Air flow mattress

[Sarahw]

Hi. I’ve recently been given a new bed with an air flow mattress ( to help with pressure points). I’m really struggling to use it. The pulsating ‘waves’ push me down the bed and I’m sleeping less than before. It’s also very firm and I need to sink into a mattress due to an old non Mnd related bad back. Has anyone had trouble getting used to this? Do I just need to persevere? Any advice would be very welcome!

[shelly21]

Snap my hospital bed plus phase 3 alternating air mattress came yesterday. Hard as nails. Woke up stiff and tossed and turned all night. I know it will help re pains etc.

I was told raise the legs ups slightly re bottom section. It does stop you sliding down.

[Mary C]

Hi, A hospital bed has been mentioned for me.I dread it as the only time I stayed in hospital was to get to get RIG fitted.I barely slept as the pressure relieving mattress was uncomfortable.
Also the nurses need a bed they can higher and lower and work easier from either side of the bed when I need two carers at a time.
Hope it gets sorted
Mary x

[matthew55]

I cover mine with three faux mink blankets and a sheepskin. 😉🤗💕🌹xx

[Ellie]

The pulsating ‘waves’ push me down the bed and I’m sleeping less than before. It’s also very firm and I need to sink into a mattress due to an old non Mnd related bad back.

Hi Sarah,

May I ask which mattress you have? I wonder if it's a hybrid type, since you used the word "pulsating".

It should have adjustable firmness by either changing the weight or firmness setting. (My mattress is like sleeping on a marshmallow 👍👍)

But no, any mattress must be comfortable - its sole purpose is to give you a comfortable sleep - there's more than one air mattress so don't give up hope. xx

[Sarahw]

Hi Ellie, my mattress is a centrius. I’m going to check the settings. It is on soft and dynamic. The other options are max inflate and ppl therapy. I’m also going to call my OT. Otherwise I’ll be worse than Matthew with many many layers! X

[Rosemary6NT]

Hi. I’ve recently been given a new bed with an air flow mattress ( to help with pressure points). I’m really struggling to use it. The pulsating ‘waves’ push me down the bed and I’m sleeping less than before. It’s also very firm and I need to sink into a mattress due to an old non Mnd related bad back. Has anyone had trouble getting used to this? Do I just need to persevere? Any advice would be very welcome!

I had exactly your problems. We adjusted the firmness by letting air out of the top section, which is separate from the lower alternating section, and the district nurse reduced the firmness of the lower section by reducing the weight setting from 100kg to 75kg. She also reduced the alternating pressure to almost nothing so that the mattress doesn’t “walk” me down the bed. I found it useful to have a pillow either side of me to help support my trunk and arms when the top section is raised.

[Ellie]

It is on soft and dynamic. The other options are max inflate and ppl therapy.

I think it might be CLP therapy - stands for Constant Low Pressure, whilst dynamic is alternating air - it might be worth trying tonight (surely it won't be any worse?) but IDK if that mode gives adequate pressure relief for your needs.

3 firmness settings isn't many, especially if you're light, so definitely ring the OT.

Good luck xx

[Sarahw]

Thanks every. Deffo need someone to come and check out the various settings so all is not list! Saying that …….. my husband is fast asleep on it and has been for the last half hour. I’ve exhausted him!!

[Ellie]

…….. my husband is fast asleep on it and has been for the last half hour.

Oh that's hilarious 🤣🤣 At least he finds it comfortable 😏

I’ve exhausted him!!

Ahem, we won't ask how... 😉😉😘