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Hospital bed air mattresses, often referred to as alternating pressure mattresses or pressure-relieving mattresses, are specially designed to prevent and treat pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores. Here's how they work to help prevent these painful sores:

1. Alternating Pressure: As the name suggests, an alternating pressure mattress continually inflates and deflates air cells in the mattress in a patterned way. This periodic shift in pressure ensures that no single part of the body is bearing weight for an extended period, thus reducing the risk of skin breakdown due to constant pressure.

2. Pressure Redistribution: These mattresses are designed to evenly distribute the patient's weight across its surface. This means that pressure points like the heels, hips, and tailbone, which are especially prone to developing sores, are protected from prolonged, excessive pressure.

3. Reduced Friction and Shear: The surface of an air mattress is designed to minimize friction when a patient moves or is repositioned. This helps in preventing skin tearing or injuries, which can be a precursor to bed sores.

4. Microclimate Control: Some advanced air mattresses have features that control the moisture and temperature at the skin's surface. Keeping the skin dry and at an optimal temperature reduces the risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulcer formation.

5. Low Air Loss Technology: Some air mattresses have a "low air loss" feature where tiny holes in the air cells allow air to escape, creating a flow of air that helps to keep the skin dry.

6. Customization: Many hospital air mattresses allow caregivers to adjust settings based on the patient’s weight, size, and needs. This ensures that each patient gets the right amount of support and pressure relief.

7. Rapid Deflation: In emergencies, it's vital that a patient can be moved swiftly from a bed. Some air mattresses feature quick deflation capabilities to make this easier.

It's important to note, however, that while these mattresses play a significant role in preventing bed sores, they're just one part of a comprehensive care strategy. Regularly turning and repositioning patients (or using a lateral rotation mattress) providing proper nutrition, ensuring skin hygiene, and assessing skin integrity frequently are also crucial in preventing and treating pressure ulcers.