AIRLOSS MATTRESSES AND OVERLAYS - GROUP TWO

 PURPOSE: Group Two-Support Surfaces are special mattresses that replace a hospital bed mattress. These replacement mattresses either alternate pressure in chambers or cells or have small holes that release small amounts of air (they may do both) in order to reduce the pressure applied to the body. By providing a surface that reduces the amount of pressure applied to the skin, these support surfaces can help prevent and treat the breakdown of skin. The same safety precautions for hospital beds apply to Group Two-Support surfaces. 

TYPES: There are many different models and types of Group Two-Support Surfaces. They vary in their construction, thickness, pressure-reducing capabilities, and are usually electrically powered. The most commonly used type is the low air loss mattress.  

Low air loss mattresses have chambers of air with small holes that leak air. This leaking air reduces the friction applied to the skin and maximizes the area of the mattress the body is laying on, thus reducing the pressure. Alternating pressure pads are air-filled mattresses that have chambers or cells that alternate inflation and deflation. This alternating of pressure relieves pressure either on a preset or custom-set schedule.  

USE: Group-Two Support surfaces replace the hospital bed mattress. The bed sheets are placed over the support surface — the individual does not lay directly on the pad. Even though there is a support surface in use, the need to turn the patient on a regular schedule is not replaced. The back of this form has an example of a patient turning schedule. The mattress should be secured to the bed frame so that it is not hindered when the head or foot of the bed are adjusted. 

The electrical controller is usually attached to the foot section of the bed. The air hoses to the mattress must be attached correctly. Make sure you understand how to deflate the unit in case of an emergency need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Make sure you understand how to adjust the pressure to prevent “bottoming out.” The electrical controller should never have anything stored or placed on it. There should be no smoking in the room because the smoke will be filtered through the unit and can cause damage. 

Patients that use support surfaces in the home should have home health professionals evaluating their skin on a monthly basis. These health care professionals will develop and implement an individualized program of skin care that should be followed.  

MAINTENANCE: The electrical controller should be kept clean and free from dirt. Always unplug the unit before cleaning. If the unit has filters make sure they are cleaned. The patient should constantly be checked to make sure they don’t “bottom-out.” Your health care provider will show you how to check for “bottoming out.”