Hospital Pressure Care Mattresses
Pressure injuries are one of the most common complications in many hospitals world-wide1. Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are an important indicator of the quality of care in hospitals2. Prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of pressure injuries is, therefore, a global priority, formalised in international and national safety and quality health service standards3. Despite efforts to reduce this adverse health outcome, their prevalence remains high at 12.9% of all overnight hospital admissions4. Pressure injuries are also associated with poor patient outcomes such as reduced quality of life due to pain and psychological distress5, as well as excess hospital length of stay6.
According to International Journal of Nursing Studies (Vol 130, 2022), The total cost of pressure injuries in Australian public hospitals in 2020 was approximately $9.11 billion per year, of which treatment cost was $3.59 billion. Furthermore, Hospital-acquired pressure injuries account for over half of total costs, with a total of $5.50 billion per year.
The International Clinical Practice Guideline 2019 defines a pressure injury as ‘damage to the skin and/or soft underlaying tissue as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear. Pressure Injuries usually over a bony prominence but also many be related to a medical device or other object’. The support surface or mattress is usually directly relative to whether the patient develops a pressure injury or not.
As such, investing into pressure care, pressure reducing or pressure relieving support surfaces and mattress throughout the hospital is of upmost importance in view if preventing pressure injury incidence.
(1 Rodgers et al., 2020; Padula and Delarmente, 2019; Slawomirski et al., 2017. 2 Michel et al., 2009; Fernando-Canavan et al., 2021, 3 Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care 2017; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 2014; Power et al., 2012, 4 Rodgers et al., 2020, 5 Gorecki et al., 2009; Kim et al., 2019, 6 Graves and Zheng, 2014; Hauck et al., 2017) Read More
Why Choosing Pressure Relief Mattresses from Forte Healthcare
We have been working in the industry for over twenty years, we continually innovate and apply new concepts and the latest clinical research to our product line ensuring effective solutions for optimal patient outcomes. As a medical mattress specialist, we specialise in helping you to find the right pressure mattress for your patients without having to compromise.
Our Pressure Mattress Range
Throughout an entire hospital, including all departments and wards, there are a significant range of specific patient types and mattress requirements. There are some fundamental requirements standardized on throughout entire hospitals/facilities, including:
- Pressure Injury Prevention (pressure care)
- Infection Control (easy cleaning)
- Work Health & Safety (manual handling, patient safety)
- Value (longevity, budget)
- Patient Compliance (comfort and patient satisfaction)
With Forte, hospitals can ensure these fundamental requirements are addressed on all support surfaces / mattress entering the facility.
For example, standardizing on cover type and construction to ensure the same cleaning methods can be adopted throughout the entire facility with considerable savings and efficiencies in cleaning education and chemicals.
Forte have a range of mattresses with specific functions and therapeutic benefits that can be used throughout the hospital. From basic pressure care ward foam mattresses to critical care air mattress systems.
Our pressure care mattress range is beneficial for many patients, especially those at risk of pressure injuries and requiring long-term care. A pressure injury prevention mattress, also defined as a Support Surface, is designed to provide redistribution or relief of tissue loads, enhanced microclimate and other therapeutic functions applicable to individuals at risk of pressure injuries (reference paragraph 3, page 155 of pressure injury guideline)
With a pressure area care mattress that is designed with your patient in mind, it can help protect the most vulnerable areas, as well as reducing the risk of Skin breakdown in any other areas.
Our Sovereign range of pressure care mattresses is designed specifically for patients at high risk of pressure injury and give them the support they need. They are currently available in the Sovereign S3, S4, S45 and S6 models, offering you different options for your patients’ needs.
The Forté range of pressure relief mattresses includes low, medium, high and very high risk options in both Reactive (foam and static air) and Active (Powered Air) options. Forté Healthcare holds a unique position in the market as manufacturing such a wide range of medical mattresses, all within the one factory. This broad expertise delivers value to clinical prescribers, patients and procurement professionals as offering a single point of supply for every patient requirement, complimented by the Forté commitment to quality, care and service.
Furthermore, as each mattress is customisable, we can offer bespoke solutions meeting the needs of individual patients and facilities. We know that not all patients are the same or have the same care requirements, therefore selecting medical mattresses that compliment an individualised and patient centred approach are often required to achieve good clinical outcomes.
