EP1086681A1 - Adjustable low-pressure air mattress - Google Patents

Abstract

The mattress (3), containing a series of tubes (34) which can be inflated alternately, simultaneously or to a variable pressure, has the tubes incorporated individually or in groups in one or more inserts (31) designed to be fitted detachably into cavities (30) in the surface of the mattress. The mattress itself can be inflatable, shaped to leave one or more cavities in its surface after inflation, made from a block of synthetic foam with a removable protective cover, or from two layers of foam (32, 33) with different properties, the upper one being agreeable to the touch.

Description

The subject of the present invention is a mattress device adjustable low pressure, used in particular to prevent pressure ulcer formation.

A pressure ulcer consists of a necrosis of the skin resulting from a lack of blood supply, it often develops in people who have to stay in bed for a long time because the pressure that the weight of the body exerts can generate, at points individuals, an interruption in blood circulation.

We already know mattresses to improve the comfort of patient at certain points on the mattress. This is the case with the mattress proposed in document EP 0 046 008, which includes a cavity in which is placed an insert which includes a base inflatable whose upper face has reliefs adapted to support a human body, and that is covered with a blanket defining with it a space into which a gas is blown under pressure so that even if said coverage is perforated to allow the escape of said gas from above, the pressure of it remains slightly higher than that of the inflatable base.

If the mattress covered by this document increases the comfort of the patient, it does not prevent the formation since it is static.

This is also the case for the mattress device which is the subject of the WO 00 18275, which consists of a mattress system with multiple modules, allowing, in a double bed, to each user to customize their bed side, and increase the longevity of the bed, due to interchangeability elements composing this one, which elements can be tubular elements inflated to a given pressure.

To overcome the disadvantage of mattresses of the type of those mentioned above, mattress devices or the like have been proposed which have dynamic qualities that actually allow to prevent bedridden people from developing bedsores. This is achieved by creating a movement at the surface of the mattress by means of a circulation of a fluid, this which somehow generates a massage for the patient.

There are different types of these mattress devices, the more effective are those with inflatable cells extending transversely, distributed longitudinally, and that it is possible, by means of an inflation means, to inflate alternately or simultaneously, at a variable pressure, so as to create a movement on the surface of the mattress such as vague for example.

Cell swelling can be done with water, but preferably, air is used, the transport of which is more easily controllable and has reaction times shorter.

Generally, such a mattress consists of a succession inflatable cells welded together or held by a envelope, the whole being covered with a material cover flexible textile.

For some of these devices, all cells communicate with each other, they can even consist of a inflatable tube arranged in a serpentine. Such devices are of limited use and effectiveness, since they do not not allow you to vary the pressure differently at different points.

On other mattress devices, it is proposed to separate the cells in several zones, in order to be able to supply them with independently, and thus offer more movements varied.

We also know mattress devices of the type of that described in document EP 0 445 539, which consists of a mattress for use by patients suffering from pressure sores and / or incontinence, comprising on at least one face, at least one region where the consistency of the mattress can be changed. In this Indeed, the mattress has at least one cavity capable of receiving an insert, which can consist of a multiplicity of inflatable chambers individually and at will by means of a fluid.

This mattress device, like most, has disadvantages, particularly in terms of maintenance. In effect, the cells are directly exposed to dirt and soiling, since only protected by the cover. Gold, despite the fact that these cells are generally designed to being able to be washed or even sterilized, this remains a operation not very easy, and restrictive.

In addition, known mattress devices are generally suitable for a medium-sized person, which presents disadvantages for tall and short people.

In addition, patients do not always stay in bed, they can also take a semi-recumbent position, on a chair for example, which can also promote development of bedsores. However, we know armchairs covered with an adjustable low pressure mattress device, whose functioning is analogous to those used on a bed, however, it is difficult, for obvious cost reasons, to provide a single bed and a chair each equipped with a mattress device as described previously.

The object of the present invention is to propose a device for adjustable low pressure mattress, used in particular to prevent the formation of pressure sores, making it possible to remedy the various aforementioned drawbacks.

The adjustable low pressure mattress device used in particular to prevent the formation of pressure sores, the subject of the present invention is of the type comprising several cells inflatable alternately, simultaneously or by pressure variable, and it is essentially characterized in that said cells are incorporated, individually and / or grouped, in at least one insert intended to be placed, so removable, in at least one excavation made in one face of the mattress.

