Special Needs Mattresses, Therapeutic Beds

Many children with special needs experience sleep disturbances and disorders that can also impact and affect their parents and other family members. These disorders can include restlessness during sleep, issues with falling asleep and staying asleep, as well as disorientation when waking up. Sleep disorders can also influence a child’s natural development and growth. Choosing a mattress for children with special needs is very important. It is while they are asleep that their brain makes sense of the day’s activities and gets their emotions in check. A special needs mattress can help relieve adverse pressure on the body, and heighten quality of sleep.

What is a Therapeutic Mattress?

A mattress that is designed to bring relief from discomfort may be considered a therapeutic mattress. This type of mattress is also made to provide optimal support and proper spine alignment. Some types of therapeutic mattresses offer manual controls for various adjustments, some are electronically powered, and others are nonadjustable. Children who are confined to a bed for a long period of time may develop bed sores, also called pressure ulcers, from having to stay confined and remain immobile. Those who are recuperating at home or require long-term hospital care may use a specially designed therapeutic mattress that may help reduce the risk of bed sores, as well as highlighting extra padding to ease soreness.

An ordinary mattress may not help relieve constant pressure points that can lead to poor circulation and painful sores. Many therapeutic mattresses are made with a polyurethane material, called memory foam, which is thicker than the typical layers of padding in ordinary mattresses. The material used for a therapeutic mattress is more resilient and can accommodate the curves of the body and allow the spine to maintain a natural position.

How do Pressure Sores Form?

Pressure sores form on the body as a result of decreased blood flow, causing the tissue to become damaged, form sores, and eventually die. Typically, pressure sores happen to those who are bedridden, or consistently in a wheelchair, and cannot change positions without help. When a child spends too much time in one position, the constant pressure that is applied to an area can result in damage to the skin tissue.

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, a professional organization, has categorized pressure sores by stages of severity. Stage 1 pressure sores are superficial wounds that appear as a constant area of red skin that may cause mild burning or itching, or feel spongy and warm to the touch. This type normally goes away as soon as the constant pressure is relieved by becoming mobile again, or changing positions.

Stage 2 pressure sores are open wounds with skin loss that appear as either an abrasion or a blister. Although these sores require treatment, they normally heal quickly if they are treated correctly. Stage 3 and Stage 4 are the advanced stages of pressure sores. Stage 3 sores indicate the damage has extended beyond the layers of skin to affect the muscle. Stage 4 indicates the most severe stage, with considerable skin loss and possible damage to bone, muscle, joints, and other surrounding structures. Stage 4 pressure sores are often complicated by infection, are extremely difficult to heal, and can be lethal.

Pressure sore prevention is easier than treatment and healing, which is best achieved by regularly repositioning the child. The frequency of repositioning depends on whether any signs of tissue damage have begun. If a child has Stage 1 sores already, they should be repositioned at least every two hours. These sores can also be treated by providing support, such as pads or cushions, and keeping the skin clean and dry. If there is an open wound or broken skin accompanied by signs of infection, such as drainage or a fever, seek medical attention immediately.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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