Here I’ve gathered the questions I hear most often from parents and facilities. If yours isn’t here, get in touch through the form on the website.
Who the mattress is for
Which children is the SECURASleep mattress for?
For children with neurological conditions for whom maintaining a planned position at night matters. Most often these are children at risk of hip subluxation or dislocation, with confirmed hip displacement, before or after hip surgery, and children with high muscle tone who spend most of the night in one asymmetrical position.
Is the mattress suitable after hip surgery?
Yes, this is one of the most common situations. After surgery, the version for lying on the back is chosen most often. I always match the positioning to the operating surgeon’s recommendations. I write more about the post-operative period in the article on hip surgery.
Is the mattress only for children with cerebral palsy?
No. Hip displacement also occurs in children with other neurological conditions, such as SMA or spina bifida. The mechanisms and needs can be different, so I assess each situation individually. More in the article on hips beyond CP.
The process
Where do I start?
With the form on the website. It’s also worth reading the information and watching the short video about the mattress – they answer many questions. Then I get in touch and we arrange a consultation.
What documents should I prepare?
Your child’s full medical records, including hip X-ray results (not ultrasound). Recommendations from the orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist are also helpful. I explain how to read X-ray results in the article on the Reimers migration percentage.
Where does measuring take place?
At hemiLAB, at the patient’s home or at a partner facility. We agree on the place together.
What versions of the mattress are there?
- back – most often chosen after hip surgery
- side
- full – back plus left and right side
The choice depends on the orthopaedic surgeon’s recommendations, muscle tone, the pattern of asymmetry and how your child tolerates each position.
Can my child change position at night?
Yes, if the version allows it. The full version allows lying on the back and on both sides. However, your child won’t turn over on their own – they need to be turned. Clinical guidance suggests a child shouldn’t stay in one position for too long, so being able to change position matters. More in the article on sleep positioning.
Can the mattress be built into my child’s bed?
Yes, into beds up to 90 cm wide. In that case, only travel is charged.
I describe the whole process step by step in the article on measuring and fitting.
Cost and turnaround
How much does the mattress cost?
The price depends on the version. Personalisation and small modifications are included. Travel to the patient and shipping are priced separately.
Is the mattress reimbursed by the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ)?
No. The mattress is not currently a medical device and is not reimbursed by the NFZ.
How long does it take?
It usually takes up to 10 days. I give the exact date when you order.
What happens when my child grows?
The mattress lasts a long time. If your child isn’t growing quickly, even up to a year. Over time it may need adjusting – I agree the scope and cost of such changes individually.
What to expect
Will the mattress prevent hip dislocation?
I can’t promise that. No honest clinician can. Scientific evidence for night-time positioning is limited, and every child is different. The mattress can help maintain a planned position at night, but it doesn’t replace regular orthopaedic check-ups, X-rays or treatment. More about what the research says in the article on night-time positioning.
Will my child sleep better?
I can’t promise that either. For some children, a stable, comfortable position helps them sleep more peacefully; for others, getting used to it takes longer. That’s why the mattress is best introduced gradually while watching how your child responds.
Will my child accept the mattress?
It’s impossible to predict in advance. The mattress is a new situation for the child and the family. Gradual introduction helps, and if something isn’t working, a small adjustment is often enough.
What should I watch for in the first weeks?
Sleep, skin (especially at the points of highest pressure), breathing and whether your child overheats. If anything worries you, let me know.
For facilities
How can a facility start working with SECURASleep?
With a presentation. I bring catalogues and run a short training session for your team. After that, the facility can manage the process with its own patients.
Can a facility take measurements itself?
Yes. I provide a measuring kit available to facilities only.
This information is general. The decision about night-time positioning is best made together with an orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist, based on a full clinical assessment of the child.