air-fluidized bed


air-flu·i·dized bed

(ār-flū'i-dīzd bed) Type of bed intended to promote skin integrity and prevent skin breakdown. Within the mattress, small ceramic spheres are constantly blown by temperature-controlled airflow to distribute the patient's weight evenly, keeping pressure off bony prominences.

air-fluidized bed

A bed consisting of a mattress filled with tiny glass or ceramic spheres that are suspended by a continuous flow of warm air. The patient “floats” on the mattress with only minimal penetration. Because of the even distribution of weight, the bed is particularly useful in treating or preventing pressure sores. See also: bed