Tanya St / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Bottom line , NPIAP guidelines note , “ Support surfaces play a significant role in an individualized comprehensive management plan for pressure injury prevention and treatment .” 3

is , it becomes a question of ‘ Whose job is it ?’”

What ’ s the answer ? It ’ s everyone ’ s job . NPIAP emphasizes , “ Examine the functionality of the support surface on every encounter .” In addition to that , there

should be an all-facility review of support surfaces at least once a year .

Here are 8 signals of mattress failure to look for : 1 Wearing or thinning of mattress cover 
 2 Tears 
 3 Holes 4 Stains 
 5 Torn zippers 
 6 Fluid in the mattress 
 7 Compromised internal structure 8 Compressed areas

If clinicians don ’ t have time for mattress inspection built into their busy day , a knowledgeable

of acute support surfaces needed immediate replacement 1

vendor partner can help . Being proactive can help prevent mattress failure from contributing to skin breakdown or infection .

View the studies

1 . The American Hospital Association recommends mattress replacement every 5 years . This is only a guide . The lifespan of a mattress depends on usage and other factors — and it ’ s usually less than five years .

2 . Manufacturer ’ s warranty . A manufacturer typically includes a warranty for a mattress , but it usually only pertains to manufacturing defects . Be sure your caregivers understand this warranty is not an expected life expectancy .

Issue 12 / 2023 11