WO2001037774A1

WO2001037774A1 - Combination mattress

Info

Publication number: WO2001037774A1
Application number: PCT/SE2000/002290
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bengt Petersson
Original assignee: Air Comfort International Ab
Priority date: 1999-11-22
Filing date: 2000-11-21
Publication date: 2001-05-31
Also published as: SE517088C2; SE9904196L; SE9904196D0; AU1653401A; EP1242031A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a combination mattress (16), which consists of a cover with mattresses (6, 7) capable of being accommodated therein, with one mattress (6) placed above the other mattress (7). The lower mattress (7) is air-filled and provided with a number of transcurrent ventilation holes, whereas the upper mattress (6) is stuffed with porous fibres which slide easily against one another and exhibits a number of transverse seams (11). The upper mattress (6) has a cover made of elastic stretch fabric. The mattress (16) is provided with transverse straps (8) for securing a patient lying on the mattress (16), and draw straps (5) for the evacuation of the patient lying on the mattress (16) are attached to the mattress (16).

Description

Combination mattress

The present invention relates to a combination mattress, which consists of a cover with mattresses capable of being accommodated therein, and with one mattress placed above the other mattress.

P PSLU G sores occu for fou reasons

Direct pressure against the different layers of skin of the body.

_ Shear forces - where the different layers of skin are caused to rub against one another and against the bone structure inside the body. This causes smaller blood vessels to rupture and leads to haemorrhage, which is the start of a pressure sore. Warmth. It is naturally always warmer under the body in the area next to the mattress. An increase in temperature of 1°C will produce an increase of around 10' in the metabolic rate. This causes the energy that is used up to create more warmth. The result is an unfavourable spiral, in which the warmth increases further and a higher blood flow is required in order to cool the body.

Moisture. The warmth causes the body to give off moisture. This moisture loosens up the skin and makes it more fragile, and damage can occur more easily to the different layers of skin. To achieve optimal bed comfort and avoid pressure sores, it is necessary to overcome all four problems simultaneously.

Most mattresses are only capable of dealing with one of these four reasons for pressure sores, and more often than not this involves onlv the distribution of pressure. Various types of care mattress, of more of less complex design, are available on the market. In all cases these are fc-eset by various shortcomings, such as disturbing noise and movements in the mattress, high cost, maintenance difficulties, absence of through-ventilation or anti-shear force effects and lack of an evacuation arrangement. The mattresses also require pumping arrangements in order to displace the pressure points successively, and the mattresses are very often net user-friendly. These significant shortcomings often result in bedsores and discomfort for the patient and a longer period in care.

make available a significantly better overall function at a low price and with superior pressure equalization for all parts of the body which rest on the mattress. Additional features include the removal of moisture and warmth from the body with through-ventilation, the anti-shear force effect of the mattress and the possibility of evacuation.

The aforementioned object is achieved by means of a combination mattress in accordance witn tne present invention, which is characterized essentially in that the lower mattress is air-filled and provided with a number of transcurrent ventilation holes; the upper mattress is stuffed with porous fibres w^ic^ ^ς^^ϊ^Ho ea^i1 ^-^ i_{^ ^}^ ^ ^_^ ^^hsr _^^^ e^ ibi^s a n¹¹mb^ ' ^ transverse seams; the upper mattress has a cover made of elastic stretch fabric; uc

is prcvioeo v»i_.n transverse ε<_raρ≤ _cr securing a patient lying on the mattress, and draw straps for the evacuation of the patient lying on the mattress are attached to the mattress.

The present invention thus forms a care mattress, known as an antidecubitus mattress, which has pressure— equalizing features, is through-ventilated and has an anti- shear force effect and an evacuation arrangement for the evacuation of a patient lying on the mattress, for example m the event of fire.

The invention is described below as a number of preferred illustrative embodiments, m conjunction with which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, m which

Fig. 1 shows a combination mattress m an embodiment m accordance with the present invention viewed at an angle from above and m partial section; Fig. 2 shoes the upper of the two mattresses m its extenαed position;

F g. 3 shows the lower of the two mattresses, similarly m its extended position;

Fig. 4 shows the combination mattress with a person lying on it m a strapped-on position ready for evacuation; and

Fig. 5 shows lines for the supply of a desired gas to the mattress.

The invention thus comprises: Ά fiore mattress with an elastic fabric cover foi good airflow and with transverse seams which create channels, each with a dimension of approximately 40 cm, to minimize shear forces. The content consists of silicomzed hollovv fipres aαe of polyester fibres to ensure the best effect of fIβ -it iit" and pliabilit ⁷ as ell as a good airflow.