The mattress device according to the invention can comprise either several inserts incorporating one or more cells inflatable and taking place in excavations made in the mattress in specific locations, i.e. a single insert incorporating several inflatable cells divided into groups so as to correspond to specific locations.

According to an additional characteristic of the device according to the invention, the mattress consists of a block of foam synthetic covered with a removable protective cover.

According to another additional characteristic of the device according to the invention, each insert consists of a block of foam synthetic material which can be covered with a cover removable protection, and in which at least one housing intended to accommodate at least one inflatable cell.

According to another additional characteristic of the device according to the invention, the mattress and the insert are produced by superposition of two layers of synthetic foam different characteristics so that the top layer be pleasant to the touch.

According to a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, it comprises several inserts, at least two of which, of equal dimensions and where the inflatable cells are arranged differently, are interchangeable.

Two inserts of the mattress device according to the invention, the two extreme inserts for example, can thus present the same dimensional characteristics, however cells inflatables can be distributed differently, so that a swapping positions can change locations specific to be treated. This advantageously makes it possible to adapt the mattress device according to the invention for the size of the patient.

Advantageously, at least one of the inserts of the first embodiment is connected to the air compressor independently of the other inserts, so that it can be used as a cushion.

According to a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, it comprises an insert which incorporates at least two groups of inflatable cells, and that is reversible in the sense of length.

According to an additional characteristic of the second mode of embodiment of the device according to the invention, the insert comprises two groups unequal in number of inflatable cells, the group the largest number of inflatable cells is intended for take place under the patient's pelvis, while the group smaller number of inflatable cells is intended for take place under the feet or under the head of said patient, according to the orientation given to said insert.

According to another additional characteristic of the device according to the invention, the thickness of the insert decreases to from the end of the largest group in number of inflatable cells up to its end with the other group of inflatable cells.

Advantageously, the insert of the second embodiment of the device according to the invention, is provided, on the side of the group of smaller number of inflatable cells, means of attachment in the back of an armchair.

The advantages and characteristics of the device according to the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which follows and which relates to the attached drawing, which represents several nonlimiting embodiments.

• la figure 1 représente une vue schématique en plan d'un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif de matelas selon l'invention
• la figure 2 représente une vue schématique en coupe selon un plan longitudinal médian du même dispositif.
• la figure 3 représente une vue schématique en coupe selon un plan longitudinal médian d'une variante du même dispositif.
• la figure 4 représente une vue schématique en coupe selon un plan longitudinal médian du même dispositif de matelas dans une configuration différente d'utilisation.
• la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe selon un plan longitudinal médian d'un second mode de réalisation du dispositif de matelas selon l'invention.
• la figure 6 représente une vue en coupe d'une variante d'une partie du même dispositif.
• la figure 7 représente une vue schématique en perspective et en éclaté du même second mode de réalisation du dispositif de matelas selon l'invention.
• la figure 8 représente une vue schématique et en perspective d'une partie du même second mode de réalisation du dispositif de matelas selon l'invention.

In the attached drawing:

• Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the mattress device according to the invention
• 2 shows a schematic sectional view along a median longitudinal plane of the same device.
• 3 shows a schematic sectional view along a median longitudinal plane of a variant of the same device.
• 4 shows a schematic sectional view along a median longitudinal plane of the same mattress device in a different configuration of use.
• Figure 5 shows a sectional view along a median longitudinal plane of a second embodiment of the mattress device according to the invention.
• Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a variant of a part of the same device.
• FIG. 7 represents a schematic perspective and exploded view of the same second embodiment of the mattress device according to the invention.
• FIG. 8 represents a schematic perspective view of part of the same second embodiment of the mattress device according to the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that according to a first embodiment, a low mattress device adjustable pressure, used in particular to prevent formation pressure ulcers according to the invention is in the form of a block 1 of a flexible but relatively firm material such as foam of synthetic material, in which are practiced excavations 10, 11 and 12 where inserts are housed, respectively 13, 14 and 15, which incorporate each of the inflatable cells 16 elongated and arranged parallel next to each other others, which are linked, independently or not, to an air compressor, not shown.

It will be noted that the mattress device according to the invention is, in use, covered with a removable cover, not shown.

