EP2777435A1 - Mattress for users with physical impairments - Google Patents

Abstract

The mattress (1) has an outer mattress covering (40) with volume portions with fillings whose material properties are selected by consideration of impairments of a user in body regions. The outer mattress covering is closed and comprises a frame structure (30) within which a supporting module (20) is provided. An inner mattress (10) is placed on the module. The inner mattress comprises a comfort layer (11) and an orthopedic layer (12) and the volume portions with the fillings enclosed in an inner mattress covering (16). The outer covering is provided with a slide fastener (41). The orthopedics layer is made natural material e.g. wool or down feather. The fillings are provided with different strain hardness or different foam materials such as viscoelastic foam material, latex foam material or cold foam or water deposits.

Description

The invention relates to a mattress for physically impaired users according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

For physically impaired users, a restful sleep is of particular importance. Healing processes will only be optimal if the patient is able to go through longer periods of recovery undisturbed. Even with chronic complaints, healthy sleep is of considerable importance for the well-being of the user. A sleeping pad or mattress adapted to the needs of the user or patient is one of the most important elements for ensuring a healthy sleep. The prerequisite for the successful transition to the sleep phase, especially in the deep sleep phase, is the freedom from pain sensations, which can often only be achieved with a corresponding storage of the affected or injured body part.

Below in FIG. 1 Body locations are shown where the user may experience discomfort caused by accidents or wear that may make a restful sleep on conventional mattresses impossible. Also, disorders associated with pain often require measures that allow patients to recover from sleep recovery. Sleep disorders are typically caused by back pain, muscle tension, chronic joint diseases such as inflammatory rheumatism, or joint pain (arthritis), and tendinitis. Particularly distressing are pain caused by the fibrositis syndrome. This causes pain, especially a pronounced Pressure pain sensitivity, with changing localization in the muscles and around the joints.

The physical impairments caused by injuries and illnesses have in common that they are typically subject to long-term changes. The measures to alleviate the symptoms and to avoid sleep disorders should therefore be periodically adjusted. This is usually done by changing the formulations of the drugs. In hospitals, moreover, flexible beds and aids are usually available in order to advantageously store a patient and to relieve it in critical zones.

Once the patient has left the hospital and the use of medication is to be greatly reduced, optimal storage on the user's mattress is of central importance. In practice, however, this rarely succeeds. The mattress is only approximately adapted to the needs of the user. The available tools, such as foam inserts, solve the problems only insufficient, which is why the lack of storage, albeit unconsciously, often compensated by increased drug use.

From the publication WO2009 / 048209A1 a mattress is known, which comprises a plurality of cube-shaped cushion elements, which are arranged side by side and each having an elasticity which is adapted to the corresponding body part of the user. A precise adaptation to the body of the user is hardly possible with this mattress structure.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved mattress, which can be adapted quickly and with little effort to the needs of the user and this optimally relieved.

The mattress should offer the user the maximum possible comfort and relieve painful body zones. In preferred embodiments, the storage should be able to be adapted to the nature of the impairment and the nature of the pain in the respective body part.

In further preferred embodiments, taking into account the injuries or diseases with the mattress in selected zones thermal conditions are to be realized, which support the healing process and relieve pain.

The mattress should also provide optimum comfort and optimal, i. contribute to a dry and comfortable warm bed cave climate.

This object is achieved with a mattress having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in further claims.

The mattress, which is used for the storage of physically impaired users, comprises an outer mattress cover, which encloses volume fractions with fillings, the material properties of which are selected taking into account the impairments of the user in the respective body zones.

According to the invention, the outer mattress cover is lockable and encloses a frame structure, within which at least one support module is provided, on which an inner mattress is laid, which comprises a plurality of layers and the volume portions with the corresponding fillings, which are enclosed in an inner mattress cover.

The inner mattress is orthopedically adapted to the needs of the user. The frame structure and the at least one support module, however, can be configured uniformly for all mattresses according to the invention and combined with the individual inner mattress.

According to the invention, therefore, an optimally adapted mattress can be made available to the user, during which the expenditure for its manufacture can be kept relatively low due to the uniform frame structure and the uniform support module.

For the interior mattress, an architecture with layers and volume fractions and fillings is provided whose physical properties are optimally adapted to the needs of the user. The dimensions of the volume fractions with regard to the propagation in the area and in the depth, as well as the fillings can be selected individually. It also takes into account a mutual dependence. For high heat capacity materials, cooling is achieved even at lower volumes.

