Bariatric Hospital Mattresses

Bariatric and/or Obese patients have an increased risk of pressure injuries and maintaining skin integrity is one of the challenges that nurses, and caregivers will encounter. The main reason is because of bariatric patients’ immobility, but also due to changes in skin physiology due to a greater skin–weight ratio, reduced vascularity, increased sweating, and perfusion in adipose tissue. These side effects can all result in increased risk of PI development, and poor wound healing.

It is important to apply preventive measures for bariatric patients and to provide advanced wound care if pressure injuries occur. Appropriate equipment provision is key to maintaining skin integrity, patient dignity and well-being. In some cases, it is the provision of inappropriate equipment that can be a contributory factor to pressure damage. For example, if a support surface is used for an individual over the advertised therapeutic weight limit the mattress is at risk of  bottoming out and will not provide support or immersion at the area of most pressure (usually sacral region). Increased localised pressure in this region will cause a pressure injury if not addressed promptly. Read More

Specialist Mattress for High Need Bariatric Patients from Forte Healthcare

Bariatric patients may have difficulty repositioning themselves and nurses may be reluctant to turn and reposition the patient due to their realistic fear of injury and possible lack of training in how to safely manage heavier patients. Without the movement incurred in repositioning, the patient can sustain friction and shear damage and atypical pressure injuries in the skin folds. Support surfaces used for Bariatric patients must enhance the ability of the individual to reposition, for example, features such as firm strengthened sides.

Weight shifting is essential to avoid pressure damage whether the patient is in bed. Choosing and implementing the right bariatric equipment can help to facilitate independence. Much of the equipment needed is specialised, is made from heavy duty materials, and will require training in its use.

Beds should support the weight of the patient and be wide enough to enable movement and repositioning within the bed.

Dynamic or alternating air mattresses can make individuals dependent, as getting in and out of, and moving around in bed is more difficult than with a foam mattress. The risk of increased dependence should be considered when allocating a mattress, especially within the community environment. Forté recommend the best solution for bariatric individuals with very high risk of obtaining a pressure injury should use a static bariatric mattress with static air ROHO sections located in the at-risk areas.

When dealing with patients that have specific needs, choosing the right equipment can improve not only the standard of their care but also their outcomes – and you can find the right bariatric hospital mattress that will work for your patients at Forte Healthcare.

Forte Healthcare offers specialist manufacturing of high-performance medical mattresses. We combine more than 20 years of experience in the Australian and New Zealand medical market with clinical and technological expertise to create a range of mattresses and covers that are suitable for clinical use in facilities like critical care, care homes, hospitals, and care at home. We are innovators and manufacturers that facilitate superior patient care with our mattresses and covers – and we make sure that we create lasting relationships with our customers through our clear consultation process.

A bariatric medical mattress is an essential part of the care equipment needed for managing larger patients in any setting, and here at Forte Healthcare, we can find the right mattress configuration to suit your needs.

What to Consider in a Mattress When Caring for a Bariatric Patient

Dealing with bariatric patients whether in critical care, elder care or in-home, needs some technical expertise – and our experience puts us in the best position to create the bariatric hospital bed mattress that suits your patient’s needs.

Of course, the bed itself needs to be specially constructed to safely support the weight of bariatric patients. There are many different beds available, and we create a range of mattresses for every bariatric hospital bed.

Support and comfort for patients are of the highest priority, but the ease of care in terms of staff is important too. We have developed our mattresses to be comfortable and supportive, and a combination of immersion technology and airflow ensures our bariatric medical mattresses help to prevent and treat pressure injuries, manage effective infection control, and protect care staff.

The innovative technology that is used in every mattress includes shear mitigation for ease of patient movement and transfer. Moving bariatric patients safely and comfortably without damaging the integrity of the bariatric medical bed mattress is so important. That is why we have developed a medical-grade foam that is designed to allow patient movement without causing damage.

Strength and support for the larger patient are created through a combination of lateral stability from a firm foundation and postural support. The air circulation provided by the technological foam minimises internal heat entrapment and maximum moisture evacuation to help with infection control.

Choose the Right Mattress Configuration

With memory foam, gel or even air flow layers in different configurations suitable for a multitude of care situations, finding the right bariatric medical mattress is simple when you have the knowledge and experience of our experts on hand.