Modifications offered by Forté Healthcare include:
- Unique pressure care requirements
- Custom weight capacities, including bariatric pressure matresses
- Adjustments
- Continence and fluid management
- Varied functional needs
- Infection control and management
- And many more
As part of our consultive approach, we will provide recommendations that are founded on a deep technical understanding of the performance characteristics of each of our products. This includes consideration of both pressure relief mattress solutions and pressure redistribution mattresses, as each function differently. We work with clinicians, caregivers, facility managers and other healthcare procurement specialists to bring you products that meet your exact requirements.
The Forté Armidale manufacturing site also includes extensive warehouse facilities. Whether you require a standard Medical Mattress or a customised solution, our vertically integrated production model and dispatch capabilities ensures fast order fulfillment and dispatch.. In respect to custom manufacturing, orders of up to 10 mattresses can be made and dispatched within 10 days.
Forte Healthcare: Your Solution to Pressure Care Mattresses & Other Healthcare Supply Needs
If you are looking for a pressure relief mattress in Australia or New Zealand, look no further than Forte Healthcare for an exceptional service and an effective care solution.
We specialise in medical mattresses, therapeutic support surfaces, pressure care cushions and patient positioning products. Our extensive range ensures your patients receive appropriate care solutions that suit their individual therapeutic requirements. The technical expertise and knowledge of the Forté team as designers and manufacturers is unrivalled in the market facilitating superior outcomes for all patient needs that present.
You may view the full range of press care mattresses in Australia today on our website. You can also request a catalogue from us. We would love to discuss our pressure care mattresses with you further, so please do not hesitate to contact us today and arrange a consultation.
Jump to our Hospital Pressure Care Products
Critical Care, Pain Management, Palliative Care, Cuddle Bed Mattresses
Critical Care, Pain Management and Palliative Care requirements must be specifically considered to ensure patients suffering from these conditions receive optimal care.
The support surface plays a central role in effective pain management as a poorly performing mattress can result in significant disturbance, lack of sleep and traumatic situations for the care giver and patient alike.
Palliative care poses special nursing challenges, within many facilities, patients in Palliative care are unable to get out of bed. This necessitates
It is easy to become focused on pressure injury prevention and overlook comprehensive care planning that considers pain management in critical care and palliative scenarios. Common therapy practice and mattress selection for skin integrity is for many patients a contributing factor to increased pain. This begins a vicious circle which has inevitable implications on skin integrity.
Forté Healthcare manufacture several Medical Mattress solutions that offer excellent performance and superior outcomes in respect to features specifically designed to provide increased pain management.
Zephair Gentle Critical Care
Unique powered hybrid air mattress system offering unparalleled pain management and patient compliance alongside a high level of pressure care and functional support
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Zephair Lite
The Paediatric or Lite Zephair is a hybrid alternating air mattress with immersion and stability foams to provide optimal pressure relief combined with comfort for individuals between 12 and 90kg
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Airmonte A5 Overlay
5-Inch Alternating Air Overlay delivering effective pressure relief and comfort with simple, silent pump and 22 narrow air cells
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Airmonte A8 Full Replacement
8-Inch Full Alternating Air Pressure Mattress with advanced pump unit providing option functionality for superior patient care.
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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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High to Very High Risk Care Pressure Care
Individuals with high to very high risk of obtaining a pressure injury or have a current pressure injuries require a very high level of care. Air mattress systems are commonly used to 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 for high risk patients when they incorporate specialised foam technology which reduces and redistributes pressure effectively.
Airmonte A5 Overlay
5-Inch Alternating Air Overlay delivering effective pressure relief and comfort with simple, silent pump and 22 narrow air cells
View Product Airmonte A8 Full Replacement
8-Inch Full Alternating Air Pressure Mattress with advanced pump unit providing option functionality for superior patient care.
View Product Zephair Lite
The Paediatric or Lite Zephair is a hybrid alternating air mattress with immersion and stability foams to provide optimal pressure relief combined with comfort for individuals between 12 and 90kg
View Product Zephair Gentle Critical Care
Unique powered hybrid air mattress system offering unparalleled pain management and patient compliance alongside a high level of pressure care and functional support
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Sovereign S3 Lightweight 250kg
A preferred Acute care fully optioned high specification support surface featuring dual immersion technology. Support capacity of 250kg, compatible with any bed surface and lightweight to reduce WH&S handling risks.
View Product 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.
View Product 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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Surgical, Aged, General Ward, Corinary
Typical Hospital and Acute applications require high-performance Medical Mattresses. Support surfaces used within Surgical, Aged, General and all other Ward applications receive little ‘rest’ between patients meaning that the foam and cover structure must withstand constant loading.
