EP4609769A1

EP4609769A1 - Patient cleansing mitt

Info

Publication number: EP4609769A1
Application number: EP24160228.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lies KEIJSER; Beatrijs VAN HOOF; Willem Mees Van Der Bijl
Original assignee: Molnycke Health Care AB
Current assignee: Molnycke Health Care AB
Priority date: 2024-02-28
Filing date: 2024-02-28
Publication date: 2025-09-03
Also published as: WO2025180848A1

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a mitt (1) for cleansing the skin or a wound of a patient; the mitt having a lateral (x) and a longitudinal (y) extension and being defined by an upper edge (2), a lower edge (3), a first side edge (4), and a second side edge (5), wherein the mitt comprises a lower mitt portion (6) having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 10-50% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt (1), and an upper mitt portion (7) having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 50-90% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt (1), and wherein the mitt (1) comprises a first (8) and a second (9) layer being sealed along the upper edge (2) and the first (4) and second (5) side edges, wherein the first layer (8) is cut along a first cutting line (10) extending from the lower edge (3) to a first fold point (11) in the lower mitt portion (6), and along a second cutting line (12) extending from the lower edge (3) to a second fold point (13) in the lower mitt portion (6), and wherein the first layer (8) is folded along a folding line (14) defined between the first (11) and second (13) fold points to form a flap portion (15), wherein the area between the folding line (14) and the first (10) and second (12) cutting lines defines a hand insertion area (16).

The present disclosure also relates to a package (17) comprising the mitt (1), and to a kit comprising the package (17) and a cleansing solution.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a mitt for cleansing the skin or a wound of a patient; the mitt having a lateral (x) and a longitudinal (y) extension and being defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, wherein the mitt comprises a lower mitt portion having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 10-50% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt, and an upper mitt portion having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 50-90% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt, and wherein the mitt comprises a first and a second layer being sealed along the upper edge and the first and second side edges.

BACKGROUND

Prior to a surgical procedure, the skin of a patient must typically be thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution. The cleansing of the skin eliminates microorganisms present on the skin and reduces the risk that the surgical wound or incision becomes infected.
The primary action of an antiseptic is to mechanically remove and chemically kill or inhibit contaminating microorganisms present on the skin. Besides killing harmful microorganisms, the antiseptic solution may also bind to the skin and form a protective barrier.
The antiseptic solution is typically applied by a dedicated swab, cloth, mitt or glove, and is often applied using friction. Often, the application means may be pre-soaked or pre-wetted with the antiseptic solution.
A washing mitt is a type of washcloth which is shaped like a pouch into which the hand can be inserted. A plurality of washing mitts is generally required to cleanse one single patient. For example, one mitt is used for the face and the neck, another one is used for the abdomen, one for the arms, one for the legs, and one for the genital area of the patient. After cleansing, a plurality of additional mitts may be required to rinse the skin of the patient.
The risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) generally poses demands on the applicator; i.e. the medical personnel or, in some scenarios, the patients themselves. It also poses demands on the application means, e.g. washing mitts, which need to be sterile during cleansing.
Prior to use, a plurality of mitts is typically stored in a single package. The mitts are often packaged in a folded condition.
The procedure of dispensing; i.e. extracting a mitt from the package, unfolding it, and subsequently arranging it onto the hand and wrist of an applicator typically requires the use of both hands of the applicator, and also involves touching various parts of the mitt. Such undesired touching significantly enhances the risk of contaminating the mitt, and thus also the patient.
Furthermore, as mentioned hereinbefore, patient cleansing typically involves the use of a plurality of mitts. The cleansing time and surgical preparation process can thus be a lengthy procedure.
In view of this, there is a need to provide improvements with respect to providing a simplified, quick and sterile means to cleanse a patient prior to surgery.