By choosing the mechanical properties of the volume fractions, an advantageous mechanical storage takes place in which pressure points in the pain-sensitive zones are avoided. The aim is to relieve pain-sensitive zones and healthy body zones are on the other hand stronger, but evenly loaded. In preferred embodiments, materials are used which have the required shrub hardness and support the body or parts of the body without disturbing pressure points (the compressive strength describes the pressure acting on an area in square meters (m2) in Pascals (Pa), which according to DIN 53,577 is necessary to compress the foam by 40%). From the shrub hardness, the Restoring force can be determined, which acts back on the stored body part.

In the case of particularly sensitive body parts, it is preferable to use a filling made of viscoelastic foam, such as Tempur, into which permanent deformations can be impressed. In this way, a particularly gentle storage can be achieved. In other parts of the body, which are less sensitive to pain, preferably fillings of foam are used, which have a high restoring force, so that lasting imprints are avoided. For example, latex foam or cold foam, preferably HR (high resilient) cold foam is used. The highly elastic foam is to be able to reshape and adapt to the turned parts of the body every time the body rotates, without there being any indentation that would interfere with this case. The inner mattress can therefore be optionally equipped with different foams whose behavior favors the storage and healing of the affected body part maximum.

Visco-elastic foam, such as Tempur, can advantageously be used in the shoulder area at the edge of the lying area, so that an impaired shoulder area in the supine position is optimally stored and pressure points are virtually completely avoided. As soon as the user turns into the lateral position, volume portions of the mattress are occupied, which preferably have no lasting impression and adapt to the body part, the left or right shoulder, without delay. In a strip along the central axis of the mattress with a width of, for example, 40 cm -50 cm, in which the sleeper performs rotations, preferably only highly elastic foam is used. Visco-elastic foam and high elastic cold foam or latex foam as well as other materials are therefore used in consideration of the condition, the condition and the sleeping habits of the user. Of particular importance are the body measurements and the weight of the user. The width of the above strip is chosen accordingly.

In the said "mechanical" layer or another layer, it is preferable to incorporate volume fractions and fillings which have insulating properties and / or a heat capacity which are chosen such that maximum pain relief occurs and the healing process is maximally promoted. For this purpose, preferably natural materials, such as wood chips, especially wood chips from Arveholz, or wool, chosen, with which individual body areas can be stored cool or warm. It is again possible that volume fractions and fillings with different thermal properties are used for different parts of the body.

Preferably, full-surface intermediate layers are also used, which absorb moisture, store and can deliver to deeper layers. Preferably, a storage layer is provided below the mechanical layer and the thermal layer, which preferably consists of storable natural material, such as wool or down or a mixture thereof. By means of the storage layer, the moisture released by the user during the sleep phase can be absorbed and released again out of phase. In order for this to work optimally, the mattress covers are made of breathable fabrics.

In the manufacture of the mattress are the information of the user or doctor and information about the usual Healing process or disease course to consider. When taking in the information for manufacturing the interior mattress, the manufacturer can already evaluate the future needs of the user. In the inventive mattress can be dispensed with compromises. Taking into consideration the severity of the user's degradation, the first inner mattress is preferably made in the ideal configuration, so that the needs of the user are optimally satisfied. The condition of the mattress can therefore be changed with relatively little effort parallel to the development of the patient.

After a change in the state of the user, the first inner mattress can now be replaced by a second inner mattress, which is adapted to the changed state of the user. In the modification, the already performed evaluations can be considered advantageous.

The inner mattress can be replaced on site by opening the outer mattress cover, removing the first inner mattress and inserting the second inner mattress and resealing the outer mattress cover.

It is particularly advantageous that the inner mattress can be made with relatively small dimensions. The inner mattress can be made with the usual dimensions of a mattress, but with a reduced height of 6cm to 15cm and therefore be delivered with relatively low delivery costs.

So that an interior mattress can be adapted to the needs of the user with little effort, it is preferably provided with a mattress cover, which can also be easily opened and closed again.

For the first and inner mattress cover preferably firmer or finer stretch fabrics are preferably used from multi-layered jersey. The first and second mattress covers are each preferably provided with a zipper, which runs along the side surfaces of the mattress or the inner mattress. At the request of the user, the mattress cover can also be sewn. This option is preferably chosen when no changes in the state of the user are to be expected.

