GB2579620A

GB2579620A - Dynamic matress

Info

Publication number: GB2579620A
Application number: GB1819942.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Robinson Andrew; Croll Colin
Original assignee: Ultimate Healthcare Ltd
Current assignee: Ultimate Healthcare Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-07
Filing date: 2018-12-07
Publication date: 2020-07-01
Also published as: GB201819942D0

Abstract

A dynamic mattress comprising a top cover 405, a base mattress 703 and a plurality of cells 401 arranged between the top cover 405 and the base 703 wherein the cells 401 are arranged in first and second columns and means are provided to selectively inflate the cells. The base 703 may be inflatable and side bolsters may be provided 701. Control means may allow for a first column to be fully inflated whilst alternate cells in another column are inflated and the cell columns can be on left and right sides of the mattress. The mattress may hold a weight of up to 450KG for bariatric patients and have 32 to 60 cells with equal numbers in each column. The device is designed to alleviate pressure sores.

Description

DYNAMIC MATRESS

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dynamic mattress and a method of inflation thereof.

Background

[0002] Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, can occur when a person is led in a single position for a prolonged period of time without moving. Pressure sores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that can result in pain and itchiness. If left untreated blisters and open wounds may form, in the worst cases requiring surgery to remove the effected tissues.

[0003] Unfortunately, patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers are normally those most vulnerable in our society and surgery may not be an option or too great to risk. Therefore, prevention of the development of pressure ulcers is the preferred method of tackling this issue.

[0004] One known method of preventing pressure ulcers is the use of a dynamic mattress. Such mattresses are designed to alter the points of contact between a user and the surface of the mattress, thereby encouraging blood flow around the body, preventing pressure sores.

[0005] With reference to figures 1 to 3, this is normally accomplished in a bed 100, provided with a dynamic mattress 101. The dynamic mattress is composed of a plurality of inflatable cells 102 arranged in two columns 103, 104. The dynamic mattress cyclically inflates and deflates each column 103, 104 in turn oscillating between the first column 103 being inflated and the second column 104 being deflated. Such cycling has the effect of tilting or turning a subject led on the mattress around +/40° about a substantially horizontal axis, thereby shifting the contact points of the body from one side to another, and allowing blood to flow into those parts of the body that were previously subject to a higher contact pressure.

[0006] The prior art system results in around 50% of the mattress being deflated at any one time, which can result in discomfort for a user. Furthermore, being continually arranged at an angle of +/-40° from the horizontal contributes to a feeling of discomfort to a user.

Statement of Invention

[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a dynamic mattress comprising: a top cover, a base mattress, and a plurality of inflatable cells disposed between the top cover and the base mattress, wherein the plurality of cells are arranged in at least first and second columns, and an inflation controller fluidly connected to the plurality of cells, the inflation controller arranged to selectively inflate each of the at least first and second columns and each cell in each of the at least first and second columns. The provision of a plurality of cells arranged in at least first and second columns, wherein an inflation controller may selectively inflate either column and/or any given cell in another column allows greater flexibility in administering pressure relief regimens to a user of the mattress.

[0008] Advantageously, the base mattress is inflatable. This means that a user of the mattress cannot find themselves unsupported should, for whatever reason, they find that none of the plurality of cells are inflated. It is useful that the base mattress is inflated as it can be rapidly deflated so a user is supported by the firmer surface of the bed frame underneath (useful in times of emergency, such as if cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, needs to be administered), whereas solid mattress constructions cannot be deflated to provide a firm surface.

[0009] Suitably, the dynamic mattress further comprises side bolsters arranged at a periphery of the plurality of cells. The side bolsters remain erect regardless of the inflation state of the plurality of cells. The bolsters may be inflatable or of any suitable material such as a liquid or solid (including foam or memory foam). The side bolsters function to prevent a user from falling out of the bed by providing a barrier to the user rolling.

