One of the biggest risks of being confined to bed is the formation of pressure sores. Pressure injuries can begin to develop within 2-6 hours so it is important to identify at-risk patients quickly within a healthcare setting and to have the right tools to deal with the problem. But how do you manage this in a busy healthcare setting? That’s where the Apex Domus 4 mattress comes in.
What is the Apex Domus 4 mattress?
The Apex Domus 4 mattress is an air mattress that has been designed specifically to help patients at risk of pressure sores, thanks to its revolutionary ‘Alternating Pressure Redistribution System’. It is a good mattress for a healthcare setting because its high-performance functionalities can help healthcare workers to deliver individualised care in a busy setting.
What are pressure injuries?
A person typically develops pressure sores when bony parts of the body are in prolonged contact with a surface. The lower trunk (sacral area) and the heels are the two most common areas where pressure injuries occur. There are six stages of pressure injury which, if left unchecked, can lead to tissue, bone and tendon damage.
As well as prolonged periods of lying or sitting down, additional risk factors have been identified in the development of pressure sores. Anyone over the age of 70 is at higher risk of pressure sores, as is anyone with a history of smoking, dry skin, impaired mobility, altered mental state, diabetes and incontinence.
In addition, studies have shown that pressure injuries most commonly occur in environments where there is prolonged pressure, friction and moisture and heat.
The advantages of the Apex Domus 4 Mattress for healthcare settings
1. Five Pressure relief modes
The Apex Domus 4 Mattress has 5 functions that are designed to help with pressure relief:
- The Continuous Low Pressure (CLP) mode gives patients a more comfortable, enveloping surface
- The Alternating Pressure Redistribution System mode continuously inflates and deflates air cells in the mattress to aid pressure distribution
- The Max Firm mode creates a stable base that is ideal for nursing, and will then revert back to alternating mode after 20 minutes
- The Seat Inflation mode adjusts the pressure to suit the patient in a sitting position and can be programmed with CLP or with the Alternating mode
2. Heel Relief Function
The heel is typically the second most common area for pressure sores to occur so the Apex Domus 4 Mattress is equipped with pressure-relieving technology to combat this. Regardless of patient height, the air cells at the foot end of the mattress can be individually deflated to achieve zero pressure under the heels, as if the heels are suspended in air.
3. Functional design
The Cell on Cell design of the mattress means there are two rows of air cells for enhanced functionality. This gives extra support when the patient is in a seating position and means there is no danger of a patient ‘bottoming out’, when in a seated position for an extended period of time or in the case of power failure. The mattress also features an all-round zipper with welded seams for easy removal and to prevent fluid ingress.
4. Moisture repellent material
An increasing body of evidence suggests that the microclimate between skin and the supporting surface plays a role in the development of pressure injuries. The Apex Domus 4 mattress offers a ‘micro air loss’ function to combat this. This means the mattress allows good ventilation which helps to reduce the build-up of heat and moisture.
5. Friction Control
The Apex Domus 4 mattress comes with a sanitary cover that is made from high-performance, technical material that reduces friction, a contributory cause of pressure sores. The 4-way stretch cover is also water resistant and allows water vapour to permeate easily.
6. CPR Knob
The Apex Domus 4 mattress has a quick-release CPR Knob in case of emergency. It will deflate the mattress in under 20 seconds so that CPR can be performed safely.
7. Easy Installation
The mattress is equipped with a quick connector which means the mattress can be inflated in under 30 minutes. The connector also comes with a cap so you can seal the mattress for up to 8 hours to create a stable base to assist with patient transportation.
8. Visual and Audio Alarms
It is important to be aware at all times of an individual patient’s needs but in a busy healthcare setting, this can be difficult. For this reason, the Apex Domus 4 mattress has alarm systems that alert healthcare workers if there is low pressure or a power failure.
Find out more about the Apex Domus 4 mattress
If you would like to know more about whether the Apex Domus 4 mattress would be suitable for your healthcare setting, then please do get in touch with one of our Premiere Healthcare advisers. Our team is trained in all aspects of specialist seating and equipment and we would be happy to advise you on the right type of mattress to suit your healthcare setting. It is important to note that any healthcare setting should set up a regular programme of decontamination for medical mattresses to help prevent the spread of infection and also to prolong the life of the equipment. Read our blog to find out why mattress decontamination is essential.
