CN211156864U

CN211156864U - Support system for a body part

Info

Publication number: CN211156864U
Application number: CN201920758498.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 帕特里克·罗德泽维奇; 康尼·雅各布森; 威廉·帕迪; 罗伯特·帕迪
Original assignee: Molnycke Health Care AB
Current assignee: Molnycke Health Care AB
Priority date: 2018-05-25
Filing date: 2019-05-24
Publication date: 2020-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-24
Also published as: WO2019224798A1; AU2019273845A1; EP3801432A1; AU2019273845B2

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a support system for a body part, the support system comprising a plenum comprising a gas therein, said plenum configured to shape fit under a patient and support the patient's lower back and buttocks, the plenum comprising: a series of markers indicating proper use of the plenum by the caregiver.

Description

Support system for a body part

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a partial continuation application of U.S. serial No. 15/730,268 entitled "System and Method for patient turning and Repositioning and Simultaneous offloading of a Body in prone Position", filed on 11.10.2017, serial No. 13/834,911 filed on 15.3.2013, continuation of U.S. patent No. 9,833,371, serial No. 13/493,582 filed on 11.6.2012, partial continuation application of U.S. patent No. 9,504,621, serial No. 13/493,641 filed on 11.6.2012, continuation of U.S. patent No. 9,814,642, which claims a temporary application of U.S. serial No. 61/614,791 filed on 23.3.2012, a temporary application of U.S. serial No. 8678 filed on 6.9.6.9.2012, and U.S. patent No. 2011 9 filed on 2011.6.9. The benefit of national provisional application serial No. 61/495,096, the entire contents of each of these applications being hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a patient support that may be used in a bed or flat surface, and more particularly to a system and method for supporting a body, particularly in a prone position, that may also be used to turn and reposition a patient on a bed or flat surface. Features of the present disclosure also relate to markings and other indicators used on the patient support that help guide the caregiver in proper use of the patient support and correct positioning of the patient on the patient support.

Background

Hospital beds and other patient static and dynamic air supports are known. Typically, such patient supports are used to provide a support surface for a patient or other individual for the treatment, recovery or rest and prevention of skin breakdown. It is desirable to provide an improved patient support for unloading a patient in a prone position (including bone protrusions). In many cases, proper use of a patient positioner depends on training of caregivers in proper use of the patient positioner, which can be inconsistent in hospitals and other facilities. Improvements are therefore desirable.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for supporting and unloading a body. In many cases, it is desirable not to lift the body off the surface of the bed. In the prone position, the body lies facing the support surface. In other examples, the body may lie facing up against the support surface. The system provides a support that includes a first ultra low pressure plenum and a positioner. In some examples, the positioner is positioned below the ultra low pressure plenum to regulate and control the amount of gas discharged therein. In other examples, the system provides a first ultra low pressure plenum, a second ultra low pressure plenum, and a positioner. Each of these ultra low pressure plenums may comprise one or more air chambers. Each air chamber is filled at a predetermined low pressure for distributing pressure along the length of the ultra low pressure plenum, but does not itself have significant lift to the received body part.

The cover can be received over one or more ultra low pressure plenums. The covering may include a retention feature for receiving the locator. The cover may include a temperature regulating material for maintaining the received body part within an optimal range of skin temperatures for longer periods of comfort. In one embodiment, the phase change material may be used to adjust the temperature of the system to accommodate temperature changes of the body.

In some embodiments, the positioner includes a bladder filled with fluidized particulate material of sufficient size and shape to discharge a volume of air into the support to relieve pressure from a received body part, such as but not limited to bony prominences that are in contact with the surface when the body is in a prone position and when the body is turned to other positions. The surface area of the positioner provides a positive air displacement in the ultra low pressure plenum(s) that is greater than the body part of the patient itself. In one embodiment, the positioner may have a greater width than the patient. In other embodiments, the locator is sized and shaped to the size and shape of a small pillow. The positioner provides three-dimensional motion. Preferably, the positioner has little or no flow characteristics unless an external force other than gravity is applied. The positioner can displace and trim the profile three-dimensionally like a fluid without having flow characteristics that would cause the media to migrate under gravity. The locator may provide a three-dimensional profile. The retainer may be shaped as a pad.