[0010] Preferably, when the cells comprising the at least first column are inflated the inflation controller selectively inflates at least some of the cells in the at least second column. This is advantageous to a user of the mattress as pressure relief can be administered while keeping more of the mattress inflated. Suitably, alternate cells are selectively inflated in the at least second column. This results in approximately 75% of the plurality of cells being inflated at any one time (the at least first column is inflated, and every other cell of the at least second column). This ensures a user's comfort.

[0011] Advantageously, when the cells comprising the at least first column are deflated, the controller selectively inflates at least some of the cells in the at least second column. This allows a user of the mattress to be tilted by around 40° from substantially horizontal. Not all the cells of the at least second column need to be inflated to tilt the user. This means that pressure relief to the user may continue during tilting. By way of example, alternate cells are selectively inflated in the at least second column in order to maintain a pressure relief function of the mattress during tilting a user.

[0012] Preferably, the mattress is capable of bearing a weight in the range of substantially 1 kg to 450 kg. This ensures that the mattress is capable of accommodating users with or without bariatric needs.

[0013] Suitably, the dynamic mattress comprises a number of cells in the range substantially 32 to substantially 60. Such an arrangement may be split such that the at least first and second columns comprise a number of cells in the range substantially 16 to substantially 30 respectively. Using a number of cells in the given range provides sufficient granularity of control to provide adequate pressure relief to a user while providing a superior level of comfort.

[0014] Preferably, the number of cells in the at least first and second columns are equal in number and substantially of equal dimensions.

[0015] Suitably, each cell is constructed from a bladder. The bladder comprises an elongate tube, sealed at both ends. Two discrete cells are provided by sealing the interior of the bladder (thereby creating two cells) at a point spaced apart from each end of the elongate tube.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling a dynamic mattress, the dynamic mattress having; a top cover, a base mattress, a plurality of inflatable cells disposed between the top cover and the base mattress (wherein the plurality of cells are arranged in at least first and second columns), and an inflation controller fluidly connected to the plurality of cells. The method comprising the steps of; selectively inflating the at least first column and selectively inflating at least one cell in the at least second column. The present method of inflation allows more of the mattress to remain inflated while relieving pressure to areas of a user supported by the mattress.

[0017] Suitably, the step of selectively inflating at least one cell in the at least second column occurs while the at least first column is deflated. Inflating cells in the at least second column while the cells of the at least first column are deflated allows a user to be tilted by around 40° from substantially horizontal, while still relieving pressure to the user in the inflated column (as not all cells in the second column are inflated).

[0018] Additionally, the method comprises the further steps of deflating the at least one cell in the at least second column, and inflating at least one further cell in the at least second column. By changing which cells are inflated in the at least second column pressure relief to a subject on the mattress may be varied, while the subject is tilted. Preferably, the inflation and deflation steps occur simultaneously, so that a subject remains in a tilted position during the inflation/deflation cycle.

[0019] Preferably, after a predetermined amount of time the following steps occur: selectively deflating at least one cell in the at least first column, and selectively inflating at least one cell in the at least second column. Accordingly, a subject on the mattress may at this point be tilted substantially -40° from substantially horizontal or be placed substantially level with pressure relief being provided by at least one deflated cell in the at least first column.

Figures [0020] Figure 1 shows a prior art bed frame and mattress.

[0021] Figure 2 shows the first step of a prior art method of tilting a mattress user.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a second step of a prior art method of tilting a mattress user.

[0023] Figure 4 shows a cut away depiction of a dynamic mattress revealing the internal plurality of cells arranged in two columns.

[0024] Figure 5 shows an inflation controller.

[0025] Figure 6 shows a connection of a dynamic mattress to an inflation controller.

[0026] Figure 7 shows a first cross section of a dynamic mattress.

[0027] Figure 8 shows a second cross section of a dynamic mattress.

[0028] Figure 9 shows a first step of a first method of inflating a dynamic mattress.

[0029] Figure 10 shows a second step of a first method of inflating a dynamic mattress.

