EP2515821B1 - Encounter and contact mattress or pillow for small children and infants, in particular for premature and newborn infants - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a meeting and contact mattress according to the preamble of claim 1. The mattress has the property that it has two (or more) same, similar or differently designed functional pages useful for storage, one side being suitable to notify a contact person and another page is suitable to provide a baby with a safe and comfortable support surface.

State of the art

As part of a hospital and especially in the context of intensive care of infants, especially premature babies, longer periods of separation of the child from the mother occur. This not only has negative consequences for the child's physical and mental development, but also leads to emotional distress in the mother and a disruption of the relationship between mother and child with numerous negative consequences and uncertainties that further complicates the already difficult situation.

For the often critical initial phase of treatment of a premature infant, which is primarily focused on the survival of the child and also for the treatment very immature or sick children, the use of baby incubators, resuscitation units and heated beds to maintain the vital climate has proven and established.

To compensate for the lack of genuine encounter with the mother, for example, the Kangaroo Care method is used, in which the child for a few hours a day from the incubator or warm bed removed and the mother or another caregiver (for simplicity, the following always spoken by mother) to stay in a child soothing position on the breast of the mother is supplied. The method of Kangaroo-Care leads to an improvement in the bond between mother and child and contributes, as numerous studies show, to a positive development of premature babies.

The incubators belonging to the state of the art have the following features: It is a device for receiving an infant or a preterm infant, this device being closed at the top. The upper area is designed as a hood and consists mainly of transparent material. Lateral engagement openings and the unfoldability of the upper part and the side parts serve to carry out the necessary care of the child and medical treatments. The size of such an incubator is defined in such a way that the child can not only be admitted, but also be handled within the incubator and additional shelves are available.

Incubators are designed to have devices that provide a constant humid-warm climate within the incubator.

Warm and moist air is introduced through ventilation slots in the interior of the incubator. Positioning aids for infants are known in different designs.

The lying surfaces or supports or storage devices commonly used in baby incubators, resuscitation units and warming beds for the storage of premature babies and newborns offer the child in the horizontal position support surface (with the possibility of stepless change of position controlled by an electric motor).

This positioning provides optimal access to medical care and child care.

Added specially-arranged mattresses, cushions and constructions are designed to provide the child (who can take a variety of positions without support, safety or a comfortable storage) position security. The individual storage pillows are positioned according to the application and are usually simply on the storage device, such as an ordinary mattress on.

On some lying surfaces or pads, the child is directly on this, others require an additional soft layer or casing, such as a Molton cloth or a specially designed surface made of materials with low thermal conductivity or the beds are heated to body temperature to the child no heat to escape and to minimize unwanted air currents in the incubator.

The above storage aids have proven to be the usual equipment to support the lying position of infants.

A typical embodiment of a storage mat for newborns is in the DE 199 093 82 A1 described. It consists of a filled with Polyurtehan gel and surrounded by a plastic wrap around closed cushion. The top has a regular mountain and valley structure, which collects in the valley structure fluid that should not come into contact with the toddler.

A foil bounded support for neonatal storage in an incubator is in the specification DE 699 11 426 T2 shown. This support surface has one or more chambers that are filled with air and partially covered with fabric. About the filling pressure, the hardness of the support surface can be customized.

In the patent DE 39 10 238 A1 is a special form of an inflatable air cushion described with the effect of phototherapy enhancing surface.

Newer storage mattresses or cushions for newborns consist of a wrapped in plastic film viscoelastic, very soft foam, which gives way to the low weight pressure of the newborn.

Also newer trainings provide that such a lying surface is combined with a heating foil so as to keep a corresponding temperature level stable over the entire mattress. As a rule, materials are used that are dermatologically tested, easy to clean and non-combustible, in some cases they are also antibacterial.

Aids for defined storage on such a bearing surface are known in different embodiments. The positioning aids are used for lateral limitation, for limiting the head or for prone positioning.