It should also be noted that, in a variant of embodiment not shown, block 1 may consist of a inflatable mattress which, after inflation, leaves one or more several lights suitable for receiving the inserts. Such a mattress has advantages in terms of cleaning and storage.

As can be seen in Figure 2, excavations 10, 11 and 12 are made in the underside of block 1, so that the inserts 13, 14 and 15 are introduced therein from below, and also that block 1 is made up of two layers 17 and 18 of different materials, in this case foams synthetics which can be joined by gluing. The upper layer 17 is thin compared to the lower layer 18, these layers can both be made of the same material such as polyurethane foam polyether base, with a difference in treatment for the upper layer 17, so that it is pleasant to the contact, even through the protective cover.

Note that in the embodiment shown, the excavations 10, 11 and 12 are carried out throughout the thickness of the lower layer 18 so that the inserts 13, 14 and 15 come directly into contact with the upper layer However, it is possible that part of the lower layer 18 between the inserts 13, 14 and 15 and the layer upper 17.

Inserts 13, 14 and 15 consist of blocks made in a material preferably identical to that of which the block is made 1, and in which are housed for cells 16 which consist of waterproof envelopes, such as tubes or sheaths, which can be identical to those used on current devices.

By the swelling and / or deflation of the cells 16 in alternating or simultaneously according to predefined sequences, we creates on the surface of the mattress an assimilable movement by the patient at a massage. The swelling and deflation of 16 cells is provided by the air compressor, which itself is controlled by a processor which can optionally be programmed to take into account the patient's condition and / or weight.

Advantageously, the mattress device according to the invention is easy maintenance, since the inserts 13, 14 and 15 are protected in block 1. In addition, it is also possible that each of the inserts 13, 14 and 15 is wrapped in a protective cover.

Referring now to Figure 3, we can see that, according to a variant of the first embodiment of the mattress according to the invention, the latter comprises a block 2 consisting of the joining by bonding of two layers 27 and 28 foam of synthetic material, and in which are practiced three excavations 20, 21 and 22 intended to accommodate inserts 23, 24 and 25 respectively which incorporate each of the cells inflatable 26, the excavations 20, 21 and 22 being carried out in the upper face of block 2, the inserts 23, 24 and 25 being there therefore introduced from above.

Inserts 23, 24 and 25, which are preferably wrapped each in a protective cover, not shown, are made of a block of material identical to that of the layer lower 28, covered with a layer of material identical to that of the upper layer 27, so as to produce a continuity when the inserts 23, 24 and 25 are housed in the excavations 20, 21 and 22 respectively.

Of course, in this variant, the whole of block 2 is also wrapped in a protective cover.

It will be noted that at least one of the inserts 23, 24 and 25, can be detached from the assembly so that it can be connected so independent of the compressor, and serve as a cushion on a chair or similar.

Referring now to Figure 4, we can see the same block 2 for which the extreme inserts 23 and 25 have been reversed, that is to say that they were placed in the excavations 22 and 20 respectively.

However, the cells 26 of the inserts 23 and 25 are not regularly distributed, they are grouped on one side, and not the same according to the insert considered. Also, the inversion of the inserts 23 and 25 allows to modify the dimensional characteristics of the active part of the mattress device, which is the most small in Figure 3 and the largest in Figure 4.

It would be possible to obtain the same result by returning the inserts 23 and 25, however, there would be the problem of passage of air supplies, not shown, which are connected to them laterally.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 7, we can see according to a second embodiment, that a mattress device according to the invention comprises a block 3 in the upper face of which an excavation 30 is carried out where an insert 31 is housed, the block 3 and the insert 31 also being made up of the superimposition of two layers of different materials, the occurrence of an upper layer 32 and a lower layer 33, both of a polyether based polyurethane foam, that of the upper layer 32 being treated to be pleasant to the touch, even through a protective cover.

The insert 31 contains inflatable cells 34 distributed in two groups 35 and 36 of a different number of cells inflatable 34. Thus, in this embodiment, group 35 consists of six inflatable cells 34 while the group 36 consists of three inflatable cells 34.

