EP2781209B1 - Mattress - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a mattress having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

It is already known from the prior art to integrate in mattresses or in other mattress layers of a plurality of cubes in order to achieve an adaptation of the mattress to the body shape of the person lying on. In this case, a layer is applied to the layer of cubes and a sleeping person is apart from, for example, mattress covers made of fabric materials or similar foil-like protective coverings directly on this edition. Alternatively, as for example in the case of DE 297 01 959 U1 known mattress, the person rest on the layer of cubes apart from these references directly. Known pads are typically formed of a foam material and are at least 6 cm thick to spread the body weight of the overlying person flat and to reduce the contact pressure.

From the FR 2 730 914 A3 For example, a mattress is known which comprises a layer having a plurality of elastic bodies and a pad formed of a single-ply foam, the pad being disposed on one side of the layer and less than 5 cm thick.

From the DE 10 2010 014 664 A1 For example, a mattress is known having a bottom, a topsheet, and a cushioning element core disposed between the bottom and the topsheet. The top layer, the cushion element core and the bottom are made of foam. The compression hardness of the foam is between 1.2 kPa and 12 kPa.

The WO 94/23682 A2 discloses a base having holes or recesses into which pins of foam can be inserted.

The DE 20 2005 002 906 U1 discloses a mattress according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such known mattresses are relatively comfortable and lead in a variety of people to a pleasant night's sleep. However, this does not apply to all groups of people, especially people suffering from dementia.

Two of the typical symptoms of advanced stage dementia are disorientation and sleep disturbances. The increasing inability of the demented person to bring his perceptions into meaningful contexts can cause further, and especially increasing, confusion. This in turn can lead to anxiety, orientation and restlessness late into the night. The resulting insomnia can further confuse the patient and provides for nursing professionals and / or caregivers high load. The above-described problems are often accompanied by the so-called "sundowner phenomenon" in dementia patients (also called sundowning syndrome).

The literature distinguishes between different stages of dementia depending on the degree of progression of the disease. Above all, dementia patients who suffer from dementia at a more advanced stage are apathetic and subsequently bedridden. Therefore, these dementia suffer not infrequently (also due to the impaired body perception) also under the consequences of too long local stress on various parts of the body during lying, so the so-called bedsores. Dementia patients are therefore often also prone to the occurrence of so-called Decubitalgeschwüre. The above-mentioned problems occur primarily in dementia sufferers, but concern partially not even demented persons.

Object of the invention

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a mattress by which the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome. In particular, a mattress is to be provided, which provides in dementia patients for an improved general condition.

Brief description of the invention

The object is achieved by a mattress having the features of claim 1. The arrangement of a comparatively thin support On the elastic body having layer causes advantageously that resting on the mattress persons, especially those persons suffering from dementia, experiencing by resting an effective stimulation of the skin and gain an improved body sensation as a result. Due to the combination of the existing of a plurality of individual elastic bodies layer and the corresponding thin support the individual elastic body are able through the pad pinpoint (effectively acting as a small shock absorber) pressure on the body, especially on the skin of the To exercise dementia patients. Through this feedback, persons suffering from dementia above the skin receive local (input) pressures or stimuli, which counteract the increasingly lacking body perception, so that the disorientation of the patients subsides. Due to the recaptured body feeling, the dementia patient again perceives himself and subsequently gains inner peace. This counteracts in an advantageous manner sleep and drowsiness, lengthens the sleep period and / or facilitates falling asleep after, for example, a toilet break caused sleep interruptions. Other benefits include decreasing muscle spasm in patients, decreasing the sundowning phenomenon, and setting a stable day-night rhythm. The effect according to the invention is also achieved if the thickness of the support is less than 40% of the thickness of the layer with the elastic bodies, ie if the ratio of the thickness of the support to the thickness of the layer is less than 2 to 5.

