WELCOME10 Auto 10% OFF - Call 833-499-4450 w/ Any Questions or Support
The Joerns Dolphin mattress is worth the $28,996-$29,916 investment for facilities treating stage IV pressure ulcers, with documented evidence showing one VA medical center reduced heel pressure ulcer rates from 11% to 0%, facilities reporting $13,000+ savings versus ongoing rental costs, and over 450,000 successfully treated patients proving the Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology delivers measurable clinical outcomes and cost savings that justify the upfront purchase price across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare environments.
Best Overall Value: Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® Low Profile Mattress System
For Bariatric Needs: Joerns Dolphin Bariatric Mattress System (48" Wide)
Complete Home Solution: Joerns DolphinCare™ Integrated Bed System
The Joerns Dolphin uses Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology originally developed for the dry transport of specially trained U.S. Navy dolphins. This technology simulates the healing effects of floating in water by automatically conforming to each patient's unique body shape rather than forcing the body to conform to the mattress.
This fundamental difference separates Dolphin systems from standard pressure redistribution mattresses. While typical therapeutic surfaces attempt to reduce pressure through foam layers or air cells, the Dolphin maintains near-normal blood flow to compromised tissue through continuous automated adjustment as patients move.
Proven Across 450,000+ Patients:
The technology has successfully treated over 450,000 patients with stage IV pressure ulcers, post-operative flaps and grafts, and spinal cord injury complications. This extensive real-world validation demonstrates effectiveness across diverse patient populations and clinical settings.
Clinical reviews document specific measurable outcomes:
One VA medical center saw heel pressure ulcer rates drop from 11% to 0% after implementing Dolphin therapy. This represents complete elimination of a previously persistent clinical problem.
Joerns offers three Dolphin configurations at different price points, each featuring the same proven Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology:
All three systems treat the same clinical conditions: stage IV pressure ulcers, post-operative flaps and grafts, and spinal cord injury complications. The price differences reflect configuration-specific features rather than therapeutic capability variations.
Special Pricing Available: Call 833-499-4450
View All Dolphin SystemsThe $28,996-$29,916 price range positions Dolphin systems in the clinical-grade therapeutic surface category. This pricing reflects sophisticated electromagnetic generator systems, microprocessor controls, and engineering originally developed for military applications.
What's Included in the Purchase:
Every Dolphin system includes:
The DolphinCare Integrated Bed additionally includes the complete hi-low adjustable bed frame (7"-30" range), advanced positioning features, residential aesthetics with wood finish panels, and FREE delivery and in-home installation.
Facilities Report $13,000+ Savings Per Unit:
Healthcare facilities consistently report $13,000+ savings per Dolphin unit versus ongoing rental arrangements for comparable advanced therapy surfaces. The purchase eliminates recurring rental expenses that accumulate over time.
For facilities treating chronic wound patients requiring extended therapy periods (months or years rather than days or weeks), the rental cost avoidance becomes substantial. Multiple patients utilizing the same owned Dolphin system over 2-3 years creates significant financial benefit.
50%+ Cost Reduction vs Air-Fluidized Therapy:
Clinical studies document over 50% cost savings compared to air-fluidized therapy beds. Air-fluidized systems represent the traditional standard for severe stage IV pressure ulcer treatment but require ongoing rental contracts due to complex operation and specialized maintenance.
The Dolphin delivers comparable or superior wound healing outcomes through purchase rather than rental, achieving over 50% cost reduction while eliminating heat exposure, patient dehydration, and environmental control complications associated with air-fluidized beds.
Pressure Ulcer Prevention Value:
The VA medical center that reduced heel pressure ulcer rates from 11% to 0% demonstrates prevention capability beyond just treatment. Preventing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers avoids the costs associated with extended treatment, complications, and quality metric penalties.
Individual pressure ulcer cases that develop during hospitalization generate substantial unreimbursed treatment costs and potential regulatory penalties. The documented prevention capability addresses both direct treatment costs and indirect financial exposure.
Stage IV Pressure Ulcer Treatment:
The Dolphin treats pressure ulcers through stage IV, addressing the most severe wounds that standard pressure redistribution surfaces cannot heal. The Fluid Immersion Simulation technology maintains near-normal blood flow to deeply compromised tissue.