In one embodiment, the first ultra low pressure plenum comprises a lower bladder section having a width dimension less than the upper bladder section. The air chambers of the lower and upper bladder sections are in air communication with each other. Air is communicated within the upper and lower bladder sections by air displacement. The patient size, as well as the size and corresponding surface area of the positioner, control the amount of air that is displaced evenly across the wall of the first ultra low pressure plenum. In some embodiments, the second ultra low pressure plenum is placed below the first ultra low pressure plenum. Alternatively, the second ultra low pressure plenum may be placed on top of the first ultra low pressure plenum. The second ultra low pressure plenum may be the same or substantially similar in size and shape to the upper bladder section of the first ultra low pressure plenum. The positioner is placed below or on top of the first and second ultra low pressure plenums, or elsewhere in the first and second ultra low pressure plenums, or in combination with one or more additional positioners. It has been found to be particularly useful to locate the positioner below this lowermost plenum, i.e. between the plenum and the support surface/bed. In one embodiment, the positioner diverts air in one or both of the first ultra low pressure plenum and the second ultra low pressure plenum to unload the body. In one embodiment, a positioner may be positioned at one of the outer walls of the first ultra low pressure plenum to push air away from the outer wall to assist in patient turn around.

For example, the brace may be used to allow the patient to be supported in a prone or supine position for offloading the body from the clavicle to the knee to help treat advanced respiratory distress.

The combination of the first and second ultra low pressure chambers and the positioner, including the fluidizing medium, produces sufficient support for the received body part while responding to normal patient movements. The first ultra low pressure plenum and the second ultra low pressure plenum may be low-profile. This may mean that the height of one or both plenums above the support surface is only about one inch to about three inches. In one embodiment, the system comprising the first ultra low pressure plenum and the second ultra low pressure plenum may be positioned under a bed sheet of a bed, such as a hospital bed. Alternatively, a system comprising the first ultra low pressure plenum and the second ultra low pressure plenum can be placed over the bed sheets to assist in patient turn and repositioning.

A grasping handle may be provided on either edge of the first ultra low pressure chamber to assist in moving the first ultra low pressure chamber while the patient is supported by the first ultra low pressure chamber. In this embodiment, the gripping handles may be placed on the bed sheet and be unweighted to allow the patient to be moved for patient turn and repositioning. In one embodiment, the gripping handle is a hole in the cover. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping handle is placed under the bed sheet and has a high coefficient of friction to prevent migration of the ultra low pressure plenum.

In one example, there is provided a support system for a body part, the support system comprising: a plenum chamber including a gas therein, said plenum chamber configured to shape fit under a patient and support the lower back and buttocks of the patient, the plenum chamber comprising: a series of markers indicating proper use of the plenum by the caregiver. These markers may include anatomical markers of the pelvis and spine. In combination or in different examples, the markers may include guide lines extending in the lateral and longitudinal directions. In one example, the plenum includes a main body and a lower extension, and the markers include tail markers that demonstrate how the lower extension converges under the main body. In combination or in different examples, the indicia include an instructional graphical representation containing one or more images demonstrating proper use of the support system.

The system may also have multiple handles, with every other handle being a different color. There may be a long gripping handle and a shorter handle. Locator position markers positioned on the surface-facing side of the plenum may be provided. In combination or in different examples, a positioner adapted to be received under the plenum is provided, wherein the positioner displaces the gas within the plenum.

The plenum may include an upper bladder and an extended bladder, wherein the extended bladder has a width diameter less than the upper bladder. The bottom surface of the plenum may have a lower coefficient of friction than the upper surface. In combination or in a different example, the support system may be provided with a cover having dimensions to fit over the plenum, the cover including an extension adapted to be received over the extension pocket, an upper surface of the extension including a portion formed of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than other areas of the cover. The cover may include a plurality of handles attached near an edge of a rear surface of the cover.

There may also be provided a method of supporting a body part, the method comprising the steps of: providing a patient support plenum comprising a main body and an extension, the plenum comprising: (i) a series of markings indicating proper use of the plenum by the caregiver, (ii) a plurality of color-coded handles, and (iii) tail markings on the extension; consulting the markers to determine the appropriate patient positioning; using the markers as a guide to position the patient on the support system; and (a) a grip handle for patient movement, (b) a grip handle for stowing the extension under the body, or (c) both. In the method, the extension may have an upper surface with a higher coefficient of friction than a lower surface of the extension. A positioner may also be positioned below the main body to displace the gas within the plenum.