The layer of elastic elements is preferably flat and may in principle be constructed in one or more layers, that is, one or more, in particular plate-shaped layers have elastic bodies. In general, the layer is constructed in one or two layers. According to the invention, the thickness of the layer means the entire extent of the planar or plate-shaped layer in the height (perpendicular to the mattress plane), ie, for example, in the case of a multilayered layer from top to bottom of the entire plate-shaped layer. By contrast, the support according to the invention, which is typically arranged on the upper side of the flat layer, is formed by a single-layered, that is, continuous or solid foam. An overlay formed by a plurality of layers, in particular adhesively bonded together, alleviates the advantageous feedback effect of the mattress according to the invention or even completely prevents it.

A mattress cover or possibly further between such a cover or cover arranged protective blankets or protective films (eg for protection against excretions of the overlying persons due to incontinence) do not represent conditions in the sense of the invention. To such a condition, it is also not in a optionally arranged below the elastic body layer having support layer, which is not suitable as a support due to their hardness required to fulfill the support function. The compressive strength is understood as the pressure in Pascals that physically acts on an area in square meters, which is necessary to compress the foam by 40%. In mattress production, the compressive strength is the restoring force of a padding at this defined depth of impression.

The layer structure of the mattress according to the invention can be applied to all common mattress sizes and special sizes (Custom made) apply. Particularly preferably, the mattress according to the invention is used in patients with dementia to improve the quality of sleep and / or the sleep quantity.

In a preferred embodiment of the mattress, the overlay is between 2 cm and 3 cm thick. In mattresses according to the invention with a thickness of the support lying in this value range, the feedback effect (the stimulation of the person lying down through the support) occurs in reinforced form. Such an enhanced feedback effect occurs, for example, at a thickness of the overlay of 2 cm and a thickness of the layer with elastic bodies of 8 cm.

Also preferred is an embodiment in which the compression hardness of the pad forming foam is between 1.5 kPa and 2 kPa. Mattresses according to the invention with a compressive strength of the overlay in this value range show a particularly pronounced feedback or stimulation effect and ensure a particularly pronounced sense of well-being in resting persons.

In a further preferred embodiment of the mattress, the density of the foam forming the support is between 40 kg / m ³ and 50 kg / m ³ . As a result, the stimulation of the patient or the recovery of the body feeling of the patient is even more effective. A particularly strong effectiveness is especially given when the foam forming the pad has a density of between 40 kg / m ³ and 50 kg / m ³ and a compression hardness between 1.5 kPa and 2.5 kPa. The volumetric weight calculated is the mass of a foam to its volume and takes into account the trapped in the foam pores air. The density therefore indicates the physical density of the foam material of the pad.

Furthermore, an embodiment of the mattress is preferably arranged in the opposite side of the layer on the support (typically the underside of this layer), a further support for recumbent persons. Such mattresses according to the invention generally do not comprise any carrier layers and consequently exhibit a mirror-symmetrical layer structure with respect to the then centrally arranged layer. Thus, such a mattress can be advantageously turned during its service or life as needed. The respective person is then initially on one (first) edition while the mattress is mounted on the other (second) edition, for example on a bed frame. After turning the mattress, the resting person can rest accordingly on the other (second) support while the mattress is then stored on the other (first) edition on the bed frame. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the first (first) bearing surface in terms of thickness, compressive strength and / or density with first properties (respectively first characteristic values) and the other (second) bearing surface with respect to these values with different different properties (second characteristic values) equip. Such a mattress can be used for example by different patients with divergent body weights.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, the overlay is adhered to the layer exclusively in a peripheral edge region. Due to the fact that there is then no adhesion between the support and the elastic body-comprising layer in an area lying inside with respect to the circumferential edge region, the feedback effect of the layer acting through the support is not hindered or attenuated, but can unfold its full effect. The peripheral edge region in which the bonding takes place, typically extends about 5 cm to 10 cm from the outer edge surrounding the mattress inwards.

In a further preferred embodiment, the elastic bodies have a cube and / or cuboid shape. These forms of the elastic body advantageously show a defined punctual feedback through the support. Alternatively, the elastic bodies may also be formed, for example, from cylindrical, triangular or other polygonal elements. In this case, the individual elastic bodies can be connected to one another (in one piece) in a lower region of the layer or can be arranged adjacent to one another, for example.