The frame structure preferably comprises a self-contained ring, which preferably completely encloses the support module and the inner mattress. So that the mattress is universally applicable and well protected against the underside, the frame structure is preferably provided with a bottom plate. The frame structure is preferably made of a rigid foam, preferably a rigid polyurethane foam, which holds the support module and the inner mattress and still has the smallest possible dimensions and the lowest possible weight. It is ensured that the frame structure has a high strength, so that even after repeated replacement of the inner mattress no damage occurs.

The support module or modules held in the frame structure, which preferably form a cuboid, are preferably connected to the frame structure, so that the mattress is given increased stability.

The height of the support module or the support modules preferably corresponds to the height of the inner mattress or up to a factor of 1.5 greater. Preferably, a resilient support module is used, which has, for example, a spring core.

The mattress according to the invention can be advantageously used in private households, in public enterprises, such as nursing homes and hospitals, and in the hotel industry, in particular in wellness hotels. The private user can remove the inner mattress with little effort and drive to the supplier. In nursing homes and hospitals, users may be divided into groups of persons having similar physical characteristics and / or discomforts, for which particular types of interior mattresses are particularly suitable. Different types of interior mattresses can therefore be stored with little space and optionally used. Particularly advantageous, the inventive mattress can also be used in hotels. As a special service, the physical characteristics and complaints of the guest can be recorded and a corresponding inner mattress can be used. It is again advantageous that the patient or guest can go to the issuing office and test an interior mattress there. With relatively little logistical effort, optimal sleep comfort and high satisfaction can therefore be achieved by all users.

Fig. 1

einen Schlafenden auf einer erfindungsgemässen Matratze 1 mit Pfeilen, welche körperliche Problemzonen bezeichnen, die bei der Fertigung der Matratze 1 berücksichtigt wurden;

Fig. 2

die aufgeschnittene Matratze 1 von Figur 1 mit einer äusseren Matratzenhülle 40, die eine Rahmenstruktur 30 einschliesst, innerhalb der ein Stützmodul 20 vorgesehen ist, auf dem eine Innenmatratze 10 abgelegt ist, die mehrere Schichten 11, 12, ..., 15 aufweist, die von einer inneren Matratzenhülle 16 eingeschlossen sind; Fig. 3 die Rahmenstruktur 30 von Figur 2 mit dem Stützmodul 20 und der Innenmatratze 10; und

Fig. 4

die Innenmatratze 10 mit den Schichten 11, 12, ..., 15 und Volumenanteilen mit Füllungen 111, 112, 113, 114 in wenigstens einer der oberen Schichten 12, 14.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1

a sleeper on a mattress 1 according to the invention with arrows indicating physical problem zones which have been taken into account in the manufacture of the mattress 1;

Fig. 2

the cut mattress 1 of FIG. 1 with an outer mattress cover 40, which encloses a frame structure 30, within which a support module 20 is provided, on which an inner mattress 10 is laid, which has several layers 11, 12, ..., 15 which are enclosed by an inner mattress cover 16; Fig. 3 the frame structure 30 of FIG. 2 with the support module 20 and the inner mattress 10; and

Fig. 4

the inner mattress 10 with the layers 11, 12, ..., 15 and volume fractions with fillings 111, 112, 113, 114 in at least one of the upper layers 12, 14.

FIG. 1 shows a sleeping person on a mattress 1 according to the invention. Arrows indicate typical zones on whose body often painful impairments occur. In particular, at the joints, such as shoulder joint, hip joint, knee joint, ankle, and spine impairments may occur, which prevent a restful sleep, if no appropriate measures are taken. By appropriate design of the mattress 1, it is possible to alleviate the user's complaints and to promote the healing process. In particular, it is possible to reduce sleep problems without the use of drugs. The inventive mattress can be optimized with little effort for each user and gradually adapted to appropriate state changes.

