Written by Mike Price, OT
Whether you're managing recovery at home from surgery, illness, or experiencing limited mobility, the risk of developing bedsores from prolonged periods in bed is significant. Pressure relief mattress toppers are crucial for preventing and healing painful pressure sores by redistributing weight and enhancing comfort.
Drawing on extensive customer feedback and expert advice, our guide presents the top five pressure relief mattress toppers for improving circulation, alleviating pain, and promoting better rest and healing.
 | 1) Drive Medical Med Aire Alternating Pressure Pump with Pad System View Product |
Both powered and non-powered mattress overlays are used to provide pressure relief and enhance user comfort. Powered overlays require electricity or batteries and use low air loss and alternating pressure, and powered flotation. They are often recommended for immobile individuals, any stage pressure wound, and those with major risk factors of pressure wound development.
Non-powered mattress overlays utilize foam, gel, air, water, and other materials, producing a depth between 2 and 5 inches to immerse the user and redistribute their weight to relieve pressure. Like their powered counterparts, they can also help mitigate shear and friction, an important consideration for aging, compromised, or fragile skin. They’re frequently used for people with limited mobility, any stage of pressure injury, and those with mild to major pressure wound development risk factors.
Indicated for people at any stage of risk for pressure injury development along with helping to treat any stage of pressure wound, air mattress overlays come in three basic types: alternating pressure, low air loss, and static. Dynamic alternating pressure overlays circulate air back and forth throughout the cells, mimicking the action of self-adjustment and shifting for people who cannot do this themselves, alleviating pressure points to both heal and prevent pressure wounds.
Reactive low air loss overlays are a much more affordable option to LAL mattresses, offering just as much efficacy to prevent and treat pressure injuries. They may be powered or non-powered, constantly filling with air and slowly releasing it to redistribute the user’s weight and prevent pressure points. Static air mattress overlays allow an adjustable level of air that stays constant to deliver effective weight disbursement for effective pressure relief.
Some foam mattress toppers can also offer mild to moderate pressure relief for up to stage 3 pressure injury prevention and treatment. Usually configured with high-density polyurethane, memory, or viscoelastic foam, this higher-quality foam reduces pressure through immersion and weight redistribution. It can vary in thickness, softness, and firmness to meet specific user needs and is usually one of the most affordable mattress topper options. Some users can find foam to get too hot, but foam toppers that incorporate gel are often quite cooling.
High-quality gel mattress toppers are exceptionally beneficial for both alleviating and preventing pressure injuries. These overlays, often made with proprietary technology, provide a cooling effect that helps dissipate heat and prevent sweating. They also absorb and neutralize shocks, relieving pressure on bony prominences. For optimal results, the gel is often combined with foam, offering superior comfort and protection compared to using either material alone. Depending on their design, gel overlays are suitable for most stages of pressure injuries.
Mattress overlays featuring a convoluted top design improve airflow and breathability, enhancing user comfort. With configurations like egg-crate or diamond patterns, these contoured toppers redistribute weight across the surface, relieving pressure on bony areas prone to pressure sores. While they can be used for any stage of pressure injury, they are particularly effective for providing support in stages 1 and 2.
While most people will use a mattress overlay on a bed mattress, many designs are available that can be used as a pressure-relieving support surface on a chair, recliner, sofa, or wheelchair. Be sure to measure the surface on which you intend to use the overlay to ensure it will fit and is adjustable to meet those needs. In addition, always check the user weight capacity to confirm the topper will safely accommodate the intended user’s weight. Bariatric mattress toppers are a great choice for larger, heavier users.
It is important to determine what kind of cleaning, care, and maintenance are required to keep your mattress topper performing and functional for as long as possible. Some overlays come with a removable, washable, protective cover, while others are specially formulated for easy spot cleaning.
A mattress overlay is placed on top of a mattress to add a layer of cushioning to improve comfort. Also known as a mattress topper, mattress overlays are constructed in various ways to suit specific user needs. They enhance well-being and sleep by increasing softness, enhancing air circulation, preventing heat buildup, and reducing pressure on specific body areas prone to pressure sore development.
A mattress topper alters the feel of a mattress, providing added pressure relief and cushioning comfort. They are also used to extend the life of either an old or new mattress and can make the surface softer or firmer depending on the type of topper used.
A mattress topper can be added to a hospital bed mattress to make it more comfortable for the patient. Offered in various formats with varying design elements to meet different user needs, mattress toppers for hospital beds add cushioning, softness, and height to the mattress. Often utilized to both treat and prevent the pressure sores that can develop when people are confined to sitting or lying in bed for long periods. Mattress toppers also help enhance blood circulation and regulate temperature. The best fit for hospital beds is articulating or segmented toppers that can remain in place when the foot or head sections of the hospital bed are raised.
Sheets are placed over a mattress topper to help protect it from dirt, body oils, hair, sweat, and dust. Certain bedsheets help reduce shear forces and pressure, adding to the therapy the topper provides. Some mattress toppers come with a removable, washable cover that can double as a bottom sheet, or sheets can be placed on top of the cover as well.
The best mattress topper for pressure points is one that uses either powered or non-powered air cells, high-density foam or gel-infused foam, a convoluted egg-crate or waffle design, or gel-filled bladders. Generally, the most effective pressure relief will be found in mattress toppers combining two or more design components.
Memory foam excels in pressure relief by distributing weight evenly and cradling the body. It conforms to the user’s natural curves, maintaining a neutral spine position and reducing pressure on bony prominences, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort. Its open-cell construction minimizes high-pressure areas, helping to prevent and treat pressure sores. Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is particularly effective for pressure injury stages 1 through 3. Available in various densities and thicknesses, it can be tailored to meet individual patient needs and preferences.
