The Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® mattress represents the best hospital mattress for preventing bed sores through military-developed technology that simulates floating in water, delivering documented 11% to 0% pressure ulcer reduction in VA study, 450,000+ successfully treated patients, and fully autonomous operation requiring zero manual adjustments, making it superior to alternating pressure and low air loss systems that require constant monitoring and manual settings.
Best Overall Prevention: Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® Low Profile Mattress System
For Bariatric Patients: Joerns Dolphin Bariatric Mattress System (48" Wide)
Complete Home Solution: Joerns DolphinCare™ Integrated Bed System
View Full Collection: Joerns Healthcare Therapeutic Surfaces
The Dolphin FIS delivers superior bed sore prevention through technology originally developed for U.S. Navy dolphins. The system automatically conforms to each patient's unique body shape, simulating floating in water to maintain near-normal blood flow.
The Dolphin FIS represents the gold standard for hospital bed sore prevention. Its Fluid Immersion Simulation technology maintains continuous blood flow to vulnerable tissue without the cyclic interruptions created by alternating pressure systems.
One VA medical center saw heel pressure ulcer rates drop from 11% to 0% after implementing Dolphin therapy. This complete elimination demonstrates prevention capability that standard hospital mattresses cannot match.
The facility-wide implementation proved effectiveness across entire at-risk patient populations, not just isolated cases.
The Dolphin maintains constant blood flow to vulnerable tissue through continuous automated adjustment.
As patients shift position, the microprocessor responds instantly to maintain optimal pressure distribution. This happens without any manual intervention once powered on.
Unlike alternating pressure systems creating cyclic pressure variations every few minutes, the Dolphin provides uninterrupted support preventing blood flow restriction that causes bed sores.
Caregivers turn on the Dolphin once and it works independently.
The microprocessor automatically handles all adjustments as patients move throughout the day. No comfort settings to select, no cycle times to adjust, no ongoing monitoring required.
This ensures consistent prevention regardless of which caregiver operates the system or staffing levels during different shifts.
Over 450,000 patients have been treated with Dolphin FIS technology.
This extensive validation demonstrates prevention effectiveness across:
Bed sores (pressure ulcers) develop when prolonged pressure restricts blood flow to skin and underlying tissue.
Without adequate blood circulation, tissue becomes damaged and breaks down. Wounds progress from stage I (non-blanchable redness) through stage IV (full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone).
Critical Prevention Requirements:
Effective prevention requires maintaining near-normal blood flow to vulnerable areas. Simply reducing pressure isn't sufficient.
Blood circulation must be actively maintained to prevent tissue damage at heels, sacrum, elbows, and bony prominences.
Highest Risk Patients:
The Dolphin uses Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology that automatically conforms the mattress surface to each patient's unique body shape.
Rather than forcing the body to adapt to the mattress, the technology simulates the support characteristics of floating in water.
The sophisticated electromagnetic generator creates pressure patterns maintaining blood flow to compromised tissue.
As patients move or reposition, the system responds instantly to maintain optimal pressure distribution across all contact points.
The built-in microprocessor continuously monitors patient position and automatically adjusts pressure redistribution.
No manual settings, no cycle times, no caregiver intervention required. This continuous adjustment prevents the pressure hot spots that create bed sores.
12-Hour Battery Backup: Automatically activates during power outages or patient transport. Maintains prevention without interruption.
Built-In Foam Safety Cell: Provides mechanical pressure redistribution if power failures exceed 12 hours. No caregiver intervention required for activation.
Critically ill ICU patients face extreme bed sore risk from:
The Dolphin's continuous automated adjustment maintains blood flow without manual repositioning protocols that compromise unstable patients.
The system works during procedures, transport, and position changes without requiring caregiver adjustments.
Paralyzed patients cannot feel pressure sensations or independently shift weight, creating lifetime bed sore risk.
The VA study showing 11% to 0% heel ulcer reduction specifically addressed spinal cord injury patients.
The Dolphin continuously adjusts as the body settles throughout the day. This provides prevention that repositioning schedules cannot match for patients unable to assist with position changes.
Surgical patients with movement restrictions, spinal precautions, or pain limiting repositioning need prevention that works without frequent position changes.
The autonomous operation maintains prevention while allowing surgical sites to heal undisturbed.
Nursing home residents face chronic bed sore risk from:
The Dolphin's fully autonomic operation provides consistent prevention regardless of staffing levels or individual caregiver capabilities.
Larger patients face compounded bed sore risk from:
The Dolphin Bariatric model provides 1000-pound capacity with 48-inch width. This addresses prevention needs that standard 500-pound systems cannot accommodate.
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Best For:
The 35-inch width accommodates standard hospital bed frames. The 8-inch low profile design improves caregiver access during care procedures.
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Best For:
The 42-inch width provides additional surface area for larger patients while maintaining the 500-pound capacity standard.
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Best For:
The expandable length extends from 82 to 92 inches. This ensures complete pressure redistribution coverage across extended surfaces.