In addition to the usual practical storage aids, such as a rolled Moltontuch, diaper or the like in the context of development-promoting care a number of very helpful products on the market (for example, storage cushions made of gel or fabric made by sewn folds and fabric bands stop mediating support surfaces ).

Foam storage aids having a slightly harder plastic film surrounding them, such as are used for prone storage of the infant, are cut on the bottom surface or other appropriate suitable location to allow the compressed air created by the infant's support to escape; so that the mattress even in the highly compressed state still has viscoelastic properties.

Furthermore, wedge-like designs for the prevention of cranial deformities, as in the EP 1 795 090 A1 listed, known and intended for transport storage device for newborns from the DE 35 02 003 A1 , The latter consists of an elastically deformable silicone rubber and has a trough-shaped storage aid for the child's head. The child is safe, soft, heat-stable and non-slip for transport.

From the DE 10 2008 059 469 A1 is a preemie cocoon is known to attract in particular premature babies in incubators.

It is a kind of suit in the form of a shell, which brings the premature baby in an appropriate position, but also offers a shell-like protection, comparable to a cocoon. If the skin contact with the premature baby is sought, then some buttons and loops are open. As a rule, you only get to the trunk of the premature baby. A fixed position of the child is not given.

From the US 2008/0256679 A1 For example, there is known an item of clothing for an adult person capable of being supplemented with a garment which is then adapted to receive a toddler, the toddler garment being releasably attachable to that of the adult. A direct body contact is not provided.

From the EP 0 503 231 A1 a pad for a toddler is known which describes a preferably padded floor and at least one filled with filling edge area.

From the US 5,341,531 is a pad for a toddler, in which the laterally padded edge portions, which are formed for example in a wedge shape and can be removed.

From the EP 1 864 630 A1 is a mattress known for toddlers and newborns. The mattress is characterized by areas that allow a safe storage of the child. The areas correspond to the body shape. The side facing the bed is designed mattress-like and provides the child with a solid surface.

The EP 0 188 739 A2 describes a device for storing persons, especially newborns for lying transport. This consists of an elastically deformable mattress, which consists of a conformable to the body shape of plastic material. The mattress has a trough-shaped headboard. Recesses for the head and neck support are also provided. The side facing the flat surface of the mattress is fixed, so that a secure storage is provided with thermal protection.

From the US 5,048,136 There is a pad known to transport infants and newborns safely. In a spatial body recesses recessed, which correspond to the body shape, the toddler is securely fixed. The frame in which the child is then found is firm and not flexible.

Disadvantages of the prior art

The storage mattresses known from the prior art generally have only one functional side, namely the side facing the child.

This page is suitable for providing the child with a safe and heat-resistant support surface in different positions.

In addition, it is designed so that liquids are kept away from the body of the child, so as to avoid consequential damage. The back side is often identical to the functional side and has no special devices. Furthermore, facilities are provided which allow a constant temperature level over the entire storage area.

The known storage mattresses are equipped with all or most of these positive properties, but have no devices by which the separation of the child from the mother could be repealed or bridged.

The application of the Kangaroo Care method requires a laborious repositioning of the child, who is often transportable through the breathing and infusion tubes, and the transfer to the position on the breast of the mother, who usually sits next to the incubator. Here is the support by one or several caregivers necessary. The high time and personnel expenditure limits the application of the method, for example, to the usual visiting hours.

In addition, the Kangaroo Care method is used late in the course of treatment and not in seriously ill children. Especially in these cases, a more intensive support from the mother would be desirable.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a meeting and contact mattress, which in addition to the function of a stable, safe and comfortable storage of the newborn also provides the opportunity to create a timely unlimited encounter of mother and child under natural conditions. The transfer to this position should be done in a simple manner and also less time and labor intensive compared to the prior art.

Solution of the task

The solution of the problem is presented in the features of claim 1. The subclaims represent several developments of the invention.