The present invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Figures 1A-1C are schematic views of a first bladder for use in a system for body support according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a positioner used in the system.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a second bladder used in the system.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a system including first and second pouches and a positioner.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a system for supporting a body part that provides low pressure loss in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a system for supporting a body part providing alternating pressure in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a support used in an alternative embodiment of a system for sacral and rotor portion support according to the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a front view of a cover placed over the support shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a rear view of the cover placed on the support shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a rear view of a cover placed over the support shown in fig. 7, including an extension of the support placed in a folded state.

Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a system for sacral and rotor portion support when placed on a bed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a system for sacral and rotor portion support as placed on a bed and folded on one side to expose a handle attached to the back side of the support according to the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a schematic view of a system for sacral and rotor portion support when placed on a bed and including a positioner placed in a retainer of a covering in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a schematic view of a system for sacral and rotor portion support as placed on a bed and used by a user in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a schematic view of a system for sacral and rotor portion support as placed on a bed and used by a user during folding of the rim toward the user in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a system for sacral and rotor portion support as placed on a bed and used by a user during folding of a covering and an extension of the support, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a schematic view of a system for sacral and rotor portion support as placed on a bed and used by a user during user turn in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a schematic view of a system for sacral and rotor portion support when placed on a bed and in use (including use of a positioner to assist in turning) in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a positioner for use in a system for sacral and rotor portion support.

Figure 20 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a patient support having indicia designed to indicate proper use and patient positioning to a caregiver.

Fig. 21 is a top plan view of the patient support of fig. 20.

Figure 22 is a top view of the patient support of figure 20 folded over on its side to reveal access to the handle on the lower surface.

Figure 23 is a top view of the patient support of figure 20 on a patient bed in which the patient is positioned. For ease of viewing, the sides of the support are flared, but it will be appreciated that at least part of the sides may ride up the sides of the bed and not be visible from above.

Fig. 24 is a close-up view of certain indicators on a patient support.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

Figures 1-4 illustrate a system for supporting a body part of a patient for rotation and repositioning of the patient while unloading a bone protrusion 10 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The patient support systems described herein may include a combination of plenums and positioners in a variety of different combinations. A single low pressure plenum may be provided, or more than one plenum may be used in combination. A single positioner may be provided or more than one positioner may be used in combination. The first ultra low pressure plenum 12 is configured to shape fit under a patient and support the lower back and/or buttocks of the patient. For example, the first ultra low pressure plenum 12 may have a width W1 of approximately 52 inches and a height H1 of approximately 35 inches. Alternatively, the width W1 may be the width of a bed such as a hospital bed. As noted in FIG. 4, the first ultra low pressure plenum 12 is formed from an upper bladder 14 and a lower bladder 16. First upper pouch 14 may have a width W2 and a height H2. Lower pouch 16 has a smaller width dimension W3 and height dimension H3 than upper pouch 14. The air pressure within the upper and

lower bladders

14, 16 is sufficiently reduced for distributing pressure within the first ultra low pressure plenum 12, but does not itself provide support to the received body part. The superior capsular bag section 14 extends between edge 13b and edge 13 d. In a specific example, the width between edge 13b and edge 13d may be about 700mm to about 1400 mm. In an even more specific example, the width can be about 950 and 1050mm, and even more specifically 997 mm. The inferior capsular bag section 16 extends between edge 15b and edge 15 d. In a particular example, the width between edge 13b and edge 13d can be about 500mm to about 1000 mm. In an even more specific example, the width can be about 900 and 850 mm, and even more specifically 844 mm. Dimensions between these ranges are also considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. These dimensions are provided for perspective and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

A grasping handle 20 may be provided on either

edge

22a, 22b to assist in moving the first ultra low pressure plenum 12 across the surface 19. The gripping handle 20 may be placed on the bed sheet of a bed and is unweighted to allow the patient to move. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping handle 20 is placed under the bed sheets and has a high coefficient of friction to prevent movement of the first ultra low pressure plenum 12.

