EP0670688B1 - Medical mattress - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject matter of the invention is a medical mattress comprising a flexible tubular envelope (1) open at two ends, divided into a central section (3a, 3b) open at both ends and flanked, on either side, by an area forming a border (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) open at both ends, with two sets of foam elements (8) being insertable in the border sections (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) and two small water mattresses (7a, 7b) being insertable in the central section (3a, 3b). The elements (7a, 7b, 8) are arranged substantially symmetrical to the transversal centre line (T) of the envelope, while the edges (15) facing the water mattresses (7a, 7b) have a concavity forming a central basin (16). An opening (17) formed in the upper wall (1a) of the envelope (1), in the central portion of said basin (16), is connected to one at least flexible tube for discharging body waste and soiled fluids. A device (14) is provided for supplying water to one and/or the other of the two water mattresses (7a, 7b) at a regulated temperature and rate/pressure. Application to medical mattresses.

Description

The present invention relates to an anti-square medical mattress for patients immobilized on their bed.

The advantage of a medical mattress suitable for patients immobilized is known. It must allow the patient to stay in the supine position in the best conditions comfort and hygiene.

Whenever possible, he should avoid training bedsores adapting to the patient's body so as to have a maximum bearing surface.

For some incontinent bedridden patients, the mattress must allow the evacuation of solid manure and liquids and facilitate the toilet.

In the area of comfort to ensure a surface high support, it is natural to use mattresses hydraulic type, the mattress itself constituting a reserve of heated and regulated water. We can cite canapes or beds using these principles (US Patents 3,879,598 and CH-551.173). Sometimes comfort is increased by controlling the environment or even using devices providing vibratory movement to the water contained in the mattress (US patent 4,144,215). However, these mattresses particularly comfortable are not suitable for sick people immobilized on their bed. This is one of the reasons for which specific mattresses or devices have been designed and produced. Most often they implement a housing and a basin for receiving droppings and water soiled, which slides in the housing (patents FR-A-2,087,040 and CH-259.604).

These mattresses or devices are not particularly comfortable and do not avoid training squares.

Although it seems logical to combine the comfort of a hydraulic mattress with a device allowing evacuation droppings and dirty water, few achievements have solved the problems. We can cite in this area a mattress with transverse cushions including the cushion central has a cavity intended to recover and evacuate droppings (patent FR-A-932,263). A mattress works two air and water circuits including the central part, formed of water mattresses capable of being supplied with water at regulated temperature and flow / pressure is removable, ensures both good comfort for the patient bedridden and to facilitate hygiene (patent FR-A-2,626,467).

Although this latter mattress largely responds to problems posed, its use is delicate because it involves the implementation of two fluid systems, air and water. Its use both in individuals and hospital environment lacks rusticity. Furthermore, if he has a clear improvement over mattresses and existing devices it does not completely avoid the pressure ulcer formation.

For these different reasons the medical mattress for sick in bed for long periods or in bedridden incontinence should not only be comfortable and avoid the pressure ulcer formation while allowing a healthy lifestyle close to normal but it must be robust in design and rustic and easy to implement by non-staff qualified.

The invention specifically aims to provide such a mattress.

• d'une enveloppe tubulaire souple rectangulaire ouverte aux deux extrémités, compartimentée en une zone centrale s'étendant suivant l'axe longitudinal de l'enveloppe, ouverte aux deux extrémités et flanquée, de part et d'autre, d'une zone latérale relativement étroite formant bordure, également ouverte aux deux extrémités ;
• de deux jeux d'éléments en matériau mousse susceptibles d'être insérés à volonté dans les compartiments de bordure ;
• de deux petits matelas d'eau susceptibles d'être insérés à volonté dans ledit compartiment central, lesdits éléments en mousse et matelas d'eau étant disposés dans l'enveloppe de manière sensiblement symétrique par rapport à l'axe central transversal de ladite enveloppe, cependant que les bords en regard des matelas d'eau présentent une concavité en sorte de ménager dans la zone centrale du matelas médical, transversalement à ce dernier, une cuvette ;
• d'un orifice ménagé dans la paroi supérieure de l'enveloppe, dans la partie centrale de ladite cuvette, relié à au moins un conduit souple disposé à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe et débouchant à l'extérieur du matelas en vue de l'évacuation des déjections et eaux souillées :
• et d'un dispositif de fourniture, à l'un et/ou l'autre des deux matelas d'eau, d'eau régulée en température et en débit/pression.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a medical mattress consisting of:

• of a flexible rectangular tubular casing open at both ends, compartmentalized in a central zone extending along the longitudinal axis of the casing, open at both ends and flanked on either side by a relatively lateral zone narrow border, also open at both ends;
• two sets of elements made of foam material capable of being inserted at will into the border compartments;
• two small water mattresses capable of being inserted at will into said central compartment, said foam elements and water mattress being arranged in the envelope in a manner substantially symmetrical with respect to the transverse central axis of said envelope, however that the facing edges of the water mattresses have a concavity so as to provide in the central area of the medical mattress, transverse to the latter, a bowl;
• an orifice formed in the upper wall of the envelope, in the central part of said bowl, connected to at least one flexible conduit disposed inside the envelope and opening out to the outside of the mattress in view of the '' evacuation of droppings and contaminated water:
• and a device for supplying, to one and / or the other of the two water mattresses, water regulated in temperature and in flow / pressure.