Advantages of the invention

The meeting and contact mattress according to the invention, or the meeting and contact cushion, is subdivided into three areas, namely in edge zones, transition zones and in the actual meeting zone or contact zone.

The mattress can be designed either alone or as part of an incubator or bed of heat, which then replaces the conventional mattress.

However, if it is necessary for a particular microclimate to be provided to the infant, the encounter and contact mattress will have a hood enclosing the infant. As a rule, this hood consists of a flexible material and can be set up and dismantled like a tent. Through this, a certain climate can be maintained around the infant, even in the lying and / or transport state.

One of the significant advantages of the invention is that the encounter and contact mattress enables and promotes a lasting encounter between the natural exchange between mother and child by providing safe and comfortable storage for the mother and child.

However, the meeting and contact mattress may not only have a mattress-like configuration, but may also be formed as a cushion or pillow-like structure.

The movement and contact mattress can be used in different functional contexts.

First, it serves as a simple mattress, which can be placed on the body of the mother, for example, so that the child is safe, stable and comfortable stored but also similar to the Kangaroo Care method with the mother can make physical contact. Skin to skin contact can be achieved in a simple manner via recesses in the movement and contact mattress.

As with the Kangaroo Care, physiological processes in the mother (for example, by smells and tactile stimuli, the release of Binding hormones and well-being) and maturation and development of the infant.

The meeting and contact mattress can also be integrated in the mother's bed and also in clothing and carrying systems. It is each solid or interchangeable part of this device and can be designed according to the requirements of use and function accordingly.

These special embodiments allow an extension of the application, for example, the Kangaroo-Care method on everyday situations but also to the treatment of seriously ill infants who have not or could not experience the soothing support of the mother so soon and to other areas not mentioned here.

Advantageously, any of the known prior art materials or a combination of these or new or newly developed materials may be used to construct the encounter and contact mat or encounter and contact pads to achieve the defined functions and characteristics. Sometimes known materials are used and processed in a simple manner. In some cases, even the particular shape or structure (e.g., a surface having grooves or other incorporated surface structure) achieves an intended property or function, such as the distribution of weight or the discharge of liquids.

The encounter and contact mattress is useful in many embodiments. In addition to the mattress and pillow shape, it is also used as a blanket, as an integral or replaceable component of a garment or support element, a hammock mat or as part of said structures or not specifically mentioned garments and articles used here.

These advantageous embodiments are described in the following embodiments.

drawings

The invention is illustrated in different embodiments and in drawings.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht auf die Begegnungs- und Kontaktmatratze in der Anwendung;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf die Begegnungs- und Kontaktmatratze, von der Seite des Kindes;

Fig. 3 [A-F]

unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen der Begegnungs- und Kontaktmatratze mit unterschiedlicher Gestaltung der Auflageflächen;

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung des Prinzips einer speziellen Verwendung einer Begegnungs- und Kontaktmatratze;

Fig. 5 [A-B]

zwei weitere Anwendungen von zuvor dargestellten Begegnungs- und Kontaktmatratzen unter einer Haube bzw. in einem Inkubator;

Fig. 6 [A-D]

eine Ausführungsform eines Inkubators mit einer integrierten Begegnungs- und Kontaktmatratze;

Fig. 7 [A-G]

eine spezielle zusammenfaltbare Ausführungsform einer Begegnungs- und Kontaktmatratze mit umschliessender Haube;

Fig. 8 [A-E]

Beispiele für technische Lösungen, die ein Hinführen des Inkubators oder "Haubengerätes" zur Kontaktperson unterstützen.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of the encounter and contact mattress in the application;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the encounter and contact mattress, from the side of the child;

Fig. 3 [AF]

different embodiments of encounters and contact mattress with different design of the support surfaces;

Fig. 4

a representation of the principle of a special use of a meeting and contact mattress;

Fig. 5 [AB]

two further applications of meeting and contact mattresses previously described under a hood or in an incubator;

Fig. 6 [AD]

an embodiment of an incubator with an integrated encounter and contact mattress;

Fig. 7 [AG]

a special collapsible embodiment of a meeting and contact mattress with enclosing hood;

Fig. 8 [AE]

Examples of technical solutions that support the introduction of the incubator or "hood device" to the contact person.

