All mattresses have a limited lifespan. If your senior living facility’s current mattresses are beginning to display common signs of wear, including weakened support or material fatigue that leaves body impressions, it’s time to commence planning for your facility’s next mattress purchase.
Here’s a mattress buying guide for how to select a mattress that considers the most significant factors for seniors to ensure your residents are comfortable.
- Check the mattress elevation. If the mattresses in your facility are too high or too low, it could be difficult for a resident to climb into and out of their beds.
- Determine how the mattress will conform to the person laying on it. Extra space between one’s body and the mattress can add pressure to arthritic joints. Resident hips shoulders, elbows and knees should be supported by their mattress when lying down. Sleeping on a mattress that doesn't provide sufficient support could potentially lead to aches throughout the day for your residents.
- Consider the temperature of your resident sleeping quarters. For example, foam mattresses tend to lock in heat, which can keep senior joints and muscles loosened up in colder temperatures. However, in a warmer climate a mattress that is too warm may be difficult to fall asleep on.
- Keep resident mobility in mind. Mattresses are the first line of defense against skin breakdown for residents who are experiencing immobility. Pressure redistribution mattresses remove air from areas experiencing the most pressure and redistribute it to the areas of the mattress experiencing lower amounts of pressure. As a result, the pressure redistribution supports the entire body and reduces pressure on high-risk areas including the shoulders, elbows, tail bones, ankles and heels.
- Think about moisture control. If your residents struggle with incontinence, perspire heavily, or have wounds that drain, it may lead to dampness on the mattress. Some mattresses are specifically designed to control moisture and dry quickly without absorption. Other mattress surfaces may quickly soak in moisture, resulting in additional issues including mattress stains, material breakdown, and sometimes even lingering malodors.
As you are likely aware, the right mattress may help alleviate symptoms and promote restorative sleep for your residents. Unfortunately, mattress selection can be an intimidating process as there are multiple models to choose from. Encompass has been a leading supplier of cost-effective, clinically-proven support surfaces for the long-term care market for the past 40 years.
Dial 1-800-328-5525 to speak to an Encompass Group representative about which mattresses will be best for your facility.