Clinical facilities treating complex stage III and IV pressure ulcers require therapeutic capabilities beyond what standard mattresses provide. The Dolphin automatically adjusts to each patient's unique weight distribution and body contours as they move throughout the day.
Post-Operative Flap and Graft Healing:
Reconstructive surgery patients need consistent blood flow to surgical sites during the critical 4-8 week healing period. The Dolphin maintains tissue perfusion without the heat and dehydration of air-fluidized beds.
Clinical studies show successful flap closure and improved patient comfort during extended recovery periods. The closed-system design provides optimal conditions for surgical healing while maintaining patient comfort.
Spinal Cord Injury Pressure Prevention:
Paralyzed patients face lifetime pressure ulcer risk because they cannot feel or shift their weight naturally. The Dolphin continuously adjusts pressure automatically as the body settles, preventing stage III and IV wounds common in spinal cord injury patients.
Once physicians clear stabilized spinal injury patients for FIS therapy, the system creates near-neutral buoyancy that addresses the unique challenges of complete immobility combined with loss of protective sensation.
Fully Autonomic Operation:
Caregivers simply power on the Dolphin system before placing patients in bed. The built-in microprocessor handles all adjustments as patients move throughout the day. No manual repositioning protocols, no complex settings, no pressure adjustments required.
This operational simplicity reduces training requirements and eliminates the risk of suboptimal therapy from incorrect settings. The system works independently and consistently regardless of individual caregiver expertise.
12-Hour Battery Backup:
Every Dolphin system includes 12-hour battery backup that maintains therapy during patient transport or power outages. This ensures continuous treatment when moving patients to radiology, surgery, or between care units.
The built-in foam safety cell provides additional protection if power failures exceed the 12-hour battery capacity. This redundant safety system gives caregivers peace of mind during extended outages or equipment issues.
Fits Existing Bed Frames:
The Standard Low Profile and Bariatric models fit existing ICU and med/surg bed frames without modification. This allows facilities to implement advanced wound care technology without replacing current bed infrastructure.
The lightweight 22-pound mattress (Standard model) and compact 10-pound control unit make installation straightforward. Facilities can deploy Dolphin therapy across existing bed frames quickly without complex setup procedures.
ICU patients with stage III and IV pressure ulcers need advanced therapy but cannot tolerate frequent repositioning due to ventilators or unstable conditions. The Dolphin fits existing ICU bed frames and automatically adjusts every time patients move.
The 12-hour battery keeps therapy running during transport to radiology or surgery. This addresses the specific challenge of maintaining therapeutic support for critically ill patients requiring frequent diagnostic procedures or interventions.
Value Assessment: Worth It
The combination of therapeutic effectiveness for severely ill patients and compatibility with existing ICU infrastructure makes the investment worthwhile for hospitals treating complex wound patients in intensive care settings.
Once doctors clear stabilized spinal injury patients, they face lifetime pressure ulcer risk from paralysis. The Dolphin creates near-neutral buoyant state that continuously redistributes pressure without requiring manual repositioning.
One VA medical center dropped heel pressure ulcer rates from 11% to 0% after implementing Dolphin therapy for spinal cord injury patients. This complete elimination of a persistent problem demonstrates clear value for this patient population.
Value Assessment: Worth It
For spinal cord injury programs, the documented 11% to 0% pressure ulcer reduction justifies the investment through both improved patient outcomes and avoided treatment costs from pressure ulcer complications.
Patients with surgical flaps after cancer resection or reconstructive procedures need blood flow to surgical sites during critical healing periods. The Dolphin maintains tissue perfusion without dehydration and heat of air-fluidized beds.
Clinical studies show successful flap closure, improved comfort, and cost savings in both hospital and home care settings. The ability to maintain optimal healing conditions without air-fluidized bed complications provides clear clinical benefit.
Value Assessment: Worth It
Surgical programs performing complex reconstructive procedures benefit from improved flap healing success rates while avoiding air-fluidized bed rental costs and patient discomfort from heat exposure.
Nursing homes face financial penalties for hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and ongoing costs from therapy bed rentals. The Dolphin fits standard facility bed frames in 35-inch and 42-inch widths, preventing new wounds while treating existing ones on-site.