Medicare Part B will usually cover pressure-reducing support surfaces as durable medical equipment (DME) a physician prescribes for use in the home. Some types of pressure relief mattress toppers, such as powered low air loss and non-powered advanced pressure reduction, will require prior authorization before Medicare will pay for them.
 | Drive Medical Convoluted Foam Pad View Product |
Making our review at number 5, the Drive Medical Convoluted Foam Pad offers dependable pressure relief at a lower price point. This quality mattress topper by Drive Medical utilizes a convoluted and contoured egg-crate design to disperse pressure by redistributing the user’s weight across its surface. Its soft, immersive 4-inch foam envelops the body with luxurious comfort that is gentle on the skin.
This convoluted foam mattress overlay helps improve blood circulation by reducing the compressive physical forces that lead to pressure injuries. It also offers good breathability, promoting airflow to ensure a cool, dry pressure-relief surface. Often used for treating and preventing lower stages of pressure wound development, this pad safely accommodates a 300-pound weight capacity.
 | ROHO Prodigy Mattress Overlay System View Product |
We awarded 4th place in our review to the well-loved ROHO Prodigy Mattress Overlay System from 5 Minds for its innovative and highly effective multi-zoned support. Its 3 segmented sections fit perfectly with articulating hospital beds, keeping the support in place as the head or foot sections are raised or lowered. Because of its segmented mobility, this non-powered pressure relief support surface can also be used on recliners, wheelchairs, sofas, and chairs, alleviating pressure and optimizing comfort wherever you sit or recline. Disconnect one or two sections to customize the support to fit other surfaces.
The Prodigy’s flexible, interconnected air cells can be adjusted to conform to the user’s unique body contours by offering hydrostatic load redistribution across the entire body contact area. Customize your inflation from soft to firm with the included hand pump. This mattress overlay will automatically adjust to your shape, weight, repositioning, and movement to ensure constant support using proprietary Dry Floatation technology. Straps are included to keep the Prodigy in place on top of the mattress, while a machine-washable cover to protect the overlay can be purchased separately.
Providing 3 ½ inches of immersible comfort, this reactive, full-support air cell surface provides exceptional treatment support for pressure injury stages 1 and 2. At the same time, it helps to prevent all stages of pressure sore development. It comes with a repair kit to extend its functionality. Separate replacement segments, the repair kit, and the hand pump can be purchased separately for a lower-cost alternative to replacing the whole system. The ROHO Prodigy accommodates a 300-pound weight capacity.
 | Premium Guard Gel Overlay View Product |
Ranking in our number 3 spot,The Premium Guard Gel Overlay by Drive Medical is a highly effective solution for enhancing mattress comfort and preventing pressure ulcers. This overlay is available in standard and bariatric sizes and supports patients up to 500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of needs.
 | ROHO Sofflex 2 Non-Powered Mattress Overlay System and Cover View Product |
The ROHO Sofflex 2 Non-Powered Mattress Overlay System by ROHO Group is an innovative solution for those needing pressure relief and skin protection. Ranked as our number 2 choice, this overlay is designed with multiple inflatable air cells that enhance pressure redistribution, significantly reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. Available with either a one-piece standard fitted cover or a two-piece full enclosure cover, both of which are water-resistant and flame-retardant Here are some notable features and customer feedback:
 | Drive Medical Med Aire Alternating Pressure Pump with Pad System View Product |
Coming in as our number 1 pick with its choice of powered fixed or variable pressure, the Med Aire Alternating Pressure Pump with Pad System by Drive Medical offers versatile support for effective pressure relief. The fixed pressure format delivers continuous, static air pressure for people who need a consistent treatment style. In contrast, the variable pressure format provides an active, dynamic sleep surface that adjusts the air pressure to meet changing patient needs. Its powered operation is quiet to ensure uninterrupted sleep, with the fixed option set at 4 liters per minute in a 5-minute cycle.
The Med Aire system by Drive Medical utilizes a premium heavy-gauge vinyl bubble pad with 130 air cells that alternate in inflation to redistribute the user’s weight, resulting in superior therapeutic treatment and prevention of pressure injuries at any stage. The pump includes brackets to attach to the bed’s headboard or footboard. You can also choose the variable pressure option that includes end flaps to better keep the mattress topper in place on the bed as it’s inflating and deflating. The Med Aire safely accommodates a 300-pound weight capacity.
Because bedsores can develop in less than a week of lying or sitting in the same position, it’s crucial to prevent pressure injuries by employing a pressure relief support surface. One of the most inexpensive but still highly effective ways to do this is with a high-quality pressure relief mattress topper. Adding non-shearing softness, cooling air circulation, immersive comfort, and contoured cushioning, pressure relief mattress overlays and toppers come in diverse styles to effectively reduce pressure for both the healing and prevention of pressure wounds.
While many of the pressure relief mattress overlays we reviewed could suit individual needs based on specific benefits, we've chosen the Drive Medical Med Aire Alternating Pressure Pump with Pad System as our top pick for the best pressure relief mattress topper. This system stands out by offering tailored comfort for those in need. It features a fixed pressure format that delivers continuous, static air pressure, ideal for individuals requiring consistent support. Additionally, its variable pressure format dynamically adjusts the air pressure to meet changing patient needs, ensuring an active and adaptable sleep surface.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about pressure relief mattress overlays! We invite you to view the rest of our quality selection of standard and bariatric our helpful caregiving tips at Caregiver University.
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
