Lateral Rotation vs. Alternating Pressure Mattresses: Which One’s Right for Your Patient?

Pressure injuries, or bedsores, are a real concern for people with limited mobility. Finding the right mattress can play a huge role in preventing and treating these injuries. Two popular options are Lateral Rotation Mattresses (LRMs) and Alternating Pressure Mattresses (APMs). While both do the job, they each have a unique way of helping. Let’s dive into what each one does and which might be the better choice for your patient.

What Are Pressure Injuries?

Pressure injuries happen when the skin is pressed for too long, cutting off blood flow and damaging tissues. They are common in people who spend a lot of time in bed or use wheelchairs. The best way to prevent these injuries is to use a mattress that helps spread out the pressure. That’s where LRMs and APMs come in.

Lateral Rotation Mattress (LRM): How It Works

LRMs gently move the patient from side to side at set times. This helps redistribute pressure and stops any one part of the body from staying under pressure too long.

Benefits of an LRM:

• Helps with Breathing: The side-to-side movement can help clear lung secretions. This is great for patients with breathing problems like pneumonia or COPD.
• Prevents Bedsores: Regular shifting helps avoid pressure injuries by taking pressure off certain body areas.
• Less Work for Caregivers: Since the mattress moves the patient automatically, caregivers don’t need to reposition the patient as often.

What to Consider:

• Patient Comfort: Some patients may not like the movement, especially if they already have hip pressure ulcers.
• Positioning: LRMs work best in a flat position. If the bed is inclined, the patient might slide off.

Alternating Pressure Mattress (APM): How It Works

APMs have air-filled cells that inflate and deflate in a regular pattern. This constant pressure shifting helps improve blood flow and keeps the skin from breaking down.

Benefits of an APM:

• Keeps Pressure Moving: The air cells constantly change pressure points, reducing the risk of pressure injuries.
• Flexible Positioning: This type of mattress works in both flat and inclined positions, so it’s good for patients who need to raise their heads.
• Great for Treating Injuries: APMs help treat pressure injuries caused by things like surgery or diabetes.

What to Consider:

• No Help for Breathing: APMs don’t assist with lung secretions like LRMs do.
• Moisture Control: Some APMs may need extra features, like low air loss to prevent skin from becoming too moist and breaking down.

LRM vs. APM: Key Differences

• How They Work: LRMs move the patient side to side, while APMs shift pressure by inflating and deflating air cells.
• Best Use: LRMs are ideal for patients who need help with breathing and automatic repositioning. APMs are more flexible and work well when treating existing pressure injuries.
• Positioning: LRMs are best used in a flat position, while APMs can be used both flat and inclined.
• Pressure Relief: LRMs rely on rotation to reduce pressure, while APMs do so with air pressure changes.
• Risks: LRMs might be uncomfortable for patients with hip ulcers and they can increase the risk of sliding if the bed is inclined. APMs might need additional features to control moisture and keep the skin healthy.

When to Choose an LRM

• Your patient has respiratory problems, like pneumonia or COPD.
• You need automatic repositioning, but manual turning is difficult.
• There are no advanced hip pressure ulcers.
• Your patient stays mostly in a flat position.

When to Choose an APM

• You need both prevention and treatment for pressure injuries.
• Your patient needs to be inclined (e.g., head elevated).
• They don’t have major breathing issues.
• They can move with some help or independently.

Wrapping Up

Lateral Rotation and Alternating Pressure Mattresses play a big role in managing and preventing pressure injuries. If your patient requires regular repositioning and needs some help with breathing, an LRM could be the APM, which could be the right fit choice. However, an APM might be the way to go if you’re looking for more flexibility and a reliable method. Understanding your patient’s needs is crucial; working with healthcare professionals will help you choose the best option. To dive deeper into the key differences between these two mattresses, look at this helpful article from ABeWER.