What are Hybrid Mattresses?
Hybrid mattresses combine features of both alternating air and foam mattresses. They are designed to provide effective pressure care for patients at risk of developing pressure injuries. 

Key features

  • Alternating air cells for pressure redistribution
  • Foam base for stability and comfort
  • Low profile design
  • Multiple operating modes

Benefits of Hybrid Mattresses

Pressure Care

  • Alternating air cells help redistribute pressure
  • Reduces risk of pressure injuries
  • Suitable for high-risk patients

Versatility

  • Can be used in alternating or static modes
  • Adaptable to different patient needs

Patient Comfort

  • Foam base provides a stable and comfortable surface
  • Air cells offer customisable support

Ease of Use

  • Compatible with adjustable beds
  • Lower profile compared to full-thickness alternating air mattresses

Hybrid Mattresses: Utilisation with Floor Beds and Home Care Beds

Hybrid mattresses offer a perfect blend of comfort, support, and versatility, making them an excellent choice for both Floor Beds (ultra-low beds) and home care beds.

Key Benefits:

  • Maintain pressure care while minimising fall risk.
  • Allow patients to be positioned very close to the floor, facilitating easier transfers.
  • Adapt to the bed’s various positions to enhance comfort and safety.
  • Provide pressure relief and optimal support for different medical needs.
  • Durable and easy to maintain, ensuring long-term use and reliability.

By pairing hybrid mattresses with either Floor Beds or home care beds, users can experience improved safety, comfort, and overall care tailored to their specific needs.

Key Safety Considerations  

1.Fall Risk Assessment:

  • Floor Beds: While floor beds minimise fall risk, users with impaired mobility, confusion, or balance issues still require careful assessment.
  • Home Care Beds: Regular fall risk assessments are essential, considering the bed’s adjustable features and the user’s medical condition.

2.Entrapment Hazards:

  • Gaps: Ensure no gaps exist between the mattress, bed frame, and any side rails or accessories where the user could become trapped.
  • Bed Adjustments: If using an adjustable bed, be mindful of entrapment risks when adjusting the bed height or position

3.Pressure Injury Prevention:

  • Regular Repositioning: Even with a pressure-relieving mattress, frequent repositioning is critical to preventing pressure injuries.
  • Skin Inspection: Conduct daily skin inspections to identify any early signs of pressure damage.

4.Infection Control:

  • Mattress Hygiene: Maintain the mattress’s cleanliness and dryness to prevent infection.
  • Hand Hygiene: Practice good hand hygiene before and after any contact with the mattress or the user.

5.Fire Safety:

  • Mattress Flammability: Ensure the mattress meets applicable fire safety standards.
  • Smoke Alarms: Install and maintain smoke alarms in the user’s room.

Education and Training

User and Caregiver Education:

  • Provide comprehensive training on the safe use of the hybrid mattress, the bed, and any accessories.
  • Cover topics such as fall prevention, pressure injury prevention, infection control, and fire safety.
  • Emphasise the importance of regular repositioning and skin inspections.

Hands-on Demonstration:

  • Demonstrate proper techniques for transferring the user to and from the bed.
  • Show how to adjust the bed safely and avoid entrapment hazards.

Hybrid mattresses offer an effective solution for pressure care, combining the benefits of alternating air technology with the stability of foam. When used in conjunction with floorbeds, they can contribute to a comprehensive approach to patient care and safety.