Span America PressureGuard APM Air Therapy Mattress
Model: PressureGuard APM Mattress Series (3 sizes)
Availability: In Stock – Ready to Ship
A Straightforward Alternating Pressure Air and Foam Mattress for Standard Hospital Beds
The Span America PressureGuard APM is a 7-inch powered alternating pressure mattress that combines air and foam. Air cylinders running head to foot sit inside a foam shell beneath a Geo-Matt segmented top of more than 800 individually articulating cells. The 5500 standard control unit runs the surface in one of two modes: Alternate, which inflates and deflates the cylinders on a timed cycle so the areas carrying the user’s weight change over time, or Float, which holds a steady surface. A comfort dial adjusts firmness, and a light shows if pressure drops low.
A two-part Safety Edge bolster system gives a steadier edge for sitting and transfers, a tapered heel slope sits at the foot, and the design adds support in the seat area when the head of the bed is raised. The cover is bacteriostatic, fluid-proof, fire-resistant and tear-resistant, cleanable and replaceable. The mattress weighs about 20 lbs and the control unit about 5.25 lbs. It is rated to 350 lbs and comes in 75, 80 and 84-inch lengths, all 35 inches wide, each with the 5500 control unit.
Key Features
- Alternate and Float modes
- Comfort dial — adjusts firmness
- Low-pressure indicator light
- Head-to-foot air cylinders in a foam shell — under a Geo-Matt segmented top
- Two-part Safety Edge bolsters — steadier edge for sitting and transfers
- Heel slope and added seat support
- Bacteriostatic, fluid-proof, replaceable cover
- 350 lb weight capacity — 7″ high, about 20 lbs
- Three lengths — 75, 80 or 84″; 35″ wide
- Includes 5500 standard control unit
- 18-month warranty — non-prorated
Available Add-Ons
- Spare standard control unit (5500) — a replacement or backup unit for an existing PressureGuard APM mattress.
Need help with setup? White glove setup is available if needed. See our White Glove Setup Service.
Equipment Specialist Insight: The APM is the simplest of the PressureGuard powered mattresses: alternating pressure or float, set with one comfort dial. If the user needs lateral rotation, a digital control unit with Auto Firm, or audible alarms, look at the APM2 Deluxe instead. Measure the bed deck and choose the length that fills it; all sizes are 35″ wide. Hang the control unit at the foot of the bed and plug it directly into a wall outlet. A clinician should confirm the surface suits the user.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Span America |
| Model | PressureGuard APM |
| 5175-29 | 75″ L × 35″ W × 7″ H |
| 5180-29 | 80″ L × 35″ W × 7″ H |
| 5184-29 | 84″ L × 35″ W × 7″ H |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Height | 7″ |
| Mattress Weight | About 20 lbs |
| Therapy | Alternating pressure; Float |
| Controls | Comfort dial; low-pressure indicator light |
| Construction | Head-to-foot air cylinders in a foam shell; Geo-Matt segmented top (800+ cells); two-part Safety Edge bolsters; heel slope |
| Cover | Bacteriostatic, fluid-proof, fire-resistant, tear-resistant, cleanable, replaceable |
| Control Unit (5500) | Standard; about 5.25 lbs; UL listed |
| Included | Mattress and 5500 standard control unit |
| Flammability | NFPA 101; ASTM E1590; Cal TB 117; 16 CFR 1632 and 1633 |
| HCPCS | E0277 |
| Warranty | 18 months, non-prorated |
Frequently Asked Questions
What modes does it have?
Alternate, which cycles the air cylinders so the areas carrying weight change over time, and Float, which holds a steady surface. A comfort dial sets firmness.
How is it different from the APM2 Deluxe?
The APM uses a standard control unit with alternating pressure and float. The APM2 Deluxe adds lateral rotation, a digital control unit with Auto Firm, and audible alarms.
What is included?
Each size includes the mattress and the 5500 standard control unit. A spare control unit is available as an add-on on this page.
What weight capacity does it have?
350 lbs on all three sizes.
Can I return it if it isn’t right?
No. For hygiene reasons this mattress system is final sale and cannot be returned, exchanged or refunded once it has shipped. Please check the size, weight rating and therapy placement before ordering, and ask us if you are unsure.
Please note: this item is final sale. For hygiene reasons, mattress systems cannot be returned, exchanged or refunded once they have shipped, and this includes mattresses that have been unpacked, set up or tried. Please confirm the bed deck size, weight rating and any therapy placement before ordering.
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer and vendor documentation and are subject to change without notice. Verify current details before purchase. Information on this page is for general reference only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Powered support surfaces should be selected with a healthcare provider and set up and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including bed rail guidance.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65): This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