Description of the embodiments Principles of the meeting zone

The basic idea of the invention is to enable a mother-child natural encounter, in particular over a longer period of time, by providing safe and comfortable storage for both the mother and the child.

The encounter and contact mattress 1 or the meeting and contact cushion has instead of an exclusive storage area for the child (as it is implemented in the usual mats) on a specifically designed page for the contact person 3 and a specifically designed page for the child 2. Between the two sides of the predominantly mattress or mattenbeziehungsweise cloth-like configured meeting area 5 is arranged.

The encounter and contact mattress 1 has essentially three areas, such as in Fig. 1-3 shown. In addition to the meeting zone 5 transition zones 6 and 8 edge zones are provided.

It could be in a simple embodiment that both sides are indistinguishable, for example in the case of a very permeable, for example, foil-shaped contact surface or a large recess in the area of the contact mattress. The films may be made of fabric, plastic or a mixture or a combination of both or with other materials and be designed, for example, reticulated.

It would also be conceivable that the encounter and contact mattress 1, for example, wedge-shaped, ie with 5 sides or by high storage aids cube-shaped, that is 6-sided, is formed. It could also be spherical, oval or otherwise designed, the sides are flexible and defined in this case and only by the weight of the support of the child.

So would also be a structure with after two or more children (for example, twins) facing sides and a contact person facing side conceivable, as well as a structure with a mattress for a child (or again for two and more) and two contact persons (for example, the parents) facing pages.

The described meeting area 5 is designed as required, ( Fig. 3 [A] - [E] predominantly in such a way that an encounter in the sense of the Kangaroo care method takes place between an adult contact person 3 and especially an infant 2 and, if necessary, the transmission of tactile stimuli, acoustic signals and possibly odors or also heat is possible. The area providing the encounter can also be designed to be permeable or impermeable to air, moisture or germs, depending on the particular form and requirement. For this purpose, different materials are known from the prior art, in the Meeting areas 5 of the mattress 1 can be inserted. Preferably these are to be sewn. But also gluing is conceivable. An alternative could also be that the films are interchangeable in the meeting areas and, for example, via Velcro fasteners on the rest of the mattress can be fixed.

Another basic idea of the invention is to design the encounter zone 5 in such a way that the newborn lies softly and securely and if necessary is held in the desired position by positioning aids 4 and optionally secured against accidental slipping by a fastening system. Due to its greater mobility, a special protection of the child's head seems important.

The contact person 3 facing side of the meeting zone 5 should be designed sufficiently large, comfortable and comfortable, so that the position over a long period can be maintained without difficulty.

If a film or pillow covers the skin for a long time and is even closed off from the air, physical discomfort will occur. Sweating on the skin leads to inflammation of the skin and too long pressure, even if it is due to your own body weight, to a supporting ulcer.

If there is an airtight barrier between the contact person and the child, the surfaces directly in contact with the skin are designed according to structure and material properties in such a way that there is good ventilation and a comfortable, long-term storage is possible. For this purpose, grooves, also mountain and valley structures of the surface are provided or it consists mainly of breathable material or even contains other mechanisms that provide ventilation of the skin or the removal of fluids.

An alternative embodiment provides to attach the encounter zone to the contact person so as to integrate, for example, with special adhesive surfaces on the skin or in a garment, for example in a T-shirt or patient care shirt so that the meeting surface can not slip away, for example if the contact person falls asleep or frightened.

The contact and encounter mattress or the entire training is easy and should be barely noticeable for the contact person; optimally, the contact person experiences only the self-weight of the child.

