Best Mattress Pad For Bedsores [Review] in 2021
Last Updated on March 15, 2021

written by sleep expert Lauren Hall
Find the products quick - here are the review winners
Are you looking for the best mattress pad for bedsores but don’t know where to look?
Well, you’re not alone, it can be a daunting task but fortunately, I have compiled a list of the best products as well as some general info and tips so you can know everything about toppers.
If you don’t know what you’re looking for then you’re going to struggle a lot, especially as these toppers can often be made from cheaper materials that won’t actually help you with your bedsores.
However, it’s not all bad.
I’ve been closely analyzing the breathability, pressure, fitness, and of course comfort in a bid to find the best pressure relief topper to combat your bedsores.
Now, every single product on this list is worth looking at because they all have their own perks. So, don’t skip any, or you may end up buying a topper that isn’t as effective for you as one of our other recommendations would.
Now, let’s begin.
We’ve spent the time researching so you don’t have to:

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Our Top 5 Mattress Pad for Bedsores
Vive Alternating Pressure Mattress
Here’s my top pick, the best of the best. Now, I’m sure you’re asking yourself why? So, let me show you.
Providing relief from bed sores and ulcers caused by extended bed rest, the alternating pressure mattress promotes increased circulation and helps manage skin maceration. The variable pressure mattress evenly distributes weight to relieve pressure spots for exceptional support and comfort making this perfect for immobilized or weak patients who cannot move around frequently.
Each of the 130 air cells alternately inflate and deflate to create a mattress surface that evenly distributes a patient or loved one’s weight and eliminates pressure spots. Plus each air cell is heat sealed to ensure it will not leak for exceptional durability.
Better yet.
The variable pressure pump is ultra-quiet for restful sleep and produces constant airflow, the variable pump offers multiple levels of pressure for a customizable experience. And to top it off each pressure cycle is approximately six minutes long.
My favorite part about this is that you get a warranty that includes 1 year on your pump, 60 days on the mattress pad. So take a look and know you can checkout with confidence.
Pros
Alleviates pressure spots and bedsores
Variable pressure and firmness
Ultra-quiet pump
Waterproof vinyl cover
Cons
Some reports that the pump does not last
Latest deal: Vive Alternating Pressure Mattress
Best Price Mattress
Best Price Mattress’ New 5-Zone Aloe Vera Bed Topper is a 1. 5 Inch CertiPUR-US certified, premium memory foam mattress topper that instantly revamps old mattresses for maximum comfort and better sleep.
The product features a 5 body zone with different points of contact to prevent tossing and turning. Its breathable memory foam layer is also infused Aloe Vera for coming and relaxing sleep while helping to keep the mattress fresher.
My favorite thing, however,
this is really well priced and absolutely worth the money. You can see this for yourself by looking at the overwhelming amount of positive ratings on Amazon. As of now, the Best Price mattress has a whopping 4.5-star rating.
So, what are you waiting for? Go and have a look at this pad and you’ll never have to worry about bed sores again.
Pros
Aloe vera bed topper
5-body zone with different points of contact
Allows you to enjoy a night of comfortable and peaceful sleep
Cons
It may not be suitable if you’re sensitive to scents
Latest deal: Best Price Mattress
Meridian Alternating Pressure Mattress
Coming in at number three is a memory foam mattress that will help with your bed sores.
This is a medical mattress that inflates with alternating pressure in order to prevent bedsores and pressure ulcers. The alternating pressure pad hooks to the pump which can be powered via a standard household electric outlet.
The bedsore prevention mattress overlay comes with a very quiet, high-quality pump. You can sleep soundly in your own bed by installing this bedsore mattress pad over your existing bed cushions. As a bonus, this supports patients up to 300lbs.
Now, that’s not all.
Similar to hospital mattresses, this overlay is to prevent bedsores or for those undergoing bed sores treatment. Acting as a bedsore cushion for your bed, this product is so good it eliminates the need for a hospital bed for your home.
