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The Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® mattress at $28,996 uses military-developed technology that simulates floating in water to treat stage IV pressure ulcers, with proven results showing one VA medical center reduced heel pressure ulcer rates from 11% to 0%, 450,000+ successfully treated patients, and facilities reporting $13,000+ savings versus rental arrangements, making it a clinical-grade therapeutic surface for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare treating complex wounds that standard mattresses cannot heal.
Our Verdict: Exceptional for stage IV pressure ulcers - proven effectiveness justifies the investment
Need Bariatric Capacity? 48" model supports 1000 lbs
Home Healthcare Setup? Complete bed system with FREE installation
View the complete Joerns Healthcare collection for bariatric variants and integrated bed systems.
Clinical-grade therapeutic surface using technology originally developed for U.S. Navy dolphin transport. Simulates floating in water to maintain near-normal blood flow to stage IV pressure ulcers.
The Dolphin uses Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology that automatically conforms to each patient's unique body shape rather than forcing the body to conform to the mattress. This fundamental difference separates it from standard pressure redistribution surfaces.
The system consists of a lightweight 22-pound therapy mattress and compact 10-pound control unit. It fits existing ICU and med/surg bed frames without modification.
Turn on the system, place the patient in bed, and the built-in microprocessor automatically handles everything. The electromagnetic generator creates pressure patterns simulating floating in water, maintaining blood flow to compromised tissue.
As patients move throughout the day, the system continuously adjusts pressure redistribution automatically. No manual settings, no repositioning schedules, no complex adjustments required.
The 12-hour battery backup activates automatically during power outages or patient transport. If power failures exceed 12 hours, the built-in foam safety cell prevents bottoming out.
One VA medical center saw heel pressure ulcer rates drop from 11% to 0% after implementing Dolphin therapy. This represents complete elimination of a problem affecting approximately one in ten patients.
Over 450,000 patients have been treated with Dolphin FIS technology across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare. Clinical reviews document:
Facilities consistently report $13,000+ savings per unit versus ongoing rental arrangements. Clinical studies show 50%+ cost reduction compared to air-fluidized therapy beds.
Stage IV Pressure Ulcers: Treats the most severe wounds with full-thickness tissue loss that standard surfaces cannot heal.
ICU Patients: Those who can't tolerate frequent repositioning due to ventilators, unstable conditions, or critical illness.
Spinal Cord Injury: Paralyzed patients facing lifetime pressure ulcer risk from inability to feel or shift weight.
Post-Operative Flaps/Grafts: Surgical patients needing consistent blood flow to healing sites during critical 4-8 week period.
Long-Term Care: Prevention and treatment of complex wounds while eliminating rental costs through ownership.
| Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 35"x82"x8" | Standard hospital beds, ICU, med/surg units |
| UltraWide | 42"x82"x8" | Larger patients under 500 lbs, bariatric frames |
| Expandable | 35"x82-92"x8" | Tall patients, specialized expandable bed frames |
All three configurations cost $28,996 with identical therapeutic capabilities. The only differences are dimensions to match different bed frames and patient sizes.
Proven Effectiveness: 11% to 0% pressure ulcer reduction in VA study beats incremental improvements from other surfaces.
True Autonomy: Turn it on once and it works independently. No training required, no manual adjustments, no repositioning protocols.
Comprehensive Safety: 12-hour battery backup plus foam safety cell creates redundant protection for transport, outages, and emergencies.
Fits Existing Beds: Works with current ICU and med/surg frames without modification or specialized infrastructure.
Lightweight: 22 lb mattress means two caregivers can easily install without back strain or equipment.
Cost Savings: $13,000+ savings versus rentals and 50%+ reduction versus air-fluidized therapy beds.
High Upfront Cost: $28,996 requires capital equipment approval. Not a departmental expense, needs formal budget planning.
500 lb Weight Limit: Patients over 500 lbs need the $29,916 Bariatric model. Standard model won't accommodate heavier patients.
