Permobil Allay Mattress by 5 Minds Mobility

The Permobil Allay mattress by 5 Minds Mobility is a reactive foam replacement surface with Shear Reduction Technology, 7 in (18 cm) thick, in 80 or 84 in lengths and 36 to 60 in widths.

What does it do and how does it work?

• A GelFlex gel-infused visco foam top sits over a supportive foam core.
• Shear Reduction Technology separates two foam layers with a low-friction material that absorbs shear as the person or bed moves.
• The foam moves in all directions, the head and foot sections are fixed, and the surface is zoned for the head, torso and feet.
• Side bolsters with accordion cuts form a transfer edge.
• The Recovery 5 top cover is a 5-way stretch incontinent cover.

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

• A person whose assessment calls for reactive foam with shear reduction.
• 5 Minds describes it for clients at risk of skin breakdown from shear.
• Someone who needs ROHO or Vicair sections should choose the Adapt mattress.
• A powered surface is a different choice: alternating pressure or low air loss.

Will it fit?

• Widths: 36, 39, 42, 48, 54 or 60 in (91, 99, 107, 122, 137 or 152 cm).
• Lengths: 80 in (203 cm), or 84 in (213 cm) on AL3684 and AL4284.
• Height: 7 in (18 cm).
• Weight capacity is 350 lbs (159 kg) on 36 and 39 in and 500 lbs (227 kg) on 42 to 60 in; the bed limit applies if it is lower.
• The transfer edge uses part of the width, so measure the deck and the person's transfer.
• At 7 in high, recheck the gaps to the rails. Health Canada recommends gaps under 120 mm (4 3/4 in) within and under the rail, and under 60 mm (2 3/8 in) at the rail ends. See bed rails.
• A mattress that has touched skin cannot be returned, so measure first. See the return policy.

Using it day to day

• The 5-way stretch incontinent cover wipes clean; follow the supplied cleaning steps and inspect the seams.
• Check the foam and the SRT layers for tears and separation at each linen change.
• The raised bolster option adds 3 in (8 cm) at the head and foot; it is a custom order.

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

• It is a non-powered foam mattress: no pump, alternating cycle or low air loss.
• The transfer edge is not a rail and does not prevent a fall or entrapment.
• The warranty is two years on the foam mattress; see the Warranty tab.
• It is not the Adapt and does not take ROHO or Vicair inserts.

How does it compare?

• Permobil Adapt: a foam mattress that accepts separately ordered ROHO or Vicair sections.
• Blake Viva: a foam mattress without the SRT shear layer.

Funding may help: see who may help pay.