The compact pump is the secret for making this medical air mattress the most comfortable in the industry. Durable, heavy-gauge, premium vinyl with 130 individual bubble cells provide maximum comfort while being highly effective.
Now, this one is really special and I know you’re going to love it, so click the link.
Pros
Helps improve circulation and alleviate bedsores
Similar to hospital beds
Durable heavy-gauge premium vinyl
Cons
Loud pump
Latest deal: Meridian Alternating Pressure Mattress
DMI Convoluted Foam Bed Pad Mattress Topper
Next up is the DMI, a very popular memory foam mattress topper.
The DMI Convoluted Foam bed pad mattress topper is a soft foam bed topper that’s been designed for comfort and has a sculpted medical-grade foam that provides great air circulation and weight distribution.
It helps to prevent pressure sores and the egg crate design helps in preventing bedsores and decubitus ulcers. It also provides superior weight distribution and air circulation and increases comfort while reducing pressure sores and more.
Moreover.
It’s simple to use as all you need to do is unroll the pad and let it sit for a couple of hours until it expands to its maximum size. It’s the ideal mattress pad for patients and loved ones who are on long-term bed rest.
This really is a fantastic topper and a must-have for anyone who suffers from bedsores.
Pros
Designed for comfort
Helps prevent pressure sores
Provides great weight distribution and air circulation
Cons
Some people have found that the mattress pad doesn’t perform as advertised
Latest deal: DMI Convoluted Foam Bed Pad Mattress Topper
5.
Premium Alternating Air Pressure Mattress
Here’s my last pick but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a high-quality topper.
The Premium Alternating Air Pressure Mattress for medical bed is another great mattress pad for pressure sore and ulcer relief. It comes with an ultra-quiet pump and pad topper, while producing constant airflow, with the variable pump offering multiple time cycles, with each cycle being approximately 6 minutes long.
The mattress pad has been designed to be easy to clean with its waterproof surface and provides firm support through its adjustable cyclic airflow system, which helps you achieve restful sleep.
But of course, that’s not all.
This alternating pressure mattress and pump system has been approved by the FDA and is designed to provide you with relief from bedsores and ulcers that are caused by prolonged bed rest.
Now, to add some bang to that buck there is a lifetime warranty on the electric pump, which is equipped with 135 individually heat-sealed air bubbles for even weight distribution and superior comfort.
Click the link and this topper will change your life.
Pros
Alleviates ulcers and bedsores
Quiet and lifetime warranty pump
Premium design
Cons
Latest deal: Premium Alternating Air Pressure Mattress
Mattress Pad for Bedsores Buyers Guide
Pressure relief mattresses for bedsores become a necessary tool for people who are confined to bed rest for extended periods. They are an important tool for preventing the formation of bedsores and pressure ulcers and help in distributing body weight evenly when promoting proper circulation. There are several things you must consider when choosing a mattress pad for bedsores, the most important being whether you should go with hi-tech or low-tech mattress designs.
Hi-Tech Mattresses
These are pressure adjustable mattresses that can be inflated and deflated according to the physical needs or preferences of the patient.
Low-Tech Mattresses
These mattresses along with their supports and overlays are filled with either gel, foam, fiber, air, or water, and their pressure isn’t adjustable. You should consider all these factors when you’re thinking about buying a pressure mattress pad for bedsores.
What Mattress Filler to Get?
You can choose between water, air, fiber, gel, or foam for the mattress filler, and since each filler has its own benefits it all comes down to the preferences and physical needs of the patient. We’re going to cover each of the materials to give you a better idea:
Water-Filled
Water has the unique ability to conform to the body of the user and evenly distribute pressure. That’s the reason why most individuals prefer having a water mattress pad for bedsores over other low-tech options since it affords them optimized comfort and pressure relief.
Air-Filled
Air-filled mattresses, also known as ROHO mattresses provide you with the choice to either inflate or deflate the mattress at different times and places. This is mainly done to either increase or decrease the pressure based on the comfort and skincare needs of the patient.
