What is an alternating pressure pad?
An alternating pressure pad goes under the sheets and covers the mattress top. It is made of soft plastic divided into sections that have water or air inside. A tube goes from the pad to an electric pump. The pump inflates and deflates the divided sections in the pad. An alternating pressure pad may be needed to help heal open sores. You can buy or rent an alternating pressure pad from most medical supply stores. Follow these steps to put the pad on the bed. • Always read and follow the directions that came with the pad when using an alternating pressure pad. • Check the cord and plug of the electric pump to make sure they are not cracked or torn. If the outlet only has two holes and the plug has three prongs, do not use the outlet. Overloading an electrical outlet may start a fire. • Take the sheets off of the bed. • Put the pad on top of the mattress and unfold it. Follow the instructions to make sure the correct side faces away from the mattress top. • Put the electric pump on a foo
