Trauma Mattress vs Vacuum Mattress: What’s the Difference?
Trauma and vacuum mattresses ensure the safety and stability of patients during critical transfer. But what are the key differences and benefits of both immobilisation solutions?
In incidents of critical trauma, medical professionals must have the necessary devices to support the patient during transportation. Immobilising the patient is essential to prevent further injury while moving them as quickly as possible to receive treatment.
While the stretcher proved capable for so long, more advanced options have recently emerged, such as the trauma mattress or vacuum mattress. Read this comprehensive comparison guide to distinguish the differences and benefits of both solutions.
What Is a Trauma Mattress?
A trauma mattress is designed for the fast and safe transfer of a patient that needs to stay completely immobile to avoid further risk of injury. As the patient may be undergoing critical physical trauma, immobilisation is essential and rests on the necessary surface and stabilisation capabilities during transportation.
A trauma mattress is rigid for strength but cushioned to support the patient’s weight during transfer and make it more comfortable for professional medical staff to transport the patient. Any challenging routes to the hospital endangering the patients or staff further are reduced by its pressure-relieving and handling elements.
A trauma mattress also features:
- A stable mattress with supportive padding
- Grip handles down each side
- Head support
- Disposable cover
- Straps
A trauma mattress benefits patients suspected of major trauma and needing an X-ray or CT scan, alongside patients with cerebral aneurysm or AVM.
What Is a Vacuum Mattress?
A vacuum mattress is another medical device designed to immobilise and transport patients during critical situations. Unlike trauma mattresses, which remain rigid, a vacuum mattress consists of a large inflatable bag. The specific purpose of a vacuum mattress is to transport patients with suspected spinal injuries. Vacuum mattresses consist of:
- A large bag made from thick and durable plastic
- Polystyrene beads within the bag
- A valve to allow inflation and deflation
- Straps for fastening
- Side handles for lifting/transportation
The pieces of polystyrene within the bag help conform to the patient’s body to offer extra comfort and support. When the air is removed from the vacuum, the mattress will remain rigid if it’s complete with a backboard.
The Benefits of a Trauma Mattress
The transfer mattress is now being used in hospitals in the UK and beyond. After a successful trial period, the Doncaster RI A&E department has taken delivery of the Trauma Transfer System to use in their hospital. Its main benefits include:
Quick Transfer
The patient is easily transferred by sliding the mattress from the trolley onto the medical table. This feature reduces time and the number of staff required.
X-Ray and CT Optimisation
Trauma mattresses are optimised for X-ray and CT procedures as they leave no artefacts in radiography imaging.
Patient Comfort
Pressure-relieving thick padding supports the patient during transfer and keeps them comfortable. Patients have been lain for over 12 hours and shown no sign of pressure injuries or relative discomfort.
Staff Safety
The design of the trauma mattress reduces potential harm to staff during lifting or other forms of movement.
Easily Cleaned
After removing all loose parts, the material of the trauma mattress cleans easily.
Wolverson X-Ray provides the TraumaTransfer™ Unit designed for the safe and speedy immobilisation and transfer of patients suffering critical physical trauma. Combined with the TraumaTransfer™ Unit, Wolverson X-Ray also offers a TT-Cover™. This disposable cover is complete with integrated head support, designed for maximum stability and tensile strength.
If you require a simple transfer device without the need for lifting, we recommend the Padded Transfer Trolley Mattress. This device is optimised for X-ray and CT imagining and designed especially for sliding patients between trolleys and surface tables.
The Benefits of a Vacuum Mattress
Comfort and Support
Due to the inflation of the bag and polystyrene beads, vacuum mattresses conform to the patient’s body to supply extra comfort and support during transfer.
Adaptable
A vacuum bag is adaptable to all types of medical emergencies, especially spinal and femoral traumas.
Transportable
Patients are moved with greater ease compared to a trolley. However, at least six members of staff are required.
Trauma Mattress vs Vacuum Mattress: The Verdict
Both medical mattress devices have advantages and provide a clear evolution from the traditional stretcher. The trauma mattress offers an optimised X-ray and CT option, which is particularly useful when most patients suffering physical trauma will need an X-ray or CT scan procedure as soon as possible. This reduces the time and staff requirements of transferring patients from one medical device to another.
The vacuum mattress adds extra comfort and support with the inflatable bag and moulding properties. Ideal for transferring patients over short distances, a vacuum mattress must stay protected from penetration to preserve the effectiveness of the inflated bag.
Significant to the integrity of the mattress is ensuring the necessary vacuum is maintained. Plus, there is the added time of evacuating the patient from the bag compared to the trauma mattress, which seamlessly transfers the patient onto medical trolleys and tables with less staff required.
Overall, both solutions offer an advance on the medical stretcher and perform more effective immobilisation and transfer duties required for the safety of patients and staff. Your choice on the matter depends on whether you need a solution that’s easier to transport or one that’s capable of withstanding radiation.
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