AU2023201714A1 - A healthcare support surface - Google Patents

Abstract

P6230AU00 A healthcare support surface Abstract A healthcare support surface comprises a first zone of modular cells and a second zone of modular cells, each zone including a plurality of cells extending laterally between opposing sides of the patient support surface; an air reservoir located at least partially beneath a cell of the first zone, and an adjacent cell of the second zone, wherein air contained within the reservoir moves from a first location beneath the first zone to a second location beneath the second zone when a load applied to an upper region of the first zone increases. Figure 1A 16 1/6 155 135 14 125 - - 150 100 140 110 10 160 122 120 Figure 1A Figure 1B 134 132 Inflatable air reservoir connected to main air cell via internal outlets 160 130 Figure 2 Figure 2

Description

1/6

155

14 135

125 - - 150

100 140

110 10 160 122 120

Figure 1A Figure 1B

134 132

Inflatable air reservoir connected to main air cell via internal outlets 160

130

Figure 2

Figure 2

P6230AU00

A healthcare support surface

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved healthcare support surface, in the form of a mattress for use in hospitals, aged care facilities, palliative care, homecare and other healthcare settings. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may be used in other fields of use.

Background of the invention

[0002] Air filled mattresses or beds are known, and are often used in instances requiring short-term deployment, generally with a view to providing a readily storable and inflatable sleeping solution that can be set up with minimal effort. Although such hollow and inflatable mattresses provide a quick and useful solution, in practice they provide limited support and breathability. The main advantage of such mattresses concerns the ability to be stored compactly when not in use, given that there is no filling material within the exterior bladder.

[0003] In a healthcare context, patient support surfaces are provided in many different forms, depending on where they will be deployed. One issue of particular significance concerns pressure injuries, such as bed sores. Such injuries may be caused by prolonged periods in bed, and are typically of concern to elderly patients, or patients with chronic conditions requiring extended periods of rest.

[0004] Pressure care alternating mattresses are known for reducing the risk of pressure injuries and other such injuries. Pressure care alternating mattresses provide a controller and air pump. Air chambers located within the mattress are alternately inflated and deflated with the objective of consistently and evenly distributing pressure so that no part of the body remains in contact with the support surface for an extended length of time, and that the points of maximum contact are regularly changing.

[0005] Systems presently available offer minimal control as to where the air can travel throughout the entire support surface, and particularly to the sides. This aspect

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makes it difficult to customise the mattress to best suit a given patient's physical dimensions or medical requirements.

[0006] Many existing static air mattress systems do not include a heel section of the mattress as part of the air system, and the air cells stop around the patient's knee of calf area. However, in practice the heels are one of the most susceptible areas of the human body for a pressure injuries to develop.

[0007] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Object of the invention It is an object of the invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a healthcare support surface comprising: a pelvic zone of modular cells configured to be located beneath a user's pelvic region, and a thigh zone of modular cells, configured to be located beneath a user's thigh region, each of the pelvic and thigh zones including a plurality of cells extending laterally between opposing sides of the patient support surface; an air reservoir pneumatically connected to one or more cells of the pelvic zone, the reservoir extending beneath one or more cells of the thigh zone, wherein a portion of air from the one or more cells of the pelvic zone moves from a first location beneath the pelvic zone to a second location beneath the thigh zone when a load applied to the pelvic zone increases.

[0009] The air reservoir is preferably pneumatically connected to the one or more cells of the pelvic zone with internal outlets.

[0010] The healthcare support surface further preferably comprises a scapular zone and a calf to heel zone, each zone including a plurality of cells extending laterally between opposing sides of the patient support surface.

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[0011] The healthcare support surface, wherein each cell preferably has an internal foam core housed within an inflatable bladder.

[0012] Cells in the same zone are preferably pneumatically interconnected.

[0013] The calf to heel zone preferably includes a plurality of tapered cells, tapering to a reduced thickness toward a proximal (foot) end of the support surface.