The risk associated with Pressure Injuries and the importance of ensuring the Support surface provides adequate risk mitigation for skin integrity whilst subject to these rigorous acute conditions must be considered when selecting replacement ward mattresses.
Forté Healthcare manufacture Support Surfaces specifically designed for use within Surgical, Aged and all typical General Ward applications which provide excellent and proven performance within all Hospital settings. Specifically formulated foam and cover technology ensures that conditions associated with Ward usage including a high-moisture presence, do not prematurely affect the Support Surface performance and ensure the Mattress provides excellent pressure redistribution.
Patient Safety and manual handling is considered within Forté Ward Mattress designs through use of an exclusive grade of side reinforcement foam engineered to suit Hospital bed functions, integrating a unique profile hinge system. This enhances safety and makes patient repositioning easier and more ergonomic for care staff.
Forté Ward Support Surfaces ensure excellent compliance with infection control requirements.
Icon I34 Acute Care 165kg
Premium, facility grade, trusted triple layer pressure care mattress with firm strengthened sides and Advantiflex Classic cover for clients with a medium risk of pressure injury.
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Icon I35 Acute Care 200kg
Up-spec premium, facility grade four layer pressure care mattress with integrated heel slope and increased therapeutic weight loading of 200kg. Supplied as standard with the Advantiflex Classic cover.
View Product Sovereign S3 Lightweight 250kg
A preferred Acute care fully optioned high specification support surface featuring dual immersion technology. Support capacity of 250kg, compatible with any bed surface and lightweight to reduce WH&S handling risks.
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Maternity
Within the Maternity application, it is critical to ensure the support surface accommodates the comfort needs of all patients. This can include ensuring that, whilst in inclined positions, the Mattress does not excessively compress causing a ‘bottoming out’ effect and severe discomfort. Patient distress associated with discomfort may consume additional staff resource and have implications for recovery.
Resistance to cleaning agents, ease of cleaning and surface longevity are also important factors to ensure are considered for optimal infection control. Forté Premiflex Covers provide outstanding performance in relation to infection control including excellent resistance to a wide range and concentrations of cleaning agents.
Many Hospitals may seek to standardize on Maternity Mattresses alongside requirements for the rest of the Hospital. The Forté I34, I35 and S3 range may be used effectively within the Ward setting in addition to Maternity. This simplifies equipment management, staff education and purchasing and adds the peace of mind that patients will receive appropriate care.
Cuddle Bed and extra wide configurations of Forté Medical Mattresses ensure every requirement is met whilst retaining all attributes of standard size Forté Mattresses.
Merit 2A Premium
The Merit 2A is a premium grade, dual core medical mattress suited to low care applications where support and comfort are a necessity.
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Merit 2B Deluxe
The Merit 2B is a deluxe grade, dual core convoluted medical mattress designed for low care applications, providing comfort and support.
View Product Icon I34 Acute Care 165kg
Premium, facility grade, trusted triple layer pressure care mattress with firm strengthened sides and Advantiflex Classic cover for clients with a medium risk of pressure injury.
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Icon I31 Residential Care 150kg
Trusted basic triple layer pressure care mattress with firm strengthened sides and a hospital grade cover for clients with a medium risk of pressure injury.
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Cuddle Mattress
Forté will customise any mattress to accompany a ‘Cuddle Bed’, encouraging normal partner sleeping and minimising anxiety, isolation, strangeness among patients.
View ProductINFECTION CONTROL
Effective infection prevention and control are central to providing high quality healthcare for patients and a safe working environment for those who work in hospital and acute care settings. The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (the guidelines) provide evidence-based recommendations that outline the critical aspects of infection prevention and control, focusing on core principles and priority areas for action.
The guidelines describe the best way to prevent and reduce infections occurring in healthcare settings including resistant infections. The guidelines include how to manage common infectious agents, for example, gastrointestinal viruses and evolving infectious agents, for example, influenza or multi-drug resistant organisms.
Any infectious agents introduced into the body can establish infection. In all healthcare settings, reusable medical devices, such as mattresses, should be handled in a manner that will prevent patients, healthcare workers and environmental contact with potentially infectious material. Post COVID-19 pandemic, Cleaning and infection control have become a bigger concern than ever before.
Appropriate reprocessing or precautions must be implemented for reusable equipment, such as the mattress to prevent patient-to-patient transmission of infectious agents.
Principles of reprocessing reusable medical devices include:
- Only Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-included reusable medical devices should be used; before purchase, healthcare facilities should ensure that manufacturer’s reprocessing instructions are provided and are able to be followed by the healthcare facility.