The retainer 23 may include a pocket 24, as shown in fig. 2. The pockets 24 are filled with fluidized material 25 that can retain its shape after formation. The fluidity or lubricity of the fluidized material 25 may be increased by the addition of lubricant, or by the removal of air from the interstitial spaces, or both. The preferred medium for the fluidized material 25 is a particulate material that has been modified in a manner such that it acts like a fluid. Fluidized material 25 refers to a compound or composition that can be shaped and retain its shape and has no memory or substantially no memory. The memory-free or substantially memory-free feature enables the capsular bag 24 to increase the height of the body part and maintain support of the body part. The fluidized material 25 is made of a viscous material that allows it to contour under the weight of the body part without collapsing.

At sea level, normal interstitial air pressures will exceed about 760 mbar mercury. This may increase or decrease slightly as the altitude changes. Depending on the nature of the particulate fluidized material 25, the pressure may be reduced by about 500 mbar to below about 5 mbar, preferably 350 mbar to about 5 mbar, while still maintaining the necessary flow characteristics of the product.

The fluidized material 25 may include compressible and incompressible beads such as polyethylene or Polystyrene (PS) beads, expanded Polyethylene (PE), cross-linked expanded Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) particles, closed cell foam, microspheres, encapsulated Phase Change Material (PCM). the beads may be hard shelled or flexible. in one embodiment, the beads are flexible and air may be expelled from the beads. in one embodiment, hard beads may be mixed with flexible beads, where air may be expelled from the flexible beads. in an alternative embodiment, the fluidized material 25 may be a porous foam mass including interstitial air pockets.

A suitable example of fluidized material 25 may be formed from a mixture of microspheres and a lubricant. The microspheres may comprise hollow or gas-filled structural cells (typically of an average diameter of less than 200 microns)Glass or plastic). The composition flows and is stressed in response to a deforming pressure applied thereto, and the composition stops flowing and is stressed when the deforming pressure ceases. For example, the fluidized material 25 may be formed of a material known as Floam^TMThe product of (1) is formed. U.S. patent nos. 5,421,874, 5,549,743, 5,626,657, 6,020,055, 6,197,099 and 8,175,585, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, define a flowable compound comprising a formulation of lubricating microspheres (including the compound itself) for making the compound, a process for making the compound, products made from the compound, and a process for making products from the compound.

For example, the bladder 24 may be formed of a flexible plastic such as polyurethane, the flow of the bladder 24 is concurrent with the flow of the fluidized material 25 as gas is removed from the fluidized material 25 such that the bladder 24 moves with the movement of the fluidized material 25.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the second ultra low pressure plenum 32. The second ultra low pressure plenum 32 is formed by a bladder 34. The second sub-low pressure chamber 32 may have a width W4 and a height H4 that is the same as or substantially similar to the height H2 and the width W2 of the upper bladder 14 of the first sub-low pressure chamber 12.

The second ultra low pressure plenum 32 can be placed below the first ultra low pressure plenum 12 as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the second ultra low pressure plenum may be placed on top of the first ultra low pressure plenum. The positioner 23 is placed under both the first ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32. The positioner 23 displaces air in both the first ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32. The lower surface 26 of the retainer 23 may be formed of a high friction material for preventing movement of the retainer 23.

The bladder 24 is preferably filled with fluidized particulate material 25 of sufficient size and shape to displace an amount of gas in the sub-low pressure plenum 12 and the second sub-low pressure plenum 32 to relieve pressure from body parts received such as the clavicle protrusion, the ribcage, the iliac crest, etc. when the body is in a prone position near the system 10. In other examples, the system unloads bony prominences of the head, scapula, elbow, heel, pelvis, or other bony portions of the patient's anatomy. The pockets 24 provide a micro-contouring because the fluidized material 25 can respond in three dimensions. Alternatively, the pockets 24 are formed from any contoured media, such as foam or gel, that is sufficient to displace air within the first and second plenums 12, 32.

For example, the pressure in the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32 may be less than 20mm of water. It should be understood that all equivalents, such as mmHg and PSI, etc., can be used to measure the pressure within the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32.

If the positioner 23 is not used, or if the positioner 23 covers less than about 30% of the area of the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32, the pressure within the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32 can be less than about 20mm of water. If the positioner 23 covers an area of the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32 of about 30% to about 60%, the pressure within the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32 may be less than about 10mm of water. If the positioner 23 covers more than about 60% of the area of the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32, the pressure within the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32 may be less than about 5mm of water.