Facilities report $13,000+ savings per unit versus ongoing rental costs while improving quality scores. The combination of prevention capability and treatment effectiveness addresses multiple facility challenges simultaneously.
Value Assessment: Worth It
Long-term care facilities benefit from both the $13,000+ rental cost avoidance and the pressure ulcer prevention capability that reduces regulatory penalties and improves quality metrics.
Patients sent home with complex stage III or IV pressure ulcers need hospital-level therapy that families can manage. The fully autonomic Dolphin system requires no special training, caregivers simply turn it on and the microprocessor handles everything.
The DolphinCare Integrated Bed at $29,654 includes the complete bed system with FREE delivery and installation. For home healthcare, this provides hospital-grade therapy in a residential-appearing package that families can operate independently.
Value Assessment: Worth It
Home healthcare agencies benefit from enabling complex wound patients to remain home rather than requiring institutional placement. The autonomous operation and included installation make home deployment practical.
The Dolphin treats pressure ulcers through stage IV, but earlier stage wounds may respond adequately to less expensive therapeutic surfaces. Stage I and II ulcers often heal with proper turning protocols and standard pressure redistribution mattresses.
Alternative Consideration:
For prevention and early-stage treatment, lower-cost pressure redistribution surfaces may provide sufficient therapeutic capability. The Dolphin's advanced technology becomes necessary when simpler approaches prove insufficient.
Facilities with primarily short-stay patients who rarely develop stage III or IV pressure ulcers may not encounter enough cases requiring Dolphin-level therapy to justify the investment.
The value proposition strengthens with higher volumes of complex wound patients requiring extended advanced therapy periods. Occasional cases may be better served through short-term rental arrangements.
Usage Pattern Assessment:
Calculate expected utilization based on historical pressure ulcer incidence and wound severity patterns. Facilities treating multiple stage IV wounds monthly will realize value faster than those encountering severe wounds occasionally.
The $28,996-$29,916 upfront cost requires capital equipment approval and budget allocation. Facilities unable to secure capital funding or without multi-year budget planning may struggle to justify immediate purchase.
Financing Consideration:
Leasing arrangements through medical equipment financing companies offer alternatives spreading costs across 24-60 month terms. However, total costs over lease terms exceed outright purchase due to interest charges.
| Factor | Standard Surfaces | Dolphin FIS | Dolphin Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wound Treatment | Stage I-II primarily | Through stage IV | Treats most severe wounds |
| Technology | Foam/basic air cells | Fluid Immersion Simulation® | Simulates floating in water |
| Operation | Manual adjustments often needed | Fully autonomic | No settings required |
| Blood Flow | Reduces pressure | Maintains near-normal blood flow | Superior tissue perfusion |
| Clinical Proof | Variable | 450,000+ patients | Extensive validation |
| Upfront Cost | $1,500-$8,000 | $28,996-$29,916 | Higher initial investment |
| Long-Term Value | May require upgrade for stage IV | Treats stage IV from start | Avoids surface upgrades |
When Standard Surfaces Are Sufficient:
Standard pressure redistribution surfaces work well for prevention and early-stage wound treatment. Facilities with primarily stage I-II wounds may achieve adequate outcomes without Dolphin-level technology.
When Dolphin Technology Becomes Necessary:
Stage III and especially stage IV pressure ulcers require therapeutic capabilities beyond standard pressure redistribution. The Dolphin's ability to maintain near-normal blood flow to deeply compromised tissue addresses wounds that standard surfaces cannot heal.
The 450,000+ successfully treated patients and documented clinical outcomes demonstrate effectiveness for severe wounds where simpler approaches have failed.
| Factor | Air-Fluidized Beds | Dolphin FIS | Dolphin Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wound Treatment | Stage IV capable | Stage IV capable | Equal wound capability |
| Acquisition | Rental only typically | Purchase ownership | Eliminates ongoing rental |
| Patient Comfort | Heat/dehydration issues | Comfortable closed system | No heat or drying |
| Cost Savings | Baseline | 50%+ cost reduction | Documented savings |
| Complexity | Requires training | Fully autonomic | Simpler operation |
| Power Use | High (heating elements) | Lower | Reduced operating cost |
Air-Fluidized Limitations:
Air-fluidized beds blow hot air through ceramic microspheres to create fluid-like support. This causes heat exposure and patient dehydration requiring increased hydration protocols. The complex operation requires ongoing rental contracts and specialized maintenance.
