Mattresses -
Why so much choice?

Summary

Different materials and construction allow different solutions to the issues facing those who spend long periods of time in bed.

Sumed International (UK) Limited has a market leading range of high quality, branded products supported by an experienced national sales team.

The Principles

One of the most important factors relating to any mattress product is understanding how it works. What added function does one product have compared to another and how does this relate to the proposed user? There are a few basic principles that are used during the design of a product and one or more of these principles will be found in every mattress that we offer.

Envelopment

This describes the way in which a mattress behaves to ensure even contact and distribution of pressure between the user and the mattress.

Added function

Which includes the additional benefits of reduction in shear and equalization of pressure rather than redistribution of pressure. The added function of the product is determined by the materials used in the manufacture of the product and the mechanical abilities determined by the design of the product.
The following descriptions relate to the use of different designs to address the challenges presented during use of a mattress surface.

The Action Range

Envelopment

The Action Products Inc range of mattress toppers approaches the basic principles in a different fashion. Envelopment is catered for by using the underlying foam mattress and Akton Polymer of different thicknesses depending on the user's needs.

Added Function

Akton® viscoelastic polymer provides an important added function to the performance of the product. Akton® is like a fluid, giving uniform support, yet is actually a soft solid, which will not bottom out. When pressure is applied at an angle to the skin surface, the various layers of the skin move over each other causing tissue distortion. This is called shear and different areas of the skin have different tolerances to shear forces. Deformation due to shear occurs where there is friction between the skin and the surface with which it is in contact, e.g. clothes. The frictional force will hold the upper layers of the skin stationary while the deeper layers move across one another. The Akton® mattress pads acts like a second skin and provides a reduction in shear across the support area. Akton® quickly adjusts to the shape of the body, however it will return to and permanently hold its original shape when not under load.

The Viscotech Range

Envelopment

The Viscotech range uses different foam specifications and combinations to enable envelopment either as a single foam product or for more complex needs a composite foam mattress range. Viscotech uses the very latest foam and visco-elastic technology, supported by comprehensive clinical evidence, to ensure maximum immersion.

Added Function

By using castellation and composite layers of foam, the range provides a product for a low risk comfort user up to a high risk user. Constructed from Vitafoam’s Vasco and Reflex foams, Viscotech offers better density and hence durability than many of its competitors. To ensure optimum performance in the clinical environment, all Viscotech products are protected by a high specification polyurethane cover. The 2-way breathable stretch fabric delivers exceptional comfort and the integral anti-bacterial agent provides peace of mind.

Tempur® Medical

Envelopment

The TEMPUR Material is a visco-elastic, temperature sensitive open cell material which has unique pressure relieving qualities. Unlike ordinary polyurethane which features irregular cell shapes that simply compress under weight and degenerate over a short period of time, the TEMPUR Pressure Relieving Material is composed of billions of visco-elastic spherical shaped, open cells. The cells respond to body temperature and weight then shift and re-organize their position to mould to the exact contours of the patient’s body.

Added Function

The TEMPUR Pressure Relieving Material becomes softer in warmer areas and remains firmer in cooler areas, where less body contact is being made. This allows a more equal distribution of pressure, with less rebound from the foam causing pressure spots. TEMPUR has a density of 85-110 kg/m3. The open cell structure allows air to circulate. The cell response of the visco-elastic foam enables proper support and pressure relief over the entire surface. Being specially treated, the foam, not just the cover, enables a degree of contamination to the foam without adversely affecting cross infection risks. Reassurance of proven efficacy and cost effectiveness can be gained from case studies, clinical trials and medical practice all over the world. All TEMPUR-MED products are covered with a waterproof and air permeable PU-cover. The PU-cover is welded to avoid leakage. The PU-cover can also be machine washed (95°C) and is easy to clean, disinfect and sterilize using cleaning agents commonly used in hospitals.

Roho Group inc. Products

Envelopment

In a world wide study, Roho established that the average height from Trochanter to the bottom of the Ischial Tuberosities was 7.5 cm. This meant that a product conforming to and enveloping this depth would deliver the perfect envelopment characteristic. Secondly, if the effect of flotation in water could be mimicked the maximum body surface support area would be supported- using many interconnected but individual cells to support the user and air as the fluid, Dry Flotation was invented.

Added Function

This combination gave Roho a still unsurpassed lead in the marketplace as the cellular design enable not just superior envelopment but also low shear and the ability of the mattress to move with the user. The cellular construction used in all the Roho mattress toppers enables equalization of pressure to occur giving excellent pressure distribution and providing corresponding compression therapy as the cells move individually in response to body contact. The Roho range can be used as inserts alongside their own foam mattress inserts, so you can tailor the use of the product to the area in need of the therapy. Being non-powered, these products lend themselves to use in the Acute as well as Community setting.

X Sensor

X Sensor Pressure mapping devices delivers the benefit of ensuring that the best possible choice of product has been selected-please refer to the X Sensor link to discover the extensive benefits of the state of the art X Sensor system