Furthermore, the excavation 30 represents in length approximately the two-thirds of block 3, and is shifted to one side, so that when insert 31 is introduced, group 35 occupies substantially the central region of the block, that intended for support the patient's pelvis. Also, depending on the orientation of the block 3 on the bed, group 36 of inflatable cells 34 is intended to support the patient's head or feet.

Note that the insert 31 can be introduced into the excavation 30 under the protective cover of block 3 or above it.

Referring to Figure 6, we can see according to a variant that the thickness of the insert 31 gradually decreases to from the last inflatable cell 34 in group 35, to the end of the insert 31 on the side of the group 36. This characteristic allows, when group 36 is intended to support the feet of the patient, a discharge progressive physio-anatomic of the lower limbs of the patient, going from the popliteal hollow to the retro-achilean parts.

Referring now to Figure 8, we can see that the insert 31 can be used as a mattress for an armchair, not shown, in this case it is divided into two parts, one part 37 which incorporates group 35 of cells 34 and which constitutes the seat, and a part 38 which incorporates group 36 of cells 34 which serves to support the patient's head and the area devoid of cells against which the back rests. We note that the part 38 includes means 39 for fixing to the armchair, such as straps.

In this configuration, the variation in thickness of the insert 31, in this case of its part 38, makes it possible to discharge gradually the patient's trunk, from the lumbar to the shoulder blades.

In a variant, not shown, the different inserts each consist of a strip of fabric or the like, possibly waterproofed, on one side of which are joined transversely to the longitudinal envelopes each intended to receive an inflatable cell. After removal of cells, tissue band or the like may be easily washed and folded and stored.

This variant is particularly suitable for be associated with an inflatable mattress, the set consisting then in an inflatable surrounding, a peripheral tube by example, in the center of which is placed the strip of fabric provided of its transverse envelopes containing the cells inflatable, which are of course the same thickness as the entourage.

The mattress device according to the invention offers numerous advantages over existing devices. Besides the easy cleaning of both the mattress and the elements inflatable cells, modularity and the reversibility of the elements that compose it give the device according to the invention great versatility of use.

Claims (13)

Adjustable low pressure mattress device used in particular to prevent the formation of pressure sores, of the type comprising several alternately inflatable cells, simultaneously or at variable pressure, characterized in that said cells (16; 26; 34) are incorporated, individually and / or grouped, in at least one insert (13, 14, 15; 23, 24, 25; 31) intended to be removably placed, in at least one excavation (10, 11, 12; 20, 21, 22; 30) practiced in one side of the mattress (1; 2; 3). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mattress consists of an inflatable mattress which, after inflation, leaves one or more lights capable of receiving the inserts. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mattress consists of a block (1; 2; 3) of synthetic foam covered with a removable protective cover. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that each insert consists of a strip of fabric or the like on one side of which are joined transversely to the longitudinal envelopes each intended to receive an inflatable cell. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each insert (13, 14, 15; 23, 24, 25; 31) consists of a block of synthetic foam capable of being covered with a removable protective cover, and in which is practiced at least one housing intended to accommodate at least an inflatable cell (16; 26; 34). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the mattress (1; 2; 3) and the insert (13, 14, 15; 23, 24, 25; 31) are made by superimposing two layers (17, 18; 27, 28; 32, 33) synthetic foams with different characteristics in so that the upper layer (17; 27; 32) is pleasant to the contact. Device according to any one of claims 3, 5 or 6, characterized in that the synthetic foams consist of polyether based polyurethane foams. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that it has several inserts (13, 14, 15; 23, 24, 25) of which at least two, of dimensions equal and where the inflatable cells (16; 26) are arranged differently, are interchangeable. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that at least one of the inserts (13, 14, 15; 23, 24, 25) is connected to the air compressor independently of the other inserts. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an insert (31) which incorporates into the at least two groups (35, 36) of inflatable cells (34), and which is reversible lengthwise. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the insert comprises two groups (35, 36) unequal in number of inflatable cells (34), the largest group (35) inflatable cells (34) is intended to take place under the patient's pelvis, while the smallest group (36) number of inflatable cells (34) is intended to take place under the feet or under the head of said patient, according to the orientation given to said insert (31). Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the thickness of the insert (31) decreases from the end of group (35) largest in number of cells inflatable (34) to its end comprising the other group (36) inflatable cells (34). Device according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the insert (31) is provided with means (39) for fixing to the back of a chair.

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