Thin foam pad on alternating pressure mattress on hospital bed. Will it diminish the prevention of bed sores?

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Katlew23 Asked June 2019

Thin foam pad on alternating pressure mattress on hospital bed. Will it diminish the prevention of bed sores?

We wanted to keep my mom comfortable on the hospital bed. She is bedridden as of yesterday. She cannot roll or move. Should I remove the foam and mattress cover?

She was uncomfortable on the bed initially, but now that the pain meds at night are enough she is ok on the bed. She cannot move her legs (extreme lympodemia from ovarian cancer). Now I am worried that the thin foam pad and mattress cover will eliminate the benefits of pressure pad to prevent bedsores. Does anyone know? One of the hospice nurses did recommend it but I am concerned since my mom is resistive to repositioning. Diaper change is quite a workout for both of us...

Bed Sores End of Life Medical Equipment and Supplies

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score 1 · Answer 1

@isthisreallyreal
Maybe terms are messing with me here.,my mom had very thick mattress connected to air circulating machine. No foam topper.

I am doing ok. You guys, it is AFTER they pass that you deal with some heavy stuff. And I can't emphasize enough.

Helpful Answer (1)

I think that the poster added the topper, like the egg crates you buy to put on your mattress. Or the 3" memory foam, that kind of thing.

My sisters mattress was thick and attached to an air machine, but it was hot, so placing a foam mattress pad helps keep you from sweating, IMO.

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score 0 · Answer 2

@isthisreallyreal

Ah.,ok. Makes sense.,my mom's not a foam pad at all. Was fully encased thick thing connected to air exchanger.

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Yeah, that is what she is worried about, will an added pad effect the function of the air mattress alternating pressure. Does that make sense?
How are you doing?

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score 0 · Answer 3

The hospice nurse should recommend an air circulating mattress. Medicare part A pays for under hospice. You may be nearing an end stage, particularly if sores are labelled a Kennedy wound. I was in your shoes. My mom's were kennedy wounds. They herald the end of life. Strength to you.,peace to your mom.

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Sego, that is what an alternating pressure mattress is. Just different verbiage depending on region.

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score 1 · Answer 4

It should be just fine. Your mother will get the benefits of that alternating pressure mattress with those mattress covers.

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Thank you

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score 3 · Answer 5

Trust your hospice nurse, she has done this many times.

Mom is probably more comfortable because of the combination of pads and meds.

I am sorry you are losing your mom, may you find peace and may God grant you strength and wisdom during this time.

Hugs🤗

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😋🌺😔

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score 0 · Answer 6

Can you feel the air moving? If yes I would keep the mattress pad and foam on. Air mattresses are hot and sticky if they don't have good covers. You can tell if it is doing its job.

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