Absorbent product for incontinence

Abstract

Absorbent incontinence product comprising: - an acquisition layer (1) permeable to the passage of liquids, positioned to be in direct contact with the user once the product is in place, - a waterproof back layer (2), located in an area further away from the user once the product is in place, and - at least one absorbent core (3', 3") capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, located between the acquisition layer (1) and the back layer (2), wherein the product comprises a waterproof element (4) located on the acquisition layer (1) to be in direct contact with the user in an area corresponding to the sacral zone.

Description

[0001] ABSORBENT PRODUCT FOR INCONTINENCE DESCRIPTION

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an absorbent product for incontinence, which has application in the hygiene products industry for users affected by urinary incontinence, allowing the prevention and mitigation of effects related to the appearance of pressure ulcers in the user during the use of the absorbent product.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In patients who are immobile for prolonged periods of time, whether during hospitalization or at home, as well as those with limited mobility who require the use of absorbent incontinence products, one of the problems they experience is the development of pressure ulcers (PU) caused by the prolonged use of these absorbent products and the condition of immobility.

[0006] These ulcers appear particularly in the sacral area, commonly referred to in anatomy as the sacral zone, since this is where the prostrate body rests. This facilitates the appearance of pressure ulcers, also called bedsores, in immobile people, mainly as a result of three factors: pressure, humidity, and friction.

[0007] Therefore, skin care is a fundamental part of the basic care of the incontinent patient. The main objective should be to maintain skin integrity, preventing the development of pressure ulcers.

[0008] The international prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized population varies between 6.3% and 17%, with a rate of 8.24% in Spain. Furthermore, it is estimated that up to 95% of pressure ulcers are preventable; therefore, the greatest effort should be directed toward implementing preventive measures, given that healthcare expenditures due to pressure ulcers in 2000 amounted to €1.687 billion.As mentioned above, the etiology of pressure ulcers is due to various causes. However, the following primary forces or risk factors can often be identified in their formation, which alter the integrity of the skin:

[0009] Pressure: is the force perpendicular to the skin that acts as a result of gravity, causing tissue crushing between two planes.

[0010] Friction: is the tangential force that acts parallel to the skin, producing friction due to movements or dragging.

[0011] Shearing: combines the effects of pressure and friction. These are parallel forces that occur when two adjacent surfaces slide over each other. Example: Fowler's position, which causes the body to slide, can cause friction on the sacrum and pressure on the same area.

[0012] Humidity, in cases of incontinence, the fact that the sacral area also remains wet and there is no rapid diffusion, aggravates the previous effects.

[0013] In addition, there are other factors that may contribute to, predispose to, or promote the development of pressure ulcers. Among the many factors, the most important are:

[0014] - Age.

[0015] Urinary and / or fecal incontinence.

[0016] Decreased sensation, activity, and / or mobility.

[0017] Pain.

[0018] Low blood pressure.

[0019] Nutritional deficiencies.

[0020] Low hemoglobin levels.

[0021] Treatments with: analgesics, sedatives, cytostatics, corticosteroids, etc. - Associated pathologies such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disorders, etc. Therefore, considering the problems described above, it becomes clear that there is a need to develop products that prevent the appearance of pressure ulcers in the indicated cases, acting simultaneously on the factors related to the triggers of said ulcers.

[0022] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an absorbent product for incontinence, as defined by claim 1, which prevents the appearance of pressure ulcers by acting on the triggering factors by means of:

[0023] Measures to reduce pressure.

[0024] Measures to reduce friction.

[0025] Measures to minimize moisture and keep the skin as dry as possible.

[0026] It is also contemplated that the absorbent product of the invention allows the application of dermoprotective moisturizing creams in risk areas, that is, in the sacral area.

[0027] The product proposed by the invention comprises:

[0028] - a liquid-permeable acquisition layer, positioned to be in direct contact with the user once the product is in place, i.e. a layer located on the inner face of the absorbent product,

[0029] - a waterproof back layer, located in an area further away from the user once the product is in place, and

[0030] - at least one absorbent core capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, located between the acquisition layer and the back layer.

[0031] According to the invention, the absorbent product comprises an impermeable element located on the acquisition layer so as to be in direct contact with the user in an area corresponding to the sacral zone.

[0032] This results in an absorbent product or diaper for adult incontinence that helps to prevent sacral ulcers in incontinent and immobile patients by acting on the various factors that trigger pressure ulcers in the coccyx and sacral area.

[0033] In current incontinence absorbent products, although they are designed to keep the patient's skin as dry as possible, there is always a small amount of moisture in contactwith the skin.