Also preferred is a development of the previous embodiment, in which the elastic bodies have a maximum cross-sectional size of 5 cm to 5 cm in a cross-sectional plane parallel to the mattress plane. The reduced cross-sectional size compared to known cube or cuboid cross-sectional sizes causes a point finer feedback or stimulate the person lying on top and thus has a particularly strong recovery of body sensation result. Mattresses for For example, a person with a single layer will have up to 800 individual cubes. A corresponding, two-ply layer therefore has approximately 1600 individual cubes.

The layer of elastic bodies comprises at least one grid for arranging the elastic bodies in the layer, the grid having a plurality of meshes into which the elastic bodies are respectively insertable. Due to the fact that the elastic bodies inserted into the grid mesh are slightly compressed by the meshes of the mesh, additional voids are created between adjacent elastic bodies which provide for uniform, internal (passive) ventilation and the release of moisture and heat enable. If, for example, the person moves on the mattress while asleep, the mattress is additionally supplied with air as a result of the movement. This indirect (active) ventilation of the mattress additionally enhances the well-being of the person lying down. Both active and passive ventilation of the mattress counteract the formation of a decubitus ulcer or help to heal existing ulcers. In terms of enhancing body awareness in the diseased patient, the flexible storage of the elastic bodies in the mesh also has the effect of the elastic bodies reacting in a feedback manner to movements of the patient, thereby further enhancing their body awareness. A particularly great advantage of the grid is also that, depending on the individual location of a Decubitalgeschwürs (the ulcer is located, for example, in the hip area or back) in the area of the mattress on which the ulcer comes to lie, individual elastic body can be removed to the contact pressure in the area of To reduce ulcer. The size of the meshes of the grid is preferably slightly smaller than the cross section of the individual elastic body, so that they can be inserted or removed by gently squeezing into the respective meshes of the grid and be held captive after insertion through the grid. The mesh shape may in principle vary (for example, have different polygonal cross-sectional shapes), but is preferably square because of its simplicity and practicality. The grid may for example consist of a textile material and / or be designed to facilitate insertion of the cube flexible.

In a further preferred embodiment, the elastic bodies are formed from a foam material. Advantageously, the feedback effect according to the invention can be assisted by elastic bodies formed from a foam. In particular, in foams with a density of between 45 kg / m ³ and 55 kg / m ³ and / or a compression hardness between 4.0 kPa and 6.0 kPa, a beneficial effect. Alternatively, the elastic bodies may be formed of latex or other comparable elastic materials.

In another preferred embodiment, a marginal zone reinforcement is provided, which is arranged on an edge side of the elastic body layer. The edge zone reinforcement of the mattress increases the structural stability, in particular the lateral stability, of the mattress. It is also particularly advantageous that in the mattress by the edge zone reinforcement the sitting of a person lying in front is facilitated. The formed of a foam Edge zone reinforcement preferably has a density of between 60 kg / m ³ and 80 kg / m ³ and / or a compression hardness of between 6.0 kPa and 8.0 kPa. As a rule, the edge zone reinforcement is 40% harder than the layer with elastic bodies and around three times harder than the overlay. The edge zone reinforcement preferably extends over the full length or at least 80% of the length of the mattress, wherein the edge reinforcement may be provided only on one or both sides of the mattress.

