They often start out benignly enough. Per The Mayo Clinic, their initial symptoms include temperature changes, unusual discoloration, swelling, tenderness, and pus-like drainage. Left untreated, they can rapidly become more severe, leading to infections of the bones and joints, cellulitis, sepsis, and even cancer.
Pressure ulcers aren’t the only risk of being immobile, either. The pooling of blood in the lungs and extremities can cause significant circulatory and respiratory issues. Moreover, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, immobile patients are at greater risk of developing illnesses such as pneumonia.
In short, laying too long in one position can be dangerous. It’s therefore imperative that anyone who’s bedbound frequently changes position. Patients who are unable to do this themselves would traditionally enlist the aid of a caregiver.
There’s a better way.
A self-rotating hospital bed mattress can make life easier for everyone, from the patient to their caregiver to their loved ones. Here are the three most significant benefits of using one.
Easier Treatment of Complications
With an alternating-pressure hospital bed mattress, a patient no longer needs to rely on a caregiver to shift their body’s position. It simply happens automatically and as-needed thanks to the motorized air pumps that inflate and deflate sections of the mattress to provide regular, steady rotation.
In addition to providing more effective treatment of problems such as bedsores, a rotating hospital bed also helps to ensure improved comfort for the patient.
Sometimes, even if they aren’t at immediate risk of developing a pressure ulcer, a patient may still find themselves in an uncomfortable position. With a rotating bed, instead of calling a caregiver, they can simply adjust their position on their own. This not only improves the patient’s overall comfort level but also gives them greater ownership over their life.
Improved Sleep Quality
In addition to helping prevent certain complications, a rotating hospital bed has another benefit that’s often overlooked. Because the patient is more comfortable and better able to shift their weight and position on their own, they tend to sleep more soundly. There’s less chance that they’ll wake up in the middle of the night with stiffness or soreness from being in one position for too long.
This not only leads to improved wound healing but also a better overall quality of life.
Greater Efficiency of Care
A rotating hospital bed isn’t just beneficial for patients. It’s also of great help to caregivers.
Rather than needing to get up in the middle of the night to rotate a patient manually, they can simply rest, secure in the knowledge that the patient’s immediate needs are cared for.
While the caregiver might occasionally have to get up to help the patient to the washroom, they’ll generally be able to have a more restful sleep. This means, in turn, that they’re more likely to be well-rested, and better able to focus on giving their patient the best care possible. More importantly, because they don’t have to worry about rotating the patient regularly, they can focus on other needs, such as grooming and emotional care.
Choosing The Right Bed for Your Loved Ones
Pressure ulcers, circulatory issues, and respiratory problems are all challenges associated with reduced mobility. A rotating hospital bed is arguably one of the best ways to address all three. Not only does it provide greater comfort to the patient, but it also makes life easier for the caregiver as well.
If you’re sold on the idea, Transfer Master has you covered. Our PressureGuard Mattresses are specifically designed to prevent bedsores and help ensure progressive wound healing in patients that are already suffering from them.
All three mattresses are cost-effective and designed by experts to maximize both comfort and ease of use:
The PressureGuard CFT Mattress uses Transfer Master’s patented Constant Force Technology to automatically adjust a patient’s position without requiring a power source. The PressureGuard APM2 mattress is designed with flexibility in mind, providing two treatment options that can be swapped between via a single switch. Finally, the PressureGuard Easy Air Mattress provides a highly stable surface with low air loss systems that help prevent excess moisture.
