Written by Heather Collins, MSN, RN, CNOR
Pressure injuries and bed sores are a big concern for people with limited mobility or those who are bedridden. Alternating pressure and low air loss (LAL) mattresses aim to improve comfort, and circulation, and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Knowing the differences between these two types of mattresses can help caregivers and medical professionals make better decisions about patient care.
A low-air loss mattress is a medical-grade mattress designed to prevent and treat pressure injuries by reducing moisture and heat buildup. The LAL mattress uses a system of inflated air cells that continuously circulate air, providing a dry, comfortable sleeping surface that delivers consistent pressure redistribution. These mattresses are ideal for individuals at high risk of pressure ulcers due to prolonged immobility.
 | Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell LAL (Low Air Loss) Mattresses by Medacure View Product |
An alternating-pressure mattress features a series of air cells that inflate and deflate in cycles to redistribute pressure across the body. This alternating pressure improves circulation, soothes pressure points, and reduces the risk of skin breakdown for individuals confined to bed. Alternating pressure mattresses are a top choice for patients needing extra pressure ulcer care.
 | Alternating Pressure Mattress: The No-Hassle Universal Therapy System View Product |
"Low air loss" means a small, constant airflow is pushed out through microscopic holes in the top of the mattress. These tiny holes mimic a floating experience for the patient on the mattress. This airflow helps wick away moisture and reduces heat accumulation, keeping the skin dry and cool.
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A low-air loss mattress uses a pump to maintain airflow through the mattress's air cells. The gentle airflow circulates through tiny holes in the mattress surface, ensuring consistent moisture evaporation and temperature regulation. This process keeps the skin dry and cool. By adjusting the air, the mattress redistributes pressure, reducing stress on vulnerable areas like the heels, hips, and shoulders. This even pressure distribution improves blood flow and prevents the development of painful pressure ulcers and skin breakdown. Low-air loss mattresses are an ideal solution for patients with limited mobility.
 | Invacare microAIR MA900 Lateral Rotation True Low Air Loss Mattress with Pump View Product |
An alternating-pressure mattress uses a pump to cycle air between air cells, creating alternating high and low-pressure zones. This process redistributes weight and reduces prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, promoting blood flow and reducing the risk of pressure sores.
 | Comfort Zone Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress with Low Air Loss LAL View Product |
Alternating pressure mattresses provide numerous advantages for patients requiring extended bed rest or those prone to pressure sores. Their alternating pressure cycles can significantly improve patient outcomes, offering the following benefits:
Low-air loss mattresses are valuable for individuals at risk of moisture-related skin issues or pressure ulcers. The benefits include:
Low-air loss mattresses are designed with advanced medical-grade technology and are specifically created for the prevention and treatment of pressure sores. They are useful for people with injuries that alter their ability to feel pain and people with limited mobility.
Standard air mattresses are useful for camping or an occasional overnight guest. They are not designed for long-term use and lack the technology that low-air-loss mattresses possess.
A gel or foam overlay provides additional cushioning on top of a traditional mattress, but they lack the active air circulation and moisture control of a low-air loss mattress. While gel overlays offer comfort, low-air loss mattresses are superior for managing skin conditions and pressure-related injuries.
 | Premium Guard Gel Overlay View Product |
Some mattresses combine alternating pressure and low air loss technologies for optimal pressure redistribution and moisture management. These dual-function mattresses provide the benefits of both systems, offering advanced care for patients with complex needs or those at high risk of pressure ulcers.
 | Protekt Aire 5000 Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress System View Product |
Choosing between an alternating pressure mattress and a low air loss mattress depends on individual needs and medical conditions. While alternating pressure mattresses excel at redistributing weight and improving circulation, low air loss mattresses prioritize moisture control and temperature regulation to prevent skin breakdown.
For more in-depth guidance on choosing the right mattress, visit us at Caregiver University or explore all of our other mattress and bed options! Our many resources are designed to help you make informed decisions for better care and comfort for you or a loved one.
Heather Collins, MSN, RN, CNOR
Heather is a registered nurse and freelance health writer with a Master's degree and over 24 years of nursing and leadership experience. Heather cares for patients of all ages in various healthcare settings, including inpatient acute care nursing, GI procedural nursing, cardiac lab, infertility clinics, pediatrics, and surgical services. Heather is dedicated to providing high-quality care and sharing reliable, evidence-based information that empowers people to make informed decisions about their and their loved ones' health.
 Mattresses by Medacure "Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell LAL (Low Air Loss) Mattresses by Medacure")
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