Talk to Forte Healthcare and solve your patient care, comfort, and safety problems with the right medical mattress for bariatric patients.

Read Less

Testing using RESNA weight loading method & dummy

True bariatric – providing pressure care up to 500kg

Constructed with extra heavy duty raw materials

Reduced overall mattress height (< 200mm)

Medium Risk Pressure Care, 120kg +

Mattresses designed for bariatric clients (120kg +) with a medium risk of pressure injury are typically constructed with Graded premium quality foams for comfort, pressure redistribution and support – including an immersion interface layer such as Airoform Memory. Any mattress being used for bariatric clients should have firm Strengthened Sides to reduce risk of falls. The therapeutic and safe weight loading is tested on all Forté mattresses using RESNA weight loading tests methods and the RESNA dummy.

1.-Icon-Maxx-350kg-Bariatric-Care-Medium-Risk-Pressure-Care-Mattress
Icon Maxx 350kg Bariatric

Supporting medium risk patients up to 350kg, the Forté Icon Maxx Bariatric Pressure Care support surface is a trusted bariatric care solution delivering outstanding performance.

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Icon Maxx 500kg Bariatric

Supporting patients up to 500kg the Forté Icon Maxx Pressure Care Support Surface is a trusted solution for medium risk bariatric clients, delivering outstanding performance.

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High Risk Pressure Care

Bariatric clients are mostly largely immobile which means they are at a high risk of developing a pressure injury. As such bariatric clients mostly require a mattress that will offer a high level of pressure care as well as overall support. Air mattress systems system provide the highest level of care. Air can be used on a mattress in a static/reactive or alternating/active form. Foam mattresses can also be used of high risk patients when they incorporate specialised foam technology which reduces and redistributes pressure effectively.

Roho Integration Options

ROHO Dry Floatation mattress segments can be integrated within any Forte mattress in any configuration creating a reactive hybrid air mattress suitable for very high risk individuals.

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Alaise Pumpless Hybrid

An advanced Hybrid Static Support Surface utilising a series of 13+ individual Air Cells combining the benefits of foam and air and offering unrivalled pressure redistribution, comfort, and support.

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Accessories

Don’t forget that accessories used with bariatric clients also need to have the correct weight rating to be effective. Sonnet pressure care cushions have been designed to provide preventative pressure care and comfort for individuals with low to medium risk of obtaining a pressure injury. Individuals spending extended periods of time in the same seated position and/or anyone with limited mobility is at risk of developing a pressure injury. In addition to risk of pressure injury, sitting in one position for too long can cause discomfort.

Sonnet Bariatric Cushion (300kg)

Premium quality, bariatric pressure redistributing cushion with three layer graded foam core.

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True bariatric mattresses

Forté has a specialist range of ‘true bariatric’ mattresses designed to suit individuals up to 500kg. A true bariatric mattress is one that is designed specifically for individuals over 150kg, as opposed to a standard mattress with a broad weight range suiting lightweight individuals as well. True bariatric mattresses have extra durability to provide sustained support, comfort and immersion for heavier users.

Through the use of proven foam combinations, unique construction methods and high-performance cover materials, the Forté bariatric mattresses are the fitting choice for clinicians and facilities looking to achieve comfort, longevity and effective patient care. Various configurations are available providing for a wide range of patient needs and requirements including custom sizing for precision fitting to the bed base used within the care setting.

For safe and effective patient care, the therapeutic weight loading of the mattress must be checked to ensure it is suitable for the patient.

What to Consider in a Mattress When Caring for a Bariatric Patient

Dealing with bariatric patients whether in critical care, elder care or in-home, needs some technical expertise – and Forté has the experience to supply a bariatric support surface that suits any client’s needs.

Of course, the bed itself needs to be specially constructed to safely support the weight of bariatric patients too. There are many different beds available, and we create a range of mattresses for any bariatric bed.

Support and comfort for bariatric clients are of the highest priority, but the ease of care in terms of staff is important too. We have developed our mattresses to be comfortable and supportive using a combination of foam technologies that also provide gentle pressure care and redistribution. In particular, Firm strengthened side walls assist with safe primary care and repositioning.

Forte Healthcare Workshop Machine - Foam

Manufacturing

Innovation

Forté Healthcare places a strong emphasis on innovation. As manufacturers, we specialise in developing and manufacturing products based upon ever evolving clinical requirements and established patient care principles. We are continually applying new concepts and techniques to make a difference in the lives of patients and caregivers alike.