FIG. 2 shows the cut mattress 1 of FIG. 1 with an outer mattress cover 40, which encloses a frame structure 30, within which a support module 20 is provided, on which an exchangeable inner mattress 10 is stored. The frame structure 30 has the shape of a basin and encloses with the side walls 13, which form a ring with a rectangular cross-section, the support module 20 and the inner mattress 10. The frame structure 30 has in this embodiment, a bottom plate 32 which the underside of the Mattress 1 additionally stabilized and the support module 20 holds. The frame structure 30 and the support module 20 or optionally the support modules 20 used form the substrate of the mattress 1 which in all configurations can be used. Preferably, the support module 20 is fixedly or detachably connected to the frame structure 30 by connecting elements 7. The support module 20 may be connected to the frame structure 30, for example, by mechanical fasteners, by adhesive, or by stitching.

The support module 20 is preferably resilient and has, for example, a spring core with spring elements 21. Alternatively, other elastic materials, such as highly elastic foam can be used. Preferably, highly elastic foam with a volume fraction of 40% -60% is used, whereby an optimal spring action, e.g. by formed foam columns within free spaces, and at the same time result in a reduced weight.

The support module 20 therefore supports the inner mattress 10 resiliently and can accommodate larger forces elastically when the user goes to the mattress 1 or gets up again. In the rest position of the user, the support module 20, however, only slightly and almost uniformly loaded. In the rest position of the user, therefore, the architecture and the functions of the inner mattress 10 are relevant, which are optimally adapted to the respective state of the user.

Before the first use, the inner mattress 10 is manufactured taking into account all existing information of the user and his complaints and preferences and installed in the mattress 1. After changes have occurred after use of the mattress 1, the inner mattress 10 is removed from the mattress 1 and reworked locally or by the manufacturer. The outer mattress cover 40 has in this embodiment a zipper 41, which can be opened to remove the inner mattress 10.

So that the inner mattress 10 can be adapted to the changed needs of the user with minimal effort, and the inner mattress cover 16 is provided with a zipper 161, which can be opened to to quickly access the layers 11, ..., 15 provided therein.

FIG. 3 shows the frame structure 30, which in this embodiment one-piece support module 20 and the inner mattress 10 shortened by cuts and without the outer mattress cover 40. The inner mattress 10, which is adapted to the needs of the user, can be realized with a relatively small height h10. Already with a few layers 11, ..., 15 it is possible to create a sleeping pad that is ideal for the user. Since the forces are absorbed by the support module 20 when boarding the mattress 1, the manufacturer can focus his attention in the manufacture of the inner mattress 10 substantially on orthopedic properties and functions as well as on the comfort needs of the user.

In FIG. 4 By way of example, the architecture of an interior mattress 10 is shown, which is adapted to the needs of the user. It is shown that in the second layer 12, which in particular has a selected mechanical functionality, and the fourth layer 14, which in particular has a matched thermal functionality, volume fractions with fillings 111, 112, 113, 114, 131, 132, 133 installed are those that fulfill specific functions.

In the second layer 12 are volume fractions with fillings 111, 112, 113, 114 installed at the level of the ankles, knee joints and shoulder joints, which have materials with different shrub hardnesses. The fillings of the various volume fractions 111, 112, 113, 114 are preferably selected taking into account the weight of the stored body parts. In the foot area material is incorporated in the volume fraction 111, which preferably has a reduced shrub hardness. Despite the low weight of this body part, the foot part can now cling to the mattress 1, with pressure points are avoided. In the hip area is in volume fraction 112 preferably material chosen with a higher shrub hardness, so that even at higher weight results in a uniform pressure distribution.

The volume fractions 111, 112, 113 consist for example of highly elastic cold foam or highly elastic and dimensionally stable latex foam. With these materials, no longer lasting deformation takes place, which is why a new impression is made by the respective body part. The volume fraction 114 consists for example of a shape memory polymer, for example Tempur, which retains a shape for a certain duration. In each case, when the user rotates in the supine position, the (pain-sensitive) left shoulder will be adapted to the volume fraction 114, without the need for a greater force. Movements during sleep can therefore be performed without causing pain that significantly affects sleep. Preferably perforated foams are used which do not hinder the heat transfer and the moisture transfer. The regulation of the heat and the moisture can therefore be carried out advantageously by means of other layers 14, 15.

On top of the "mechanical" second layer 12 is preferably deposited a first comfort layer 11 of the finest materials, such as fine wool or fluff, which is obtained from yaks. The comfort layer 11 ensures that the functions of the underlying mechanical layer 12 are applied as gently as possible to the patient. Furthermore, all other body parts are optimally stored on the comfort layer 11.

