Best Mattresses to Prevent Bedsores (2024) | Expert-Tested (2024)

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are painful wounds that result from prolonged pressure on certain areas of the body. They’re most common in people who have medical conditions that cause them to spend a lot of time reclining or sitting in the same position.¹

For people who are largely bedridden and often in hospital-grade beds, alternating pressure mattresses (APMs) are a good option for keeping pressure ulcers at bay. However, traditional mattresses can also help with bedsore prevention, and many people find them more comfortable than APMs.

Here, I’ve collected some of our favorite traditional beds that may guard against bedsores. I’ve also listed a few alternating pressure mattresses that you can order online.

As you browse, remember: guidance from a doctor and attention to personal preferences are the keys to finding the best mattress for preventing bedsores, whether it’s for you or a loved one.

Best Mattresses for Preventing Bedsores

• Helix Midnight Luxe – Editor’s Pick
• WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Foam Mattress for Preventing Bedsores
• DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress for Preventing Pressure Ulcers
• Nectar Premier – Best Cooling Mattress for Preventing Bedsores
• Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Mattress for Preventing Bedsores
• Saatva Solaire – Best Mattress with Adjustable Firmness for Preventing Bedsores
• Bear Original – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers and Preventing Pressure Ulcers
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Preventing Bedsores
• Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Preventing Bedsores

Dr. Raj Discusses How to Prevent Bedsores

Comparing the Best Beds for Pressure Ulcers 2024

How We Picked the Best Beds for Preventing Bedsores

At Sleep Advisor, we test beds in person at our studio to grade them across various performance categories, including pressure relief, cooling, and more. We have multiple people interact with each mattress so that we know how it feels for different body types and sleeping positions.

While deciding on the best mattresses for bedsore prevention, we narrowed our focus to a few key categories revolving around pressure relief and support. We also consulted our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, for important context around how pressure ulcers develop.

What We Want to See in a Mattress for Bedsore Prevention

A mattress must showcase a few key traits to effectively prevent bedsores. I chose the beds for this roundup based on the following factors, which were also informed by Dr. Dasgupta’s expertise.

The Best Mattresses for Preventing Pressure Ulcers, Reviewed

Helix Midnight Luxe– Editor’s Pick

What’s the Best Type of Mattress for Bedsores?

Research suggests that the best mattresses for bedsores are alternating pressure models. But traditional mattresses can also aid in bedsore prevention.²

You’ll want to think about how you (or your loved one) will be using the mattress, whether you’re prioritizing bedsore prevention or treatment, and your budget.

Dr. Dasgupta recommends that you consult your doctor before you shop, as well. Keep in mind that just because a mattress has a certain label or qualification doesn’t mean it will always be the best bed for your needs.

Below, we’ll describe the various types of mattresses that can prevent bedsores in more detail.

Alternating Pressure Mattresses

An alternating pressure mattress is an electrically powered mattress (or mattress pad) that inflates and deflates connected air chambers inside its construction. This process changes the distribution of pressure on the user’s body, ensuring that no one area experiences an outsized amount of pressure—which would place it at increased risk for developing a bedsore.

You can buy an alternating pressure mattress (APM) to keep bedsores from appearing or worsening. They’re often used in hospital or hospice settings, but can be set up at home as well.³ They come with a variety of optional features, such as whisper-quiet air pumps and continuous pressure-changing modes.

Some APMs are also low air loss mattresses. These beds are powered by a blower, which works to circulate air throughout the mattress continuously.⁴ Low air loss products are great for keeping patients dry, and their pressure control is considerably more delicate.

if you already have bedsores, or spend most of your time bedridden, you may want to consider an alternating pressure mattress. Below, you’ll find a selection of these beds available on Amazon.

	Vive 8″ Alternating Pressure Mattress	Protekt Aire 3000	14027 Med-Aire Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System	Oasis	14029 Med-Aire Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System
Rating	Coming Soon	Coming Soon	Coming Soon	Coming Soon	Coming Soon
Firmness
Material	Other	Other	Other	Other	Other
Cooling	—	—	—	—	—
Warranty
Shipping	Flat-rate shipping	Flat-rate shipping	Flat-rate shipping	Flat-rate shipping	Flat-rate shipping
Trial Period
Best For

Foam Mattresses

Traditional foam mattresses can also be used when trying to eliminate or prevent pressure ulcers.

Per Dr. Dasgpupta, “Materials like memory foam or gel can be really comfortable and supportive, helping to prevent further issues and help you heal.”

The American College of Physicians also recommends traditional mattresses made of foam or gel that cradle you and don’t move much, as this could help reduce friction.⁵

Hybrid Mattresses

Even though foam beds are generally more effective at preventing pressure ulcers, Dr. Dasgupta said that “hybrid beds can be a good option for those who prefer the feel of springs or need extra support.”

Just be mindful that these beds may not feel as cushiony as all-foam models.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses may also help to prevent bedsores, as latex foam is a highly pressure-relieving material that runs cooler than memory foam.

