Foam vs Alternating Pressure vs Low Air Loss Mattresses: What's the Difference?

Has your doctor or discharge planner mentioned the need for a pressure-relieving surface once you go home? If so, some quick research has probably led you in the direction of three different types of products. The common options in this market are foam, alternating pressure, and low air loss mattresses. While each can be effective, they won’t all work for every patient. Read through this guide to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each option and which one is likely to be best for your needs. You can also browse our full selection of hospital bed mattresses to compare available support surfaces for home care. 

What Is a Foam Mattress?

A foam mattress uses high-density, contoured foam to spread the user’s weight over a large area. This can effectively ease the load that is experienced by the heels, hips, and tailbone while resting. Foam mattresses tend to be the simplest and most affordable of the three options discussed here.

Foam mattresses come in a range of densities, and higher-end versions combine layers of different firmness levels for better weight distribution. Foam doesn't manage moisture as effectively as an air-powered option, so caregivers need to watch for dampness that can soften skin and raise the risk of breakdown.

What Is an Alternating Pressure Mattress?

Instead of one static surface, an alternating pressure mattress provides the user with a place to rest that can constantly be shifted. By using air cells that are connected to a small pump, different sections can be inflated and deflated using a timer. It’s this cycling that allows an alternating pressure mattress to stand out from a basic foam surface.

Since the cells will continuously cycle, this kind of mattress is usually suggested for patients of moderate to high risk. Specifically, those who have limited mobility or a history of skin breakdown will want to look closely at this category. The trade-off for the excellent performance is that you will need to have a power source available for the mattress, and there is some noise generated by the pump.

What Is a Low Air Loss Mattress?

Taking the concept of an alternating pressure mattress one step further, a low air loss mattress also uses air cells, but the flow of air is continuous. Air is always flowing through the surface of the mattress, not only spreading out weight effectively, but also carrying heat and moisture away from the body. 

Individuals with advanced wounds, or those who need active moisture control, will be candidates for a low air loss mattress. Unmanaged pressure sores can quickly worsen, so having a mattress that actively helps to deal with that condition is a big benefit.

Foam vs. Alternating Pressure vs. Low Air Loss: Key Differences

The whole idea when picking out a mattress in this situation is finding one that is going to manage pressure effectively for your needs. So, that’s where we should start when reviewing them. Foam manages pressure passively, meaning there are no moving parts. Alternative pressure adds a pump and cells that work on a timer, while the low air loss system brings a constant, gentle flow of air into the picture. 

As you might expect, the cost of these mattresses follows right along with their features. Foam is rather affordable, a cycling air mattress will cost more, and the low air loss setup will be at the top of the range. 

Relief vs. Redistribution: What's the Difference?

There are two important terms involved in this discussion, relief and redistribution, and it’s important to straighten them out before we go any further. Redistribution is what a foam mattress offers. It spreads out weight over a larger area, which means no single point carries too much of the load. That’s helpful, but relief goes further. With relief, weight is removed from an area entirely for a period of time through pressure changes. The cycling cells are seeking to provide various parts of the body with relief, and that can be very important for some individuals. 

To determine what surface to suggest, clinicians will often use the Braden Scale. This is a tool that assesses risk based on things like mobility, moisture, nutrition, and overall activity level. The lower the score, the more active the surface that is required. 

Moisture Management and Tissue Protection

You should not forget about moisture when managing pressure injuries. Tissue that stays damp from sweat, incontinence, or wound drainage will soften and become much more vulnerable to friction. 

In terms of moisture management, foam doesn’t have anything to offer. When using a foam surface, caregivers need to stay on top of repositioning the individual and using absorbent pads that are changed often. With a cycling mattress, moisture control is improved as compared to solid foam, as some air is able to flow as things are shifted. It’s in this category that the low air loss surface really shines, as it is designed specifically to handle moisture buildup. Air will be constantly escaping through the cover and carrying dampness away from the skin along the way. No matter the surface that is used, regular checks and dry, clean bedding will always be critical. 

Who Needs Which Type? Matching the Surface to the Patient

While it can feel difficult to settle on the right surface, asking a few basic questions and answering them honestly will make this choice much easier. 

• How much can the patient move on their own? If someone can reposition independently, foam may be just fine. For an individual who is largely immobile, active cycling or airflow could help.

• Does the patient already have a wound? Existing sores often call for the airflow option because of how well it performs in the area of moisture control. 

• Is this surface for home care or a hospital stay? In a hospital setting, the airflow option is used more regularly, as patients tend to be dealing with more serious conditions. At home, a home-grade cycling mattress or just a foam surface could do the trick. 

• What does the care team recommend? Listening to the advice of a doctor, nurse, or therapist who has reviewed the risk factors of the patient is always a good idea. 

Cost, Maintenance, and Supplies to Consider

There is almost no upkeep required with a foam mattress, beyond just needing to keep the cover clean. Going up to an alternating pressure setup will add the cost of a pump, as well as the need to check the system occasionally to make sure it is cycling correctly. With a low air loss mattress, you’ll be spending more upfront for the purchase, as well as using electricity to run the blower. However, this type of surface might make it possible to recover at home instead of in the hospital, so the investment could be worth it. 

In addition to the mattress, most homes will need to purchase a few supplies, including absorbent pads, dressings for the skin, and positioning cushions. We carry alternating pressure air mattresses, pressure relief air mattresses, and a full line of hospital bed accessories to make home care as successful as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a low air loss mattress the same as an alternating pressure mattress?

No. One cycles air cells on and off to shift weight, while the other maintains constant, gentle airflow mainly to manage heat and moisture at the skin. Some brands combine both features in one product.

Can I use foam if my loved one already has a pressure sore?

It depends on the stage of the wound. Many care teams recommend upgrading to a cycling or airflow surface once a sore develops, since foam alone doesn't actively redistribute or relieve pressure. Always check with a clinician before deciding, as this is a problem that is too important to handle with guesswork.

Do these mattresses fit on a regular bed frame, or do I need a hospital bed?

Foam and most alternating pressure mattresses fit a standard frame. Low air loss systems are usually sized for hospital beds, since the frame needs to support the added weight of the pump and blower.

Still deciding which support surface fits your situation? Our specialists can walk you through the products we have available and help you match the right product to your care needs.