Bedsores, caused by prolonged pressure result in reduced blood flow to the skin leading to ulceration. Untreated they can worsen and open all the way to the bone, Stage 4 tissue damage. Movement, good circulation and nutrition are vital for skin health. Healthy individuals change positions frequently through the night reducing the risk for tissue damage but for users who are unable to change position a pressure reducing mattress (and seat cushion) is essential for good skin health. The key to healthy skin is movement paired with good circulation and nutrition.
Therapeutic mattresses come in two types, static or alternating pressure. Static mattresses, foam, gel or powered low air loss reduce pressures by immersion. The body is enveloped by the mattress reducing interface pressures. Alternating pressure mattresses reduce pressures by periodically offloading individual cells promoting blood flow and healing. Our circulatory system moves nutrition and oxygen through the venous system feeding the skin and then removing its waste back through the lymphatic system. An alternating pressure mattress (APM) promotes this blood flow by a pumping action called reperfusion. These mattresses provide active therapy resulting in better healing and ongoing healthier skin.
The Auralis APM is scientifically programmed to load and offload in a carefully designed cycle mimicking the human body’s physiology and providing good blood flow with enhanced healing. Arjo’s self set technology controls mattress pressures by constantly monitoring the body’s mass distribution and adjusting pressures as the body position changes. The mattress cover is made of Dartex and is water resistant and breathable. An autofirm control provides for a firm surface for nursing care and soft to firm controls allow for comfort settings. The Auralis has a battery backup and a transport mode along with a CPR release. Additionally an alternating pressure seat cushion is available for 24 hour use.