[0014] Each foam core preferably has an upper curved surface, the curved surfaces of adjacent foam cores defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs.

[0015] Each foam core preferably has an overall profile in the shape of a rectangular prism having several longitudinally extending channels.

[0016] The healthcare support surface wherein the channels are preferably triangular in cross-section.

[0017] Each lateral outermost cell of the support surface preferably has a mostly solid outer edge to create additional support.

[0018] When two of the cells are located side by side, each pair of adjacent channels together preferably defines a generally diamond shaped void.

[0019] Some of the foam cells preferably include a generally central void, the central void being defined by a diamond shaped recess and a longitudinally extending channel which partially separates the foam cell into two semi-detached portions, which are located on opposing lateral sides of the foam cell.

[0020] A pneumatic line preferably extends between and connects an outer cell in the scapular zone to an outer cell in the thigh zone.

[0021] A pneumatic line preferably extends between two non-perimeter cells of the scapular zone to two non-perimeter cells in the thigh zone.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of using a healthcare support surface to increase support applied to a patient's popliteal region, the method including the steps of: locating a patient's pelvic region on a pelvic zone of modular cells, and locating the patient's thigh region on a thigh zone of modular cells,

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[0023] each of the pelvic and thigh zones including a plurality of cells extending laterally between opposing sides of the patient support surface; providing an air reservoir pneumatically connected to one or more cells of the pelvic zone, the reservoir extending beneath one or more cells of the thigh zone, permitting some air from the one or more cells of the pelvic zone to move from a first location beneath the pelvic zone to a second location beneath the thigh zone when a patient transitions from a lying to an upright position.

Brief description of the drawings

[0024] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1A is a top view and end view of a portion of a support surface in the form of a mattress according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 1B provides top perspective views of the portion of the support surface of figure 1A;

[0027] Figure 2 is a detail of a foam cushion and air bladder of the support surface of Figure 1A.

[0028] Figure 3 is a detail of a first embodiment of a foam cushion of the support surface;

[0029] Figure 4 is a detail of a second embodiment of a foam cushion of the support surface;

[0030] Figure 5 is a detail of a third embodiment of a foam cushion of the support surface;

[0031] Figure 6 is a detail of a fourth embodiment of a foam cushion of the support

[0032] Figure 7 is a side view of an ankle support portion of the support surface;

[0033] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the mattress;

[0034] Figure 9 is a schematic view depicting the mattress in use; and

[0035] Figure 10 is an underside view of a single mattress according to figure 1.

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Detailed Description of the preferred embodiments

[0036] A healthcare support surface 100 is disclosed herein. The support surface 100 is intended for use in healthcare applications, which may include hospitals, medical facilities, aged care facilities, palliative care and homecare. However, the support surface 100 may alternatively be used for general home use and in other settings.

[0037] As described herein, the support surface 100 is provided in the form of a mattress 110. The mattress 110 has particular application in the prevention of pressure injuries such as bed sores.

[0038] In figures 1A and 1B, the mattress 110 is depicted in the form of a single mattress 110. However, it will be appreciated that it may be provided in larger mattress formats, including double, queen and king sizes, and also longer versions.

[0039] The cells which define the mattress 110 are modular, meaning that the same components can be used to manufacture different size mattress formats. This is advantageous, as it reduces the number of components required to fabricate a range of different mattress sizes.

[0040] In figure 1A, all of the cells are shown present in the single mattress 110 format. In the lower portion of Fig. 1B, hidden detail is depicted within the modular cells.

[0041] Regardless of where a patient is positioned on the mattress 110, the preferred embodiment includes air cells which are positioned across the full width of the mattress 110, with the exception of the perimeter boundary region, shown in figure 8.

[0042] Another advantageous feature is that the mattress 110 has air cells extending from head to foot.

[0043] The mattress 110 enables pressure redistribution using a combination of foam padding cells and inflatable air bladders. The foam padding cells are located within the air bladders.

