Short Description
Modern mattresses are made in a variety of ways and from a variety of materials. They can be made using a combination of springs, latex, foam, gel or water. Mattress choice generally depends on personal preferences, physical needs and budget.
Models
AIR AND LIQUID
Air and liquid mattresses and overlays have a compartment for air surrounded by small water filled cells. When inflated, the support comes from the air compartments. The water provides a cool surface to sit on.
GEL AND FOAM
These have a foam base with a gel or viscoelastic polymer pad on top. The foam allows for a greater degree of stability than gel alone. Also they tend to be lighter than gel alone.
WATER AND FOAM
Water and foam mattress overlays may consist of cushions that fit into a tray which has a foam filled surround covered with plastic.
The mattress can be placed on top of any standard bed which has a firm base.
They can be cold to sit / lie on
Consider that the foam will still deteriorate so that these products have quite a short life span.
More Details
Mattresses and overlays that contain a combination of pressure relieving materials are usually arranged to provide a degree of stability to the seating as well a lying base. The combination of different materials may have the advantage of being lighter than one material on its own.
These mattresses and overlays must be positioned carefully i.e. right side up. Some are labelled to indicate correct position.
Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For a fact sheet about standards contact us or visit www.ilcaustralia.org/home/standards.asp