Top 11 Pressure Relief & Alternating Pressure Mattresses for Better Patient Comfort (2025)

Looking for the best alternating pressure mattress or pressure relief mattress for you or a loved one? We’ve got you covered– here’s everything you need to know to find the perfect model of mattress for your needs and budget.

To start, let’s go over exactly what pressure relief and alternating pressure mattresses are and how it can benefit you or a loved one. They are specialized mattresses that are designed to distribute weight and reduce pressure points evenly.

Benefits of these mattresses include:

• Improved sleep and help
• Prevention of health conditions like bed sores, pressure ulcers, and poor circulation
• Spinal support
• And more…

While pressure redistribution and alternating pressure can benefit almost everyone, these mattresses are particularly important for users who:

• Want to prevent pressure ulcers and bed sores
• Experience painful joints
• Have problems with circulation

Alternating Pressure Mattresses: If a patient is deemed more high risk, alternating pressure mattresses provide a more active therapy solution. These are powered air mattresses built from cells that inflate and deflate in a cyclical pattern. They improve blood circulation and reduce the need for manual repositioning. Because the mattresses are powered, you can usually select from multiple settings to perfectly customize the mattress pressure to a patient’s comfort

When selecting between a pressure relief mattress and an alternating pressure mattress, keep in mind factors like your budget, the patient’s risk level, health conditions, and whether or not multiple individuals will use the mattress.

When shopping for a pressure relief or alternating pressure air mattress, here are some important features to remember:

Cover

Look for a cover that is easy to remove and wash. Covers can play a crucial role in wicking away moisture and preventing infections, so check to see if the design promotes breathability and a cool night’s sleep.

Warranty

Check for any warranty terms offered upon purchase– a comprehensive warranty can provide peace of mind that the mattress will stay in excellent condition for years.

Weight Capacity

What weight capacity does the mattress support? For heavier users, you may consider investing in a bariatric mattress.

Heel Protection

Mattresses with a heel slope can help distribute pressure across the lower leg, increasing comfort.

Alternating Pressure Features

If you’re looking to specifically invest in an alternating pressure mattress, check for its different cycle settings and if there are any protections against low air and power outages.

Price: $1,295

Designed for those who spend long, extended periods of time in bed, the PressureGuard® Custom Care® Reactive Pressure Redistribution Surface provides effective pressure redistribution and a range of benefits that include:

• Interior support chambers: Four chambers instantly react to changes in surface loading. They deflate, transfer air, and vent immediately as the user’s weight and position change.
• Zoned Shear-Reducing Outer Shell: This surrounds the internal support system and creates a comfortable surface to lay on top of.
• Durable cover: Made with anti-microbial, bi-directional stretch fabric, the cover is highly resistant to chemical breakdown. It helps decrease moisture buildup and reduces the risk of infection.

The PressureGuard Custom Care delivers incredible patient comfort, prevents pressure sores, and offers skin protection without any need for a powered system.

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Price: $241

A highly economical option for those who need just a bit of pressure support, the Gravity 7 Long Term Care Pressure Redistribution Mattress is perfect for individuals in long-term care facilities. The mattress maximizes value and comfort with three distinct foam layers:

• Bottom layer: Full-length score articulation cuts extend the life and durability of the mattress
• Middle layer: Provides comfort and support for users
• Top layer: Uses unique die-cutting and a true memory foam heel section to optimize zoned pressure redistribution

The easy-to-clean cover features 2-way stretch, water resistance, and vapor permeable nylon to keep patients cool, dry, and comfortable.

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Price: $850

Designed specifically for bedridden patients, the Rest Q Comfort Redistribution Mattress features multiple layers and a special supportive design. It’s an incredible choice for anyone suffering from chronic pain, spending long hours in bed, or simply looking for a bit more comfort while sleeping.

• Base layer: Provides support and prevents the mattress from “bottoming-out”
• Pressure redistribution centerline: Gently supports the most sensitive areas along the user’s spine, back, and shoulders
• Heel suspension: Supports the lower legs and allows feet to float in comfort
• Top cushion: Immediately responds to the contours of each user’s body, ensuring long-lasting comfort
• Ultra-firm perimeter support: Prevents the edges of the bed from collapsing

At a budget-friendly price, this mattress is engineered to maximize your comfort and provide custom support.

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Price: $314.95

A perfect solution for heavier, high-risk patients who need some extra support. This bariatric pressure-relief mattress combines multiple levels of high-density foam and provides an ideal level of support in multiple sizes. The 6” multi-level mattress includes a protective, 4-way stretch top cover with a 360-degree zipper for easy removal. Additional features include a high-density, di-cut top layer, firm bottom layer for extra support, and a Lura-Quilt foam heel section to ease heel pressure.

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Price: $784.95

Want the benefits of a pressure redistribution mattress without purchasing an entirely new mattress? Toppers like the Sofflex 2 provide all of the pressure relief benefits and can be quickly installed on top of your existing mattress.