[0044] The number of air cells providing anatomical support and pressure redistribution depends on mattress 110 size. In a preferred embodiment, for a single mattress 110, there are 16 Cells. Alternatively, there are 21 cells for king single and 30 cells for double and queen mattresses 110.

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[0045] When viewed from the side, for example in figure 8, there are four anatomically zoned distinct air cell structures which each extend across most of the width of the mattress 110. The first (uppermost) zone 120 corresponds to the user's scapular region. The second zone 130 corresponds to the user's pelvic region. The third zone 140 corresponds to the user's thigh region, and the fourth (lowermost) zone 150 corresponds to the user's calf to heel region.

[0046] Each zone 120, 130, 140 150 is defined by a plurality of individual cells that are laterally adjacent to other cells within the same zone. For example, in the single mattress embodiment of figures 1 and 8, the first zone 120 includes four cells 125. Similarly, the second zone 130 includes four cells 135, and the third zone 140 includes four cells 145.

[0047] In the single mattress 110 embodiment, the fourth zone 150 only includes two cells 155, each being about half of the width of the inflatable portion of the mattress 110.

[0048] The cells 125, 135, 145, of each of the three upper zones 120, 130, 140, are in pneumatic communication with the other cells in the same zone.

The Air pressure within each zone 120, 130, 140, 150 is established by the size of the cell and the type of foam used within the cell as well as atmospheric conditions. The Air pressure may be adjusted at production if customisation is required to meet the needs of users.

[0049] Each of the zones 120, 130, 140, 150 may be pressurised to a different internal air pressure.

[0050] Each cell 125, 135, 145, 155 includes an external skin or bladder 132 and an internal foam core 134. The external bladder 132 is fabricated from an air impermeable material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane. The foam core 134 is fabricated from an open cell foam such as polyurethane foam.

[0051] Air within the mattress 110 is contained in the cells 125, 135, 145, 155 horizontally to maintain lateral stability and to compartmentalise the pressure differentials in the four distinct zones 120, 130, 140, 150. This prevents the air pressure from equalising in all parts of the mattress 110. Accordingly, the four zones 120, 130, 140, 150 can be selectively operated at independent internal pressures. The four distinct zones

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120, 130, 140, 150 are sealed during manufacture, such that the pressure in each zone is predetermined.

[0052] By maximising contact area with the patient's body, the risk of pressure sores forming can be reduced. Maximum contact area is achieved using four separate banks of air cells arranged in the zones 120, 130, 140, 150 corresponding to anatomical locations, and in the single mattress embodiment, there are a total of fourteen individual self regulating air cells.

[0053] Each zone 120, 130, 140, 150 provides tailored immersion and envelopment relative to the specific size and weight of an individual patient.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1B and 2, the air bladder 132 defining the cells of the third zone 140 includes a reservoir 160. The reservoir 160 extends partially beneath the proximal end (foot end) of an air bladder cell 135 of the adjacent second (thigh) zone 130.

[0055] Referring to figure. 9, the reservoir 160 allows displacement of pressurised air from the second (pelvic) zone 140, and in particular beneath the user's sacral region, caused by greater weight concentration.

[0056] The reservoir 160 is located beneath the proximal end (foot end) of the second zone 130, such that it is positioned approximately beneath a user's sacrum. When pressure above the reservoir increases, displaced air moves into the reservoir 160 toward the foot end of the bed, beneath the third zone 140, corresponding to the user's thigh region. As a result, some of the air from the second zone 130 is partially displaced forward (toward the foot end of the bed) away from the pelvic/sacral region, thus transferring pressure from the sacral region to the upper thigh.

[0057] The reservoir 160 is pneumatically connected to the second zone 130 which corresponds to the user's pelvic region.

[0058] Referring to Figure 9, the reservoir 160 provides pressure redistribution away from the sacral region which is prominent when the user is in an upright position on the mattress 110 (as the weight of the patient's upper body is then predominantly positioned above the sacrum). In contrast, when the user is in a lying position, their weight is less concentrated above the sacrum, and spread more evenly along the full length of the body, such that the reservoir contains more volume beneath the sacral region. When a patient moves from an upright to a lying position, the reduction of load applied beneath the

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sacrum results in some air moving from beneath the third zone 140 back through the reservoir 160, into the second zone 130.

