Mattress cover for convalescing patient

Abstract

There is provided an inflatable mattress and coverlet used to reduce and treat decubitus ulcers. The mattress is an air inflatable mattress and is particularly adapted for use on a bed in a hospital, nursing home, health care facility or the like. The air inflatable mattress has a series of apertures on the top allowing small amounts of air to pass through to the underside of the coverlet. According to one aspect of the invention the coverlet is placed over the top of air inflatable mattress in the central portion thereof between the head of the bed and the foot of the bed. The coverlet is of sufficient length to extend under the weight bearing portions of the patient. The coverlet has as a first layer a moisture wicking fabric, such as a polyester, and on one side of the moisture wicking fabric there is attached a microporous polymeric member which allows air from the mattress to pass through the coverlet to the patient. Adjacent the polymeric member is another layer comprising a spacer fabric. The side edges of the coverlet form a drip edge and may be attached to the mattress by suitable means.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a mattress and mattress coverlet for convalescing patients who need to stay in bed for a long period of time. More specifically, the present invention includes a mattress coverlet that provides air to a convalescing patient, wicks away moisture from the patient thereby preventing decubitus ulcers.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]A decubitus ulcer is a pressure sore or the commonly called “bed sore”. Hence the decubitus ulcer normally forms from prolong pressure to an area of tissue that lies just over a bone, such as the spine, coccyx, hips, elbows and the like. Individuals, typically the elderly, who are unable to avoid long periods of uninterrupted pressure over the bony areas, are at increased risk for the development of ulcers. One method of prevention is to consciously change positions; however, this is not always possible even with extensive help.[0005]Various devices have ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It is therefore the general object of the present invention to provide a mattress and mattress coverlet for use by convalescing patients to reduce and treat decubitus ulcers.

Problems solved by technology

Individuals, typically the elderly, who are unable to avoid long periods of uninterrupted pressure over the bony areas, are at increased risk for the development of ulcers.

One method of prevention is to consciously change positions; however, this is not always possible even with extensive help.

However, sometimes the top cover can block these holes and stop or reduce air flow.

When fluids are permitted to enter the interior of a mattress, it can become an infection control problem.

However, heat seal tape often breaks down with age and laundry cycles.

This changes the appearance of the mattress cover and causes it to lose integrity.

None of the heretofore described devices has been shown to provide superior care to convalescing patients.

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