The three-part air mattress is divided into three layers of soft, pliable and strong polyurethane with an integral self-closing valve system. The mattress provides verji effective pressure distribution through a unique weig t distribution system. Each chamber is filled with air as required. More than lυO through-ventilated holes m the air mattress ensure a flow of air through the entire mattress, tnereoy reducing tne warmtn ana numidity unαer tne body of a person lying on the mattress. The mattress is easily inflated witn a hand pump. The mattress has a textile cover.

This combined mattress is constructed in such a way as to avoid shear forces, i.e. the displacement of body tissue with the associated risk of pressure sores, and is ready for use for the evacuation of a patient with three double safety straps for the patient and two draw straps with handles for the carer.

The combination mattress 16 in the embodiment in accordance with the present invention shown in Fig. 1, viewed from the top and from the side in partial section, is formed by a textile cover 21 with stretch fabric 1 on the upper side of the cover and with fabric 2 without a stretch function on its under side and side edges all the way round, and with two enclosed mattresses 6, 7 accommodated therein. The upper mattress 6, which is positioned on top of the lower mattress 7, has a cover made of an elastic stretch fabric 9 and a filling which consists of porous fibres 10 which slide easily against one other, for example siliconized fibres in the form of polyester fibres, and exhibits a number of transverse seams 11.

The lower mattress 3 accommodated in the cover 21 consists of an air-filled mattress and is provided with a number of vertically extending transcurrent ventilation holes 13. The combination ma tress 13 is provided with transverse straps 8, which are attached to the cover 21 and are intended for securing a patient 22 lying on the aforementioned combination mattress 16 or some other person ji_om it S wisneo. to secure _.c

a_-θrerιer_ ioned maturess ___'_^■ for evacuation with the help of draw straps 5, which are provided with handles 25 at their outer ends and are attached to the mattress 16 at handles 4 sewn onto the respective short sides 25, 24 of the cover.

Fig. 2 shows the upper enclosed mattress 6, which has an upper covering 9 of elastic stretch fabric and a filling 10 of fibres capable of sliding freely against one another, for example siliconized fibres made of polyester -ibϋ s, a o. ≤ oivioeo IDLO a number o_. sec ions __u— _.U having a width of approximately 40 cm. Each section 20-20 is subdivided by transverse seams 11, and the fibres 10 capable of sliding freely against one another used in the filling permit tne patient to oe turned easily without causing shear force injuries to the patient. Thanks to the stretch fabric 9 and the air-permeable cover of the mattress and its porous fibres 10, the warmth of the body and the humidity can be transported away, including via the ventilation holes 13 of

Fig. 3 shows the underlying mattress 7, which is formed from three individual air-filled sections 30, 30 , 30 , which are joined together and divided by transverse welded seams 14. This lower mattress 7 is provided v.ith approximately one hundred transcurrent ventilation holes 13, which are produced by welding and perforation. The ventilation holes 13 are diagonally distributed, and elasticity is achieved in this way thanes to this pattern system when the mattress ^~i is inflated with air. In order to achieve a maximum pressure equalization effect, the sections must be inflated to 75 of their maximum volume.

Fig. 4 shows the mattress ID with a patient 22 l^τ7inc^f o¹^ i-*- s^_f-r ^ⁱ^ed secoreA^~ ir place i^h the six transverse straps 8 arranged in pairs, and with a person 40 pulling on the draw straps 5 when the need for evacuation arises. Evacuation can be performed in a satisfactory manner }' ci 6-_ϊ_g__e peiecn, mc_-ua_.ng GV_ eps, ι ι example oo n a stairway.

The antidecubitus mattress, which exhibits an antidecubitus effect and is provided with an evacuation arrangement in combination in accordance with the invention, has, amon other thinσs, resolved all the aforementioned problems m a simple, natural and economical fashion: ¹ Pressure distribution thanks to the air-filled elastic inner core and the siliconized hollow fibres of the fibre mattress and the stretch properties of the outer fabric.

1 Shear forces are avoided thanks to the pliability of the air mattress, including m the diagonal sense, the siliconized hollow fibres m the fibre mattress and the knitted stretch fabric of the outer cover. This also means that, when the head end of the bed is raised, an air cushion is formed m front of the patient's buttocks, under the thighs, m conjunction with which both sliding down and shearing are prevented. A very comfortable seated position is obtained as a bonus effect.