- All reusable medical devices and patient-care equipment used in the clinical environment must be reprocessed according to their intended use and manufacturer’s advice.
However, Other standard precautions must take place. Standard precautions are basic infection prevention and control strategies that apply to everyone, regardless of their perceived or confirmed infectious status. Strategies include hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, cleaning, and appropriate handling and disposal of sharps. These are the first-line approach to infection prevention and control in health service organisations and are routinely applied as an essential strategy for minimising the spread of infections. Standard precautions minimise the risk of transmission of infectious agents from one person or place to another, even in high-risk situations, and render and maintain objects and areas as free as possible from infectious agents
Specifically, in relation to the support surface, there should be no exposed materials that will absorb fluid. As such, every mattress cover in the facility environment must have high frequency welded seams (as opposed to sewn) to meet infection control requirements and prevent seepage of fluid through open sewn seams. These electromagnetically fused seams protect against the risk of penetration fluid as they 100% seal off to prevent ingress of fluid or infection. To ensure extra strength, Forté reinforces welded seams with additional heavy duty stitching at stress points within the cover.
In addition, Forté mattress covers and foam cores are treated with anti-microbial treatment to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria on soft surfaces. It is a recommendation that soft surfaces must be impregnated with antimicrobial (self-disinfecting) materials.
All Forté products are included and registered onto the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Unless exempt, reusable medical devices must be ‘included’ onto the ARTG before they may be supplied in Australia.
Forté mattresses can withstand stringent infection control procedures and have been designed to suit facility standards so you can have peace of mind that all areas of your facility are a safe, clean environments for staff and patients.
Forté Hospital Mattresses; Design, Manufacture and National Supply
Forté focuses solely on the manufacture of Medical Mattresses and Pressure Care Support Mattresses and Surfaces. We manage the whole process from research and design to foam conversion and medical cover production. Forté offers a complete product package from basic low care foam mattresses to high level air mattress systems, and other pressure care devices.
As local, Australian manufacturers, Forté has the capacity to be small enough to meet every patient’s care and comfort needs, with a production capacity to equip and fit out any facility across Australia & New Zealand. Our production facility produces high performance medical mattress in volume batches as well as bespoke once-off production.
Forté products are designed to provide prevention and treatment of pressure injuries, infection control, patient comfort and care, protection for care staff and longevity.
We follow a clear consultation process to ensure that our products are suited exactly to your requirements and ensure that at the point of delivery you are not met with any unwanted surprises.
Our product development service provides guaranteed satisfaction to our clients and will ensure a product of uncompromising quality and a clinically sound pressure management and comfort solution.
Forte Healthcare frequently consults with recognised clinical experts to ensure we remain at the forefront of our industry and are well acquainted with evolving patient care challenges. We enable clinicians, facility managers and healthcare procurement professionals to specify and customise products like never before.Consultation
We understand your priorities must be met, and we work with you to deliver an effective care solution that you can rely upon. From caregivers to patients, pressure care to logistics, we take a holistic view to ensure that no requirement is overlooked.
We welcome any enquiry to meet your needs however large or small.
Hear what Health Professionals say About Forté Healthcare Mattresses…
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
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
We are really happy with the mattresses. Fantastic product especially given the short time frame for supply
Facility
Burnett Heads, QLD
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
Great product and Australian made. Locally owned and run as well as being a team of lovely people.
Customer
Sydney, NSW
Customer service is fantastic. Products are of a high quality. A pleasure to deal with Forte.
Distributor
Sydney, NSW
Excellent company to deal with, quick turnaround. Carol fabulous to work with
Distributor
Sunshine Coast, QLD
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
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
Always an efficient and reliable service backed up by the personal, genuine communication.
Distributor
Adelaide, SA
You guys are amazing! The service and follow up care is next to none. Love working with you guys!
Occupational Therapist
Sydney, NSW
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
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
An awesome team here and some Very, Very innovative products!
Hospital
Sydney, NSW
Love the products, can not fault it in any way, the service from sales staff is exceptional.
Distributor
Townsville, QLD
Always reliable, responsive, knowledgeable, helpful and suppliers of quality products. I’m a Forte fan!
Distributor
Melbourne, VIC
An amazing team of experts in the Medical Mattress world, with fantastic products!
Distributor
Melbourne, VIC
10/10 for mattress quality and selection and 10/10 for service from Bradley, Carol and Crystal.
Distributor
Melbourne, VIC
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?
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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?
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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?
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Yes, most mattresses are available for trial. Contact Forté or your local distributor to make arrangements