• Unique-fit sections: Compromised of three individual sections that snap together to create the full overlay, the sections can be adjusted per body segment to conform to each individual’s unique shape and size
• Two cover options: The topper comes with a reusable cover that tucks in like a fitted sheet, or an enclosure cover that zips together to encase the mattress completely. Both covers are fluid and flame resistant and can be cleaned easily.

The Sofflex 2 easily conforms to your body’s contours with over one hundred flexible, interconnected air cells.

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The Pressureguard Easy Air Mattress is effective, easy to use, and designed to keep you supported even during a power outage. This powered mattress is built from 800 individually articulating cells. Adjust your comfort level in an instant using a dial, and activate alternating pressure with the press of a button.

Additional features include:

• 2” topper: Reduces skin shear while helping keep the user supported and resting firmly on top of the mattress
• Heel slope design: Eliminates heel pressure

The mattress effectively reduces heat and wicks away moisture to keep the user cool and comfortable throughout use. The outer cover can be easily washed and disinfected. Available in three different widths and four lengths, you’ll be able to find a PressureGuard Easy Air mattress that perfectly fits your bed.

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Price: $130

Need some pressure distribution relief but don’t have the budget for a full mattress? Try the Domus 1 mattress topper. Suitable for patients who are not high-risk and only require a little extra pressure support, this lightweight and compact powered alternating pressure pad is comprised of individual 2.5” bubble cells. Simply place it over a traditional mattress for an extra level of pressure support. An Anti-Sliding Extension Flap can be tucked under your standard mattress to prevent the pad from sliding and keep it secure. Great for low-risk settings and as a transitional solution, the Domus 1 is budget-friendly and helps facilitate optimal comfort.

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Price: 1,175

This lightweight, easy-to-use powered alternating pressure air mattress from Invacare allows you to adjust the pressure level to your comfort with the touch of a button. A unique 10-in-1 alternating pressure cycle ensures protection even for individuals with low to medium risk.

• Power outage protection: In the event of an outage, the cell-in-cell design prevents bottoming out and keeps users comfortable
• Natural heel slope: Decreases heel pressure for maximum comfort.
• Oversized quilted nylon cover: Provides low-shear, friction, and moisture protection.

Because this mattress is powered, patients and caregivers can easily adjust the pressure of the bed and change settings in moments, allowing for truly customizable comfort.

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Price: $519

A powered alternating pressure air mattress at an affordable price, the Drive Medical Med-Aire Melody Alternating Pressure and Low Air Mattress System is easy to use and ideal for homecare or long term care. Constructed from 20 8” air cells, the mattress offers 10-minute alternating pressure cycles that maximize envelopment. The cells are easy to remove, making maintenance a breeze. You can adjust the mattress based on your patient’s weight, creating a custom-fit pressure for each user’s medical needs. In case of low pressure or a power outage, a visual low-pressure alarm signals to caregivers. Lastly, the removable nylon cover is fluid-resistant, low-shear, and protects the skin fully from unwanted moisture.

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Price: $2,442.95

Another option for bariatric patients, the Med-Aire Plus 10” Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress provides much-needed support for heavier patients and loved ones. This system is packed with features, including:

• Easy-to-use controls: To ensure complete comfort and customization
• A cell-on-cell design: Perfectly distributes pressure without the patient “bottoming-out” during use
• Liquid-Proof Cover: Easy to clean and prevents painful skin shearing

Easily treat and manage pressure ulcers with this powered alternating mattress, designed to support patients of up to 1,000lbs with ease.

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Price: $389.95

An excellent choice for a powered alternating pressure system on a budget, the Protekt Air 4000 by Proactive Medical is powerful, effective, and also provides low air loss therapy. A full eight liters of air pumps through 20 individual air bladders every single minute to keep users comfortable for extended periods. 18 laser air holes remove moisture and maintain a cool temperature all night long. If rapid deflation is required (to administer CPR or some other emergency event), a quick-deflation valve removes the air quickly and efficiently.

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Let’s say you find the perfect pressure relief or alternating pressure mattress for your needs. Your next question might be: What size do I choose?

Rather than standard mattress sizing (twin, full, queen, etc), these mattresses will typically come in sizes based on dimensions in inches. The format will be: Length x Width X Depth

The standard hospital or long-term care mattress size is 80 inches long and 36 inches wide. If you or your loved one use a standard-sized bed, that size mattress may be a perfect fit. But, of course, we strongly recommend pulling out a tape measure and checking for yourself!

For those who use an expanded length or width-sized mattress, you’ll likely be able to find a pressure relief or alternating pressure mattress to suit your needs. Depending on the model and brand, mattresses can typically range from 36-54 inches wide, and 72-84 inches wide. Be sure to measure and confirm before ordering.

Pressure Relief is Just a Mattress Selection Away!

Explore all of the above options and more at Med Mart’s online durable medical equipment store. We’re proud to offer top-of-the-line products, with the best customer service in the industry. Browse our mattress collection on your own or contact one of our product specialists to help you find the perfect mattress for you or a loved one.