[0030] Figure 11 shows a third step of a first method of inflating a dynamic mattress.

[0031] Figure 12 shows a fourth step of a first method of inflating a dynamic mattress.

[0032] Figure 13 shows a first step of a second method of inflating a dynamic mattress.

[0033] Figure 14 shows a second step of a second method of inflating a dynamic mattress.

[0034] Figure 15 shows a third step of a second method of inflating a dynamic mattress.

[0035] Figure 16 shows a fourth step of a second method of inflating a dynamic mattress.

Detailed Description

[0036] With reference to figure 4 there is provided a dynamic mattress 400, comprising a plurality of cells 401, arranged in two columns 402, 403. The columns 402, 403, are situated in a bottom cover 404 which is reversibly detachable with a top cover 405.

The top cover 405 is formed of a fabric that is permeable to vapour and air, in order to allow air to circulate while the dynamic mattress is in use and prevent the build up of moisture/sweat. Suitable fabrics include thermoplastic polyurethanes or polyurethane coated polyesters/polyamides.

[0037] The dynamic mattress 400 may be further equipped with static head cells (not shown) which are maintained at a constant pressure, such that a user's head remains in a substantially horizontal position while the remaining cells of the dynamic mattress are periodically inflated/deflated.

[0038] A band 410 is provided in the bottom cover to hold bladders 409 in place within the mattress.

[0039] The plurality of cells 401 are constructed from bladders 409. The bladders 409 comprise an elongate tube sealed at respective ends. A further seal is provided substantially in the centre of the bladder 409 to form two separate cells. The seals are such that each cell of the bladder is not fluidly connected to the other cell in the bladder 409. This allows independent inflation of each cell in a bladder 409.

[0040] A number of bladders 409 are used, typically in the range 16 to 30. As each bladder 409 forms two cells, each dynamic mattress 400 comprises typically 32 to 60 cells. Lining the bladders 409 up forms two columns of 16 to 30 cells each.

[0041] The bladders 409 are made of any suitable vapour/air permeable fabric such as thermoplastic polyurethanes or polyurethane coated polyesters/polyamides.

[0042] The dynamic mattress 400 is constructed to have dimensions of the order of 2000mm length x 890 mm width x 200 mm depth and weigh substantially 7.4 kg. Alternatively, a dynamic mattress 400 for a bariatric user may have a width of substantially 1220mm and weigh substantially 12.5 kg.

[0043] A CPR valve 408 is provided to allow rapid deflation of the plurality of cells 401 in an emergency.

[0044] With reference to figures 5 and 6, the dynamic mattress 400 further comprises an inflation controller 406 fluidly connected via an umbilical cord 407 to the plurality of cells 401. The inflation controller 406 is capable of outputting at least 9 Litres of inflation medium per minute. Any fluid may comprise the inflation medium, but is typically air.

[0045] The inflation controller 406 comprises an air compressor and a microprocessor for determining which of 4 outputs to pump air through/deflate. A photosensor provides feedback to the microcontroller regarding the flow of air through each output. A valve is provided to allow manual control of the flow of air to the dynamic mattress 400 (for example, allowing the flow to be stopped in cases of emergency).

[0046] The umbilical cord 407 comprises at least 4 tubes 601, each of which is connected to some of the plurality of cells 401 in each column 402, 403. The umbilical cord may comprise further tubes 602 for inflating those parts of the mattress which require constant inflation independent of the cells 401, such as static head cells, the base mattress 703, and the bolsters 701, 702.

[0047] The first tube of the umbilical cord 407 is connected to every other cell in the first column, such as the cells labelled A in figures 9 to 16.

[0048] The second tube of the umbilical cord 407 is connected to every cell in the first column that are not connected to the first tube, such as the cells labelled B in figures 9 to 16.

[0049] The third tube of the umbilical cord 407 is connected to every other cell in the second column, such as the cells labelled C in figures 9 to 16.

