Short answer
Sleep Sanitation doesn't service powered air, low-air-loss or alternating-pressure mattresses. They have air cells, hoses and a pump, and the manufacturer or equipment supplier sets how they're cleaned. Follow the maker's instructions, usually wiping the cover with an approved product, and call the supplier if the cover is damaged or fluid got inside.
Key terms used on this page
- Alternating-pressure mattress:
- A powered mattress whose air cells inflate and deflate in turns to shift pressure. Sleep Sanitation doesn't service these.
- Instructions for use (IFU):
- The manufacturer's cleaning and care instructions for a medical mattress or cover.
We don't service powered air, low-air-loss or alternating-pressure mattresses. Saying so up front saves everyone a wasted visit. These are medical support surfaces with air cells, hoses and an electric pump, and their makers set the cleaning method.
General information about mattress care, not medical advice. For health questions, talk with the person's doctor or care team.
Why we don't
- They're powered devices. An alternating-pressure mattress inflates and deflates cells on a cycle. Steam near a pump, hoses or connectors isn't something we'll do.
- The maker sets the method. The FDA tells caregivers to clean medical mattress covers "according to the manufacturer's guidelines." Those guidelines are written for the specific cover materials.
- Many are rentals. The supplier owns it and usually has its own cleaning and replacement process.
What to do instead
- Read the label or instructions for use. Most call for wiping the cover with an approved product and letting it dry.
- Inspect the cover the way the FDA recommends: look for cuts, pinholes, cracks and stains, inside and out.
- If urine or other fluid got inside, call the supplier. The UK regulator advises that contaminated cores be decontaminated per the maker's instructions or disposed of.
- Keep a washable pad on top to reduce how often the cover needs cleaning.
What we can still do
If the home has other mattresses, or a regular mattress that goes back into use after the air system is returned, we can clean those. See cleaning a hospital-bed mattress for vinyl and coated non-powered mattresses, which we do service.
Sleep Sanitation's view
This section is our view. Call or text (402) 512-5658, or email info@sleepsanitation.com, if you're not sure which type you have. Reading us the label is usually enough to tell.
Changelog
- 14 October 2026: First published. Sources accessed on this date.
Sources
- Covers for Hospital Bed Mattresses: Learn How to Keep Them Safe · US Food and Drug Administration
- All types of bed mattresses: contamination through damaged mattresses or covers (MDA/2010/002) · GOV.UK, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Last reviewed October 14, 2026. Manufacturer specifications and care instructions change; check the current version for your exact model. This page is general information, not medical advice. How we source and check pages: editorial standards.