You spend a lot of time on your mattress – it’s where you sleep each night and where you rest and relax. And while a comfortable, supportive mattress is crucial at any age, it’s especially important as you get older. You can experience all kinds of aches, pains, and health woes, and your mattress needs to be able to meet your comfort needs.
That’s why many older adults choose special mattresses that reduce pressure and relieve pain. But these types of mattresses can be incredibly expensive. Fortunately, there may be a way to reduce the cost you pay out of pocket.
Medicare will cover most of the cost for certain mattresses. So, if you’re a senior who’s in need of a special mattress for your health, here’s how you may be able to get that purchase covered under Medicare.
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What Kinds of Mattresses Does Medicare Cover?
If you’re a senior on Medicare, it’s important to know that Medicare does cover some mattresses. However, only certain mattresses qualify – and they must meet certain requirements.
Mattresses are covered under Medicare Part B. They fall into the category of durable medical equipment (DME). This is medically necessary equipment prescribed by your doctor that you need for your health every day.
DME items that are covered under Medicare include blood sugar monitors and test strips, hospital beds, and walkers. And certain mattresses are also included. Medicare will cover pressure-reducing mattresses, mattress overlays, and beds.
In order to be covered by Medicare, a mattress must meet these conditions:
- Be durable and able to withstand repeated use.
- Used for medical reasons.
- Only useful for those who are sick or injured.
- Can be used in the home.
- Is expected to be used for at least three years.
If you’re prescribed a certain type of mattress for your medical needs, and you purchase a mattress that meets these criteria, Medicare will cover as much as 80-percent of the cost. You’ll then be responsible for the remaining 20-percent, as well as any deductibles.
Top Pressure-Reducing Mattresses for Seniors
Once you’ve been prescribed a mattress for your medical needs, it’s time to start shopping. Commonly, Medicare covers pressure-reducing mattresses only. So, when you begin your search, you’ll want to start with the very best mattresses designed to reduce pressure while you sleep.
The following are four of the top pressure-reducing mattresses to consider.
Joerns PrevaMatt Defend Pressure Relief Mattress
Affordable in its price and comfortable in its material, the Joerns PrevaMatt Defend is a mattress that’s designed to make any senior feel better in bed. This mattress features a special design that’s meant to relieve pressure in common high-pressure areas of the body. While you sleep, the mattress will work to prevent bedsores, keep you comfortable, and evenly distribute pressure no matter your shape or size.
ThevoRelief Pressure Relief Mattress
If you’re looking for the best of the best, the ThevoRelief Pressure Relief mattress is one of the top choices. Technologically innovative and high-quality, this mattress includes plenty of unique features and benefits. It provides gentle stimulation for your nerves while you sleep, which can help reduce soreness. It also offers pain relief thanks to a unique compression disc structure under its surface.
Therapeutic 5-Zone Support Mattress
Created by Drive Medical, the Therapeutic 5-Zone Support mattress offers pressure relief alongside comfort and support. This mattress features different zones, or areas, of different levels of support. Your lower body, hips, and upper back will each enjoy a customized type of pressure relief, which helps better align the body and prevent aches and pains.
Solace Resolution Glissando Heavy Duty Mattress
Considered one of the very best pressure-reducing mattresses, the Solace Resolution Glissando Heavy Duty offers unmatched support. Seniors will love its quality and its many, many features. This mattress features high-density foam for comfort, durable sidewalls to prevent falling out of bed, and sections of different support levels for even pressure distribution. It also includes a top layer designed to prevent friction, which can help you avoid bedsores.
Find a Mattress for Your Needs Today
If you’re in need of a special type of mattress for your health, you aren’t alone. As you get older, you may need a mattress that can help your aches, pains, and overall well-being. And while these mattresses can be quite expensive, there are ways to reduce your costs if you’re a senior.
Medicare may be able to pay for as much as 80-percent of your mattress. To take advantage of this coverage, you’ll need to make sure you meet the necessary requirements. Your doctor must prescribe you a certain type of mattress, and it must qualify as DME. Make sure to talk with your doctor if you’re looking for a mattress covered under Medicare.
Additionally, you’ll want to search around for the right mattress before buying. You’ll need to purchase your mattress from a Medicare supplier, or a retailer that’s approved by Medicare. The best way to make your search simple is to shop online. Look for pressure-reducing mattresses, and then check to see if they can qualify for your Medicare coverage. Doing this research can help you pay the least amount possible.