However, not much research has been done on this material and pressure ulcers specifically. A 2017 study concluded that a latex mattress could outperform a foam bed in terms of overall pressure on the sleeper’s body and evenness of pressure distribution, but only tested one latex bed model against one foam bed model.¹⁴

Alternating Pressure Mattresses vs. Other Mattress Types

Don’t know which type of mattress to get? According to Dr. Raj, you’ll want to weigh the mattress’s effectiveness at preventing bedsores against how comfortable it feels.

Alternating pressure mattresses tend to be better at reducing the risk of pressure ulcers overall. Per Dr. Dasgupta, “APMs offer several advantages, including … reducing the risk of friction and shearing forces, and improving circulation, which helps lower the risk of skin breakdown.” However, they can be tough to sleep on, and may not feel as cozy as a traditional bed.

Traditional foam and hybrid mattresses, on the other hand, may be more affordable, comfortable, and versatile. “However,” Dr. Raj cautioned, “they are not as effective at preventing pressure ulcers as APMs, and may contribute to friction and shearing forces, which can increase the risk of developing pressure ulcers over time.”

Your personal preference should be the final judge. As Dr. Dasgupta concluded, “The best way to choose a mattress specifically for pressure ulcer prevention is to try out different mattresses and see what is most comfortable for that person.”

What to Look for in a Mattress for Preventing Bedsores

Bedsores are common in those who are bedridden, in a wheelchair, or otherwise unable to sense pain⁶, and they can be quite dangerous to your health—especially when left untreated. There are many features to keep in mind when searching for a mattress that prevents them; we’ll dive into the details to help you know what to prioritize.

Sleeping Position

It’s recommended that people at risk for developing bedsores reposition frequently⁷ when in bed. By moving around, they diminish the chances of any one area experiencing excess pressure.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeperstend to sleep best on medium-firmness mattresses. These kinds of mattresses typically have good support and some comforting contouring.

While many people who experience bedsores are those who are immobile and spend much of their time on their back in bed, it should be noted that many of the places most susceptible to bedsores—such as the tailbone and hips, heels, back of the head, shoulder blades and back of the knees—are areas that will be in direct contact with the mattress if you sleep in this position⁶.

Side Sleeping

Softer, plusher mattresses tend to work best forside sleepers. This is because these sleepers put a lot of weight and pressure on relatively small areas of the body, specifically the shoulders and hips, and softer mattresses give them much-needed comfort and pressure relief.

This also means that these mattresses could be good at preventing or relieving pressure ulcers. The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP)⁸ also has specific recommendations for how side sleepers can reposition to prevent bedsores from forming.

Combination Sleeping

Frequently repositioning your sleep posture is one of the ways to prevent bed sores. Therefore,combination sleepers, who switch between two or three positions, should be less likely to develop bedsores. These sleepers typically do well on a mattress that falls in the middle of the firmness scale.

Stomach Sleeping

Those who spend a lot of timesleeping on their stomachswill need to be mindful of developing bedsores around their pelvis, knees, and front of the ankles. Additionally, they will need a mattress that is a bit on the firmer side to help keep their hips from sagging too far down as this could lead to lower back pain.

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers

When loved ones become immobile and are bound to a bed or wheelchair, weight gain is typical due to the lack of exercise and movement. Once you realize they need a particular mattress to prevent or treat ulcers, be sure to check the weight capacity and account for possible weight gain. For example, if they weigh 160 pounds, get one that supports 260 pounds to be safe.

Read more about mattresses for heavy sleepers here.

Firmness

“A mattress can make pressure ulcers worse if it’s too firm and puts too much pressure on sensitive areas. But a mattress that’s softer and helps distribute weight more evenly can actually help ease pressure ulcers by reducing the strain on those spots and promoting healing. It’s about finding the right balance to give your skin the support and relief it needs.”

Dr. Raj Dasgupta

When you have pressure sores, the best thing you can do is stick with amattress firmness levelthat offers the most pressure relief for your sleep position. However, this does not mean you should run right out and get the softest mattress you can find.

Getting a too-soft mattress for your sleep position can leave you with poor body alignment, which could lead toback pain.

Generally speaking, you should try to stick to the mattress firmness level that most closely matches your sleep style and body type, and perhaps go down one firmness level to account for your increased need for pressure relief.

Cooling

Althoughcooling mattressesmay not directly affect pressure ulcers and bedsores, they can provide overall comfort. Given that many people who develop these types of wounds spend much, if not all, of their time in bed, mattresses with cooling gels and breathable materials like coils, latex, or cotton may help prevent overheating.

Motion Isolation

The American College of Physicians recommends beds made of foam or gel that don’t move much. As such, foam mattresses that prevent motion transfer would likely be a good choice for these people because these mattresses are likely to absorb the kind of motion that could cause friction, which is one of the ways that bed sores occur.

Memory foam is one of the best materials for motion isolation, and if you want a bed with coils, look for ones that are individually wrapped to curbmotion transfer.

