alternating pressure air mattress

alt·er·nat·ing pres·sure air mat·tress

(awl'tĕr-nā-ting presh'ŭr ār mat'trĕs)

Air mattress that is placed on top of a regular bed mattress; used to promote skin integrity and prevent skin breakdown, has air-filled channels that alternately fill and empty to keep bearing weight off bony prominences of immobilized or weak patients who are unable to shift their weight frequently.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012