A preferred embodiment of the mattress also has a receptacle for introducing a sensor. In such a recording can then be advantageously inserted sensors that register that the person initially resting on the mattress has erected and, for example, has gone to the mattress or bed edge down to then leave the bed. In this case, the receptacle and the corresponding sensor are preferably arranged in the region of the edge zone reinforcement, in particular in the interior of the edge zone reinforcement. Such sensors may alert relatives or caregivers early that the (demented) patient is about to leave the bed. Such sensors can typically be designed as pressure sensors and be connected by radio or via a cable connection with a corresponding monitoring system. The receptacle provided in the mattress designed in accordance with this embodiment for such a sensor can be designed, for example, as a particularly elongated cavity in the edge zone reinforcement or as a slot in the edge zone reinforcement or as a pocket integrated into the edge zone reinforcement. The receptacle for the sensor has an opening at the edge of the mattress or an access through which the sensor can be inserted or removed in the receptacle (for example the cavity, the slot or the pocket). As an alternative to the arrangement of the receptacle in the edge zone reinforcement, the receptacle can also be arranged, for example, in a central area of the mattress, so that a pressure sensor inserted therein registers (permanently) its presence in the event that the person rests on the mattress and only in the case of sitting up and leaving the bed or mattress (ie, when the pressure imposed by the person's pressure decreases) triggers an alarm.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those listed further in accordance with the invention can each be used individually for themselves or for several in any desired combinations. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as exhaustive enumeration, but rather have exemplary character for the description of the invention. The invention is shown schematically in the figures, so that the essential features of the invention can be clearly seen. The illustrations are not necessarily to scale.

Fig. 1a

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Matratze;

Fig. 1b

einen Ausschnitt eines Querschnitts durch die Matratze der Fig. 1a;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Matratze;

Fig. 3a

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Matratze;

Fig. 3b

ein Ausschnitt eines Querschnitts durch die Matratze der Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3c

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf einen Teil einer Schicht der Matratze aus Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Gitternetzes;

Fig. 5a

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren alternativen erfindungsgemäßen Matratze;

Fig. 5b

ein Ausschnitt eines Querschnitts durch die Matratze der Fig. 5a; und

Fig. 6a, 6b

perspektivische Ansichten zweier Randzonenverstärkungen für erfindungsgemäße Matratzen.

Show it:

Fig. 1a

a perspective view of a mattress according to the invention;

Fig. 1b

a section of a cross section through the mattress of Fig. 1a ;

Fig. 2

a plan view of a mattress according to the invention;

Fig. 3a

a perspective view of an alternative mattress according to the invention;

Fig. 3b

a section of a cross section through the mattress of the Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 3c

a perspective view of a portion of a layer of the mattress Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a grid;

Fig. 5a

a perspective view of another alternative mattress according to the invention;

Fig. 5b

a section of a cross section through the mattress of the Fig. 5a ; and

Fig. 6a, 6b

perspective views of two edge zone reinforcements for mattresses according to the invention.

In the following description of the drawing, identical reference numerals are used for identical or functionally identical components.

The Fig. 1a and 1b show a mattress 1 comprising a layer 2 with a plurality of elastic bodies 4. The layer 2 is formed from two layers 3a, 3b, each having the elastic body 4. The mattress 1 further comprises one of a single-ply Foam formed pad 5 for particular lying a person. The overlay 5 is on one side (in Fig. 1a on the top) of the layer 2. On the other side (in Fig. 1a on the underside) of the layer 2, a carrier layer 6 is arranged, which consists of a (hard) foam and the mattress 1 gives stability. In order to be able to fulfill the stabilizing support function, the foam of the carrier layer 6 typically has a compression hardness (SH) of at least 4.0 kPa.

On the other hand, the single-layer support 5, which is arranged on the layer 2 of elastic elements 4 and consists for example of a cold foam, has a compression hardness of 1.6 kPa. The support 5 also has a thickness D ₁ of ₂ cm and a density (RG) of 45 kg / m ³ and causes in conjunction with the layer 2, the D ₂ = 8cm thick, with resting on the support 5 persons a stimulation effect which excites the body feeling of these persons in an advantageous manner, thus leading, for example in dementia patients, to regaining the lost body feeling, to strengthening the body feeling or at least to reducing the loss of body feeling. The stimulating or stimulating effect results from the combination of the layer 2 and the support 5 when a person lies on the support 5 as a reaction of the mattress 1 to the weight of the person lying on it. The individual cubes formed as elastic body 4 (in two-ply layers 2, the elastic body 4 of the upper layer 3a) act through the support 5 through or are perceived by the person through the support 5 therethrough.