Dolphin Advantages:
The closed-system Dolphin design maintains therapeutic pressure redistribution without hot air exposure. Clinical studies document equal or better wound healing outcomes with significantly lower equipment costs and improved patient comfort.
The documented 50%+ cost reduction versus air-fluidized therapy makes the Dolphin a more cost-effective alternative for facilities treating stage IV pressure ulcers.
Shorter Hospital Stays:
Facilities implementing Dolphin therapy report shorter hospital stays for stage IV pressure ulcer treatment. Faster wound healing allows earlier discharge while reducing bed-day costs and improving patient throughput.
Fewer Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers:
The VA study showing 11% to 0% heel pressure ulcer reduction demonstrates prevention capability beyond just treatment. Preventing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers avoids treatment costs, complications, and quality penalties.
Decreased Pneumonia Incidence:
Facilities report decreased pneumonia incidence related to immobility when using Dolphin therapy. The improved comfort enables patients to tolerate position changes and mobilization earlier in treatment courses.
Pneumonia complications in pressure ulcer patients extend hospital stays and increase mortality risk. The ability to mobilize patients sooner while maintaining therapeutic pressure redistribution addresses multiple clinical quality domains simultaneously.
$13,000+ Savings Per Unit:
The consistently reported $13,000+ savings per unit versus rental arrangements represents real financial benefit documented across multiple facilities. This savings accumulates over typical equipment lifecycles of multiple years.
For facilities purchasing multiple units, the combined savings create substantial budget impact. Three Dolphin systems generate approximately $39,000+ in rental cost avoidance over their ownership period.
The 48-inch Bariatric Dolphin with 1000-pound capacity addresses specialized needs for larger patients with stage III-IV pressure ulcers. The $920 premium over the Standard model delivers features the 500-pound Standard physically cannot provide.
Larger patients face compounded wound healing challenges from excess weight concentrating pressure, reduced mobility, and circulation issues common with obesity-related conditions like diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.
The Bariatric Dolphin's 1000-pound capacity and 48-inch width address challenges the Standard model cannot accommodate. The auto-firm feature specifically addresses caregiver safety during transfers with heavier patients.
Value Enhancement:
Facilities with bariatric specialty programs treating larger patients with complex wounds will realize enhanced value from the Bariatric configuration. The $920 premium delivers capabilities essential for this patient population that justify the additional investment.
The DolphinCare Integrated Bed combines FIS mattress technology with complete hi-low adjustable bed frame. At $29,654 with FREE delivery and installation, this provides hospital-grade wound care for home healthcare environments.
Home healthcare agencies serving patients discharged with complex stage III or IV pressure ulcers need solutions families can manage. The DolphinCare's fully autonomic operation requires caregivers to simply turn it on.
The residential aesthetics with wood finish panels reduce institutional appearance. The Comfort Chair function allows sitting for meals without transfers to other furniture. These home-specific features enhance value beyond just wound treatment capability.
Value Enhancement:
Home healthcare agencies benefit from enabling complex wound patients to remain home with family rather than requiring institutional placement. The complete bed system with FREE installation eliminates barriers to home deployment.
Step 1: Assess Clinical Need
Step 2: Evaluate Current Costs
Step 3: Project Cost Avoidance
Step 4: Consider Operational Benefits
The Dolphin Is Worth It When:
Consider Alternatives When:
The 450,000+ patients successfully treated with Dolphin FIS technology represent extensive real-world validation across diverse clinical settings. This patient volume spans hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare environments.
Clinical Review Outcomes:
These documented outcomes demonstrate both clinical effectiveness (wound improvement and healing) and patient satisfaction (enhanced comfort) across substantial patient populations.
VA Medical Center Success:
The VA medical center that reduced heel pressure ulcer rates from 11% to 0% represents complete elimination of a previously persistent clinical problem. This facility-wide improvement demonstrates effectiveness when implemented systematically across at-risk patient populations.
