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Best Hospital Mattress to Prevent Bed Sores: Top Prevention Systems 2025

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.

📋 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Joerns Dolphin FIS mattress prevents bed sores through continuous automated pressure redistribution simulating floating in water, proven by VA study showing 11% to 0% heel pressure ulcer reduction
  • Autonomous operation eliminates prevention gaps: Turn on once and microprocessor handles everything automatically, unlike competing systems requiring manual comfort settings and cycle time adjustments
  • Three configurations prevent across all patient types: Standard 500 lb capacity, Bariatric 1000 lb capacity, and integrated bed system with FREE installation for home healthcare
  • 12-hour battery backup ensures uninterrupted prevention: Maintains protection during transport, procedures, and power outages with built-in foam safety cell providing redundant protection

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

Best Hospital Mattress for Bed Sore Prevention: Joerns Dolphin FIS

Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation Low Profile Mattress System

Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® Low Profile Mattress

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.

  • Prevention proven: VA study documented 11% to 0% heel pressure ulcer reduction
  • Weight capacity: 500 lbs standard (1000 lbs bariatric model)
  • Available sizes: 35"x82"x8", 42"x82"x8", 35"x82-92"x8"
  • Operation: Turn on once, microprocessor handles everything
  • Battery backup: 12 hours automatic
  • System weight: 22 lb mattress + 10 lb control unit
  • Warranty: 2 years
See Full Specifications

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.

Why Dolphin Prevents Bed Sores Better

Documented 11% to 0% Pressure Ulcer Reduction

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.

Continuous Blood Flow Maintenance

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.

Fully Autonomous Operation

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.

450,000+ Patients Validated

Over 450,000 patients have been treated with Dolphin FIS technology.

This extensive validation demonstrates prevention effectiveness across:

  • Diverse patient populations
  • Multiple clinical settings
  • All risk levels from moderate to severe
  • Various underlying medical conditions

Understanding Bed Sore Development

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:

  • Limited mobility or complete immobility
  • Spinal cord injuries eliminating sensation
  • ICU patients unable to reposition
  • Post-operative movement restrictions
  • Diabetes affecting circulation
  • Advanced age with fragile skin
  • Incontinence causing moisture damage
  • Poor nutrition compromising tissue health

How Dolphin Prevention Technology Works

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.

Electromagnetic Generator System

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.

Microprocessor Control

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.

Redundant Safety Systems

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.

Who Needs Dolphin for Bed Sore Prevention

ICU Patients at Highest Risk

Critically ill ICU patients face extreme bed sore risk from:

  • Complete immobility
  • Sedation limiting movement
  • Hemodynamic instability preventing repositioning
  • Multiple support systems restricting position changes

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.

Spinal Cord Injury Populations

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.

Post-Operative Patients

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.

Long-Term Care Residents

Nursing home residents face chronic bed sore risk from:

  • Limited mobility
  • Cognitive impairment preventing independent repositioning
  • Extended bed rest over months or years

The Dolphin's fully autonomic operation provides consistent prevention regardless of staffing levels or individual caregiver capabilities.

Bariatric Patients

Larger patients face compounded bed sore risk from:

  • Excess weight concentrating pressure
  • Reduced mobility limiting position changes
  • Circulation issues from obesity-related conditions

The Dolphin Bariatric model provides 1000-pound capacity with 48-inch width. This addresses prevention needs that standard 500-pound systems cannot accommodate.

Dolphin Configurations for Different Prevention Needs

Standard Low Profile: 35"x82"x8"

Weight Capacity: 500 lbs

Best For:

  • General patient populations
  • Standard hospital bed frames
  • ICU and med/surg units
  • Patients up to 500 pounds

The 35-inch width accommodates standard hospital bed frames. The 8-inch low profile design improves caregiver access during care procedures.

UltraWide: 42"x82"x8"

Weight Capacity: 500 lbs

Best For:

  • Larger patients under 500 pounds
  • Bariatric bed frames
  • Patients needing extra width without full bariatric capacity

The 42-inch width provides additional surface area for larger patients while maintaining the 500-pound capacity standard.