According to a preferred embodiment, each mattress of water is formed of a flexible envelope with several compartments communicating with each other by one or more orifices, water entering and leaving up to two extreme compartments of said envelope, while the sending of water under an adjustable determined pressure is performed according to a programmable cycle including a phase for sending water from the supply device to the mattresses of water at a predetermined adjustable flow rate and a free phase return, at an adjustable predetermined flow rate, of water from mattress to the water supply device.

Such a mattress allows to adjust to the needs of the moment the extent of the central bowl by positioning at will each water mattress inside its housing defined by the central compartment of the envelope, by displacement relative of the mattress along the longitudinal axis of the envelope, so as to bring the two concave edges together or away from them opposite the two water mattresses.

In addition, according to an essential characteristic of the device of the invention, the prediction of successive cycles swelling then deflation of the water mattresses results by micromovements on the surface of each of said mattresses, which promote the patient's vascular supply confined to bed and consequently avoid the formation of bedsores.

The modular structure made up, on the one hand, by the compartment envelope and, on the other hand, by the removable foam sets and water mattresses, allows to tilt the head part half of the mattress, or the half part on the foot side, one with respect to the other. It also allows the mattress to be folded in half for transport, or even roll up the envelope completely after removal of all removable parts.

• Figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un matelas médical selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention ;
• Figure 2 est une vue schématique partielle d'un petit matelas d'eau du dispositif de la figure 1 ;
• Figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale suivant l'axe T du matelas médical de la figure 1, installé sur un lit ;
• Figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe partielle suivant l'axe L du matelas médical de la figure 1, installé sur un lit ;
• Figures 5a et 5b illustrent deux modes de connexion des deux petits matelas d'eau au dispositif de fourniture d'eau régulée, et
• Figure 6 est un schéma fonctionnel d'un dispositif de fourniture d'eau régulée, selon un mode de réalisation préféré.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description which follows of an embodiment of a medical mattress according to the invention, description given by way of example only and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a medical mattress according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 is a partial schematic view of a small water mattress of the device of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the axis T of the medical mattress of Figure 1, installed on a bed;
• Figure 4 is a schematic view in partial section along the axis L of the medical mattress of Figure 1, installed on a bed;
• FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate two modes of connection of the two small water mattresses to the regulated water supply device, and
• Figure 6 is a block diagram of a regulated water supply device, according to a preferred embodiment.

There is shown in 1 in Figures 1, 3 and 4 a flexible tubular envelope, rectangular in shape, open to its two ends. The envelope 1 is for example produced at using a sheet of food polyvinyl chloride folded and heat sealed to form a flattened tube.

Using, for example, welds, we compartmentalize this envelope 1 in order to delimit by two lines of welding or partitions 2 parallel to the longitudinal edges of the rectangular envelope 1, on the one hand, a compartment central (3a, 3b) extending in the longitudinal axis L of envelope 1, and open at both ends of this last and, on the other hand, two lateral compartments (4a, 4b and 5a, 5b), at the edge of the mattress, also open to both envelope ends 1.

For a mattress of dimension for example of 90 cm x 190 cm, the central compartment (3a, 3b) of the envelope 1 has a width of the order of 55 to 60 cm and each border compartment (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) has a width on the order of 15 to 17.5 cm.

Envelope 1 is either fictitious or actually using a heat seal line as illustrated in 6 on FIG. 1, along the transverse axis T of the envelope 1, divided into two half-parts, called the head half-part and half part of feet.

So, fictitiously or not, the central compartment is divided into two parts 3a, 3b and the two compartments of border are each divided into two parts respectively 4a, 4b and 5a, 5b.

Each central half-compartment 3a, 3b forms as a pocket in the opening of which can be inserted a small water mattress 7a, 7b respectively.

In FIG. 1, a water mattress 7a is shown in outside of envelope 1, ready to be inserted in the compartment or pocket 3a and the other mattress 7b is shown fully inserted into compartment or pocket 3b.

Each tubular compartment 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b is by elsewhere capable of receiving an element 8 of material foam, for example polyurethane foam, either of a block, of approximately rectangular section, or, as shown in the drawings, consisting of two sections of associated solid tube 8a, 8b.

