What is the difference between an air bed and an air mattress?

18 Feb.,2024

 

As obvious in the name, an air bed and an Air Mattress share similar features and designs. They are both inflated using air. When it comes to the difference between the two, an air bed is ideal for a wide range of purposes. On the flip side, an air mattress is commonly used with a hospital bed. With that being said, it primarily provides an ideal recovery environment for a bed-bound patient.

 

Moreover, an air bed is typically laid on the floor, while the air mattress is carefully organized with the hospital bed. The primary reason is to ensure a safe and comfortable lying place for a patient. Also, an air mattress features an alternating pressure mattress system that prevents bedsores and pressure ulcers. 

 

While an air bed is ideal for its versatility, it is undeniable that an air mattress is much needed for bedridden patients or people who need long hours of bed rest. So, if you or your loved one needs to recuperate from a medical condition, choosing an air mattress over an air bed is ideal. Find out why by continuing reading below. 

 

Why do hospitals use air mattresses?

 

Even though an air bed is designed to be used literally anywhere, it is so light that the air inside might have a hard time adjusting to the user’s weight. That’s one of the significant reasons why hospitals prefer air mattresses. For long-time care and recovery, an air mattress is second to none. 

 

Undeniably, hospitals generally prefer air mattresses since they are designed for medical assistance and care. On top of that, the benefits they can provide are outstanding and priceless. Discover some of the benefits of air mattresses below. 

  • Air mattresses help with pressure sore prevention.

 

Hospitals use air mattresses since they are ideal for patients who spend long periods in beds. Even with long periods, air mattresses remain comfortable and safe for patients since they can adjust to patients’ weight. 

 

To be precise, air mattresses can alternate pressure points and prevent the pressure from focusing on one just area. Through that, patients can find their best comfort, regardless of their position. Hence, there’s no need to struggle to maintain just one position. 

  • Air mattresses can improve blood circulation.

 

Surely, there is a lot of pressure on the skin when staying in bed for too long. It is a normal issue when staying in an ordinary bed. That is exactly what air mattresses can prevent. Once again, air mattresses can adjust to patients’ weight with moving air cells. 

 

Ultimately, the cells go to the regions where pressure ulcers are more likely to form. At the same time, the air movement of air mattresses can also improve blood circulation. Stimulating better blood flow can make patients feel much more comfortable. 

  • Air mattresses feature low-air loss technology.

 

Hot temperatures can cause surfaces also to be hotter. Of course, hot surfaces are truly challenging to sleep on. The good thing is that air mattresses come with low-air loss technology. This technology describes the numerous holes in air mattresses. Primarily, the holes are highly beneficial in causing air leaks. That’s why their surfaces remain cool for peaceful sleeping. 

  • Air mattresses are comfortable to use for patients.

 

Air mattresses work similarly to wheelchair cushions. In addition, they have airflow technology that makes them highly comfortable to use. As a matter of fact, they are named as the most hospital bed mattresses. Air mattresses are more comfortable to use than regular mattresses or inner-spring mattresses. Therefore, hospitals use them. 

  • Air mattresses are convenient.

 

Frequent cleaning and maintenance are requirements to prolong the lifespan of air mattresses. Those tasks are hectic for heavy mattresses. The good thing is that it is not a problem with air mattresses. In fact, they are lightweight, which makes them easy to maintain. With that being said, air mattresses are highly convenient to use. That’s why they are popular in hospitals and home care. 

 

How to choose the best air mattress

 

The excellent adjustable firm supports are among the primary reasons air mattresses are popular. While most air mattresses in the market are great in quality, buying a low-quality one is still possible. That’s why it is important to know how to choose the best air mattress. See some of the essential factors to consider as a buying guide below. 

  • Size

 

Like hospital beds, air mattresses are also available in a wide range of sizes. The best strategy in buying a hospital mattress is to match it to the size of the hospital bed. Ultimately, there’s no room for mistakes since they can risk safety and decrease comfort. 

  • User mobility

 

User mobility is another vital factor to consider since it affects the comfort of using an air mattress. If the user has no mobility and is really required to stay in a hospital bed all day long, then it tells that the air mattress to be chosen must have the capacity to support a user all day long efficiently. 

 

  • Is an air pump necessary?

 

An electric pump is frequently included with more expensive air mattresses. With an electric pump, you can speed up the inflating process and avoid the hassle of attempting to find a pump or pump component that fits your air mattress. The downside of air pumps is that they might be more difficult to pack and store. An air mattress that can be augmented by blowing into a tube is preferable if you intend to take it outside.

 

  • Storage

 

When you deflate an air mattress, they can become cumbersome, heavy tarps that are annoying to fold and transport. However, you risk damaging them if you roll them up and stuff them into a closet. When purchasing an air mattress, check whether it has a storage bag and if the manufacturer provides instructions on how to fold it back up before storing it correctly. We check to determine if a storage bag is provided as part of our convenience test. Measuring each folded air mattress is important to determine how much closet space a model would use when not in use.

 

Final Thoughts 

 

The intellect expands when sleeping. And when you soundly sleep when you rest, you may enjoy yourself the most. We hope this theme will be useful to you when attempting to decide which air mattress would be most comfortable for your rest.

As previously noted, both air mattress and air bed have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Now that you have properly analyzed both sides, choosing the ideal one is up to you. Here at AvaCare Medical, there are a plethora of choices you can choose from. Contact us at 1-877-813-7799 or email us at [email protected] and talk with one of our experts today!

For more information Inflatable Beds Manufacturer, please get in touch with us!