ABSTRACT
Many aids have been marketed, although most ICUs mainly use either low air loss mattresses (e.g. Nimbus®) or tilting/kinetic beds – see Chapter 27. Choice of mattress or other aids may be restricted by:
n weight limits for equipment (including hoists); n pathology – e.g. head or spinal injury patients require a firm mattress to
maintain spinal alignment; n cost, if equipment needs to be hired.
