Why Pressure Mapping Matters for Home Care: A Data-Driven Approach to Sleep
In-home care solutions are evolving rapidly, with new tools that allow home care providers to deliver exceptional, individualised support. Pressure mapping is one such tool that’s redefining how beds and mattresses are selected for clients with specific needs, especially those at risk for pressure injuries. At Life Changing Beds, we use the advanced Reveal by XSensor pressure mapping system to assess each client’s sleep surface. This sleep diagnostics tool not only supports occupational therapists in making precise recommendations but also offers significant benefits for clients and home care providers alike.
For those interested in understanding more about how pressure mapping works and the science of interface pressure, check out our detailed blog on the subject for a deeper dive into the technology and its clinical applications.
1. Clinical Justification for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists play an essential role in assessing clients’ mobility, health conditions, and overall comfort requirements. With pressure mapping technology, therapists gain access to objective data that highlights potential high-pressure zones and areas of concern on different mattresses. This data supports clinical justification for specific mattress recommendations to be purchased through clients' Home Care Packages. Instead of relying on trial and error, therapists can use pressure mapping results to confidently prescribe a mattress that aligns with a client’s health needs, reducing discomfort and risk of pressure sores.
2. Reduced Need for Future Bed Changes
One major advantage of pressure mapping is that it allows for a precise, personalised bed choice right from the start. By testing the client on their chosen mattress in-store, pressure mapping lets us identify any “at-risk” areas for pressure injuries. This means therapists and clients can see firsthand if a mattress is unsuitable, leading to fewer instances of bed replacement down the line. Additionally, pairing the mattress with an adjustable bed can further enhance comfort by allowing clients to adjust their sleeping position for better support and pressure relief. With this data-driven approach, clients can rest easy knowing their mattress and adjustable bed have been optimised for long-term comfort and safety, which is especially beneficial for those who may be less mobile and rely on their beds for extended periods.
3. Helping Clients Stay Home for Longer
Maintaining independence at home is a priority for many elderly Australians and those with disabilities. A properly fitted mattress, selected using pressure mapping, helps minimise the risk of pressure injuries, which are a common cause for hospitalisation or transitions into aged care. By reducing these risks, pressure mapping can help clients stay comfortably and safely in their own homes for longer. For clients who might otherwise experience discomfort or bed-related injuries, having a mattress that is proven to support their health needs can make all the difference in prolonging their independence.
4. Streamlined Decision-Making for Care Teams
Selecting the right bed and mattress can be challenging, especially when balancing a client’s unique medical needs, comfort preferences, and budget. Pressure mapping simplifies this process by providing clear, visual data on pressure distribution, making it easier for case managers and occupational therapists to identify the most suitable options without extensive trials and adjustments. This efficient, data-driven approach saves time, ensures tailored support, and provides care teams with clinical documentation to back their recommendations, ultimately enhancing overall care quality and client satisfaction.
5. Confidence for Home Care Providers and Case Managers
For home care providers, selecting appropriate bedding solutions is a responsibility that impacts clients’ comfort, health, and quality of life. With pressure mapping technology, providers can feel assured that their clients are resting on a mattress that has been specifically tested and proven to suit their needs. This scientific, data-driven assessment adds a level of confidence and reassurance for care teams, as they know their clients are less likely to suffer from bed-related discomfort or pressure injuries.
Additionally, Life Changing Beds’ ongoing support and 150-night comfort guarantee offer a reliable safety net, ensuring each client’s satisfaction and wellbeing. This guarantee means that if a client finds their mattress uncomfortable within the first 150 nights (which is 5 months!), they can exchange it for an alternative feel at no additional cost.
Why Choose Life Changing Beds?
With over 40 years of experience, Life Changing Beds is dedicated to providing customised, clinically supported sleep solutions for clients with diverse health needs. By using Reveal by XSensor, it enables us to deliver personalised recommendations based on scientific data. Our team works closely with occupational therapists, case managers, and home care providers to ensure each bed selection meets the highest standards of comfort, safety, and clinical suitability. Our pressure mapping service is FREE to use in-store, and is available to all clients - plus, it doesn't take long at all - so it's easy to fit-in to a consultation. But what if a client can't make it to our Hawthorn showroom? Well, we do offer a service where we can take the pressure mapping equipment with us to a client's home along with a mattress or two, and even an adjustable base to test them on. This in-home service does incur a fee.
At Life Changing Beds, all Home Care inquiries are handled with the utmost care by our in-house Home Care Specialist, Ryan Nunn. If you’re a case manager, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or allied health professional interested in learning more about pressure mapping and how it can benefit your clients, reach out to Life Changing Beds today. Our team is here to guide you through every step, helping you make an informed, confident choice for your clients’ sleep needs.
Give Ryan and the team a call on 03 90414765 or book a consultation today.