[0059] The reservoir 160 enables some air from the sacral region to redistribute to the posterior of the knee. The knee pit or popliteal is typically an area of the body that is not in contact with the support surface.

[0060] The reservoir 160 is pneumatically connected to the air bladder 132 of the second zone 130. However, due the volume of the reservoir being limited, there is reduced likelihood of the patient's weight completely compressing the air bladder cells with their sacrum, such that the cushioning is compressed completely. This is because only a small volume of air in the reservoir 160 can move with changes in the patient's weight distribution (between lying and upright and vice versa).

[0061] The third zone 140 is pneumatically isolated relative to the other zones 120, 130, 150 of the mattress 110.

[0062] The modular nature of the mattress 110 allows wider sizes to be produced (such as double or queen) without compromising or affecting the function of the mattress 110 in terms of support, pressure redistribution or comfort.

[0063] The mattress 110 Increases stability for repositioning/transferring in/out of bed for users with limited mobility by preventing air displacing side to side within the mattress core.

[0064] Referring to Figure 10, an underside view of a single mattress 110 is disclosed. A pneumatic line 301 extends between and connects an outer cell 125 in the first (scapular) zone 120 to an outer cell 145 in the third (thigh) zone 140.

[0065] In a similar manner, a pneumatic line 303 extends between two inner (non perimeter) cells 125 of the first (scapular) zone 120 to two inner (non-perimeter) cells 145 in the third (thigh) zone 140. As a result of the pneumatic lines 301, 303, the pressure in the first (scapular) zone 120 equalises with the pressure in the third (thigh) zone 140.

[0066] The reservoir 160 is fluidly connected by ports 161 with the cells 135 in the second (sacral) zone 130, and the reservoir 160 extends beneath the adjacent third (thigh) zone 140. However, the reservoir 160 is not pneumatically connected to the third (thigh) zone.

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[0067] Each of the air bladders 132 of the first, second and third zones 120, 130, 140 contain an internal cushion, in the form of a foam cell 134.

[0068] Referring to figures 3 to 6, different internal foam cells are shown, which each act like a spring, deflecting easily whilst providing minimal interference with the support and pressure redistribution of the air.

[0069] In the embodiment of figure 3, the internal foam cell 134 has an overall profile in the shape of a rectangular prism.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, several longitudinally extending triangular prisms are removed from external surfaces, to provide longitudinally extending channels 175 which are triangular in cross-section. The channels 175 reduce the amount of force required to compress the foam cells 134. In addition, the channels 175 provide cavities where the pressurised air may reside when each of the air bladder 125, 135, 145 are pressurised. It will be appreciated that the channels 175 may be provided in other cross sectional shapes.

[0071] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the foam cells 134 are depicted upside down. On the upper patient support surface of each foam cell 134, there are curved surfaces 180, defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs that extend along the three uppermost zones 120, 130, 140. The curved surfaces 180 provide improved support and pressure care.

[0072] In the embodiment of figure 3, along one side 172 of the foam cell 134, there is a channel 173 of reduced size, which provides increased firmness and support. The side 172 containing the small channel 173 is aligned with the lateral side of the mattress 110 to provide increased patient support.

[0073] In this way, the outermost foam cells 134 have a mostly solid outer edge to create more support, reducing the risk of a patient accidentally 'rolling' out of the mattress 110.

[0074] Referring to figure 3, a generally central void 174 is provided within the foam cell 134. The central void 174 is defined by a diamond shaped recess 176, and a longitudinally extending channel 178, which partially separates the foam cell 134 into two semi-detached portions 179, which are located on opposing lateral sides of the foam cell 134.