The bottom surface 17 of the first or second ultra low pressure chambers 12, 32 can be formed from a material with a low coefficient of friction for moving a patient on a surface 19 below the first or second ultra low pressure chambers 12, 32. Suitable materials having a low coefficient of friction are nylon or anti-cracking nylon materials. The upper surface 18 of the first or second ultra low pressure plenum 12 or 32 can be formed from a material having a high coefficient of friction. Suitable materials having a high coefficient of friction are rubberized or non-slip materials.

An additional locator 23 may be placed on the lower bladder 16 of the ultra low pressure plenum 12 to follow arrow A₁The direction of (a) displaces gas from the lower bladder 16 to the upper bladder 14, as shown in fig. 4, or is placed at a different location on the first or second ultra low pressure plenums 12, 32. As the patient reclines over the first and second ultra low pressure plenums 12 and 32, the gas will be displaced in the upper and second ultra low pressure plenums 14 and 32 toward the outer edge 13a for providing support near the

edges

13b and 13d, thereby providing support for the patient within the

edges

13b and 13d and the edges of the bladders 34 for the

edges

13b and 13d of the upper bladder 14 for lifting the patient from the surface 11.

In one embodiment, a locator 23 may be positioned at one of the

edges

13b and 13d to push air away from the

respective edge

13b and 13d to assist the patient in turning toward the opposite edge, as shown in fig. 5. For example, if the patient is to turn toward edge 13d, locator 23 may be placed at edge 13b for displacing gas behind the patient toward edge 13b of upper bladder 14, pneumatically assisting the patient in turning toward edge 13 d.

The system 10 including the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32 is functional whether the positioner 23 is placed on top of the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32 or below the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the second ultra low pressure plenum 32.

Fig. 6-17 illustrate a system for supporting a body part of a patient for rotation and repositioning of the patient while unloading a bone protrusion 300 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The system 300 includes a first ultra low pressure plenum 312 and a second low pressure plenum 332, as shown in FIG. 6. The first ultra low pressure plenum 312 is configured to shape fit under a patient and support the lower back and/or buttocks of the patient. The first ultra low pressure plenum 312 may include an upper bladder 314 and an extension bladder 315. The extension bladder 315 extends from the superior bladder 314. The extension pouch 315 and the upper pouch 314 may be integral with each other. The air pressure within the upper bladder 314 and the extension bladder 315 is sufficiently reduced for distributing pressure within the first ultra low pressure plenum 312, but does not itself provide support to the received body part. The second ultra low pressure plenum 332 is formed by a bladder 334. The second ultra low pressure plenum 32 can be placed below the first ultra low pressure plenum 12. A dimple 311 may be formed in the first ultra low pressure chamber 312 and a dimple 331 may be formed in the second ultra low pressure chamber 332. The

pits

311 and 331 may be aligned with each other.

The cover 318 can be placed around the first ultra low pressure plenum 312 and the second ultra low pressure plenum as shown in fig. 7-9. The cover 318 may be formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction. Suitable materials having a low coefficient of friction are nylon or anti-cracking nylon materials. The extension 325 of the covering 318 receives the extension pocket 315.

The portion 317 on the upper surface 327 of the extension 325 may be formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction. Suitable materials having a high coefficient of friction are rubberized or non-slip materials. Portion 317 can be folded under the rear surface 319 of the upper bladder 314 to prevent movement of the ultra low pressure chamber 312, as shown in FIG. 9. A handle 320 may be provided near the

edges

322a, 322b of the cover 318 to assist in movement. Handles 321 may be provided near the

edges

324a, 324b of the extension 325 of the cover 318 to help fold the extension 325 under the rear surface 319.

Fig. 10-17 illustrate the use of the system for supporting a body part of a user for patient rotation and repositioning while unloading the bone projections 300. In fig. 10, a system to support a user's body part for patient turn and repositioning while unloading the bone projections 300 may be placed on a bed 330. The system 300 can be moved to different positions on the bed 330 using the handle 320, as shown in fig. 11.