Below the "mechanical" layer 12, a transfer layer 13 is provided, which detects moisture and forwards. Below this is a thermal layer 14, which has three volume portions 131, 132 in the embodiment shown. The two identical volume fractions 131, which contain, for example, wool, are used for insulation while the middle layer, for example chips made of wood, especially Arve wood, contain, serve to store body zones rather cool. The foot area and shoulder area of the user are therefore kept warm, while the body area, which often develops too much heat, is kept cool. The needs of the users can differ significantly, so that the properties of the fillings of the stated volume fractions 131, 132 may even have to be inverted. It is also possible that on medical prescription individual body areas are stored particularly warm to accelerate a healing process.

Below the thermal layer 14, a storage layer 15 is preferably provided, which can absorb moisture and heat and thereby acts regulating. Furthermore, further layers can be installed which serve, for example, to hold the volume fractions 111,..., 131 in position.

FIG. 4 shows that the inner mattress 10 can be opened quickly by operating the zipper 161, after which the manufacturer has access to the volume portions 111, ..., 131 and can exchange or modify them. Due to the small size and flexibility of the inner mattress 10, this can easily be replaced by the user or nursing staff, rolled up and driven in a small car to the manufacturer or supplier. Therefore, once the user deems an intervention to be necessary, he may initiate a modification of the interior mattress 10. When the manufacturer arrives, he can open the inner mattress 10 with a few simple steps and re-equip due to already logged or new user information. The time required for the modification is therefore not primarily by the processing of the inner mattress 10, but by talking to the user or by trial lounging claimed. After the adapted inner mattress 10 is inserted again, the user therefore receives the guarantee that the mattress 1 again his current requirements. The cost of updating is minimal for both the user and the manufacturer.

Claims (14)

Mattress (1) for physically impaired users with an outer mattress cover (40), the volume fractions with fillings (111, 112, 113, 114) selected, the material properties are chosen taking into account the adverse effects of the user in the respective body zones, characterized in that the outer mattress cover (40) is lockable and encloses a frame structure (30) within which at least one support module (20) is provided, on which an inner mattress (10) is laid, the plurality of layers (11, 12, ...) and comprising the volume fractions with the respective fillings (111, 112, 113, 114) enclosed in an inner mattress cover (16). Mattress (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner mattress cover (16) can be locked. Mattress (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer mattress cover (40) is provided with a zipper (41) which preferably runs along the side walls of the mattress (1) and / or that the inner mattress cover (16) is provided with a zipper (161) which preferably extends along the side walls of the inner mattress (10). Mattress (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the frame structure (30) comprises a self-contained ring (31) enclosing the support module (20) and the inner mattress (10) and in that the frame structure (30 ) is optionally provided with a bottom plate (32). Mattress (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the frame structure (20) consists of a rigid foam, preferably in a rigid polyurethane foam. Storage device (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the at least one support module (20) by connecting elements (7) to the frame structure (30) is connected and / or that the at least one support module (20) is designed resiliently , Mattress (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the inner mattress (10) is configured cuboid and has a height (h10) preferably in the range of 6cm - 15cm. Mattress (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the height (h20) of the at least one cuboid support module (20) or the height (h20) of the support modules (20) which form a cuboid, preferably the height (h10) of the inner mattress (10) is equal or greater by a factor of 1.5. Mattress (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the inner mattress (10) is designed as an orthopedic mattress which provides orthopedic functions and comfort functions. Mattress (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the inner mattress (10) has a comfort layer (11) which is superimposed on the further layers (12, 13, 14, 15). Mattress (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the inner mattress (10) has an orthopedic layer (12), which is preferably adapted individually to the needs of the user and with the corresponding volume fractions and fillings (111 , 112, 113, 114). Mattress (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the volume fractions (111, 112, 113, 114) free openings and / or fillings with different compressive hardness or different foams, such as viscoelastic foam, latex foam or cold foam or water inlets include. Mattress (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the inner mattress (10) has a storage layer (13) lying below the orthopedic layer (12) and made of material, preferably of natural material, such as wool or down, exists, which can absorb moisture. Mattress (1) according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the inner mattress (10) has a preferably below the orthopedic layer (12) lying thermal layer (14), which volume shares with fillings (131, 132) with different Insulating behavior, preferably natural materials such as wood chips, especially Arve, or wool, so that body areas that require cooling or heating, can be stored accordingly.

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