Gel and foam and air, oh my! There are a lot of support surfaces on the market and it can be tricky to match your residents with the product that best fits their needs. We created the chart below to help you weigh your options.1 Keep in mind that these components can be used alone or in combination.

		Support Surface	Type of Support*	Description
		Solid foam	Static	Porous polymer material that conforms according to applied weight
		Gel-infused foam	Static	Provides the support and conformity of foam with the addition of gel that allows for rapid heat dissipation and better breathability
		Convoluted foam (i.e., channel-cut or "egg crate" foam)	Static	Cuts in the supportive foam create a pressure-reducing, anti-shear surface
		Gel	Static	Semisolid (can range from soft to hard) with elastic, pressure-redistributing properties
		Alternating pressure mattresses and overlays	Dynamic	Provides pressure redistribution by cycling through loading and unloading via inflation and deflation
		Low air loss	Dynamic	Provides a flow of air to assist in managing the skin’s heat and moisture

*Static pressure redistribution surfaces are non-powered devices that may be indicated when a resident is at risk for pressure ulcer development or delayed healing. Dynamic pressure reduction surfaces are powered devices that are indicated if a resident can’t move into a variety of positions without placing weight on a pressure ulcer, if their weight completely compresses a static device that otherwise maintains its original integrity or if they have a pressure ulcer that is not healing as expected and it is determined that the pressure could be contributing to the delay. Professional Medical offers a complete line of support surfaces to meet your residents’ needs. To learn more contact you ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com. Reference 1 National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Terms and Definitions Related to Support Surfaces. Available at: http://www.npuap.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/NPUAP_S3I_TD.pdf. Accessed February 2, 2016.

The Embrace® Elite Gel Infused Foam Pressure Redistribution Mattress features Visco Gel Polymer Technology (VGPT) that provides unprecedented pressure redistribution, rapid heat dissipation and vast increases in breathability compared to traditional foam. Additional features: 450 lb weight capacity Lure-Quilt™ foam protects the vulnerable heel area and a 30 degree heel slop redistributes pressure from the heel to the entire leg Precision cut air pockets allows deeper submersion and increased air circulation Reduced occurrence of pressure sores by channeling heat away from the body significantly faster than traditional foam, virtually eliminating perspiration Superior pressure redistribution is delivered by providing more support and less cradling at higher levels of compression, and redistributing pressure over a large surface area Visco Gel Polymer Technology works by allowing air to pass through open cells, and channeling it away from the body Infusion of gel polymers throughout the foam contributes to both cooling and the elimination of static fatigue WARRANTY: 15 years, non-prorated Product pricing is only visible to registered promedsupply.com customers. If you are not yet registered, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 and our Customer Care Professionals will be happy to get you set up.