Weight Capacity: 1000 lbs
Best For:
The 48-inch width provides full-width pressure redistribution without body overhang. The 1000-pound capacity represents the highest available for Fluid Immersion Simulation technology.
Auto-Firm Feature: The Bariatric model includes auto-firm functionality for safer patient transfers and repositioning with heavier patients.
The Dolphin fits existing ICU bed frames and automatically adjusts during procedures, transport, or position changes.
The 12-hour battery backup maintains prevention during CT scans, surgeries, or transfers between units.
The lightweight 22-pound mattress allows easy installation without specialized equipment.
Three size configurations (35", 42", expandable) accommodate different bed frame types across med/surg inventories.
The autonomous operation eliminates the need for staff training on complex settings or cycle times.
The fully autonomic operation provides consistent prevention across all residents.
Effectiveness remains constant regardless of staffing variations between shifts or individual caregiver training levels.
The system maintains prevention without interfering with therapy schedules or mobilization protocols.
It works continuously regardless of patient participation in physical therapy or rehabilitation activities.
The DolphinCare Integrated Bed System provides complete bed with FIS mattress integrated.
Key Features:
This delivers hospital-grade prevention in home environments. The autonomous operation requires families to simply turn it on.
Alternating pressure systems inflate and deflate air cells in cycles attempting to simulate repositioning.
How They Work:
Prevention Capability:
Limitations:
Low air loss systems blow air through laser-cut holes in the mattress surface.
How They Work:
Prevention Capability:
Limitations:
Premium foam mattresses use high-density foam with multiple layers.
How They Work:
Prevention Capability:
Limitations:
| Mattress Type | Prevention Mechanism | Operation | Proven Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joerns Dolphin FIS | Continuous automated redistribution | Autonomous (turn on once) | 11% to 0% documented |
| Alternating Pressure | Cyclic inflation/deflation | Manual settings required | General claims |
| Low Air Loss | Air circulation + alternating | Manual comfort levels | Moisture focus |
| High-Spec Foam | Passive foam distribution | No power needed | Low-moderate risk |
Step 1: Place the 22-pound Dolphin mattress on existing hospital bed frame.
The mattress fits standard ICU and med/surg frames. No modification or specialized infrastructure required.
Step 2: Position the compact 10-pound control unit in accessible location.
The small footprint fits in tight ICU spaces or nursing home rooms.
Step 3: Power on the system before placing patients in bed.
The microprocessor automatically handles all adjustments from that point forward.
Once powered on, the Dolphin works independently. No manual settings, no cycle times to monitor, no comfort levels to adjust.
The system operates consistently across all shifts, caregivers, and staffing levels.
Choose 35" Standard:
Choose 42" UltraWide:
Choose Expandable 35":
Choose 48" Bariatric:
What is the most effective hospital mattress for preventing bed sores?
The Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation mattress provides the most effective prevention through documented 11% to 0% pressure ulcer reduction in VA study, continuous automated pressure redistribution, and 450,000+ successfully treated patients. Unlike alternating pressure or low air loss requiring manual adjustments, the Dolphin operates autonomously.
How does the Dolphin prevent bed sores better than alternating pressure mattresses?
The Dolphin maintains continuous blood flow through real-time automated adjustment responding to actual patient movement. Alternating pressure creates cyclic pressure variations every few minutes that interrupt blood circulation. The Dolphin requires no manual settings; alternating pressure systems need caregiver selection of cycle times and comfort levels.
Can the Dolphin mattress prevent stage I pressure ulcers from developing?
Yes, the VA study documented complete elimination of heel pressure ulcers (11% to 0%), demonstrating prevention of stage I development. The continuous pressure redistribution maintains blood flow preventing the non-blanchable redness characterizing stage I ulcers.
Does the Dolphin work for bariatric patients?
Yes, the Dolphin Bariatric model provides 1000-pound weight capacity with 48-inch width specifically designed for larger patients. The standard model supports up to 500 pounds with 35-inch or 42-inch widths. Both use the same Fluid Immersion Simulation technology for prevention.
How long does the battery backup last during power outages?
The Dolphin includes 12-hour automatic battery backup maintaining full prevention during power outages or patient transport. If power failures exceed 12 hours, the built-in foam safety cell provides mechanical pressure redistribution.
Does the Dolphin require staff training for bed sore prevention?
Minimal training required. Caregivers turn on the system and the microprocessor automatically handles all adjustments. Unlike alternating pressure or low air loss systems requiring training on comfort settings and cycle times, the Dolphin operates autonomously.
Will the Dolphin fit existing hospital beds?
Yes, the Dolphin fits existing ICU and med/surg bed frames without modification. Three size configurations (35", 42", expandable) accommodate different frame types. The lightweight 22-pound mattress installs easily without specialized equipment.
How does the Dolphin compare to low air loss mattresses for prevention?
The Dolphin focuses exclusively on pressure redistribution for prevention. Low air loss prioritizes moisture management. The Dolphin provides continuous adjustment; low air loss uses alternating cycles with manual comfort settings. The Dolphin documents 11% to 0% reduction; low air loss provides general claims without specific data.
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