Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Causes Pressure Sores?

A: The primary and most common cause of pressure sores is constant or excessive pressure to a bony prominence. Patients who are immobile, even for a short period of time, such as during an operation, can begin the development of a pressure wound. Other causes include heat, moisture (such as perspiration), shear, friction and nutrition.

Q: What is Alternating Pressure

A: Alternating Pressure is the industry term for the sequential inflation and deflation of air cells in the mattress to address constant pressure, the leading cause of pressure sores. An electronic controller, which is usually placed on the footboard of the bed, delivers a continuous flow of air
into the mattress. The mattress is made up of a series of air cells. The inflated air cells support the patient’s body while on the mattress. The deflated air cells allow nothing to touch the rest of the body therefore providing pressure relief. The electronic controller is programmed to alternate the air cells every few minutes, so that the deflated cells will become inflated while the inflated air cells become deflated.

Q: Do all Alternating Pressure systems provide the same therapy?

A: No. Since it is the deflated air cells that provide therapy, it is important that the system have the capability to deflate or remove, the air cell away from the body as much as possible. Some systems claim to be alternating pressure but studies show there is little, if any, differentiation between the inflated and the deflated air cells.

Some systems deflate every third air cell instead of every other. This means that the patient is only receiving therapy over 1/3 of the body at one time instead of the ideal 1/2 of the body.