By a direct and tight storage at the contact person, z. B. only on the mediation of a foil, a fabric or tissue this can serve in the sense of a best made of nature storage pillows, which also moves in the breathing rhythm that gives the child already familiar heart tones and speaks with the child in the familiar manner ,

The inventive meeting zone 5 can be designed very differently depending on the needs in shape and material used as in Fig. 1 to 8 demonstrated. It can be made in one piece (eg made of silicone rubber or other material). It may consist of various layers and layers of materials, may include recesses and fixed or removable storage aids and devices for protecting or securing the child on the mattress.

A first embodiment - shown in the Fig. 1 - 4th - A meeting zone 5 consists in the flat configuration of a membrane, or foil, which is interrupted in the support surface of the child 2 by a recess and so storage of contact person 3 and child 2 with skin to skin contact as in the Kangaroo Care method, or there is a very thin or discontinuous barrier (such as a thin foil or reticulated fabric).

While the immediate encounter zone here is designed as thin as possible or provided with recesses, the surrounding zone contains other functions such as the absorption or removal of moisture or the attachment of storage aids and fixing systems.

With the newer technical possibilities could z. B. by welding together several physiologically acceptable films with desired material properties, for example, particularly thin in the skin contact pleasant and at the same time tear-resistant films to produce for this application. Preferably, a microscopic mountain and valley structure or an appropriate embossing is proposed, on which a drop formation or a water accumulation due to the surface structure is not possible. The surrounding zone is predominantly designed in such a way that moisture can be removed radially to the outside.

It is likewise provided that the layer from child 2 to contact person 3 is permeable or porous, so that fluid possibly accumulated on the lying surface underneath the child is removed via an adjustment system on the side facing the contact person.

Fig. 3 shows form variants for recesses or a particularly permeable areas of the encounter mattress 1 in plan view.

If a long-lasting comfortable storage of the child on the encounter mattress should take place, would be a chambered mattress or a mattress filled mainly with a gel or a viscous fluid viscoelastic foam (as used in incubators, in decubitus therapy and prophylaxis).

A further development of a meeting and contact mattress filled with gel or viscous liquid preferably consists of a mattress filled with a gel with a different soft covering. The storage aids ensure stable storage of the child on the mattress.

According to Fig. 5 [AB] it would also be possible to replace the side or bottom flap of an incubator 44 with a matching meeting or contact mattress 1 and by adding to the mother, for example, by a corresponding lifting mechanism or attached to a device construction in a mother-and-child -Incubator transform. The features provided with the reference symbols 45 and 46 represent supply and operating units for the incubator 44.

The in Fig. 6 illustrated incubator consists of a, as usual in incubators 44, a housing in the form of a hood, wherein on the lower side of the incubator, the contact mattress 1 is arranged. Preferably, incubator 44 and contact mattress 1 form an integrative assembly.

In particular, in the transition to the housing of the incubator 44 cushioning elements 47 are provided so that, as shown in section D, when placing the incubator with the child inside, cause the edges of the hood of the incubator no injuries.

If the meeting and contact mattress according to the invention as a meeting zone under a tent-like surrounding fabric-foil construction as in Fig. 7 [AG], under which a constantly humid climate is maintained, this results in a simple form of incubator, which is used for Transport of contact person and child or could be used as an emergency incubator. It could also be used as a single-use item or as a basis for an incubator to be used in developing countries. A circumferential zipper 53 offers the possibility to attach the mattresses to other objects.

The inventive meeting and contact mattress 1 is thus a very flexible construction, which also has a very small packing size. It has a strong border, which is flexible, wherein the remaining part, in particular the transition region, towards the meeting area consists of a flexible film which is contact- or skin-friendly. The encounter zone itself can be configured in different embodiments, as has already been described above. As in Fig. 7 [A - E], the mini incubator is very easy to set up. As a rule, depending on the design of the border, this mini-incubator is also self-evident.