The retainer 23 may be placed within the pocket 331 of the cover 318 to retain the retainer 23. The positioner 23 may be placed over the upper bladder 314 of the first ultra low pressure plenum 312 to allow gas to flowBody along arrow A₂As shown in fig. 12. When the user reclines on the first ultra low pressure plenum 312 and his sacrum rests on the positioner 23, the gas will displace in the upper bladder 314 in the direction of arrow a3 toward the

outer edges

322a, 322b for providing support near

edges

322a and 322b to provide support to the user within

edges

322a and 322b, and as shown in fig. 13, to lift the user 340 from the surface 311 of the cot 330 and unload the sacrum and rotor portions of the user 340 and allow the body to rotate on the support or cot. The additional locator 23 may be placed in the pocket 331 of the cover 118 by lifting the edge 322a to provide additional gas displacement within the upper pouch 314, as shown in fig. 14. The extension 325 may be folded under the rear surface 319 of the upper bladder 314 to prevent movement of the ultra low pressure chamber 312, as shown in FIG. 15.

In one embodiment, the user 340 may be caused to move or turn by using the handle 320, as shown in FIG. 16. In one embodiment, locators 23 may be positioned behind the sides of cover 318 to push air away from edge 322a to assist the user in turning toward the opposite edge, as shown in fig. 17. For example, if the patient is to be turned toward edge 322b, locator 23 may be placed at edge 322a for displacing gas behind the patient toward edge 322b of upper bladder 314, thereby pneumatically assisting the patient in turning toward edge 322 b.

In one embodiment, the fixture 400 may include an ultra low pressure bladder 402, as shown in FIG. 18. The pressure within the ultra low pressure bladder 402 is in the range of less than about 20mm water to about 5mm water or in the range of less than about 10mm water to about 5mm water. It should be understood that all equivalents such as mmHg and PSI, etc. can be used to measure the pressure within the ultra low pressure bladder 402. In this embodiment, positioner 400 is formed to be of sufficient size and shape to displace an amount of gas within ultra low pressure bladder 402 to relieve pressure from a received body part. The lower surface 406 of the retainer 400 may be formed of a high friction material for preventing movement of the retainer 400. The positioner 400 can be placed on top of the first ultra low pressure plenum 12 and/or the second ultra low pressure plenum 32 or below the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and/or the second ultra low pressure plenum 32.

The positioner 400 may be placed over the lower bladder 16 of the ultra low pressure plenum 12 to displace gas from the lower bladder 16 to the upper bladder 14 in the direction of arrow An, as shown in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, the locator 23 may be used with the locator 400. The positioner 400 may be placed over the lower bladder 16 of the ultra low pressure plenum 12 and the positioner 23 may be positioned at one of the

edges

13b and 13d to push air away from the

edges

13b and 13d to help the patient turn to the opposite edge, similar to the positioner 23 shown in fig. 5. For example, if the patient is to turn toward edge 13d, locator 23 may be placed at edge 13b for displacing gas behind the patient toward edge 13b of upper bladder 14, pneumatically assisting the patient in turning toward edge 13 d.

While it is possible that caregivers are well trained in the use of systems that unload or turn around and position patients, such systems are in some cases not used properly due to uncertainties regarding the features and their intended use. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a series of markers 500 that may be positioned on various surfaces of the air plenum 502. The air plenum 502 may have any of the features of the plenums described above. It should also be understood that the disclosed marker 500 may be used with other patient support systems/air plenums having similar instructions for use.

Referring now to FIG. 20, an air plenum 502 having side extensions 504 and lower extensions 506 is shown. In use, the air plenum 502 is configured to be positioned on top of a hospital bed or other surface. Some or all of the side extensions 504 may be suspended, near or beside the sides of a patient's bed or other surface. The lower extension 506 will typically be positioned under the leg or foot region of the patient, as shown in fig. 23. The air plenum 502 is provided with indicia 500 that indicate to the caregiver that the patient is properly positioned and/or that the lower extension 506 is properly used.

First, the anatomical map 508 is positioned centrally on the air plenum 502. The illustrated anatomical diagram 508 is an anatomical diagram of the patient's pelvis/sacral region 510 and spine 512. However, it should be understood that other anatomical drawings are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a desired position or other anatomical reference point of the patient's head may be provided relative to the plenum 502. Although any color may be used to indicate the anatomical map 508, it has been found particularly useful to provide such a map/graphic in white. Because the spine, pelvis, and sacrum are bony structures and are naturally white, it is believed that this color association may subconsciously emphasize the relationship between patient positioning and the anatomical map 508.

