Permobil Align Mattress A3680, 36 x 80, 350 lb

The Permobil Align mattress, model A3680, is a reactive foam replacement surface with Shear Reduction Technology (SRT) for a hospital or homecare bed. 5 Minds Mobility makes it.

What does it do and how does it work?

It lets the foam move with the person when the bed changes position.

• A low-friction layer between two foam layers gives movement in all directions.
• Fixed head and foot sections reset the surface after the bed moves.
• The high-resilience foam torso has 4 in (10 cm) square cuts under the sacrum and 2 in (5 cm) square cuts under the heels.
• Firm side bolsters with accordion cuts form the transfer edge.
• The Recovery 5 top is part of a full enclosure cover.

Who is it for, and who should choose something else?

5 Minds Mobility describes the Align for clients at risk of skin breakdown (pressure injuries) from shear.

• The person's nurse, doctor or therapist decides which surface suits their skin and risk.
• Choose a powered alternating pressure or low air loss mattress if the care plan calls for one.

Will it fit?

Match the mattress to the deck inside the rails, then check the capacity for that width.

• Standard A3680: 36 x 80 x 7 in (91 x 203 x 18 cm).
• Widths run from 36 to 60 in (91 to 152 cm); 36 and 42 in also come in 84 in (213 cm).
• Capacity is 350 lbs (159 kg) on 36 and 39 in and 500 lbs (227 kg) on 42 to 60 in; the lower of that and the bed's safe working load applies.
• The 7 in (18 cm) height changes rail and transfer height. Health Canada advises gaps under 120 mm (4 3/4 in) in zones 1 to 3 and 60 mm (2 3/8 in) in zone 4.
• Measure first: a used mattress cannot be returned under our return policy.

Using it day to day

Lay it cover side up and make the bed as usual.

• There is no pump, hose or power cord.
• Check the cover and accordion cuts for tears.
• A Raised Bolster version adds 3 in (8 cm) to the head and foot bolsters and is a custom order.

What does it work with, and what are its limits?

It replaces the mattress on a matching bed.

• It is not an overlay and does not change the bed's safe working load.
• It does not alternate pressure or provide low air loss, and repositioning still follows the care plan.
• The bolsters are foam inside the cover, not bed rails or a fall mat.

How does it compare?

The Permobil Atlas Hybrid adds powered alternating pressure and low air loss. The Blake Geo-Matrix G2 is a gel foam surface. The ShearCare 1500 is bariatric foam. See foam mattresses.

Funding may help: see who may help pay.