This product is designed for someone who is bed ridden and to help reduce or prevent bed sores. I am a cancer patient and even though I am not currently bed ridden, I am struggling with extreme discomfort at night due to spine and rib metastasis from the cancer. After using this product on my regular bed I have to say that this has truly been an exceptional product to have to reduce stress and pressure along my spine and I have been sleeping so much better. I have stage IV breast cancer so my care is long term and my symptoms and care will have me in bed occasionally for long periods of time. This is definitely going to come in handy.
It also works really well on a regular bed and that's how mine is being used right now. I don't have any trouble with slippage of the mattress because of the type of sheets I use. It has long flaps on both ends of the mattress that you simply tuck in for extra security. You will need to place something underneath this to keep it from slipping about on a plastic mattress which is what we usually find on hospital beds. Any type of slip proof cloth or mat will work.
The other thing I really love about this product is that it is very portable. I took this with me when I went to visit my daughter to keep me comfortable on the hotel bed. For my occasional stays in the hospital... this is going with me! I hate hospital beds and this will help make the stay more comfortable.
It takes about 10-15 minutes for this to fully inflate. The pump is very, very quiet and gentle. The only noise it makes is when it's adjusting pressure and it sounds a bit like a ticking clock. It is not loud and annoying but very subtle. As the mattress is adjusting it produces a gentle vibration that is very relaxing and it helps me relax my tense muscles and ease the tension around my spine. It is very stimulating and I can see how this would be very beneficial for someone who is in bed all of the time.
I love this product and would definitely recommend.