Mattresses

The difference lies in the clinical purpose and technology level of each mattress type: 

• Pressure prevention mattresses are designed to help avoid the development of pressure ulcers in individuals who are at risk due to immobility or extended periods of sitting or lying. These systems typically use alternating air cells or high-specification foam to evenly distribute weight and maintain healthy blood flow, reducing pressure on vulnerable areas. 

• Pressure treatment mattresses, on the other hand, are intended for individuals who already have existing pressure ulcers. These advanced systems, such as dynamic air or hybrid mattresses, provide therapeutic support to promote healing. They may include features like automated pressure adjustments, multi-zonal support, and, in the case of our Profile Sensor technology, accuracy in bed movement monitoring, ensuring optimum support for patients while minimising pressure points. 

In summary: 

• Prevention mattresses reduce the risk of ulcers forming. 

• Treatment mattresses aid in healing existing wounds. 

 
The choice depends on the individual’s condition, mobility, and clinical needs. 

Whether you’re looking to prevent pressure injuries or manage and heal existing wounds, Meditec Medical offers expertly developed mattress systems that combine innovation, reliability, and clinical effectiveness. 

Pressure ulcers develop when prolonged pressure, especially over bony areas like the heels, hips, and sacrum, reduces blood flow, depriving tissues of oxygen and nutrients. Factors like restricted circulation, friction and shear can accelerate skin breakdown and lead to painful wounds. 

How Meditec Mattresses Help: 
Our pressure-relieving mattresses, including those with Profile Sensor Technology, are designed to: 

• Redistribute pressure to reduce prolonged load on vulnerable areas 

• Minimise shear and friction through specialised materials and design 

• Adapt in real time to patient movement (Profile Sensor) 

Choosing the right pressure relief mattress depends on a combination of clinical needs, mobility level, and care environment. At Meditec Medical, we recommend considering the following key factors to ensure you select the most appropriate solution: 

Risk Level Assessment 
Start with a professional assessment of your pressure ulcer risk. Tools like the Braden Scale are commonly used by healthcare professionals to evaluate skin integrity, mobility, nutrition, and other factors. Your risk level, ranging from low to very high, will help determine the type of mattress you require. 

Mattress Type 
Different mattresses are designed for different levels of risk and clinical needs: 

Static Foam Mattresses: Ideal for low to high-risk users. These mattresses redistribute pressure using high-specification foam and are low-maintenance and quiet. 

Alternating Pressure (Dynamic) Mattresses: Recommended for at risk to very high-risk users or those with existing pressure damage. These use air cells that inflate and deflate on a 1-in-2 cycle to relieve pressure continuously. 

Hybrid Mattresses: Combine foam and air technologies for enhanced comfort and dynamic pressure redistribution, suitable for at risk to very high-risk patients. 

Overlay Systems: Placed on top of an existing mattress for temporary or short-term pressure relief. 

Mobility and Transfer Needs 
If you or the person using the mattress can move or transfer independently, consider how the mattress may affect bed height and ease of movement. Some dynamic mattresses may slightly raise the surface height, which could impact safe transfers or 'sit-to-stand' movements. Always check for safety and fit. 

Compatibility with Bed and Accessories 
Ensure the mattress is compatible with your existing bed frame and any accessories. Some equipment, like profiling beds or bed rails, may not function optimally with deeper or dynamic mattresses. Always check for safety and fit. 

Comfort and Sleep Quality 
Comfort is essential. An uncomfortable mattress may disrupt sleep and reduce compliance with pressure care.  

We strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalised advice based on your individual clinical needs and risk level. 

In most cases, yes, pressure relief mattresses are compatible with a variety of bed frames, including divan bases, slatted frames, platform beds, and electric profiling beds. However, it’s important to ensure the frame offers even and stable support to maintain the mattress’s effectiveness and longevity. 

Key Considerations: 

• Slatted Frames: Slats should be closely spaced to prevent sagging or uneven pressure distribution. 

• Divan Bases & Platform Beds: These typically provide excellent, even support. 

• Profiling & Adjustable Beds: Many pressure-relieving mattresses, particularly dynamic or alternating air systems, are designed for use with electric profiling beds. Always check the mattress is suitable for movement and adjustability. 

• Reinforced Frames: For heavier users, a reinforced or metal frame may offer better long-term support and durability. 

Yes, Meditec Medical’s pressure relief mattresses are designed for versatile use across all care settings, including hospitals, nursing and residential care homes, and home care environments. 

Each mattress in our range is developed to meet clinical standards while offering flexibility, ease of use, and patient comfort, making them suitable for: 

• Hospitals: Compatible with profiling beds and high-acuity care needs. 

• Care Homes: Reliable, low-maintenance options for daily use in shared or individual rooms. 

• Home Care: Compact, user-friendly systems for safe and effective pressure care at home. 

Whether for prevention or treatment, our mattresses deliver the same level of therapeutic support regardless of the setting. 

Yes, patients can safely sleep on Meditec Medical’s pressure relief mattresses for extended periods. Our mattresses are specifically designed for individuals who spend long hours, or even entire days, in bed due to limited mobility, illness, or recovery. 

Each mattress is engineered to provide: 

• Consistent pressure redistribution to prevent skin breakdown 

• Comfortable support for uninterrupted rest and recovery 

• Advanced materials that help manage heat, moisture, and friction over time 

Whether used for short-term recovery or long-term care, these mattresses support both clinical outcomes and sleep quality, ensuring patients remain safe, supported, and comfortable. 

Yes, alternating air mattresses use a powered pump to cycle air through internal cells, which produces a low-level operational sound. However, Meditec Medical’s systems are engineered for quiet performance, with noise levels typically ranging between 15dB and 40dB, quieter than a typical conversation and comparable to background noise in a quiet room. 

Key Features: 

• Low-noise pump units designed to minimise disruption, especially at night 

• Smooth, gradual air cycling to avoid sudden sounds 

• Noise-reducing components for use in sensitive environments like bedrooms or shared care spaces 

For most users, the sound is barely noticeable and non-disruptive, making these systems suitable for continuous day and night use in hospitals, care homes, and at home. 

Yes, all Meditec Medical pressure relief mattresses are manufactured to meet strict safety and regulatory standards: 

• Fire-Retardant: All mattresses comply with BS7177 fire safety standards for use in domestic, healthcare, and institutional settings. 

• CE Marked: Our products are fully compliant with both CE marking (EU), confirming they meet essential health, safety, and environmental protection requirements. 

These certifications ensure that our mattresses are safe, high-quality, and approved for clinical use across hospitals, care homes, and private residences. 

Certification documents are available upon request for clinical audits or procurement review.