What Is an Air-Fluidized Bed?

Uses

• Air-fluidized beds are often recommended by doctors for patients suffering from pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, which are characterized by dry, damaged areas of skin usually caused by prolonged pressure of specific bones against the surrounding skin tissue. Sores usually occur in the elbows, knees, shoulder blades and spine and are formed when pressure prevents blood vessels from transporting oxygen and other essential nutrients to the skin, causing the skin tissue to die and ulcers to form. According to the Wounds 1 health information website, air-fluidized beds are most effective in healing patients with large ulcers on skin surfaces that are used for turning in bed and for those who don’t respond to traditional treatments in standard beds.

Structure

• An air-fluidized bed contains several hundred glass beds inside the main bed unit, which is covered by a thick, polyester sheet. Warm air circulates through the sea of beads, causing them to fluidize, meaning the base of the bed supports the patient through a steady stream of pressurized air. The polyester sheet enables air and moisture to pass through the bed, helping the skin of patients remain dry and avoid the damage caused by incontinence or excessive moisture.

Coverage

• According to the Department of Health and Human Services website, Medicare and Medicaid insurance only cover the use of air-fluidized beds for patients in specific circumstances. Patients experiencing loss of full thickness tissue or suffering from sores that have caused deep tissue destruction are eligible for assistance under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Patients who receive written recommendations for assistance from their physicians and those who would require institutionalization without the assistance of an air-fluidized bed are also entitled to help.

Cost and Weight

• A single air-fluidized bed can weigh up to two tons, making transporting patients between hospital wards and installation in patient homes extremely difficult. The flooring in many apartment buildings may not even be sufficient to withstand an air-fluidized bed. The beds are significantly more expensive than standard beds, meaning they cannot be obtained in large numbers by many hospitals and clinics.