Pressure Care Surfaces

Pressure sores (also called pressure ulcers or bed sores) are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body. They most commonly develop over bony areas such as the heels, hips, tailbone and shoulder blades.
Anyone who spends long periods of time lying in bed or seated in a wheelchair is potentially at risk. This includes people recovering from surgery or illness, elderly individuals with reduced mobility, those living with neurological conditions, and anyone whose carer is managing their repositioning. Pressure sores can develop quickly, which is why prevention with the right pressure care equipment is so important.
Not sure whether you or your loved one is at risk, or what equipment might help? Give our friendly, knowledgeable team a call on 0800 111 6234.

An airflow mattress (sometimes written as air flow mattress) is a type of medical mattress that uses a motorised pump to constantly move air through a series of interconnected cells or chambers within the mattress. This movement of air keeps the surface gently dynamic beneath the patient, reducing prolonged pressure on any single area of skin.
The term airflow mattress is commonly used in care settings to describe alternating pressure mattresses and low air loss mattresses. These are the same type of specialist pressure care surfaces used in hospitals and care homes, and they are now widely available to hire for use at home. An airflow mattress for pressure sores is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage pressure damage, especially for those who cannot reposition themselves independently.
Want to know more about how an airflow mattress works or whether it is the right choice for your situation? Call us today on 0800 111 6234 .

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions worth understanding:
An airflow mattress typically refers to a dynamic surface where air is continuously circulated through the cells. This airflow helps regulate skin temperature and moisture levels, keeping the skin cool as well as dry, which is very important especially for wound healing. Low air loss mattresses fall under this umbrella.
A pressure air mattress (or alternating pressure mattress) works by alternately inflating and deflating different sections of cells in a rhythmic cycle. This cycling action means that the points of highest pressure shift regularly, mimicking the natural movement a person would make when repositioning themselves. This is the core principle behind most medical air mattresses used for pressure sore prevention and treatment.
In practice, many modern pressure care mattresses combine both principles, offering both alternating pressure therapy and airflow properties. When you speak to our team, we can help you identify which type is most appropriate based on the individual's level of risk and clinical needs.
Still unsure which type of mattress is right for your situation? Our knowledgeable team can walk you through the differences and help you make the right choice. Call us today on 0800 111 6234 .

There are several types of pressure relieving mattress available to hire, each suited to different risk levels and care needs:
• High-Specification Foam Mattresses These static pressure mattresses use high-density or viscoelastic foam (memory foam) to redistribute body weight more evenly across the surface. They are suitable for people considered to be at low to medium risk of developing pressure ulcers and are a common first step in pressure care. They require no pump or power source and are quieter than dynamic alternatives.
• Alternating Pressure Mattress Replacement Systems These are full replacement mattresses designed to replace the standard mattress entirely. A dynamic air mattress of this type provides a higher level of pressure redistribution and is recommended for high to very high-risk patients, including those already presenting with grade 3 or grade 4 pressure ulcers. This is what is commonly referred to as a medical air mattress or hospital air mattress.
• Low Air Loss Mattresses Low air loss systems release a gentle stream of air across the mattress surface, helping to manage skin temperature and moisture. They are particularly beneficial for patients with fragile or broken skin and are often used in conjunction with alternating pressure therapy in hybrid systems.
• Hybrid Mattresses Hybrid pressure mattresses combine a high-specification foam layer with an integrated alternating air system. They offer the comfort of foam alongside the therapeutic benefit of dynamic pressure redistribution, making them a versatile option for patients whose needs may change during their care period.
With several options available, choosing the right mattress can feel overwhelming. Call our friendly and knowledgeable team today on 0800 111 6234 .

You can hire a medical air mattress directly from us. As a private hire company, we offer a faster and more flexible alternative to waiting for equipment through statutory services. Rather than going through lengthy referral processes, you can arrange delivery directly and have equipment in place quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours of your initial enquiry.
We offer both short-term and long-term hire, making it easy and flexible to choose a hire package to suit your needs. Whether you need an air mattress for hospital bed use at home or a full dynamic replacement system, we can advise on the most suitable option and arrange delivery to your door.
Call our friendly team now on 0800 111 6234 to place your order.

No. As a private hire provider, you do not need a GP referral or clinical prescription to hire pressure care equipment from us. You can contact us directly, and our team will help you identify the right product based on your needs and circumstances.
This is one of the key advantages of private hire. If you or a family member has been told by a healthcare professional that a pressure mattress is needed, or if you are concerned about pressure sore risk, you can act straight away rather than waiting for an assessment appointment or for equipment to become available.
We do, however, always encourage customers to keep their GP or district nurse informed so that clinical oversight remains in place alongside the equipment hire.
You can get in touch with us directly today, no referral needed. Call us on 0800 111 6234.