In Figure 1 the two sections of associated foam 8a, 8b of compartment 5a partially extended of the latter, while in the other compartments (4a, 4b, 5b) the elements 8a, 8b made of foam material are completely introduced.

The dimensions of the elements 8 are determined so as to what they slide with soft friction in their housing tubular and occupy it entirely.

The water mattresses 7a, 7b have a flexible structure, deformable and a width such as once inserted in their compartment 3a, 3b, water pressure in the mattress 7a, 7b presses the wall of the latter against the internal wall compartment 3a, 3b and prevents inadvertent movement of the water mattress once in place in the envelope 1.

According to a preferred embodiment of the water mattresses 7a, 7b, these are formed, as illustrated by the Figures 1 and 2, a flexible envelope of material partitioned thermoplastic, for example by lines of welding or partitions 9, in juxtaposed compartments 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, communicating with each other through orifices passage 10. The two extreme compartments 9a and 9f have an orifice, respectively water inlet 11 and water outlet 12, connected by flexible pipes 13a, 13b to a temperature-regulated water supply source 14 as well as flow / pressure.

According to an important characteristic of the device the invention, the front edge 15 (center side of the envelope 1) is concave so that once the two water mattresses 7a, 7b fully engaged in their compartment 3a, 3b, the two edges 15 facing the two mattresses 7a, 7b define a bowl 16 of lenticular shape, in the central zone of the medical mattress, said bowl 16 having its axis coincident with the transverse axis T of the envelope 1.

Preferably, the end part of the mattresses 7a, 7b facing the bowl 16 has an inclined side 16 'for give the bowl a flared configuration.

In the center of this bowl 16 is advantageously made in the upper wall of the casing 1 (see also Figures 3 and 4) an orifice 17 possibly can be closed for example with a medical adhesive strip perforated 18 and connected to a flexible pipe 19 arranged between the two walls of the envelope 1 and opening at the outside of the medical mattress, on the side at the height of the bowl 16. Line 19 is not shown in the Figure 1 and Figures 3 and 4, the envelope 1 does not no weld line 6 between the upper wall 1a and the bottom wall 1b.

In Figures 3 and 4, the medical mattress is shown placed on a conventional mattress 20, preferably hard, resting on the metal base 21 of a bed 22.

Note in Figure 4 the central bowl 16 whose width l can be adjusted at will by moving to inside the compartments 3a, 3b the water mattresses 7a, 7b, in the L axis, so as to move away or on the contrary bring together the two edges 15 facing each other on either side of the orifice 17 for evacuating waste and contaminated water. The displacement of the water mattresses 7a, 7b is possible because the distance between the rear edges 23 of said mattresses head and foot panels (24) of bed 22.

FIG. 4 also shows at 25 a tubular element, made for example of the same material as the casing 1 and welded to the end of the wall upper 1a of compartment 3a. The tubular element 25 can be filled with especially hot water and at this point effect two suitable closable fittings 26, arranged at the ends of element 25. Element 25 extends only across the width of compartment 3a and used to wedge and possibly warm the feet of the patient lying on the mattress. Element 25 can be emptied of water and folded partially under the medical mattress when not in use. The water in element 25 is supplied from device 14 or independently of this device.

Similarly, in the central area of the mattress, on either side of the bowl 16, legs flexible 27, foldable under the mattress 20 (Figure 3) to better wedge the medical mattress laterally on the bed. Of similar legs 27 can be provided at both ends (head and foot) of the mattress.

In Figure 1 are also shown other flexible tabs 28, arranged in the axis L and no longer in the T axis like the legs 27, and intended to wedge the mattress lengthwise on bed 22, this not being useless especially when the bed or a part of the bed is tilted. Such legs 28 are not shown in Figure 4.

In FIGS. 5a and 5b are illustrated two modes of circulation of water in the two water mattresses 7a, 7b, at from source 14.

In FIG. 5a, the connection makes it possible to supply parallel the mattresses 7a and 7b, while in FIG. 5b the mattresses 7a, 7b are supplied in series.

The transition from one mode to another takes place by a game of single or multiple-way valves or taps (29,30) arranged in the appropriate circuit branches.

Finally, in Figure 6 is shown schematically and functionally a regulated water supply device in temperature and in flow / pressure according to the invention.

This device has a number of components advantageously grouped in a cabinet-box 31 by example attached to the foot (24) of the bed and connected by pipes 13a, 13b to the water mattresses 7a, 7b.

Said components include a water reserve 32 in which are arranged an electric heater 33 with temperature control 34 and a basket 35 likely to receive ice cubes.

A solenoid valve 36 and a pump 37 actuated by a electric motor 38 are arranged in the circuit supply (13a) of the mattresses 7a, 7b from the reserve 32.

