Typically patients with large refractory pressure wounds, posterior skin flaps or burn patients benefit from this therapy. In particular, patients who are unable to routinely turn themselves will find this therapy beneficial in reducing and healing their pressure injuries. 

The HydroAire AFT bed is capable of taking on patients weighing up to 300 lbs. and typically patients as tall as 6’ 5” in height.

The tub of the bed is filled with glass ceramic beads called micro spheres and the beads actually compose the majority of the weight of the HydroAire AFT bed weighing approximately 900 lbs (bed weight without the beads is 221 lbs). The beads lie on top of a diffuser board. Blowers within the beds pedestals force air across the board and cause the beads to react like a liquid. This act is called fluidization.

Because AFT beds have such an effective way of reducing interface pressure, one of the side benefits of the bed is helping patients significantly reduce pain associated with pressure ulcers. A study by Günes ¹ in 2008, showed that 94.6% of patients with chronic pressure wounds experience significant pain attributed to their ulcers.” Then reference the study at the bottom of the page with the following:¹ A descriptive study of pressure ulcer pain. Günes UY. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2008 Feb;54(2):56-61.Many patients/caregivers have expressed that patients on the HydroAire AFT experienced much better sleep while in the bed. Better sleep can reduce a patient’s requirement for pain medication and thereby helping their mental alertness.

Traditional air mattresses are not capable of keeping patients consistently below 32 mmHg or capillary closure. Improving capillary blood flow to the skin is the major advantage of air-fluidized therapy. This speeds growth of granulated tissue. In addition, secretions and exudate drain through the filter sheet, keeping the patient’s skin dry. The HydroAire AFT bed is able to keep patients at the lowest interface pressure which allows them the best environment for their wounds to heal.