We aim to deliver equipment as quickly as possible, often within 24 to 48 hours depending on your location and the availability of the specific product. In many cases, same-day or next-day delivery is available.
This speed is one of the most important benefits of choosing private hire for pressure care. When someone has recently been discharged from hospital or when pressure damage is beginning to develop, delays in getting the right equipment in place can have serious consequences. Our hire process is straightforward, and we handle all delivery, setup, and collection at the end of the rental period.
If you need equipment urgently, call us now on 0800 111 6234.

This depends on the type of mattress. A full replacement medical air mattress is designed to replace the existing mattress and will need to sit on a firm, slatted, or solid base. Most standard divan and bed frame styles can be compatible, but it is worth confirming with our team when you place your order.
For the best results, particularly for higher-risk individuals, combining a pressure air mattress with a profiling or adjustable hospital bed is recommended. If you are unsure whether your existing bed is suitable, our team can advise you at the point of order.
Before you place your order give us a call on 0800 111 6234 so our knowledgeable team can check compatibility with your existing setup.

Modern pressure care mattress pumps are significantly quieter than older models. Many of the systems we hire feature low-noise compressors designed specifically so as not to disrupt sleep. Some users do notice a gentle hum from the pump, similar to background white noise, and most people adapt to this quickly. If noise is a particular concern, our team can advise on the quietest options within our range.
Have questions about specific products or want to know which of our mattresses runs quietest? Call us today on 0800 111 6234 .

A pressure care cushion is a specialist seating cushion designed to reduce the build-up of pressure when sitting for extended periods. They are particularly important for wheelchair users and those who spend most of their day seated rather than in bed.
Just as a pressure mattress manages risk for bed-bound individuals, a pressure care cushion provides the same benefit for those in a seated position. Options include foam cushions for lower-risk users, gel cushions for medium-risk users, and alternating air cushions for those at high or very high risk of pressure damage.
A pressure cushion can be used on a wheelchair, recliner chair, or standard chair and is often used alongside a pressure mattress to provide round-the-clock protection for those most vulnerable to pressure ulcers.
Unsure which type of pressure cushion is right for your situation? Our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you to find the right solution. Call us on 0800 111 6234 .

Yes. We offer pressure care cushions for hire that are compatible with most standard wheelchairs. Dynamic alternating air cushions are available for those at higher risk, and these work using a small pump that inflates and deflates alternating sections of the cushion to keep pressure moving and prevent sustained loading on any one area.
For those spending long periods in a wheelchair, hiring a pressure cushion alongside other pressure care equipment provides a more complete solution.
To find out more about our wheelchair pressure cushion hire or to place an order, call our friendly team today on 0800 111 6234.

For many people, hiring a pressure care mattress is the more practical and cost-effective option. Pressure care needs are often temporary, for example during recovery from an operation, a period of illness, or while waiting for longer-term equipment to be arranged. Purchasing a medical air mattress outright represents a significant upfront cost for equipment that may only be needed for weeks or months.
Hiring also means you are not responsible for maintenance, servicing, or storage once the hire period ends. At the conclusion of your rental, we collect the equipment, clean and service it, and it is ready for the next user. If your needs change during the hire period, it is also straightforward to upgrade or swap to a different product.
For longer-term care situations, purchasing may become more cost-effective over time, and our team can help you weigh up the options based on your circumstances.
Still weighing up whether to hire or buy? Our friendly and knowledgeable team are here to discuss options. Call us on 0800 111 6234 .

A pressure mattress can be appropriate for anyone who is spending prolonged periods in bed and is at risk of pressure damage. This includes individuals in post-operative recovery, those with limited mobility during pregnancy, and anyone whose movement is restricted for medical reasons.
If you are unsure whether a pressure mattress is suitable for a specific medical situation, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider. Our team is also happy to discuss your circumstances and help identify whether our equipment is appropriate.
Have a specific situation you would talk through? Call us today on 0800 111 6234.

The key factors to consider are the individual's risk level, their weight, and whether they have existing pressure damage:
• Risk level determines whether a static foam mattress, an alternating pressure overlay, or a full dynamic replacement system is needed
• Body weight is important as mattresses have maximum weight capacities and bariatric options are available for higher weight requirements
• Existing wounds influence whether a preventative or therapeutic system is most appropriate
Ready to find the right pressure care solution? Give us a call on 0800 111 6234.