The warmth is led away thanks to the ventilation of the mattress . L The moisture is similarly led away thanks to the airflow and the natural pumping mechanism.

Consideration must also be given to:

A: The safety aspect. With integral handles and straps which enable patients to be evacuated securely, rapidly, simply and safely and, at the same time, facilitate the procedure for the staff without tne risk of injury or unnecessary loads. B: Hygiene and environmental considerations. Easy to wash m the usual way. No electrical apparatus or pumps. No allergenic substances.

C: Flexibility - combination possibilities. Easy to aαapt the right air quantity/pressure to suit

individual. Make the "hand test" by introducing a hand under the mattress with the palm facing downwards. Using the knuckles, make sure that the patient is not making contact all the way through the mattress, but that there is an air space belov. the patient's pelvic region when he/she is lying on his/her back or below the iliac crest and shoulder when lying on his/her side. D: Weight. The low weight of the mattress makes it easy to handle with associated low transport costs.

The mattress is very suitable for use when there is a need for considerable pressure distribution - especially for bedridden patients with various medical conditions. It consists of non-allergenic materials, is easy to clean and has a good airflow for optimal comfort.

Means for increasing the airflow and additional oxygen for healing wounds can be connected to the mattress. Fig. 5 shows how a number of perforated hoses 50 are positioned transversely across the upper mattress 6 with _ certain distance between the hoses 50. The aforementioned perforated hoses 50 are connected to a longitudinal connection line 51 running along one of the long sides of the mattress. The aforementioned line 51 is connected to an air supply, such as a compressor with or without heating, or to an oxygen supply, which enables the outflowing air or oxygen, by directing it up towards the person on the mattress, to increase the comfort and/or accelerate the healing of oedsores or burn injuries for a person lying on the mattress. Fmally, the cover 21 is provided with a zip fastener 3 along one long side 26 of the cover and its two short sides 23, 24.

The two mattresses 6, 7 enclosed m the cover 21 exhibit identical length and identical width.

Six straps 6 with Velcro attachment devices 27, 28 at tneir outer ends are sewn securely to the sides of the cover 21.

The _n.eπtιc-i s naturally not restricted to the embodiment described aoove and illustrated in the drawings. Modifications are possible, especially with regard to the nature of the various parts, or by the use of equivalent tecnnoj-ogy, out witnout αeparting from tne protective area of the invention as defmed m the Patent Claims.

Claims

t a L. e n u o i a i m s

1. Combination mattress (16), which consists of a cover with mattresses (6, 3) capable of being accommodated therein with one mattress ( 6 ) placed above the other mattress (7 A characterized in that the lower mattress (7) is air-filled and provided with a number of transcurrent ventilation holes (13); the upper mattress (6) is stuffed with porous

a number of transverse seams (11 ; the upper mattress (6) has a cover (9) made of elastic stretch fabric; the mattress (16) is provided with transverse straps (8) for securing a patient lying on the mattress (16) , and draw straps (5) for the evacuation of the patient lying on the mattress (16) are attached to the mattress (16) .

2. Combination mattress in accordance with Patent

Claim 1 , characterized in tha t the transverse seams (11) are situated with a spacing of approximately 40 cm.

3. Combination mattress in accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 1-2, characterized in that the cover exhibits an elastic stretcn fabric on its upper side.

4. Combination mattress in accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 1-3, characterized in that the cover has four sewn-on handles (4) .

5. Combination mattress in accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 1-4, characterized in that the lower mattress (7"> exhibits three separate air-filled sections, which are joined together but divided by transverse welded seams (14) .

6. Combination mattress in accordance witn Patent Claim 5, characterized in that the air mattress has approximately one hundred diagonally arranged transcurrent ventilation holes (13).

7. Comb..nation mattress in accordance Λ th one or other of Patent Claims 1-6, characterized m that two draw straps (5; are present at one short end of the mattress.

8. Combination mattress m accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 1-7, characterized in that the cover is provided v,_.th a zip fastener (3) along one long side of the cυvex and it, short sides.

9. Combination mattress m accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 1-8, characterized in that the two mattresses (u, A enclosed in the cover exhibit identical length d ' idth.

10. Combination mattress m accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 1-9, characterized in that six straps (8) with Velcro attachments are sewn securely to the sides of the cover.

11. Combination mattress m accordance with one or other of Patent Claims 1-10, characterized in that the upper mattress A exhibits means for the supply of air and/or oxygen under the patient.