The marker 500 also includes a sacral guide wire in the form of a guide wire extending from the anatomical map 508 or a grid extending from the anatomical marker in the lateral (x) and longitudinal (y) directions. The longitudinal (y) portion 516 of the grid may help align the entire spinal site of the patient on the air plenum 502. The transverse (x) portion 518 of the lattice effectively serves as a transverse sacral line, thereby providing lateral extension of the sacral region. In a particular example, the wire 518 may be placed around the product and used as a supportive guide to ensure that the patient is placed correctly and remains in place throughout the daily patient care. The transverse portion 518 may be marked thicker than the vertically oriented longitudinal portion 516, as it is generally more pronounced when a patient is positioned on the plenum 502. These markers 500, used alone or in combination, may help align the patient with the plenum 502. Although multiple options are presented, only a single anatomical map 508 and/or only a single transverse marker 516 or longitudinal marker 518 may be provided.

The plenum 502 is also shown with a tail marker 520 on the down-extension 506. In use, the lower extension may fold under the main body 522 of the air plenum 502. When the lower extension 506 converges under the plenum 502, a "bump" of the two bladders is created, which ensures improved unloading of the sacral region of the patient. As described above, the lower extension 506 may be configured to have a different coefficient of friction than the body 522. In a particular example, the upper surface 560 of the lower extension 506 may have a higher coefficient of friction than the upper surface of the body 522 of the air plenum 502. As a result, when the lower extension 506 converges below the plenum 502, the surface of higher coefficient of friction now faces the lower bed surface and may help stop the sliding or skidding of the system 10 relative to the bed surface. Thus, the lower extension acts as a "parking break" to hold the patient in place, thereby ensuring that the patient is properly unloaded. However, such folding or gathering of the lower extension 506 (also referred to as a "tail") may not be intuitive. Thus, the indicia may include a series of small upward arrows 524 that require action. The indicia may also include a series of lines in the pattern 526 that indicate the area to be folded. The boundary line 528 helps identify the position where the tail 506 should be drawn in. While any color marking may be and is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure, it has been found that providing a red tail mark 520 helps require action. They signal to the caregiver: ' do not forget to close the tail. The "tail" is optimally tucked in order to correctly position the patient for unloading the load for optimal bedsore prevention, and also eliminates the situation where the patient slips down on the bed when the bed head is raised. A side handle 530 is also provided on the lower extension 506. The caregiver can grasp the side handle 530 to fold/gather/move the lower extension 506 under the body 522. Also, while any color may be used, it has been found useful to provide the side handle 530 in red. A similar method may also be used to gather the side extensions 504 under the body 522, as illustrated in the graphical illustration of "gather" shown and described below. The side extensions 504 may be collapsed to regulate air displacement in the plenum, and may vary depending on the size of the patient.

Fig. 20 also illustrates a series of gripping handles 532 extending along the body 522 as seen from the edge. These grip handles 532 are particularly useful for lateral rotation or lateral translation of the patient; i.e. the patient is transferred from one bed or support to another. As described, the lower surface of the air plenum 502 may be provided with a low coefficient of friction that allows the system 10 to slide relative to the surface. Fig. 21 shows a bottom plan view of the patient support system 10. This view illustrates that the handle system may actually include a series of longer grip handles 532 interspersed with shorter handles 534. The shorter handle 534 is used to "boost" the patient; even if the patient (and support) moves up or down in a bed or other support surface.