The stimulation effect (or feedback effect) is at the aforementioned values for the compressive strength, the density and the thickness of the support 5 and the aforementioned thickness of the layer 2 (SH = 1.6 kPa, RG = 45 kg / m ³ , D ₁ = 2cm, D ₂ = 8cm) is particularly pronounced. However, it is already effective in compression hardnesses of the support foam of a maximum of 4.0 kPa and a thickness D _{1 of} the support foam of a maximum of 5cm in an advantageous manner. A very high degree of stimulation results in particular at a thickness D _{1 of} the support 5 between 2cm and 3cm and / or a compression hardness of the support foam between 1.5 kPa and 2 kPa and / or a density of the support foam between 40 kg / m ³ and 50 kg / m ³ .

The Fig. 2 shows a mattress 1, such as the mattress 1 of Fig. 1a and 1b in a plan view, wherein on the basis of the circumferential dashed line 7 and the outer edge 8 of the mattress 1, a peripheral edge region 9 is delimited. In the peripheral edge region 9, an adhesive bond (an adhesive suitable for the corresponding foam materials) is introduced between the support 5 and the layer 2, which bonds the layer 2 and the overlay 5 together and thus contributes to the stability and integrity of the mattress 1. The support 5 is thus adhered to the layer 2 exclusively in the peripheral edge region 9. Since there is no adhesion between the support 5 and the layer 2 in the inner region 10, the stimulation effect through the support 5 can unfold unhindered its full effect.

In the Fig. 3a to 3c another mattress 1 is shown, in which on the opposite side of the support 5 of the layer 2, a further support 5 is arranged to the horizontal support of a person.

The mattress 1 is consequently constructed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a center plane 11 extending centrally through the layer 2. The mattress 1 can thus be turned to use one (first) support 5 or the other (second) support 5.

As seen from the cross section of Fig. 3b it can be seen, the layer 2 of the mattress 1 is constructed in one layer, wherein the individual elastic body 4 of the layer 2 are cuboid and are held together by a (here coinciding with the center plane 11) flexible grid network 12.

The grid 12 is in the Fig. 4 shown in detail and has a plurality of square meshes 13, in which the formed as a cuboid elastic body 4 are respectively used. The grid 12 may for example consist of a PVC coated textile material which is flexible. The grid network 12 serves to arrange the individual elastic bodies 4 in the layer 2 and preferably has a mesh size which is smaller than the cross section of the individual elastic bodies 4 (The cross-sectional size of individual elastic bodies 4 is in relation to the mattress plane 11 or Center plane 11 substantially parallel cross-sectional plane preferably maximum D ₃ = 5cm on D ₄ = 5cm, see. Fig. 3c ). Individual elastic bodies 4 can then be inserted or removed by slightly compressing their waist 14 into the respective smaller loops 13 of the mesh 12 and are held captive after insertion through the mesh. Due to the constriction of the cubes 4 in the region of their waist 14 arise between adjacent elastic bodies 4 small cavities 15 which advantageously aeration of the Allow mattress inside. The mesh 12 may also be configured such that adjacent elastic bodies 4 are additionally spaced apart from each other in the state inserted into the mesh 13 beyond the waist-necking spacing.

The flexible storage of the elastic body 4 in the grid network 12 causes the elastic body 4 to respond to movements of the person lying on (for example, during sleep) in a feedback manner and thus additionally stimulate its body perception in the sense of the stimulation effect. Furthermore, the ventilation possible through the cavities 15 in the mattress 1 counteracts the formation of decubitus ulcers or helps to heal existing ulcers. Also, depending on where a decubitus ulcer of a patient comes to rest on the mattress 1, individual elastic bodies 4 may be removed to reduce the contact pressure in the area of the ulcer and to improve the healing.