[0034] The invention acts on the factors that influence the appearance of pressure ulcers by reducing friction with the patient's skin due to the softness of the material, minimizing moisture in the area by achieving rapid diffusion by virtue of the impermeable element with hydrophobic properties to eliminate moisture in contact with the skin, thereby preventing the user from staying wet, and also reducing pressure in the area.

[0035] The ulcer-preventing absorbent product keeps the skin dry in the sacral area. This is due to the inclusion of a waterproof patch or insert in the sacral area, allowing urine to diffuse beneath the patch, which, being impermeable, prevents moisture from coming into contact with the skin. The hydrophobic properties help to diffuse moisture toward the edges of the waterproof insert, preventing that moisture from coming into contact with the user's sacral area should a drop of urine fall on the waterproof insert.

[0036] It is envisaged that the waterproof element will comprise a soft fabric containing skinprotecting cream, which may have cosmetic or medicinal use by virtue of containing a cosmetic or medicinal substance with an active ingredient that promotes cell regeneration to regenerate or heal sacral ulcers in their early stages. In this regard, it is also envisaged that it will contain an anti-allergic lotion.

[0037] When referring to soft element, this corresponds to the concept of surface softness defined in ISO 12625-1:2019 - “Tissue paper and tissue products.” This concept defines the sensation of softness when running your fingertips over a surface. Although ISO does not define a test method, there is analysis equipment, such as the “Tissue Softness Analyzer” or ‘TSA’ from Emtec Electronic GmbH, which allows this softness to be measured based on vibrations and the sound spectrum resulting from the test. The part of the test corresponding to this concept of softness is called “TS7” and the result is measured in decibels (dB). According to tests carried out in one embodiment of the invention, the waterproof element of the invention has a TS7 of 5,583 dB without impregnation of a strip-shaped dermoprotective substance or cream, and of 4,571 dB with said impregnation. An acceptable softness range for the waterproof element according to the invention has a TS7 between 3 and 7 dB, with the minimum possible being desirable.In order to help to reduce the effect of friction, the material of the waterproof element is soft to the touch.

[0038] Furthermore, the possibility of the dermoprotective cream being released from the waterproof element by heat is contemplated. According to a preferred embodiment, this is achieved through the effect of human heat produced by contact with the user's skin.

[0039] In order to allow easy incorporation into the absorbent product that minimizes its interference with the user, it is contemplated that the impermeable element (4) be a sheet.

[0040] It is envisaged that the absorbent product may comprise an upper absorbent core, located near the acquisition layer, which includes a gap or hole with a smaller surface area than the impermeable element and is located in correspondence with the location of said impermeable element. In this way, the hole helps to reduce pressure in the sacral area.

[0041] Correspondingly, it is envisaged that the absorbent product comprises a lower absorbent core, positioned in proximity to the back layer. Preferably, the lower absorbent core comprises a depressed area or groove located in correspondence with the hole of the upper absorbent core. This contributes to further reducing pressure, thereby preventing the development of ulcers.

[0042] By virtue of its hydrophobic properties, it is envisaged that the waterproof element (4) is a sheet of non-woven fabric comprising at least one layer of polyethylene and at least one layer of polyester.

[0043] Likewise, in order to increase softness and reduce friction with the patient's skin, it is envisaged that the impermeable element comprises at least one dermoprotective substance or cream impregnated in the form of strips. According to a preferred embodiment, said dermoprotective substance or cream impregnated in the form of strips comprises a composition that releases fatty and moisturizing substances from the skin to generate a protective film against urine and feces. This further increasesthe skin's fat content, improves hydration, and prevents transepidermal water loss.

[0044] The impregnated dermoprotective substance or cream in the form of strips increases the softness of the material and consequently reduces friction, as previously explained by the data from the tests carried out.

[0045] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] In order to complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the features of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and nonlimiting purposes:

[0047] Figure 1 shows an exploded schematic view of an embodiment of the product of the invention.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view similar to the previous one, for a better understanding of the configuration of the product's elements.

[0049] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0050] In view of the figures shown, it can be observed how, in one of the possible embodiments of the invention, the product that the invention proposes comprises:

[0051] - an acquisition layer (1) permeable to the passage of liquids, positioned to be in direct contact with the user once the product is in place,

[0052] - a waterproof back layer (2), located in an area further away from the user once the product is in place,

[0053] - at least one absorbent core (3', 3") capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, located between the acquisition layer (1) and the back layer (2), and

[0054] - an impermeable element (4) located on the acquisition layer (1) to be in directcontact with the user in an area corresponding to the sacral zone.

[0055] The waterproof element (4) comprises soft fabric and incorporates a dermoprotective cream that is released onto the skin by body heat, providing hydration. This dermoprotective cream reduces friction.