Five Stars

Hear what Health Professionals say About Forté Healthcare Mattresses…

Five Stars

I really like your products and I have been to training held at AMS. I love the fact your products are Australian made and considered “local” for us in Newcastle.

Occupational Therapist
Newcastle, NSW

Five Stars

Forté Healthcare has been a pleasure to work with – the team is always easy to talk to and quick to respond to questions, queries and issues. We also had difficulty with a product and a new one was delivered the following business day ensuring participant safety and satisfaction.

Occupational Therapist
Sydney, NSW

Five Stars

We are really happy with the mattresses. Fantastic product especially given the short time frame for supply

Facility
Burnett Heads, QLD

Five Stars

You are amazing, it is on site with the client the day after it arrived. Can not thank you enough, really appreciate it. Hope you have a great week, you certainly made mine

Distributor
Melbourne, VIC

Five Stars

Great product and Australian made. Locally owned and run as well as being a team of lovely people.

Customer
Sydney, NSW

Five Stars

Customer service is fantastic. Products are of a high quality. A pleasure to deal with Forte.

Distributor
Sydney, NSW

Five Stars

Excellent company to deal with, quick turnaround. Carol fabulous to work with

Distributor
Sunshine Coast, QLD

Five Stars

Have I mentioned what a fabulous company Forte is to deal with? It’s rare these days to have such tremendous support.

Distributor
Sunshine Coast, QLD

Five Stars

Your products are easy to recommend as they are perfect for so many of our clients.
(And it helps that they are made in NSW too)

Distributor
Sunshine Coast, QLD

Five Stars

Always an efficient and reliable service backed up by the personal, genuine communication.

Distributor
Adelaide, SA

Five Stars

You guys are amazing! The service and follow up care is next to none. Love working with you guys!

Occupational Therapist
Sydney, NSW

Five Stars

Really helpful team at Forte, prompt with communication, great product knowledge, and they have gone above and beyond to support our purchase experience.

Aged Care Facility
Melbourne, VIC

Five Stars

I couldn’t speak highly enough of the team at Forte Healthcare. The team are a pleasure to work with, always professional, prompt and knowledgeable in their responses.
If you’re searching for an Australian made QUALITY medical mattress, look no further than Forte Healthcare, you won’t be disappointed!

Distributor
TAS

Five Stars

An awesome team here and some Very, Very innovative products!

Hospital
Sydney, NSW

Five Stars

Love the products, can not fault it in any way, the service from sales staff is exceptional.

Distributor
Townsville, QLD

Five Stars

Always reliable, responsive, knowledgeable, helpful and suppliers of quality products. I’m a Forte fan!

Distributor
Melbourne, VIC

Five Stars

An amazing team of experts in the Medical Mattress world, with fantastic products!

Distributor
Melbourne, VIC

Five Stars

10/10 for mattress quality and selection and 10/10 for service from Bradley, Carol and Crystal.

Distributor
Melbourne, VIC

Five Stars

We love forte !!! Carol and the team at forte are amazing to deal with. The forte products sell themselves.

Distributor
Melbourne, VIC

You’re Covered by Forté Healthcare’s ‘Successful Solution Guarantee’

At Forté Healthcare, we are so confident in the care and performance our support surfaces deliver, that we back our products and expertise with our ‘Successful Solution Guarantee’.

Here’s how it works:
Our team of specialists will help you navigate our product range to correctly match our support surfaces with your care environment and patient risk profile. This ensures you achieve the highest levels of patient care and pressure injury prevention.

If, for whatever reason the product we recommend isn’t helping you achieve the outcome you expected, we’ll work with you until it is. And in the unlikely event we still cannot provide the right solution.

We’ll refund you 100% of the charges to date.

FAQs

Can I use an electric blanket?

Yes, if there are no exposed wires and it operates at below 60°C. Please keep pressure care in mind however, consulting with your doctor or healthcare professional first.

Can your mattresses be made to a custom size?

Yes, Forté can customise any mattress to suit any bed platform. Customised items will be more expensive than standard sizing and do take longer through production.

Can I trial your mattresses?

Yes, most mattresses are available for trial. Contact Forté or your local distributor to make arrangements