Support for prevention of decubitus ulcers

Abstract

A garment is disclosed for the prevention of decubitus ulcers. The garment is preferably made of at least two layers which articulate against each other and thus prevent friction against the skin of the wearer. The garment is also padded to prevent excessive pressure against the wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Decubitus ulcers, also known as bed or pressure sores, are injuries of the skin and underlying tissues occurring in person at risk for skin breakdown. These wounds are classified by stages and range in severity from superficial redness, irritation or blistering of the skin to deeper tissue involvement into fat, muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone. They are caused in most part by prolonged application of pressure and friction to susceptible areas of the body. They occur most often in areas where the soft tissue layer between bone and skin is less ample, such as hips, ankles, heels, elbows, spine and sacral area. Bed sores are common in individuals who spend prolonged periods of time in one position, for example when bedridden, confined to wheelchairs, or when mobility is severely restricted. These sores are generated and accelerated by direct pressure to a susceptible area resulting in reduced and inadequate blood supply which compromises via...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Bed sores are common in individuals who spend prolonged periods of time in one position, for example when bedridden, confined to wheelchairs, or when mobility is severely restricted.

These sores are generated and accelerated by direct pressure to a susceptible area resulting in reduced and inadequate blood supply which compromises viability of the skin and underlying structures.

However when immobile for long periods of time, direct pressure may stop the blood supply to an area causing tissue injury, destroying skin integrity resulting in the formation of a wound.

The available treatments for these uncomfortable wounds are for the most part ineffective.

Moreover, the few effective treatments are labor intense and very costly.

Most treatments address only one aspect of wound genesis and have limited value in practice.

In addition, this approach does not address the shearing force generated with any body movement.

In contrast, there is a product that addresses the physical forces of wound genesis, however this bed-like structure is large, cumbersome and very expensive which severely limits its use.

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