[0050] The fourth tube of the umbilical cord 407 is connected to every cell in the second column that are not connected to the third tube, such as the cells labelled D in figures 9 to 16.

[0051] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that more or less tubes may be used, depending upon the number of cells and the columns those cells are arranged in a dynamic mattress 400.

[0052] With reference to figures 7 and 8, the bottom cover 404 is of a similar construction to the top cover 405 and houses a set of bolsters 701, 702 which sandwich the plurality of cells 401. The bolsters 704, 702 are inflated independently of the plurality of cells 401 such that the bolsters 704, 702 serve to suspend the top cover 405 above a base mattress 703 when the plurality of cells 401 are deflated 801. The bolsters 704, 702 and top cover 405 act as a hammock 802 and cradle a user.

[0053] The top cover 405 connects to the bottom cover 404 by any suitable attachment means, such as hook and loop tape, stud poppers, or a zip.

[0054] The base mattress 703 is located between the bottom cover 404 and the plurality of cells 401 and is inflated independently of the plurality of cells 401 and prevents a user resting on the bed frame should all of the plurality of cells 401 be deflated 801.

[0055] The bolsters 704, 702 and base mattress 703 are made of a any suitable vapour/air permeable fabric such as thermoplastic polyurethanes or polyurethane coated polyesters/polyamides.

[0056] While it is preferable for the bolsters 704, 702 and base mattress 703 to be inflatable other suitable fillings can be used, whether liquid, solid, foam, memory foam, fibre matting, and/or springs.

[0057] Preferably, the materials used to construct the dynamic mattress 400 are waterproof, while maintaining gas permeability. The benefit of using vapour/air permeable fabric such as thermoplastic polyurethanes or polyurethane coated polyesters/polyamides is that the dynamic mattress 400 continually loses some air via permeation through the fabric, this keeps a user dry and ventilated reducing the chance of moisture or condensate build up.

[0058] With reference to figures 9 to 12 there is shown an example inflation regime for a dynamic mattress 900. The four types of cells, A, B, C, D, can be inflated/deflated independently of one another.

[0059] Figures 9 to 12 show a progression of an example pressure relief cycle. The shaded cells are inflated and the unshaded cells are deflated.

[0060] In a first instance, in figure 9, cells A, C, and D are inflated and cell B is deflated, providing pressure relief to any parts of a user that are resting upon an area of the top cover supported by cell B. As 3 of the 4 cells are inflated, approximately 75% of the dynamic mattress 900 remains inflated ensuring a user's comfort during the pressure relief process. Although it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that this assumes all cells are of equal dimensions. Other cell dimensions used, or if unequal cell dimensions are used, may result in a different proportion of the dynamic mattress 900 remaining inflated. Furthermore, in this pressure relief regime, a user remains substantially horizontal, rather than being tilted to one side or the other.

[0061] Figure 10 shows a second progression of the method, where cell B is inflated, and cell A is deflated. These steps can occur simultaneously, or sequentially. Accordingly, the parts of the user that were relieved of pressure by cell B contact those parts of the top cover that are supported by cell B. Those parts of the user that were supported by cell A are provided with pressure relief.

[0062] Figure 11 shows a third progression of the method, where cell A is inflated, and cell D is deflated. These steps can occur simultaneously, or sequentially. Accordingly, the parts of the user that were relieved of pressure by cell A contact those parts of the top cover that are supported by cell A. Those parts of the user that were supported by cell D are provided with pressure relief.

[0063] Figure 12 shows a fourth progression of the method, where cell D is inflated, and cell C is deflated. These steps can occur simultaneously, or sequentially. Accordingly, the parts of the user that were relieved of pressure by cell D contact those parts of the top cover that are supported by cell D. Those parts of the user that were supported by cell C are provided with pressure relief [0064] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the sequence of cell inflation/deflation may be varied, and any sequence of cells may be used, such as deflating cells in the sequence B, A, D, C as presented in figures 9 to 12, or any other sequence, such as A, B, C, D. [0065] The duration of time a cell is deflated for may be varied, depending upon a user's need. If a particular part of a user requires significantly long periods of time of pressure relief compared to other parts of a user, then the particular cells on which a given part are provided with support may be programmed to remain deflated for a different duration of time relative to the other cells (i.e. cell B is maintained in a deflated state for a longer time duration than cells A, C, or D).

