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A bedsores mattress is a product that greatly helps carers of disabled and immobile elderly people. It has important functions that allow for the proper blood flow in the patient’s body, as well as stimulating the skin and muscle tissues. There are several types of mattresses for bedsores. The choice depends on the patient’s medical conditions and the caregiver’s preferences.
How does a bedsores mattress work?
The effect of the mattress on pressure ulcers is important for a bedridden patient. It prevents tissue necrosis that results in the appearance of painful bedsores. They work thanks to an automatic pump that regulates the air flow in the chambers under a certain pressure. The most important functions of mattresses for bedsores are:
- generating movement and provoking the work of tissues by using the technique of variable pressure in the chambers,
- supplying air to tissue cells,
- preventing the death of cells,
- maintaining the correct temperature of the patient’s body,
- maintaining an appropriate level of moisture in his skin,
- prophylaxis against pain and inconvenience.
Bedsores mattress – which one to choose?
There are several types of mattresses for bedsores. The most popular of them are:
- mattress for bubble bedsores – a pressure swing mattress consisting of small chambers that are regularly filled with alternating air; easy to use; recommended especially to patients with normal weight,
- tubular bedsores mattress – it has transversely arranged roller-shaped chambers, which are also regularly filled with air; thanks to its stable structure, it is recommended for obese people, as well as for patients who already have bedsores (the possibility of removing the chamber under the wound),
- waffle mattresses made of polyurethane foam – the cheapest and without an automatic pump, they are easy to clean; have a wave-like or waffle-like surface; their anti-bedsore effect is based on the fact that due to the texture, pressure in specific places of the body where pressure ulcers are formed is eliminated.
The editorial board recommends:
- Bedsores ointment and patches. How do they work?
- Exercises for the senior – at home and outside. Why is it worth exercising?
- Hygienic pads for the elderly. Where to buy them and what to choose?
Bedsores mattress – price
The prices of mattresses for bedsores vary. Tubular mattresses are the most expensive, they cost up to PLN 300. The patient will pay a little less for a bubble mattress, the cost of which is about PLN 180. Foam mattresses for bedsores are the cheapest. Their price is up to PLN 90.
Keeping a sick person constantly in bed is very expensive, so you should think about another option. You can choose to borrowing a pressure ulcer mattress from a medical store. It is also possible to obtain a refund for the purchase of a mattress.
Bedsores mattress – refund
Bedsores mattresses, excluding foam mattresses, are included in the list of products subject to reimbursement according to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of May 29, 2017. Co-financing from the National Health Fund amounts to 70 percent. The rest of the costs are covered by the patient. It is worth noting, however, that mattress financing limit for bedsores is PLN 400. The Ministry also reserves that you can apply for a refund only every 3 years.
Who is entitled to a bedsores mattress from the National Health Fund? These are patients diagnosed with paraplegia, tetraplegia or other permanent diseases that require prolonged stay in bed. It is possible to obtain a refund for a mattress for bedsores after receiving an order from a doctor, which should then be reported to the National Health department.
The place where you can buy a bedsores mattress is a medical equipment store. First, however, the patient’s own contribution is required to be paid.
Those who can write out a mattress for pressure ulcers are doctors who specialize in geriatrics, neurology, urology, gynecology, internal medicine, family medicine and oncology (including surgery and cancer chemotherapy). Moreover, an internist, NHF medical practitioner, hospice care doctor and a nurse with the required qualifications are entitled to issue the order.
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