Foam Filled
Foam-filled mattresses come with their unique advantages, as they can be cross-cut, meaning that the cells of the mattress can shift along with the body of the patient. That reduces the possibility of shearing and when this occurs the outer layer of the skin will pull when the patient shifts and that would lead to skin tears and eventually an infection.
Gel Filled
A lot of people find gel mattresses to be comfortable and cushioned, and similar to memory foam, the gel conforms to the body of the user. Most people also enjoy the sensation of sinking deeply into the surface of their mattresses.
Patient Movement – High Movement or Limited?
Bedsores or decubitus ulcers tend to form when constricted or pinched blood vessels on pressure spots are deprived of nutrients and oxygen. That causes them to break down, and when a person doesn’t move a lot and self-adjust their position on their bed, it increases their risk of bedsores forming. Individuals who are completely immobile and require assistance to move and shift in bed need to have a hi-tech mattress pad, which helps adjust their position periodically.
That will help prevent ulcers, and these mattresses can also be inflated and deflated at set times depending on the comfort needs and positioning of the patient. Most pressure mattress pads can also be set to automatically adjust at fixed intervals, which guarantees that no area of the body remains under pressure for a significant amount of time. Most hi-tech mattress pads are zoned, which allows them to separate adjustments for different areas of the body at the same time.
To take complete advantage of your pressure relief mattress pad, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of successfully preventing bedsores from developing on your skin. Here’s what you must practice: Keep your bedding wrinkle-free Keep the skin dry and clean. Protect your skin from shearing by applying talcum powder at points of friction.
You can also apply lotion to dry skin and prevent the dragging that results in shearing injuries. Watch for tiny items that may inadvertently make their way into your bed and irritate the skin. These can be simple things like buttons on clothing, which may cause injury to the skin that is already delicate.
When you’re considering buying a pressure relief mattress pad, bear in mind that some mattresses are easier to clean than others. So, if incontinence is going to be a problem, you may want to consider ease of cleaning when making your selection. For that reason, a waterproof mattress pad may be the best choice for you.
Another important factor is considering how ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ a patient is going to be when sleeping on the mattress pad. Some people tend to sweat more than others and would prefer a cooler sleeping environment, while some may prefer a warmer sleeping environment.
Gel and water mattresses are great at helping conduct heat away from the body and are a safe choice for people who tend to overheat quickly. However, some people may find them to be a little too cold.
On the other hand, foam mattresses are known for holding body heat and should be avoided if you tend to overheat a lot when sleeping. They are the perfect choice for individuals who want to sleep in a warmer environment.
Features to Look for When Buying a Pressure Relief Mattress Pad
There are several factors and features that you must look at when you’re buying a pressure relief mattress pad for bedsores. Most pressure relief mattress pads help in distributing pressure in numerous ways, which include conformity, moisture absorption, and reduction of shear. To help you out, we’re going to highlight some important factors and features you must consider when choosing an appropriate pressure relief mattress pad for bedsores.
Products that are made from gel, air, water, and memory foam will move and conform to the movement and shape of the body. However, such products reduce the ability to relieve pressure by leaning to one side as the surface tends to move with the user.
Stability
Users who find it difficult to maintain balance will find that mattress pads that conform quickly to the body and move don’t feel safe. They can also make it difficult to transfer on and off from surfaces quickly. If users need to push down on any transfer surface to gain leverage, the contents are going to move when the body weight is lifted and the support is going to disappear.
Bottoming-Out
If a mattress pad is too thin or soft, it can get compressed and allow the skin to meet the surface beneath, which removes the pressure-relieving qualities. That’s known as bottoming-out, and the best way to prevent that is to turn the mattress over on its other side regularly.
Shear Forces
Some mattresses are designed to reduce shear forces as much as possible. Mattresses that have an individual balloon or egg-box-shaped surfaces or foam mattresses that have a cross-cut surface manage to move with the body so that the pull on the outer layer of the skin is decreased.