[0066] However, it should be noted that each of cells A, B, C, and D should be deflated for at least a part of the duration of the method to ensure that a part of the user supported by that cell received pressure relief.

[0067] With reference to figures 13 to 16 there is shown a second example inflation regime for a dynamic mattress 1300.

[0068] Figures 13 to 16 show a progression of an example tilt (also known as turn) and pressure relief cycle. The shaded cells are inflated and the unshaded cells are deflated.

[0069] In a first instance, in figure 13, cell A is inflated and cells B, C, and D are deflated. Effectively, the second column 1302 is deflated, and the first column 1301 is partially inflated. This has the effect of supporting a user on only one side (the side supported by inflated cells A). As only cells A are inflated in the first column 1301, a user receives pressure relief in that the parts of a user which were supported by cell B, are no longer supported, as cell B is deflated. Inflating cells A tilts the user relative to the horizontal by up to substantially 40°.

[0070] Figure 14 shows a second progression of the second method, where cell B is inflated, and cells A is deflated with cells C and D remaining deflated. These steps can occur simultaneously, or sequentially. Accordingly, the parts of the user that were relieved of pressure by cell B contact those parts of the top cover that are supported by cell B. Those parts of the user that were supported by cell A are provided with pressure relief. As the second column 1302 remains deflated and the some of the cells of the first column 1301 remain inflated, the user remains tilted at substantially 40° from substantially horizontal. Preferably, these steps are conducted simultaneously to preserve patient comfort, rather than needlessly returning the user to a substantially horizontal position, to then immediately tilt the user by substantially 40° relative to the horizontal.

[0071] Figure 15 shows a third progression of the second method, where cell A is deflated, and cell C is inflated. Effectively, the first column is deflated, and the second column 1302 is partially inflated. This has the effect of supporting a user on only one side (the side supported by inflated cells C), opposite to the side that was previously supported by cells A and B. As only cells C are inflated in the second column 1302, a user receives pressure relief in that the parts of a user which were supported by cell D, are no longer supported, as cell D is deflated. Inflating cells C tilts the user relative to the horizontal by up to substantially -40°.

[0072] Figure 16 shows a fourth progression of the second method, where cell D is inflated, and cell C is deflated, with cells A and B remaining deflated. These steps can occur simultaneously, or sequentially. Accordingly, the parts of the user that were relieved of pressure by cell D contact those parts of the top cover that are supported by cell D. Those parts of the user that were supported by cell C are provided with pressure relief. As the second column 1302 remains deflated and the some of the cells of the first column 1301 remain inflated, the user remains tilted at substantially -40° from substantially horizontal. Preferably, these steps are conducted simultaneously to preserve patient comfort, rather than needlessly returning the user to a substantially horizontal position, to then immediately tilt the user by substantially -4T relative to the horizontal.

[0073] With reference to tilting a user relative substantially to the horizontal, it will be apparent to one skilled in the that that a user may be tilted along an axis in either a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction. In this description where a user is tilted in a clockwise direction a position angle is referred to, and where a user is tilted in an anticlockwise direction, a negative angle is referred to.

[0074] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the sequence of cell inflation/deflation may be varied in the second method, and any sequence of cells may be used, such as deflating cells in the sequence B, A, D, C as presented in figures 13 to 16, or any other sequence, for example B, A, D, C. [0075] The duration of time a cell is deflated for may be varied, depending upon a user's need. If one particular side of a user requires tilting for significantly longer periods of time than the other side of the user, then the particular cells comprising the relevant column requiring inflation to effect the relevant tilt, may be programmed to remain inflated for a different duration of time relative to the other cells (i.e. cells A and B, which compose the first column are maintained in an inflated state for a longer time duration than cells C or D which comprise the second column. This would result in a user being maintained in a substantially 40° tilt for a longer period of time than in an -40° tilt relative to the horizontal respectively).