The previously described hood 51 has, in order to ensure a corresponding stability, additionally stabilizing element, so that the hood structure is maintained. The contact mat itself is designed such that it also has cutouts for the head area of the contact persons, so that the contact person himself can lie on at least a part of the movement and contact mattress (the head), whereas the rest of the body, also to avoid that corresponding Heat loss occurs, is covered.

Fig. 8 [AE] give an exemplary outlook on further possible new devices that become possible with the use of a contact and encounter mattress.

Fig. 8 [AE] gives a selection of technical solutions that suggest the use of new devices in everyday life

All these mattresses can be provided by the choice of a coating or the integration of permeable or impermeable films or by design of the surface, for example by a coating or membrane with other functions. All of the forms of encounter and contact mattress described here are to be used alone or are suitable for use in other contexts, for example in an incubator, heat bed or also integrated into appropriate clothing.

The bearing surface on the side facing the contact person can also be provided with a fluid-discharging embossed structure in the last-mentioned examples. Another possibility is an incorporated or incorporated coating (eg flocking) or predominantly firmly applied moisture-dissipating membrane predominantly of breathable tissue. With thicker contact surfaces, it would also be possible to extract the moisture via a chemical process built into the functional zone (eg by a non-toxic granulate that extracts moisture from the environment) or by another moisture-dissipating mechanism.

• Inkubator für Neugeborene (in den verschiedenen bekannten oder noch zu entwickelnden Variationen);
• neues Gerät oder Gerätegattung, das/die aufgrund der Erfindung erst möglich wird (eine mit Matte versehene Haubenkonstruktion)
• Wärmebetten und andere Intensiv- und Palliativpflegesysteme;
• mit kleinem Packmass in Notarztwagen, Arzt- und Hebammepraxis;
• im Bett der Mutter oder Kontaktperson;
• in Kleidungsstücken, in Rucksäcken und Taschen;
• im Kinderwagen und anderen mehr.

In addition to the uses described so far, the invention can be used advantageously for respective embodiments of the following devices:

• Incubator for newborns (in the various known or yet to be developed variations);
• new device or type of device which becomes possible on account of the invention (a hood construction provided with a mat)
• Thermal beds and other intensive care and palliative care systems;
• with small pack size in ambulances, doctor and midwife practice;
• in the mother's or contact's bed;
• in garments, backpacks and bags;
• in the stroller and other more.

Although the inventive device primarily for newborns, especially for premature babies, is suitable and intended, it is not limited to this application, but may also apply to healthy infants and toddlers with bedridden mother (eg after Caesarean section), for older children and the mother, or between children or between adults apply.

Claims (2)

1. Encounter and contact mattress, consisting of at least one cloth-like, blanket-like, or similar main body having two sides, wherein one side is suitable for offering a supporting face to a prematurely born or newborn infant or a baby, wherein the one side has supporting aids,

   - the main body of the supporting face is subdivided into at least three regions, namely into a peripheral-zone region (8), a transition region (6), and an encounter region (5),

   - the second side is suitable for establishing contact by a contact person (3), and the second side likewise comprises the encounter region (5), and

   - the encounter region (5) is configured in such a manner that transmission of tactile and/or acoustic stimulation and/or warmth from the one side to the second side of the encounter and contact mattress (1) is possible, wherein the encounter and contact mattress (1) in the encounter region (5) has clearances provided therein, and in that film-type of cloth-type elements which enable transmission of tactile and/or acoustic stimulation and/or warmth from the one side to the other side of the encounter and contact mattress (1) are provided within the clearances (5),

   characterized in that
   the encounter and contact mattress (1) is provided with a hood (51), wherein the hood (51) has stabilizing elements, wherein the encounter and contact mattress (1) has a flexible border in such a manner that the encounter and contact mattress (1) is capable of being folded up.
2. Encounter and contact mattress according to Claim 1, characterized in that the material in the encounter region (5) is a film or is configured in the manner of a cloth or a net, said material in terms of thickness being substantially thinner than the peripheral regions (8) and the transition regions (6).

Images