In Fig. 5a and 5b a further mattress 1 is shown, with a two-ply layer 2, a support 5 arranged thereon and a support layer 6 arranged underneath. Each of the two plies 3a, 3b of the layer 2 has a grid network 12 for the mutual arrangement of the cubes formed in this case elastic body 4 on. The mattress 1 also has a foam-like edge zone reinforcement 17 arranged on an edge side 16 of the layer 2. The edge zone reinforcement 17 increases the structural stability of the mattress 1 and facilitates sitting up persons. The edge zone reinforcement 17 extends in the Fig. 5a over the entire length of the mattress 1. It understands However, that the edge zone reinforcement 17 may extend only to, for example, 80% of the total length of the mattress 1. At the in Fig. 5a Although the edge zone reinforcement 17 is only shown on the one edge side 16 of the layer 2, it is also possible to provide a corresponding edge zone reinforcement 17 on the other edge side of the layer 2 as well. Then, a person lying on, for example, sit on both sides of the mattress 1 out.

In the Fig. 6a and 6b Finally, alternative embodiments of various edge zone reinforcements 17 are shown, as for example in the edge zone reinforcement 17 of the mattress 1 from the Fig. 5a, 5b can be used. The edge zone reinforcements 17 of Fig. 6a, 6b each have a receptacle 18 for an insertable into the edge zone 17 reinforcements sensor 19. The sensor 19, which is typically embodied as a pressure sensor, can advantageously register when a person lying on the mattress 1 straightens up and moves to the mattress edge or edge zone reinforcement 17 to leave the bed. Thus, relatives or caregivers can be warned early.

In the Fig. 6a and 6b shown receptacles 18 for the sensor 19 are formed as elongated slots (in the longitudinal direction 20 of the edge zone reinforcement 17 extending slots), wherein the slot of the Fig. 6a open at the edge and the slot of the Fig. 6b closed at the edge. Typically, the mattresses 1 are wrapped with a protective cover, this protective cover for inserting or removing the sensor 19 in the region of the slots (in the case of the slot of the Fig. 6a head and foot side; in the case of the slot of the Fig. 6b also at the edge) preferably has a corresponding opening or a corresponding access. The receptacles 18 or slots may also have, for example, on their respective inner side a protective cover for protecting the sensor 19 from precipitations of the persons resting on the mattress 1. As a result, a built-in the receptacle 18 sensor 19 is protected against these excretions and ensures its operation.

All mattresses 1 described in the figures are shown for the sake of clarity without corresponding protective covers. It is understood that 1 protective covers, such as thin polyurethane-coated polyester fabric can be applied to the mattresses.

Claims (11)

1. Mattress (1) comprising a bed (2) with a plurality of elastic bodies (4) and a topping (5) made from a single layer of foam for supporting recumbent persons, wherein the topping (5) is " arranged on one side of the bed (2), the bed (2) of elastic bodies (4) comprises at least one grid (12) for setting the elastic bodies (4) within the bed (2) and the grid (12) has a plurality of meshes (13) into which the elastic bodies (4) are individually insertable, characterized in that the topping (5) is less than 5 cm thick, and has a compressive hardness of less than 4 kPa.
2. Mattress according to Claim 1, characterized in that the topping (5) is between 2 cm and 3 cm thick.
3. Mattress according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the compressive hardness of the foam of the topping (5) is between 1.5 kPa and 2 kPa.
4. Mattress according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the density of the foam of the topping (5) is between 40 kg/m³ and 50 kg/m³.
5. Mattress according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second topping (5) for supporting recumbent persons is arranged on the opposite side of the bed (2) to the first topping (5).
6. Mattress according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the topping (5) is glued to the bed (2) solely in a marginal region (9).
7. Mattress according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic bodies (4) are in the form of cubes and/or rectangular blocks.
8. Mattress according to Claim 7, characterized in that the elastic bodies (4) have a maximum cross-section in a plane parallel with the mattress plane (11) of 5 cm (D₃) by 5 cm (D₄).
9. Mattress according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic bodies (4) are made from foam material.
10. Mattress according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an edge zone reinforcement (17) is provided on one lateral edge (16) of the bed (2).
11. Mattress according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mattress (1) has a recess (18) for insertion of a sensor (19).

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