Yes, for Facilities Treating Stage III-IV Pressure Ulcers:
The Dolphin justifies its $28,996-$29,916 cost through documented clinical outcomes (11% to 0% pressure ulcer reduction), proven financial savings ($13,000+ vs rentals, 50%+ vs air-fluidized therapy), and extensive real-world validation (450,000+ patients).
Facilities treating complex wounds that standard surfaces cannot heal will realize both clinical and financial value. The combination of superior wound healing capability and cost savings versus alternatives creates compelling justification.
Yes, for Home Healthcare Agencies:
The DolphinCare Integrated Bed at $29,654 with FREE installation enables complex wound patients to remain home with family. The autonomous operation and residential aesthetics make hospital-grade therapy practical in home environments.
Home healthcare agencies benefit from avoiding institutional placement costs while providing superior wound care outcomes for discharged patients.
Yes, for Spinal Cord Injury Programs:
The documented 11% to 0% pressure ulcer reduction in VA spinal cord injury patients demonstrates clear value for this high-risk population. The lifetime pressure ulcer prevention capability justifies investment for programs treating paralyzed patients.
Maybe Not, for Prevention-Only or Early-Stage Wounds:
Facilities with primarily stage I-II wounds or pressure ulcer prevention focus may achieve adequate outcomes with less expensive standard pressure redistribution surfaces. The Dolphin's advanced capability becomes necessary when simpler approaches prove insufficient.
The Bottom Line:
The Joerns Dolphin mattress is worth the investment when treating stage III-IV pressure ulcers, post-operative flaps and grafts, or spinal cord injury patients requiring advanced therapeutic capability beyond standard surfaces. The documented clinical outcomes, proven cost savings, and extensive real-world validation support the value proposition for facilities with appropriate patient populations.
How much does the Joerns Dolphin mattress cost?
The Joerns Dolphin mattress ranges from $28,996 for the Standard Low Profile to $29,916 for the Bariatric 48" model, with the DolphinCare Integrated Bed System priced at $29,654. All three configurations feature the same proven Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology. Special pricing may be available by calling 833-499-4450.
What clinical conditions justify the Dolphin mattress cost?
The Dolphin treats stage IV pressure ulcers, post-operative flaps and grafts, and spinal cord injury complications requiring advanced pressure redistribution beyond standard surfaces. It's worth the investment when patients have complex wounds that standard pressure redistribution mattresses cannot heal effectively.
How much can facilities save with Dolphin versus renting?
Facilities consistently report $13,000+ savings per Dolphin unit versus ongoing rental arrangements for comparable advanced therapy surfaces. Additionally, clinical studies document over 50% cost savings compared to air-fluidized therapy beds that require rental contracts.
What proof exists that Dolphin mattresses work?
Over 450,000 patients have been successfully treated with Dolphin FIS technology. Clinical reviews document 49 patients with pressure injury improvement, 71% improvement in maceration-related lesions, and 115 patients reporting enhanced comfort. One VA medical center saw heel pressure ulcer rates drop from 11% to 0%.
Is the Dolphin worth it for home healthcare?
Yes, the DolphinCare Integrated Bed at $29,654 provides hospital-grade wound care for home environments with fully autonomic operation requiring no special training. The included FREE delivery and installation, plus residential aesthetics and advanced positioning features, make it practical for home healthcare agencies serving discharged complex wound patients.
What's included with a Dolphin mattress purchase?
Every Dolphin system includes the therapy mattress, Dolphin AutoVector Control Unit, 12-hour battery backup, built-in foam safety cell, and 2-year warranty. The DolphinCare Integrated Bed additionally includes the complete hi-low adjustable bed frame, advanced positioning features, and FREE delivery and installation.
When is the Dolphin NOT worth the investment?
The Dolphin may not be worth it for facilities treating primarily stage I-II pressure ulcers that respond to standard surfaces, short-term acute care without chronic wound populations, or situations where complex wound volume is too low to justify ownership versus occasional rentals.
Does the Dolphin require special training to operate?
No, the Dolphin features fully autonomic operation. Caregivers simply power on the system before placing patients in bed, and the built-in microprocessor automatically handles all adjustments as patients move throughout the day. No manual repositioning protocols or complex settings required.
placeholder