Expandable: 35"x82-92"x8"

Weight Capacity: 500 lbs

Best For:

  • Tall patients
  • Expandable length bed frames
  • Ensuring complete coverage without gaps

The expandable length extends from 82 to 92 inches. This ensures complete pressure redistribution coverage across extended surfaces.

Bariatric: 48"x82"x10"

Weight Capacity: 1000 lbs

Best For:

  • Patients 500-1000 pounds
  • Bariatric specialty programs
  • Addressing obesity-related circulation challenges

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.

Dolphin Prevention Across Hospital Settings

Intensive Care Units

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.

Medical-Surgical Units

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.

Long-Term Care Facilities

The fully autonomic operation provides consistent prevention across all residents.

Effectiveness remains constant regardless of staffing variations between shifts or individual caregiver training levels.

Rehabilitation Units

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.

Home Healthcare with DolphinCare Integrated Bed

The DolphinCare Integrated Bed System provides complete bed with FIS mattress integrated.

Key Features:

  • Hi-low range: 7" to 30" (industry-leading low height)
  • Comfort Chair function: Sit upright without transfers
  • Auto-Transfer positioning: Automatic optimal exit height
  • FREE delivery and in-home installation
  • Residential aesthetics with wood finish panels

This delivers hospital-grade prevention in home environments. The autonomous operation requires families to simply turn it on.

Alternative Hospital Mattresses for Bed Sore Prevention

Alternating Pressure Mattresses

Alternating pressure systems inflate and deflate air cells in cycles attempting to simulate repositioning.

How They Work:

  • Motorized pumps cycle air cells every few minutes
  • Preset or manually adjusted cycle times (5-20 minutes typical)
  • Some cells deflate while others support body weight
  • Creates periodic pressure changes

Prevention Capability:

  • Can prevent stage I and II ulcers in moderate risk patients
  • Periodic pressure changes reduce sustained pressure on tissue

Limitations:

  • Cyclic pressure variations create intermittent blood flow restriction
  • During deflation cycles, pressure concentrates on fewer cells
  • Requires manual cycle time adjustments and comfort settings
  • Needs caregiver training and monitoring
  • Inappropriate settings may provide insufficient prevention

Low Air Loss Mattresses

Low air loss systems blow air through laser-cut holes in the mattress surface.

How They Work:

  • Motorized blowers push air through surface holes
  • Air circulation manages moisture from incontinence or perspiration
  • Most combine this with alternating pressure cycles
  • Provides cooling sensation

Prevention Capability:

  • Addresses moisture-related skin breakdown
  • Air circulation keeps skin drier
  • Reduces maceration risk

Limitations:

  • Primary focus on moisture means pressure redistribution is secondary
  • Alternating pressure component creates cyclic variations
  • Requires manual comfort setting selection (8-10 levels)
  • Needs cycle time adjustments
  • Staff must determine optimal settings for different patients

High-Specification Foam Mattresses

Premium foam mattresses use high-density foam with multiple layers.

How They Work:

  • Layered foam construction with varying densities
  • Distributes body weight across larger surface areas
  • Some include contoured surfaces or heel slopes
  • Passive pressure redistribution

Prevention Capability:

  • Effective for low to moderate risk patients
  • Works for patients retaining some mobility
  • No power requirements

Limitations:

  • Foam compression reduces effectiveness over time
  • Material "bottoms out" under heavier patients
  • No active adjustment to patient movement
  • Once compressed, remains compressed until patient repositions

Hospital Mattress Prevention Comparison

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

Setting Up Dolphin for Prevention

Installation Process

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.

No Ongoing Adjustments Required

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.

Size Selection Guide

Choose 35" Standard:

  • General patient populations up to 500 pounds
  • Standard hospital bed frames
  • Most common configuration

Choose 42" UltraWide:

  • Larger patients under 500 pounds
  • Need additional width
  • Bariatric frames available

Choose Expandable 35":

  • Tall patients requiring extended length
  • Expandable bed frames
  • Ensures complete coverage without gaps

Choose 48" Bariatric:

  • Patients 500-1000 pounds
  • Full bariatric programs
  • Includes auto-firm for safer transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

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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