A programmable microprocessor 39 is connected to the heater 33 and solenoid valve 36 and motor 37, via a timing device 40 and allows set the water send cycles to mattresses 7a, 7b and idle during which the pump is not in operation and the water mattresses 7a, 7b returns, by gravity, in particular under the weight of the patient lying on the medical mattress, in the reserve 32. The dimensions of the water circuits and the operating parameters (water flow / pressure and durations respectively the water sent by the pump 37 and the return gravity of the water to the reserve 32) are determined from so that at no time the mattresses 7a, 7b are completely deflated or on the contrary too swollen.

The timer 40 and the pump 37 are provided with means 41,42 for timing adjustment and flow / pressure respectively.

The ice cube basket 35 allows, by removing the water heating in reserve 32, lower if desired the temperature of the water sent to the mattresses 7a, 7b.

In Figure 6 a part 13'b of the water return pipe outside the box 31. This part 13'b is made of transparent or translucent material in order to allow visual control of the circulation of the water.

Of course we can provide for the mattresses 7a, 7b two independent water circuits. This is how the two mattresses can be supplied with water at different temperatures.

It should be noted that the through holes 10 are calibrated and distributed so as to be more numerous on the side from edge 15 in order to force the water to circulate well in the vicinity of the central bowl 16.

The water circulation cycles by pump 42 and gravity return can be separated by intervals of times, adjustable, during which no water circulation is not done, the mattresses 7a, 7b remaining static.

In successive cycles, the mattresses 7a, 7b are swell and deflate, which results in micromovements on the surface of each of said mattresses, which promote the vascularization of the bedridden patient and consequently avoid the formation of pressure sores.

The two half-parts, of head and feet, of envelope 1 can be separated by the weld line transverse 6 or a partition formed between the walls 1a and 1b. Line 19 can be doubled by another similar pipe directed on the other side of the mattress, the or the pipes 19 being arranged between the walls 1a, 1b.

The shapes and dimensions of the foam elements 8 and water mattress 7a, 7b can of course vary, as well as the internal structure of said water mattresses.

Claims (7)

1. Medical mattress comprising in its central part water cavities (7a, 7b) connected to a water supply device (14) regulated for temperature and flow rate/pressure, characterised in that it consists of:

   a rectangular flexible tubular casing (1) open at both ends, compartmentalised into a central area (3a, 3b) extending along the longitudinal axis of the casing, open at the two extremities and flanked, on each side, by a relatively narrow lateral area forming a rim (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b), also open at both ends; in said central area being housed said water cavities consisting of two small cavities (7a, 7b);

   two sets of elements made of foam material (8) able to be inserted as required in the rim compartments (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b), said foam elements (8) and water cavities (7a, 7b) being disposed in the casing (1) substantially symmetrically with respect to the transverse central axis (T) of said casing, whilst the facing edges (15) of the water cavities (7a, 7b) have a concavity so as to form, in the central area of the medical mattress, transversely to the latter, a bowl (16); and

   an orifice (17) provided in the top wall (1a) of the casing (1), in the central part of said bowl (16), connected to at least one flexible pipe (19) disposed inside the casing (1) and opening out outside the mattress with a view to discharging dejecta and soiled water.
2. Medical mattress according to Claim 1, characterised in that each water cavity (7a, 7b) is formed by a flexible casing with several compartments (9a to 9f) communicating with each other through one or more orifices (10), the water entering and leaving at two end compartments (9a, 9f) of said casing, whilst the water is sent at a given adjustable pressure in a programmable cycle comprising a phase of sending water from the supply device (14) into the water cavities (7a, 7b) at a predetermined adjustable rate and a phase of free return, at a predetermined adjustable rate, of the water from the cavities to the water supply device.
3. Medical mattress according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the two walls (1a, 1b) of the casing (1) are connected together by a welding line or a partitioning (6) at the transverse axis (T) of the casing.
4. Medical mattress according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the casing (1) is provided, on its edges, with flexible lugs (27, 28) which can be folded down under the mattress or structure (20) on which the medical mattress is resting for the purpose of fixing the latter longitudinally and/or laterally.
5. Medical mattress according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the water supply device consists of a cabinet or box (31) containing a water tank (32), a water heating device (33), a pump (37) and its drive means (38), a solenoid valve (36), a timing device (40) and a programmable microprocessor (39) connected to the heating device (33), to the pump (37), to the solenoid valve (36) and to the timing device (40), said cabinet or box (31) being connected to the water cavities (7a, 7b) by flexible tubes (13a, 13b) and valves or cocks (29, 30) for the selective distribution of the circulation of water in said water cavities.
6. Medical mattress according to Claim 5, characterised in that said water tank (32) also contains a basket or the like with ice cubes (35) for cooling the water intended for one and/or other of the water cavities (7a, 7b).
7. Medical mattress according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the central part (3a) of the foot half-part of the casing (1) is extended by a flexible tubular element (25) inflatable with water, for the purpose of wedging and heating the feet.

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