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[0075] Figure 4 shows an alternative foam cell 200, which is installed in one of the zones 120, 130, 140, but at a location which is positioned away from the perimeter of the mattress 110. Foam cell 200 is similar to the above-described foam cell 134, but the triangular voids 202 on both sides are the same or similar in dimension, such that the foam cell 200 is generally symmetrical about a central vertical plane extending parallel to a longitudinal edge of the mattress 110.

[0076] When two of the foam cells 200 are located side by side, each pair of adjacent lateral triangular voids 202 together define a generally diamond shaped void, similar to the central diamond shaped recess 176. In this way, the foam cells 200, consisting of two generally symmetrical semi-detached portions 203 operate modularly with adjacent cells 200.

[0077] The foam cell 300 of figure 5 is a single version of the foam cell of Fig. 3, and intended for placement along a perimeter region of the zones 120, 130, 140.

[0078] The foam cell 350 of figure 6 is a single version of the foam cell of Fig 4, and intended for placement along a non-perimeter region of the zones 120, 130, 140.

[0079] Figure 7 is a side view of a sloped heel pressure transfer and protection zone 400. The heel pressure transfer and protection zone 400 is inflatable, pressurised and has an internal foam core, and enables the patient's heels to be protected with dedicated air cells incorporating a heel slope with a softer immersion area. The heel pressure transfer and protection zone 400 offloads pressure from the patient's heels and transfers that pressure to the patient's calf area. The heel pressure transfer and protection zone 400 is unobtrusive and does not require any adjustment.

[0080] The heel pressure transfer and protection zone 400 includes laterally extending channels 402 which extend across the full width of the heel pressure transfer and protection zone 400. The channels 402 are in the form of cylindrical channels with an opening 404 extending between the channels 402 and the upper patient support surface 410.

[0081] Triangular recesses 406 are formed in the upper patient support surface 410, at the location of each opening 404. The combination of the channels 402, openings 404 and the triangular recesses 406 promotes air circulation around the patients calf and ankle region.

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[0082] In addition, the channels 402, openings 404 and the triangular recesses 406 enable the segments of the heel pressure transfer and protection zone 400 to move independently of each other depending on the location of the patient's legs.

[0083] The heel pressure transfer and protection zone 400 is pressurised to a lower air pressure compared to the first, second and third zones 120, 130, 140.

[0084] Around the perimeter of the mattress 110 is a strengthened perimeter member 500, depicted in figure 8. The perimeter member 500 increases the lateral stability of the mattress 110. In addition, the perimeter member 500 improves patient safety and encourages central patient positioning.

[0085] The perimeter member 500 enables ease of primary patient care and makes patient transfers easier. The perimeter member 500 includes a hinge profile on the sides 510, reducing foam fatigue and allowing the mattress 110 to easily conform to varied bed positions, flat or partially raised. In addition, the perimeter member 500 provides protection against bottoming out during transfer repositioning and whilst in the inclined position.

[0086] The hinge arrangement is defined by a plurality of notches or cut-outs 520, 530 formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the of the lateral sides 510 of the perimeter member 500. In the embodiment depicted in figure 8, at two locations along the length of the side member 510, there are two adjacent upper notches 520, and a single lower notch 530 located between the upper notches. This hinge arrangement enables the perimeter member 500 of the mattress 110 to bend.

[0087] The perimeter member 500 provides exceptional comfort and support for repositioning and patient care.

[0088] Furthermore, the perimeter member 500 provides protection to the air supply system from bed base.

[0089] Referring to fig. 8, a low friction anti-shearing inner cover 700 is included to segregate the modular regions of the mattress in turn delivering a series of shear reduction levels.

[0090] Dramatically reduces shearing forces at the patient interface.

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[0091] Above the zones 120, 130, 140, 150 there is a topping layer 800 fabricated from open cell polymer foam for temperature stability, and to maximise functionality and patient mobility. The topping layer 800 is between about 40 and 60mm in thickness.

[0092] The topping layer 800 maximises patient contact with support services providing enhanced pressure redistribution.

