GB2161376A

GB2161376A - Self-ventilating mattress

Info

Publication number: GB2161376A
Application number: GB08515967A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eric Ooi
Original assignee: Dunlop Ltd
Current assignee: Dunlop Ltd
Priority date: 1984-07-14
Filing date: 1985-06-24
Publication date: 1986-01-15
Also published as: GB8515967D0; GB2161376B; GB8417990D0

Abstract

A self-ventilating mattress comprises two discrete support-members (10, 11) at least one of which (10) is provided with internal cavities (50, 51, 52, 53) extending substantially through its thickness. Each cavity communicates with the outer surface of the support-member by a ventilation hole (20, 21, 22, 23) of small bore compared to that of its associated cavity. The support-members can be of different degrees of resilience. Ventilation is achieved by alternate compression and relaxation of the mattress consequent upon the normal bodily movements of a sleeper. The mattress is of particular use in zones of high relative humidity (e.g. tropical and equatorial). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Self-ventilating mattress This invention relates to a self-ventilating mattress and in particular to a self-ventilating mattress comprising two discrete support members, each having a different degree of resilience.

It is well established that adequate support of a recumbent human body is essential, not only to ensure comfort, but also to prevent deformation of the spinal column and, in the case of long-term bed patients, the formation of pressure sores. This support is achieved by ensuring that the body weight is evenly distributed over the support surface of the mattress. This distribution of weight will depend upon the degree of resilience of the mattress support surface and accordingly a "heavy" body will require "firmer" support than a "light" body.

In cases where a mattress may have a number of different users (e.g. in hotels or hospitals) it is convenient to provide a mattress in which the two opposite support surfaces have different degrees of resilience (i e a "firm" side and a "softer" side) so that the user may select the degree of support which is appropriate to his needs.

Whilst foam mattresses are, widely used in temperate climates, they have gained complete acceptance for use in the tropical and equatorial zones.

Typically, these areas have a high relative humidity of the atmosphere. The known foam mattresses tend not only to retain body heat but also to retain some of the moisture generated by perspiration and respiration of the user. Given that the average sleeper generates around 700 ml of moisture in a night by respiration alone, the hitherto-known foam mattresses gradually become unsatisfactory for use in the warm tropical and equatorial areas.

It has now been found that the disadvantages outlined hereinabove can be minimised by providing, on both opposite support surfaces of a mattress, a plurality of ventilation holes. The normal movements of the human body during sleep (i e "shifting" and "respiratory" movements) cause alternate compression and relaxation of the mattress and consequent movement of air out of and into the mattress respectively through the ventilation holes.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a self- ventilating mattress comprising two discrete support- members, at least one of said support members being provided with a plurality of internal cavities extending substantially through the thickness of the support-member, each said cavity communicating with the outermost surface of the support-member by means of a ventilation hole, the ventilation hole having a bore which is of small dimension relative to the bore of its associated cavity.

Preferably, each of the two discrete support members is of different degree of resilience.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper support member comprises a "cavitied" foam component and the lower support member comprises a rectangular foam sheet.

In a second embodiment, both the upper and lower support members each comprise a "cavitied" foam component.

It is to be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" support members used herein are interchangeable.

The ventilation holes may be obtained by moulding, or by drilling or by other mechanical fabrication (such as punching) an already-produced support member.

The present invention will be illustrated, merely by way of example, in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mattress according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mattress according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3 and 4 show a schematic representation of the ventilation of a mattress according to the present invention, the ventilation being achieved by movement of a body thereon.

In Figure 1, the mattress comprises an upper support member 10 and a lower support member 11. Member 10 is a "cavitied" foam component and member 11 is a rectangular foam sheet. Members 10 and 11 comprise, respectively, the "softer" and "firmer" sides of the mattress.

Ventilation holes (four shown: 20, 21, 22 and 23) extend from the outer surface of member 10 and communicate with cavities 30, 31, 32 and 33 respectively.

Member 11 is also provided with ventilation holes (four shown: 40, 41, 42 and 43) and these communicate respectively with cavities 50, 51, 52 and 53 in member 10.

In Figure 2, the mattress comprises an upper support member 60 and a lower support member 61. Both members 60 and 61 are "cavitied" components and have different degrees of resilience so that, again the mattress of Figure 2 has a "softer" side and a "firmer" side. Ventilation holes (62, 63, 64, 65, 66 and 67; 70, 71, 72 and 73) communicate with cavities in the upper and lower support members respectively.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 3 (wherein like numerals denote like parts) there is shown, schematically, a portion 80 of a mattress according to the present invention, the mattress being acted upon by movement of a body B thereon.

In Figure 3, the body B moves in the direction indicated by arrow X. The mattress portion 80 is compressed and air is expelled from cavity 90 through ventilation hole 100, while air is simultaneously drawn into cavity 91 due to the relaxation of the said cavity 91. The direction of movement of air is indicated by arrows L.

In Figure 4, the body B moves in the direction indicated by arrow Y. The mattress portion 80 relaxes and air is drawn into cavity 90 through ventilation hole 100. The direction of movement of the air is indicated by arrow M.

In each case, movement of air serves not only to ventilate the interior of the mattress and the sheets but also to cool the body B.

Claims

1. A self-ventilating mattress comprising two discrete support-members, at least one of said support members being provided with a plurality of internal cavities extending substantially through the thickness of the support-member, each said cavity communicating with the outermost surface of the support-member by means of a ventilation hole, the ventilation hole having a bore which is of small dimension relative to the bore of its associated cavity.

2. A mattress according to Claim 1, in which each of the two discrete support members is of a different degree of resilience.

3. A mattress according to either of the preceding claims, in which the ventilation holes are obtained by moulding.

4. A mattress according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the ventilation holes are obtained by drilling or by other mechanical fabrication means.

5. A self-ventilating mattress, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.