[0056] The product is made with two cores composed of cellulose and superabsorbent. The upper core (3'), which generates the absorption reinforcement in the central part, has a hole (3T) that coincides with the sacral area, reducing body pressure in that area. The resulting product acts on the main triggers of pressure ulcers: it prevents moisture, moisturizes, reduces friction, and reduces pressure in the sacral area.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the waterproof element (4) comprises a breathable polyethylene laminate and a non-woven fabric, commonly referred to in English as nonwoven, which provides it with these waterproof features.

[0058] Urine is collected in the anterior part or in the central area, it spreads through the absorbent body and reaches the sacral area and it is the impermeable element (4) that prevents that moisture from reaching the upper layer in contact with the skin of the user's patient due to its impermeable nature. Also, if a drop of urine falls on the upper part of the patch (4), this laminate helps to spread the moisture towards the edges of the patch, preventing contact of that moisture with the sacral area of the user.

[0059] As can be seen in the figures, the waterproof element (4) is a sheet.

[0060] As mentioned above, the absorbent product comprises an upper absorbent core (3'), located in proximity to the acquisition layer (1), which comprises a hole (3T) having a lower surface than the impermeable element (4) and is located in correspondence with the location of said impermeable element (4).

[0061] Correspondingly, the absorbent product comprises a lower absorbent core (3"), located in proximity to the back layer (2). As can be seen in the figures, the lower absorbent core (3") comprises a depressed area (31") or slit located incorrespondence or coincidence with the hole (3T) of the upper absorbent core (3').

[0062] In the embodiment shown, the surface and geometry of the hole (3T) corresponds to the surface and geometry of the depressed area (31”). Likewise, the surface of the lower absorbent core (3”) is larger than that of the upper absorbent core (3’), in order to better diffuse the moisture.

[0063] By virtue of its hydrophobic properties, the waterproof element (4) is a sheet of nonwoven fabric comprising at least one layer of polyethylene and at least one layer of polyester.

[0064] Furthermore, in order to increase softness and reduce friction with the patient's skin, the waterproof element (4) comprises at least one dermoprotective substance or cream impregnated in the form of a strip (5). According to a preferred embodiment, said dermoprotective substance or cream impregnated in the form of a strip (5) comprises a composition that releases fatty and moisturizing substances from the skin.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, other elements that are currently known in the sector are shown, such as the side barriers (7) and the lateral adjustment wings (6).

[0066] In view of this description and set of figures, those skilled in the art will understand that the described embodiments of the invention can be combined in multiple ways within the scope of the invention. The invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be evident to those skilled in the art that multiple variations can be introduced into said preferred embodiments without exceeding the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1.- Absorbent incontinence product comprising:- an acquisition layer (1) permeable to the passage of liquids, positioned to be in direct contact with the user once the product is in place,- a waterproof back layer (2), located in an area further away from the user once the product is in place, and- at least one absorbent core (3', 3") capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, located between the acquisition layer (1) and the back layer (2),characterized in that it comprises an impermeable element (4) located on the acquisition layer (1) to be in direct contact with the user in an area corresponding to the sacral zone.2.- Absorbent product according to claim 1, wherein the impermeable element (4) comprises a soft fabric comprising dermoprotective cream.3.- Absorbent product according to claim 2, wherein the dermoprotective cream is released from the impermeable element (4) by the action of heat.4.- Absorbent product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the impermeable element (4) is a sheet.5.- Absorbent product according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an upper absorbent core (3'), located in proximity to the acquisition layer (1), comprising a hole (3T) having a lower surface than that of the impermeable element (4) and is located in correspondence with the location of said impermeable element (4).6.- Absorbent product according to claim 5, comprising a lower absorbent core (3”), located in proximity to the back layer (2).7.- Absorbent product according to claim 6, wherein the lower absorbent core (3”) comprises a depressed area (31”) located in correspondence with the hole (3T) of the upper absorbent core (3’).8.- Absorbent product according to claim 7, wherein the surface and geometry of thehole (3T) corresponds to the surface and geometry of the depressed area (31").9.- Absorbent product according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the surface of the lower absorbent core (3”) is greater than that of the upper absorbent core (3’).10.- Absorbent product according to any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the impermeable element (4) is a sheet of non-woven fabric comprising at least one layer of polyethylene and at least one layer of polyester.11.- Absorbent product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the impermeable element (4) comprises at least one dermoprotective substance or cream impregnated in the form of a strip (5).12.- Absorbent product according to claim 11, wherein said at least one dermoprotective substance or cream impregnated in the form of a strip (5) comprises a composition that releases fatty and moisturizing substances from the skin.

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