Pressure Relief

Considering that ulcers and bedsores often develop from abuildup in pressure⁹, beds that evenly distribute body weight and keep the spine in a supported, neutral position can offer relief to spots where the pressure may typically build up, such as the hips and lower back. However, the amount of pressure relief that is offered will also depend on body weight and sleep position.

For example, lightweight sleepers won’t get as much pressure relief on afirmer mattressas a heavier person would.

It’s important to get a mattress that encourages proper body alignment, too, so there’s less opportunity for pressure points to contribute to the development of ulcers.

Edge Support

If a bed has goodedge support, it means that you will feel supported when sitting or sleeping on the edge of the bed. If you feel as if you are falling off when sleeping or sitting on the edge of the bed, then your mattress likely doesn’t have good edge support.

Often, those with bedsores are immobile or incapacitated to some degree. Therefore, good edge support can help provide them with an extra level of security. Furthermore, if they have a nurse or caregiver who manually moves them, good edge support will give these people a larger surface area to work with.

Budget

Somebudget mattressesmay work just fine considering the specific need or the individual resting on the product; however, keep in mind how it will be utilized. It’s wise to invest in a high-end bed if the damage to the body is already significant. However, if the product is only used preventatively or won’t be used for a long time, the price may not be an essential factor.

What Causes Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)?

Bedsores develop from prolonged pressure on a region of the body⁹. They typically arise in people confined to wheelchairs or beds due to health or mobility reasons. According to Dr. Dasgupta, “Pressure ulcers most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone.”

While these sores are progressive and difficult to treat once developed, the use of a pressure-relieving mattress can assist in preventing them.

Stages of Bedsores

Bedsores get progressively worse but can be identified early if you know how to look for the signs. Below we discuss what to look for⁶.

• Stage 1
  Some individuals begin to complain about an itching or burning sensation. The spot is red and warm to the touch.
• Stage 2
  The skin around the sore becomes discolored, and the area develops into an open sore or blister. The open wound is often painful.
• Stage 3
  Due to the damage below the skin, the wound becomes crater-like in appearance, and the pain continues to worsen.
• Stage 4
  The wounds become considerably large and severely damaged. The muscles, bones, and tendons are now at severe risk, and infection could strike at any moment.

Tips for Better Sleeping with Bedsores

• Maintaining a watchful eye on a loved one’s skin and keeping them comfortable with frequent adjustments is key for helping with sores. If someone needs to rest in bed at all times, shift their position often to reduce the amount of pressure applied to one spot.
• Additionally, make sure they’re kept dry. Moisture can lead to ulcers¹¹, so using a moisture barrier cream to protect against wetness can help keep skin clean and dry. You may need to change their clothes and bedding regularly.
• If your loved one uses a wheelchair predominantly, foams can relieve pressure from sitting in the same position all day.

Bedsore Mattress FAQs

References:

1. “Bedsores (pressure ulcers).” Mayo Clinic. Webpage accessed June 19, 2024.
2. McInnes, Elizabeth, Goh, En Lin, Norman, Gill. “Beds, overlays, and mattresses for preventing and treating pressure ulcers: an overview of Cochrane Reviews and network meta-analysis”. National Library of Medicine. 2021.
3. Meaume, S., Marty, M. “Pressure ulcer prevention and healing using alternating pressure mattress at home: the PARESTRY project”. Journal of Wound Care. 2015.
4. Black, Joyce., Berke, Christine., Urzendowski, Gail. “Pressure Ulcer Incidence and Progression in Critically Ill Subjects: Influence of Low Air Loss Mattress Versus a Powdered Air Pressure Redistribution Mattress”. Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWCN). 2012.
5. “American College of Physicians releases new guidelines for preventing and treating bedsores”. American College of Physicians® (ACP). 2015
6. “Bedsores”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed June 20, 2024.
7. Cortés, Olga L., et al. “Frequency of repositioning for preventing pressure ulcers in patients hospitalized in ICU; protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial”. BMC Nursing. 2021.
8. “Proper Side Lying Positioning in Adults to Prevent Pressure Injuries”. National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP). Webpage accessed June 20, 2024.
9. “Pressure ulcers (pressure sores)”. National Health Service. Last modified April 15, 2020.
10. Gillespie, Brigid M., Walker, Rachel M. “Repositioning for pressure injury prevention in adults”. National Library of Medicine. 2020.
11. Siegel MD, Zachary. “WHAT CAUSES BED SORES AND HOW CAN THEY BE PREVENTED?”. Columbus Regional Health. Webpage accessed July 3, 2024.
12. Emejuju, Jude-Kennedy C., Nwadi, Uchenna V., Obiegbu, Henry O., “Does Improvise Waterbed Reduce the Incidence of Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Spinal Injury?” National Library of Medicine. 2015.
13. “Pressure sores”. Better Health Channel. Webpage accessed July 3, 2024.
14. Low, Fan-Zhe, et al. “Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures”. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2017.