Delivery, setup and adjustment: pressure redistribution mattresses

In this phase, the trained health professional will monitor the proposed assistive technology (AT) delivery timeframe with the product specialist, facilitate correct setup at the time of delivery, and ensure any necessary adjustments and education have been completed. This is essential to ensure the correct AT has been provided as prescribed and for it to function as intended.

Delivery

When ready, delivery is arranged to occur when the trained health professional, the person with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their support network (where relevant) are present.

Considerations for delivery of pressure redistribution mattresses

• Confirm the prescription: check that the delivered mattress model, size, pressure‑redistribution type/mechanism, and any accessories (e.g., pumps, covers, power cords, mounting hardware) correspond exactly to what was prescribed and approved in the quote/funding application.
• Review the person’s most recent physical and skin integrity assessment: ensure the mattress prescription remains appropriate, particularly when there has been a delay between assessment and delivery, or when the person’s weight, mobility, posture, or skin condition may have changed.
• Suitable delivery environment: confirm adequate space around the bed for installation, safe manual-handling access, and appropriate flooring and power outlets (if applicable).
• Equipment required for safe transfer: if other AT (e.g., hoist, slide board, slide sheets) or additional assistance is required to transfer the person on/off the mattress for setup, ensure these are available and ready at the time of delivery.
• Education: provide thorough education on safe use, daily care, pump operation (if applicable), cleaning, troubleshooting, and maintenance requirements. Supply written instructions or manufacturer user guides where possible and involve the person’s support network.
• Contact information: confirm the person and their support network know how to contact the funding body/supplier/product specialist for technical support, warranty issues, or future review needs.
• Determine whether a follow-up is required: identify if and when a follow-up appointment is needed to review comfort, function, skin integrity, and mattress performance once the person has trialled the mattress in their typical environment.

Setup and adjustment

To facilitate optimal performance, the trained health professional should ensure the AT is setup and adjusted for the person.
Consideration should be given to the person’s:

• body dimensions
• comfortable and optimal posture
• function
• environment
• skin integrity
• previous experience using AT
• support network requirements.

Considerations for set-up and adjustment of pressure redistribution mattress

Common adjustments to optimise mattress setup and performance may include:

Education

The following education should be provided at the time of pressure redistribution mattress delivery, setup and adjustment:

• ​​How to safely operate the pressure redistribution mattress, including pump controls (if applicable), inflation/deflation processes, bed positioning, and any steps required to maintain therapeutic pressure redistribution.​ 
• Supply written instructions where possible 
  Provide the manufacturer’s user guide or printed instructions outlining operation, troubleshooting, cleaning, and routine care of the mattress and pump. 
• Involve key stakeholders 
  Ensure the person with SCI and any members of their support network are present for education, including carers, family members, and facility staff (if applicable). 
• Confirm how to contact the product specialist 
  Ensure the person with SCI and their support network understand the process for contacting the supplier/product specialist for troubleshooting, technical guidance, warranty issues, or concerns about mattress performance. 
• Explain routine servicing requirements 
• Provide information on repair pathways 
  Explain how to report issues such as unusual noise, loss of pressure, pump alarms, or visible deterioration. Provide guidance on who to contact for repairs, how to prevent avoidable failures (e.g. avoiding puncture risks, maintaining power supply), and how to manage the user safely if the mattress becomes non-operational. 
• Educate the user and support network on the specific features and components of the mattress and how these influence comfort, function, and pressure management, including: 
  • Mattress orientation (head/foot positioning) 
  • Pump settings (e.g. comfort levels, alternating cycle, max inflate) 
  • Cover management (fitting, removal, cleaning) 
  • Cable management and safe placement 
  • Any accessories or system add-ons relevant to the prescribed model. 
• Explain how each setting or feature affects pressure redistribution, comfort, noise/vibration, and overall safety. 
• Discuss safety issues associated with mattress use, including: 
  • Risks associated with incorrect orientation, improper inflation levels, or damaged covers 
  • Safe transfer techniques relevant to the mattress type (e.g. stability during transfers, max inflate mode for transfers) 
  • Strategies to minimise risk of entrapment, sliding, shear, or pressure injury 
  • Importance of increased skin checks during initial adjustment period or changes in function/health.