[0093] The mattress 110 includes a two-part external cover 600. The inner layer of the cover 600 is fabricated from fine stretch lycra, which is wrinkle free.

[0094] The outer layer of the external cover 600 is manufactured from Premiflex PFPU1100 premium pressure care polyurethane upper material. The cover 600 provides 4 way (bidirectional) stretch for sheer protection, immersion and envelopment. The cover 600 is vapour permeable and breathable. The cover 600 is wrinkle free and conforms to every bed position. The cover 600 provides additional protection to the mattress core.

[0095] A base layer 700 is located beneath the zones 120, 130, 140, 150. In a preferred embodiment, the base layer 700 is a double coated premiflex PFPU1200 polyurethane base material.

[0096] Advantageously, the mattress 110 requires minimal maintenance.

[0097] Wherever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of'. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

Claims (15)

P6230AU00 Claims

1. A healthcare support surface comprising: a pelvic zone of modular cells configured to be located beneath a user's pelvic region, and a thigh zone of modular cells, configured to be located beneath a user's thigh region, each of the pelvic and thigh zones including a plurality of cells extending laterally between opposing sides of the patient support surface; an air reservoir pneumatically connected to one or more cells of the pelvic zone, the reservoir extending beneath one or more cells of the thigh zone, wherein a portion of air from the one or more cells of the pelvic zone moves from a first location beneath the pelvic zone to a second location beneath the thigh zone when a load applied to the pelvic zone increases.

2. The healthcare support surface of claim 1, wherein the air reservoir is pneumatically connected to the one or more cells of the pelvic zone with internal outlets.

3. The healthcare support surface of claim 1, further comprising a scapular zone and a calf to heel zone, each zone including a plurality of cells extending laterally between opposing sides of the patient support surface.

4. The healthcare support surface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each cell has an internal foam core housed within an inflatable bladder.

5. The healthcare support surface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein cells in the same zone are pneumatically interconnected.

6. The healthcare support surface of claim 3, wherein the calf to heel zone includes a plurality of tapered cells, tapering to a reduced thickness toward a proximal (foot) end of the support surface.

7. The healthcare support surface of claim 4, wherein each foam core has an upper curved surface, the curved surfaces of adjacent foam cores defining a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs.

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8. The healthcare support surface of claim 4, wherein each foam core has an overall profile in the shape of a rectangular prism having several longitudinally extending channels.

9. The healthcare support surface of claim 8, wherein the channels are triangular in cross-section.

10. The healthcare support surface of claim 9, wherein each lateral outermost cell of the support surface has a mostly solid outer edge to create additional support.

11. The healthcare support surface of claim 9, wherein when two of the cells are located side by side, each pair of adjacent channels together defines a generally diamond shaped void.

12. The healthcare support surface of claim 8, wherein some of the foam cells include a generally central void, the central void being defined by a diamond shaped recess and a longitudinally extending channel which partially separates the foam cell into two semi-detached portions, which are located on opposing lateral sides of the foam cell.

13. The healthcare support surface of claim 3, wherein a pneumatic line extends between and connects an outer cell in the scapular zone to an outer cell in the thigh zone.

14. The healthcare support surface of claim 3 or 12, wherein a pneumatic line extends between two non-perimeter cells of the scapular zone to two non-perimeter cells in the thigh zone.

15. A method of using a healthcare support surface to increase support applied to a patient's popliteal region, the method including the steps of: locating a patient's pelvic region on a pelvic zone of modular cells, and locating the patient's thigh region on a thigh zone of modular cells,

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each of the pelvic and thigh zones including a plurality of cells extending laterally between opposing sides of the patient support surface; providing an air reservoir pneumatically connected to one or more cells of the pelvic zone, the reservoir extending beneath one or more cells of the thigh zone, permitting some air from the one or more cells of the pelvic zone to move from a first location beneath the pelvic zone to a second location beneath the thigh zone when a patient transitions from a lying to an upright position.