SUMMARY

In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide improvements with respect to facilitating the patient cleansing procedure prior to a surgical procedure.
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a mitt for cleansing the skin or a wound of a patient; the mitt having a lateral (x) and a longitudinal (y) extension and being defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, wherein the mitt comprises a lower mitt portion having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 10-50% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt, and an upper mitt portion having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 50-90% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt, and wherein the mitt comprises a first and a second layer being sealed along the upper edge and along the first and second side edges, wherein the first layer is cut along a first cutting line extending from the lower edge to a first fold point in the lower mitt portion, and along a second cutting line extending from the lower edge to a second fold point in the lower mitt portion, and wherein the first layer is folded along a folding line defined between the first and second fold points to form a flap portion, wherein the area between the folding line and the first and second cutting lines defines a hand insertion area.
The present disclosure is based on the realization that a mitt, as described hereinabove, significantly facilitates the donning procedure for an applicator such that the patient cleansing procedure can be carried out in a sterile, facilitated and time-efficient manner. When the mitt is stored in a package, the hand insertion area allows for an applicator to insert his/her hand therein and don the hand while the mitt is still in the package. Accordingly, the risk of contaminating the exterior surface of the mitt (which is to contact the skin or wound of a patient) is eliminated, or at least significantly reduced.
The provision of a hand insertion area in the lower portion of the mitt allows for the mitt to be packaged in a manner that provides for direct access to interior of the mitt.
Typically, mitts and cloths for cleansing patients are arranged and stored in a package having an opening on its top side from which the mitts are dispensed. Prior to use, the opening is covered with a lid or label.
When the mitt of the present disclosure is arranged in such a package, the hand insertion area is visibly observable in the opening upon partial removal of the lid or label. Accordingly, an applicator may quickly don his/her hand such that the mitt (and the applicator) remains sterile prior to and during the cleansing procedure.
The flap portion of the mitt is the portion of the first layer being folded over the folding line when the mitt is stored in a package. The folding line and the first and second cutting lines thereby define the hand insertion area. The flap portion typically has the same size and shape as the hand insertion area.
When the mitt has been arranged on the hand of an applicator, the flap portion may be folded back towards the hand or wrist of the applicator to enhance the coverage of the hand or wrist of the applicator during cleansing.
The hand insertion area is arranged in the lower mitt portion. The hand insertion area extends from the lower edge of the mitt to a folding line defined between the first and second fold points in the lower mitt portion.
The mitt of the present disclosure may be used to cleanse intact skin of a patient prior to surgery. The mitt may also be used for cleansing a wound of a patient. For example, the mitt may be used to cleanse and debride dead or unhealthy tissue from a wound, e.g. a chronic wound.
Accordingly, the mitt of the present disclosure may be a skin cleansing mitt and/or a wound debridement mitt.
The mitt of the present disclosure may be dry or pre-moistened with water or with a cleansing solution, e.g. an antiseptic or an antibacterial solution.
Preferably, the mitt is dry.
This may be advantageous to secure maximum usage of each surface of the mitt; i.e. of each of the first and second layers of the mitt.
When the applicator has inserted his/her hand in the mitt, a cleansing solution may be added to a first surface of the mitt, e.g. to the exterior surface of the first layer. The first layer will thus be wet or soaked with the cleansing solution, whereas the opposing, second layer of the mitt will remain substantially dry. As mentioned hereinbefore, separate mitts or cloths are typically used for cleansing, and subsequent rinsing of the cleansed body part, respectively. Instead of applying a separate mitt for rinsing purposes, the mitt may, after the wetted first layer has been used for cleansing a specific body part, be turned such that the substantially dry, second layer is used for direct, subsequent rinsing of the body part.
Accordingly, the material usage of the mitt is optimized, which is beneficial for sustainability purposes and for reducing the amount of waste.
In exemplary embodiments, the hand insertion area has a maximum lateral (x) extension corresponding to from 50 to 90 %, preferably from 70 to 85% of the maximum lateral (x) extension of the mitt.
These proportions allow for a facilitated access and introduction of a hand and wrist into the hand insertion area.
The hand insertion area is typically arranged centrally along the lower edge of the lower mitt portion.
Hence, the peripheral parts of first layer along the lower edge of the mitt will cover the wrist of the applicator during insertion of the hand, as well as during extraction of the mitt from the package. This allows for a reduced risk of contamination.
The area of the hand insertion area may correspond to from 8 to 30%, preferably from 10 to 20 % of the total surface area of the second layer of the mitt.
The total surface area of the second layer corresponds to the total surface area of the first layer including the flap portion.
An area in the above-mentioned range allows for the hand insertion area to be readily observable when stored in a package, and thereby easily accessed. If the hand insertion area is too large, insufficient coverage of the hand and the wrist of the applicator during cleansing may result. If the hand insertion area is too small, it may become more difficult to observe and access during storage.
For example, the area of the hand insertion area may be from 2000 to 8000 mm2, preferably from 4000 to 6000 mm2.
The distance, d₁, from the lower edge to the folding line may be from 25 to 60 mm, preferably from 35 to 50 mm.
