Our certified professional rehab department(ATP/NRRTS) at Handi Medical Supply can provide a bed mapping to determine
which type of specialty bedding is most appropriate for each individual.
Air-fluidized beds
Air-fluidized beds consist of a bed frame containing silicone coated beads. This type of bed uses both air and fluid
to provide support. Beads in the bed behave like a liquid when air is pumped through them. On this type of bed, the
body is immersed in the warm, dry fluidized beads. Air-fluidized beds are recommended for patients with multiple
large pressure ulcers. They are not recommended for patients with pulmonary disease or unstable spines or for patients
who are ambulatory. Because so much air is needed to fluidize the total bed, dehydration (from heat escaping from
the body) is a risk.
Low-air-loss beds
A low-air-loss bed consists of a bed frame with a series of connected air-filled pillows with or without minute holes
that allow air to escape. The amount of pressure in each pillow is controlled and can be changed to provide maximum
pressure reduction for the individual patient.
Combination air-fluidized/low-air-loss beds
Some beds are a combination of an air-fluidized and low-air-loss bed. The lower half of the bed contains the air-fluidized
component while the upper half of the bed contains the low-air-loss component. This bed is similar in size to a hospital
bed and the head is adjustable (allowing the bed to be raised), but it is lighter than a total air-fluidized system.
Air-fluidized and low-air-loss beds are designed to conform to the body contours. In addition to providing pressure
relief, these specialty beds also eliminate shear and friction and, decrease moisture. (It is important to keep the
intact skin around the pressure ulcer dry to prevent it from breaking down and to prevent the development of additional
pressure ulcers.)