Heat
When the heat increases the threat of ulcers also increases, so patients who get sweaty and hot may want to use a mattress pad that keeps the surface temperature of the skin cool. Gel and water help conduct heat away from the area, but gel could be too cold for some people. Too much cold isn’t a good thing as it may cause the metabolism of cells forming the skin cells to slow down, which will prevent them from absorbing quickly.
Standard foam mattresses and bead-filled mattresses should be avoided by people who tend to get hot easily since they don’t circulate air properly and retain heat. These mattresses are ideal for people who feel the cold and want their mattress pads to act as insulation.
Moisture Absorption
The amount of moisture produced by an individual relates to the amount of heat produced, and it may be influenced by various factors. Moisture absorption can also be influenced by the material of the mattress pad and covers made of cotton and toweling are absorbent. Vapor permeable materials that allow water vapor and air to circulate so that sweating is minimized are ideal.
However, they’re also water-resistant so if large amounts of fluids are spilled on them the mattress pad stays dry. Man-made materials, like vinyl, and nylon aren’t absorbent and therefore may not allow air to circulate easily, resulting in excess sweating.
Waterproofing
A user that has continence problems should look for waterproof mattress pads because occasional accidents are unavoidable. So, even if the mattress gets wet it won’t be damaged, and you should look for mattress pads with platilon which is a water-permeable and waterproof material that allows moist air to circulate evenly.
Maintenance
Some mattresses need to be adjusted with some dexterity so that the proper amount of pressure relief is provided to the patient. Some mattress pads come with power packs that may get damaged, and others may require repairs after a split or puncture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions that you may have about mattress toppers for bedsores.
Does Medicare Pay for a Pressure Relief Mattress Pad?
It’s recommended that you should consult and check with your doctor and physician before purchasing a pressure relief mattress pad for bedsores. In general terms, the Medicare.gov website states that durable medical equipment is covered by Medicare if your doctor or primary care physician has prescribed the equipment for use in your home.
Will Private Insurance Cover a Pressure Relief Mattress Pad?
The insurance policies of insurance companies tend to vary from one another, but your doctor needs to prescribe the mattress pad as ‘medically necessary’ for it to be considered for insurance coverage.
However, it’s best if you speak with someone from your insurance company to determine the specifics of the coverage and what is covered.
Who Needs a Pressure Relieving Mattress Pad?
Patients who are likely to spend 15 hours per day in bed or those who are classified as medium to high risk of developing bedsores or pressure ulcers are advised to use a pressure-relieving mattress pad. People at higher risk are generally those, who have spinal cord injury, are seriously ill, immobile, have diabetes, wear a prosthesis, don’t eat a proper diet, are incontinent of urine or stool, have broken a hip, or have undergone hip surgery.
Summary
If you or a loved one are dealing with pressure sores, bedsores, or pressure ulcers, it’s advised that you have a skin evaluation done by a licensed doctor, who can then advise the best mattress pad for you.
Mattress pads once purchased are non-refundable and non-returnable, and that’s why you must get the help and recommendation of a medical professional before making a final decision.
The options that I have shown you today are all of the highest quality and sure to help you sleep easy and through the night.
My top pick for the best topper for bedsores was the Vive alternating pressure mattress, this is a great choice as it’s pressure-relieving, comes with an ultra-quiet pump, waterproof vinyl cover, and has variable pressure and firmness.
Whichever topper you choose we hope it works for you.
Good luck and goodnight.

Lauren Hall
Head of Content at Sleepedia
ABOUT
Lauren is Sleepedia's Head of Content and is a certified sleep therapist who loves her sleep. Lauren helps people to get back to those deep, dream-filled nights they once had by helping to identify problems with their routine and sleep setup. Whether it's a mattress or pillow, Lauren researches the best products in the industry to provide you with an in-depth review of everything you need to know to encourage your buying decision.
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