In particular embodiments, the grip handles 532 may be alternately colored. Every other handle is replaced with a differently colored handle, which the caregiver can more easily identify and grasp to provide evenly distributed weight lifting and to assist the patient. The overall goal is that the color difference between the handles provides the caregiver with the ability to identify and separate the handles when preparing and organizing the assisted grip. As described above, the shorter handles 534 are interspersed between the longer grip handles 532 and used to assist the patient. For example, when two caregivers stand on opposite sides of a bed or other surface and are ready to boost a patient, the color difference of the longer handles (i.e., the black 532a, 532c and gray 532b, 532d handles) facilitates grasping the correct short handle 532 (not visible during boosting). This may simplify communication between caregivers and may also prevent skewed boosting, which may be harmful to the patient. The color difference is intended to make it easier to interact with a particular handle for oral selection. In some cases, the side extension 504 may be folded over the top of the body 522 for greater maneuverability, as shown in fig. 22. In this example, a caregiver may reach a series of shorter handles 534. In the particular example shown, the shorter handles 534 may be positioned at the base region 536 of each of the longer grip handles 532. In another example, the shorter handles 534 may be positioned between the longer grip handles 532. These handles may also be alternately color coded, if desired. It should also be understood that alternative handle configurations are possible and considered within the scope of the present disclosure. Particular configurations have been found to be particularly useful and are therefore described in detail herein.

FIG. 21 also shows locator position markers 562. This marker 562 can help show the caregiver where a locator (as described above) or pillow can be positioned to help effectively locate the patient. Although the figure is shown as being positioned on the bottom surface of the system, it should be understood that the indicia 562 can be positioned on the top surface, the bottom surface, or both surfaces.

Fig. 20 also shows a graphical illustration 540. The graphical illustration 540 graphically depicts a suggested use of the patient support system. The graphical illustration 540 may be positioned anywhere on the support system as deemed appropriate. It has been found particularly helpful to locate the graphical illustration 540 on one of the side extensions 504. This arrangement allows access by a caregiver even when the patient is positioned on the patient support system, as shown in fig. 23. FIG. 24 illustrates a number of different options that may be provided on graphical illustration 540. The first graphical illustration 542 illustrates a suitable step for positioning a patient on the positioning system 10. Second graphical illustration 544 illustrates a suitable step for collapsing the lower extent and/or sides of the plenum. The third graphical illustration 546 illustrates a suitable procedure for turning and positioning the patient. A fourth graphical illustration 548 illustrates a suitable procedure for boosting a patient. A fifth graphical illustration 550 illustrates a suitable procedure for laterally displacing the patient. All of the illustrated and described graphical illustrations 540 may be provided in a single location. In another example, the graphical representations may be disposed at different locations on the air plenum 502. It is generally contemplated that all graphical illustrations will be provided, but one or more of the graphical illustrations in the set of graphical illustrations may be omitted.

The graphical illustration 540 may also be presented as a two-dimensional code 552 that may be scanned to provide the user with more information about the product and further instructions for use. The two-dimensional code may link the user to a manufacturer's website, a guide video, or any other suitable guide source.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. It will be appreciated that a variety of the different features described may be used in combination with other features. For example, if a feature is described in connection with a first embodiment, it should be understood that the same feature may be incorporated into different embodiments within the scope of the disclosure, even if not explicitly described herein. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A support system for a body part, the support system comprising:

a plenum chamber including a gas therein, said plenum chamber configured to shape fit under a patient and support the lower back and buttocks of the patient, the plenum chamber comprising: a series of markers indicating proper use of the plenum by the caregiver.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the markers include anatomical markers of the pelvis and spine.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the markers comprise guide lines extending in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plenum comprises a main body and a lower extension, and wherein the markers comprise tail markers that demonstrate how the lower extension converges below the main body.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the indicia comprise an instructional graphic representation including one or more images demonstrating proper use of the support system.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of handles, wherein every other handle comprises a different color.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of handles, the plurality of handles comprising a long gripping handle and a shorter handle.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising locator position markers positioned on a surface-facing side of the plenum.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a positioner adapted to be received beneath the plenum, wherein the positioner displaces the gas within the plenum.

10. The support system of claim 1, wherein the pressure in the plenum is from less than about 20mm of water to about 5mm of water.

11. The support system of claim 1, wherein the pressure in the plenum is from less than about 10mm of water to about 5mm of water.

12. The support system of claim 1, wherein the plenum comprises an upper bladder and an extension bladder, wherein the extension bladder has a width diameter less than the upper bladder.

13. The support system of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the plenum has a lower coefficient of friction than an upper surface.

14. The support system of claim 12 further including a cover sized to fit over the plenum, the cover including an extension adapted to be received over the extension pocket, an upper surface of the extension including a portion formed of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than regions of the cover other than the portion.

15. The support system of claim 14 wherein the cover includes handles attached near edges of a rear surface of the cover.