Mattress-Only System: Requires existing bed frame. Home healthcare without hospital beds needs the $29,654 Integrated Bed System instead.
| Factor | Standard Surfaces | Dolphin FIS |
|---|---|---|
| Stage IV wounds | Limited effectiveness | Clinically proven |
| Operation | Manual adjustments | Fully autonomic |
| Upfront cost | $1,500-$8,000 | $28,996 |
| Proven patients | Variable | 450,000+ |
| VA study results | N/A | 11% to 0% |
| Blood flow | Reduces pressure | Maintains near-normal |
Standard surfaces work for prevention and stage I-II wounds. The Dolphin becomes necessary when treating stage III-IV ulcers that standard surfaces cannot heal.
| Factor | Air-Fluidized | Dolphin FIS |
|---|---|---|
| Patient comfort | Heat/dehydration issues | Comfortable closed system |
| Acquisition | Rental contracts | Purchase ownership |
| Cost comparison | Baseline | 50%+ cost reduction |
| Training needed | 30-60 minutes | 5 minutes (turn on) |
Air-fluidized beds blow hot air through ceramic microspheres, causing heat exposure and patient dehydration. The Dolphin delivers comparable wound healing without these complications at half the cost.
Yes, if you treat: Stage III-IV pressure ulcers, spinal cord injuries, post-operative flaps/grafts, or ICU complex wounds.
Yes, if you calculate: $13,000+ rental cost avoidance, prevented pressure ulcer complications, 11% to 0% documented reduction.
Maybe not, if you need: Only prevention or stage I-II treatment, have very low complex wound volume, or face strict capital budget constraints.
The documented 11% to 0% pressure ulcer reduction, 450,000+ successfully treated patients, and $13,000+ cost savings justify the investment for facilities with appropriate patient populations.
The Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation mattress delivers exceptional clinical effectiveness for stage IV pressure ulcers with proven results that standard surfaces cannot match.
Strengths: Documented 11% to 0% pressure ulcer reduction, truly autonomous operation, 450,000+ patient validation, comprehensive safety features, $13,000+ cost savings.
Limitations: $28,996 upfront investment requires capital approval, 500 lb weight limit excludes heavier patients, mattress-only design requires existing bed frames.
Recommended For: Hospitals treating ICU complex wounds, long-term care facilities with chronic wound populations, spinal cord injury programs, surgical services performing flap/graft procedures.
Not Recommended For: Facilities with primarily stage I-II wounds, very low complex wound volume, or those seeking prevention-only surfaces.
Overall Rating: Exceptional clinical-grade therapeutic surface for stage IV pressure ulcer treatment. The proven effectiveness, cost savings, and autonomous operation justify the investment for appropriate patient populations.
Does the Dolphin mattress really work for stage IV pressure ulcers?
Yes, clinical evidence shows 450,000+ successfully treated patients, 71% improvement in maceration-related lesions, and one VA medical center documented heel pressure ulcer rates dropping from 11% to 0% after implementation.
How much does the Dolphin FIS mattress cost?
The Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation Low Profile mattress costs $28,996 for all three size configurations (35", 42", expandable length). Special pricing may be available by calling 833-499-4450.
Does it require special training to operate?
No, the Dolphin features fully autonomic operation. Caregivers simply turn it on before placing patients in bed. The microprocessor automatically handles all adjustments as patients move throughout the day.
What weight capacity does the Dolphin mattress support?
The Standard Low Profile Dolphin supports 500 pounds. Patients over 500 pounds require the Bariatric 48" model at $29,916 with 1000-pound capacity.
Will the Dolphin fit my existing hospital beds?
Yes, the Dolphin fits existing ICU and med/surg bed frames without modification. Three size options (35", 42", expandable) ensure compatibility with different frame types.
How long does the battery backup last?
The built-in battery backup maintains full therapy for 12 hours during patient transport or power outages. If power failures exceed 12 hours, the foam safety cell prevents bottoming out.
Is the Dolphin better than air-fluidized beds?
Clinical studies document equal or better wound healing outcomes at 50%+ cost reduction. The Dolphin eliminates heat exposure and patient dehydration issues common with air-fluidized beds.
Can I use this mattress for home healthcare?
Yes, the lightweight 22 lb mattress and autonomous operation make home deployment practical. For complete bed systems, consider the DolphinCare Integrated Bed at $29,654 with FREE installation.
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