Blueleaf Care, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, has launched a new pressure care mattress suitable for all pressure sores, from Grades 1 to 4, and can be used as a static or a fully dynamic alternating therapy mattress for high-quality care.
The Integra-Mat, which is available to care homes exclusively through Blueleaf Care and augments the company’s existing Universal Therapy System (UTS), is a therapeutic support system which provides the best in comfort, function, efficiency, and clinical excellence in line with best practice guidelines.
Described as a hybrid step-up, step-down mattress system, the Integra-Mat can be used as a static mattress, or it can be stepped-up to support the active prevention or treatment of painful pressure sores and ensure residents who do experience them remain as comfortable as possible. Over 700,000 people in the UK suffer from pressure sores, almost all of which (95%) are avoidable with the right care and equipment.
For residents requiring Grade 1 pressure care, the air mattress fully inflates in static mode with the foam mattress on the top surface under the cover; for Grades 2, 3 and 4 the air mattress cells, or air pockets, fully inflate and deflate around the pressure sore in dynamic alternating mode. This action mimics residents’ natural sleep movements to optimise the flow of blood and air to the affected area. The integral foam mattress can be stowed underneath the cells, if needed, for Grades 3 and 4 to create a full mattress system with maximum therapeutic hyperaemia.
Additional features include: ‘Auto Weight’ which automatically weighs the patient and adjusts pressure accordingly, removing the need for manual intervention; ‘Auto Upright’ which automatically optimises pressure when the patient is sitting up; and ‘Auto Firm’ which adjusts the system to static maximum inflation to allow for nursing and care procedures. Importantly, there are no external pumps hanging from the bed that can hinder carers, and an ultra-rapid CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) valve readies the mattress for chest compressions.
Russell Andrew, Product Category Manager, Blueleaf Care, believes the Integra-Mat provides care homes with a better approach to treating pressure sores. “Therapy can be adapted to the grade of pressure sore with minimal disturbance to residents,” he explains.
“The pump is fully integrated into one corner of the mattress, eradicating trailing electric leads and air hoses, which is safer for carers as they work, and is more aesthetically pleasing. The ultra-quiet pump and the integral foam layer of the mattress help improve residents’ sleep. Ultimately, the system is designed to speed up residents’ recovery, reduce the workload for carers and support better quality care.”
To discover more about the Integra-Mat, please visit: https://store.blueleafcare.com/product/pr766266-integra-mat-auto-dynamic-mattress-system