[0076] However, it should be noted that each column 1301, 1302 of cells should be deflated for at least a part of the duration of the method to ensure that the user is tilted in both clockwise and anticlockwise about an axis relative to the horizontal.

[0077] Typical durations of any given cell being in an inflated state can be in the range of 1 to 30 minutes, with a complete cycle (pressure relief treatment duration) in the range 5 to 95 minutes (preferably in discrete 5 minute intervals).

[0078] The pressure of the cells may be predetermined or varied to suit a given user.

By way of example, a bariatric user may require a substantially lower pressure than a frail user to reduce the risk of a cell bursting. Typical pressures used are in the range of substantially 10 to 60 mmHg for all mattresses. For a bariatric user this range is limited to 10 to 40 mmHg, and for a regular user a range of 25 to 60 mmHg is normal. It should be noted that regular users are considered to have a weight from 1 kg up to 255kg, and bariatric users a weight up to 450kg.

[0079] Where deflation is referred to in this application, this means that the relevant deflated cell has a pressure of at least 40% less relative to and inflated cell. It is unnecessary to completely evacuate a cell of the inflation medium on deflation in order to relieve pressure on a part of a user resting on a given cell.

Claims

Claims 1. A dynamic mattress comprising: a top cover a base mattress a plurality of inflatable cells disposed between the top cover and the base mattress, wherein the plurality of cells are arranged in at least first and second columns an inflation controller fluidly connected to the plurality of cells, the inflation controller arranged to selectively inflate each of the at least first and second columns and each cell in each of the at least first and second columns.
2. A dynamic mattress as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base mattress is inflatable.
3. A dynamic mattress as claimed in any previous claim wherein the dynamic mattress further comprises side bolsters arranged at a periphery of the plurality of cells.
4. A dynamic mattress as claimed in any previous claim wherein when the cells comprising the at least first column are inflated the controller selectively inflates at least some of the cells in the at least second column.
5. A dynamic mattress as claimed in claim 4 wherein alternate cells are selectively inflated in the at least second column.
6. A dynamic mattress as claimed in any of claimsl to 3 wherein when the cells comprising the at least first column are deflated, the controller selectively inflates at least some of the cells in the at least second column.
7. A dynamic mattress as claimed in claim 6 wherein alternate cells are selectively inflated in the at least second column.
8. A dynamic mattress as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 capable of bearing a weight in the range of substantially 1 kg to 450 kg.
9. A dynamic mattress as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the dynamic mattress comprises a number of cells in the range substantially 32 to substantially 60.
A dynamic mattress as claimed in claim 9 wherein the at least first and second columns comprise a number of cells in the range substantially 16 to substantially 30 respectively.
11. A dynamic mattress as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the number of cells in the at least first and second columns are equal in number.
12. A dynamic mattress as claimed in 10 wherein each cell is constructed from a bladder.
13. A method of controlling a dynamic mattress, the dynamic mattress having a top cover a base mattress a plurality of inflatable cells disposed between the top cover and the base mattress, wherein the plurality of cells are arranged in at least first and second columns an inflation controller fluidly connected to the plurality of cells, the method comprising the steps of: selectively inflating the at least first column and selectively inflating at least one cell in the at least second column.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of selectively inflating at least one cell in the at least second column occurs while the at least first column is deflated.
15. The method of either claim 13 or 14 wherein the method comprises the further steps of: deflating the at least one cell in the at least second column, and inflating at least one further cell in the at least second column.
16. The method as claimed in any of claim 15 wherein the inflation and deflation steps occur simultaneously.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein after a predetermined amount of time the following steps occur: selectively deflating at least one cell in the at least first column, and selectively inflating the at least one cell in the second column.