How Much Does a Pressure Care Mattress Cost?
An honest guide to pricing, product types, and government funding in Australia.
If you’ve searched for pressure care mattress pricing and come up empty, you’re not alone. Most manufacturers don’t publish prices. We think that’s unhelpful — so here’s an honest breakdown of what you can expect to pay, what drives the difference, and how government funding applies.
Why Prices Vary So Much
Pressure care mattresses aren’t a single product. They’re a clinical tool, and the right one depends on:
- Risk level
- Diagnosis
- Mobility
- Weight
- Skin condition
- Care setting
A basic foam mattress for a low-risk person living at home is fundamentally different to a powered alternating pressure system for someone with a complex wound.
Price follows clinical complexity.
The Four Main Types (and What They Cost)
Foam Mattresses — $600 to $2,500
The entry point for pressure care.
Foam mattresses use high-density or viscoelastic (memory) foam layered to redistribute pressure passively.
- No power required
- Low maintenance
- Easy to manage at home
At the lower end: basic clinical foam with waterproof cover.
At the higher end: multi-layered foam, zoned support, improved infection control.
Best suited for:
- Mobile individuals
- Preventative use
- Low-risk profiles
Static Air and Hybrid Mattresses — $1,800 to $5,000
Static air systems use air-filled cells to better conform to the body.
Hybrid systems combine foam and air to balance comfort and clinical performance.
- No pump required
- More adaptive than foam
- Still practical for home use
Best suited for:
- Existing skin concerns
- Reduced tolerance to repositioning
- When foam isn’t enough
Alternating Pressure (Powered) Mattresses — $2,500 to $14,000
These systems actively cycle air through cells, redistributing pressure over time.
- Uses a pump
- Simulates natural movement
- Reduces sustained pressure points
Price varies based on:
- Cycle time
- Pressure sensitivity
- Weight capacity
- Noise output
- Advanced features (e.g. tilt modes)
Best suited for:
- Limited or no independent movement
- Higher clinical risk
- When static surfaces fail
Custom and Complex Wound Care Systems — Up to $40,000
The top end of the market.
Fully integrated systems combining:
- Advanced alternating pressure
- Low air loss
- Microclimate management
- Lateral rotation
- Bariatric support
Often includes:
- Powered base
- Monitoring systems
- Custom configuration
Best suited for:
- Complex wounds
- High fragility
- Specialist clinical needs
What You Lose at the Lower End (and Gain at the Higher End)
Trade-offs at Lower Cost
- Adaptability: Foam is static and can’t respond to condition changes
- Pressure depth: Air systems achieve lower interface pressure
- Microclimate: Heat and moisture retention is higher
- Adjustability: Limited or no tuning to user needs
- Durability: Foam degrades over time
What You Gain at Higher Cost
- Active pressure cycling
- Support for immobile or high-risk individuals
- Advanced features (tilt, low air loss, microclimate control)
- Greater clinical confidence and documentation
The Honest Summary
The right mattress is the one matched to the clinical need.
- Overspending = no added value
- Underspecifying = real risk
A pressure injury costs far more than the difference between mattress tiers.
Government Funding (Australia)
The aged care funding landscape changed in November 2025.
The Support at Home program now includes the:
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
Pressure care mattresses are eligible under this scheme.
Important:
This funding is separate from care services. It does not reduce carer hours.
AT-HM Funding Tiers
| Tier | Funding | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to $500/year | Low-risk items, no assessment required |
| Tier 2 | Up to $2,000/year | Clinical recommendation or supplier quote |
| Tier 3 | Up to $15,000/year | Full assessment and OT prescription |
If a system exceeds $15,000, additional funding can still be accessed with proper clinical evidence.
Funding vs Mattress Type
| Mattress Type | Price Range | AT-HM (Aged Care) | NDIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam | $600–$2,500 | Tier 1–2 | Low cost / self-managed |
| Static Air / Hybrid | $1,800–$5,000 | Tier 2–3 | Quote + OT recommendation |
| Alternating Pressure | $2,500–$14,000 | Tier 3 | Formal assessment required |
| Complex Systems | Up to $40,000 | Tier 3 + above-cap | Specialist assessment |
Note: Funding depends on individual circumstances and clinical justification.
How to Access Aged Care Funding
- Complete an assessment via My Aged Care
- Receive approval and funding tier
- Work with your provider and an OT
- Source equipment through a supplier
If you have unspent Home Care Package funds, these are used first.
Does NDIS Fund Pressure Care Mattresses?
Yes.
They are typically funded as Assistive Technology under Daily Activities.
Higher-cost items usually require:
- OT assessment
- Formal quote
- Clinical justification
What Should You Actually Buy?
It depends entirely on the clinical situation.
The most common mistake is underspecifying.
If unsure:
- Start with an OT assessment
- Or speak with a specialist supplier
Talk to a Specialist
Forté manufactures pressure care mattresses used across aged care, hospitals, and home care settings throughout Australia.
If you’d like guidance on the right product:
- Speak with a specialist
- Contact your local distributor
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. Clinical decisions should always be made with a qualified health professional.
Pricing reflects the Australian market (2025–2026) and may vary by supplier, configuration, and region.