At Cubro, we rely on the expertise of our account managers who are out in the field every day, so we sat down with Mckenzie, one of our knowledgeable aged care product experts, to discuss the 5 key factors in selecting the right mattress for care home facilities.  

Choosing a mattress isn’t just about comfort but also about supporting residents' long-term health and well-being. The right mattress can prevent pressure injuries, promote restful sleep, and enhance overall quality of life. With a variety of options available, what should facilities prioritise when making their selection? 

1. Understanding Resident Needs  

First and foremost, it’s essential to consider both current and future needs—what will residents require over the next 5–8 years? Are we prioritising general comfort, or do we need a solution that actively prevents and heals pressure injuries? 

For instance, in end-of-life care settings, comfort may take precedence over pressure injury prevention. However, for residents at other stages of life or with a high risk of developing pressure injuries, mattresses with specialised pressure redistribution features are crucial. 

2. Pressure Redistribution and Prevention  

A key consideration when choosing a mattress is its ability to enhance immersion and envelopment, ensuring that a larger surface area of the skin remains in contact with the mattress. This helps distribute pressure more evenly and reduces the risk of pressure injuries. The more skin that engages with the mattress, the better the pressure redistribution.  

When evaluating options, consider the benefits of alternating-air (active) vs. foam (non-active) mattresses:  

Alternating air mattresses are highly effective in healing open wounds. Advances in technology, like PU (polyurethane) air cells, enhance comfort and pressure management by adapting to a resident's movements. For residents with higher needs, the Axtair One Plus® is an option as it furthers this functionality with automatic pressure adjustment, providing continuous, responsive support. 

Some foam mattresses also have pressure care benefits with targeted pressure relief in super-soft zone areas. One example of this is the Alova multi-support mattress  with its quick response memory foam and temperature range support. The soft zones at the head and foot of the mattress provide head and heel pressure relief. 

3. Comfort and Support  

Beyond pressure relief, comfort plays a crucial role in a resident’s quality of life. A breathable mattress helps regulate temperature and reduce moisture buildup, ensuring optimal comfort and support. This not only enhances relaxation but also helps prevent skin complications. 

 By maintaining a dry, consistent temperature, breathable surfaces contribute to overall well-being and healthier skin, making them essential for long-term comfort and care. Take the Greenline Hyper-Foam Mattress, for example, it’s made from ECOLAST foam, which features an open-cell structure that enhances air circulation for improved comfort. 

4. Infection Control and Durability  

Care facilities must also consider infection control and long-term durability. When selecting a mattress, look for:  

• A high-quality cover material that is easy to clean, with sealed seams and durable stitching to prevent fluid penetration.  
• Antimicrobial treatments, waterproof coatings, or breathable membranes to reduce the risk of infection and maintain hygiene standards.  

The Axtair Automorpho Plus sets the standard in its class here, with welded seams and a polyamide mesh-coated cover that ensures exceptional tensile strength, biocompatibility, and resilience against sterilisation processes. 

5. Clinical Evidence, Certifications, and Compliance  

A mattress should be clinically validated for pressure injury prevention. For example, the Greenline mattress, as mentioned earlier, is also rated for Stage 4 pressure injuries (EPUAP), making it a strong option for high-risk residents. 

Ensuring compliance with industry standards, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) is something to always look for to ensure the product meets or exceeds the standards. 

Mckenzie’s Final Thoughts  

Choosing the right mattress for an aged care facility involves balancing comfort, support, pressure injury prevention, infection control, and durability.  

By considering these factors, you can make decisions with confidence. Our experienced account managers at Cubro are here to support you throughout the selection process, ensuring the best care for your residents. 

If you have any questions, please speak to a member of our team. We’re always happy to help!