Accordingly, a suitable balance between a facilitated access to the interior of the mitt and sufficient coverage of the hand and wrist is accomplished.
The folding line is typically a straight folding line. In other words, the fold points are arranged along the same line.
This is beneficial from a storage and packaging point of view.
In exemplary embodiments, the angle, α1, between the first cutting line 10 and the folding line may be from 90 to 140°, preferably from 100 to 125°, and wherein the angle, α2, between the second cutting line and the folding line may be from 90 to 140°, preferably from 100 to 125°.
Accordingly, the first and the second cutting lines are sloping cutting lines. The upper edge of the hand insertion area (defined by the folding line) is thus smaller than the the maximum lateral (x) extension of the hand insertion area along the lower edge of the mitt. This configuration allows for a facilitated donning or hand insertion, an improved hand and wrist coverage during use, as well as a reduced risk of contamination.
The mitt of the present disclosure is not limited to a specific shape or size. However, in order to maximize the coverage and optimize the material usage, the longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt may be larger than the lateral (x) extension of the mitt.
For example, the mitt may have a rectangular or a substantially rectangular shape.
The mitt is not limited to the use of a specific material, but any material known to the skilled person may be used.
For example, the first and/or the second layer may comprise a material selected from tissue, nonwoven and/or an absorbent foam.
In embodiments where the mitt is to be used for wound cleansing, e.g. wound debridement, the first and/or second layer may be textured or rough on its/their exterior surface. This is beneficial to break up and remove necrotic tissue, metabolic waste, and bacteria from a wound.
According to another aspect, there is provided a package comprising at least one mitt as described hereinabove, wherein the package has a top side and a bottom side; the top side comprising an opening, wherein the package comprises a lid covering the opening and being detachably attached to the top side of the package, wherein the at least one mitt is arranged in the package such that at least a portion of the hand insertion area is visibly observable in the opening upon partial removal of the lid.
The package typically comprises a plurality of mitts. Each mitt may be used for cleansing, and, in embodiments, also rinsing, a specific body part of a patient. Hence, the package may comprise the number of mitts required to cleanse one single patient.
The lid is detachably attached to the top side of the package. Upon the application of a separation force, the lid or at least a portion thereof may be at least partially detached from the top side to expose the opening, and the mitts stored therein. Absent a separation force, the lid remains attached to the top side and covers the opening such that the mitts are protected from contamination prior to use.
Preferably, the second layer of the mitt is unfolded along its longitudinal (y) extension in the package.
Accordingly, the mitt is stored in the package in a generally unfolded configuration. The only folded portion of the mitt is the flap portion of the first layer. The remaining part of the first layer is also unfolded along its longitudinal (y) extension in the package.
The risk of contaminating the exterior surface of the mitt is thereby reduced since unnecessary unfolding actions are avoided. Furthermore, the hand and wrist of an applicator may be inserted into the entire mitt.
According to yet another aspect, there is provided a kit comprising a package as described hereinbefore, and a cleansing solution.
The cleansing solution may be an antiseptic, antimicrobial or a bacteriostatic solution. The cleansing solution may also be a wound debridement solution.
Further features of, and advantages with, the present disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled addressee realizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of the present disclosure, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a mitt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a package comprising a plurality of the mitts of figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side-view illustrating the package of figure 2 when an applicator has introduced his/her hand in the hand insertion area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the skilled person. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.
Figure 1a illustrates a mitt 1 for cleansing the skin or a wound of a patient. The mitt 1 has a lateral (x) and a longitudinal (y) extension and is defined by an upper edge 2, a lower edge 3, a first side edge 4, and a second side edge 5, wherein the mitt comprises a lower mitt portion 6 having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 10-50% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt 1, and an upper mitt portion 7 having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 50-90% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt 1, and wherein the mitt 1 comprises a first 8 and a second 9 layer being sealed along the upper edge 2 and along the first 4 and second 5 side edges, wherein the first layer 8 is cut along a first cutting line 10 extending from the lower edge 3 to a first fold point 11 in the lower mitt portion 6, and along a second cutting line 12 extending from the lower edge 3 to a second fold point 13 in the lower mitt portion 6, and wherein the first layer 8 is folded along a folding line 14 defined between the first 11 and second 13 fold points to form a flap portion 15, wherein the area between the folding line 14 and the first 10 and second 12 cutting lines defines a hand insertion area 16.
As used herein, the term "mitt" means a pouch or a mitten for covering the hand of an applicator.
The mitt is formed by sealing a first 8 and a second 9 layer along three peripheral edges of the layers. Hence, the mitt comprises a closed upper edge 2, a closed first side edge 4, and a closed second side edge 5.
The closed edges are sealed edges. The first 8 and second 9 layers may be sealed by any conceivable means, e.g. by adhesion, welding, sewing etc.
The first 8 and second 9 layers are typically unsealed or at least partially unsealed along the lower edge 3 of the mitt. The first 8 and second 9 layers are unsealed at least in the area where the hand insertion area 16 is arranged.
Typically, the entire lower edge 3 of the mitt is unsealed. In other words, the lower edge 3 of the mitt is an open edge.
In conventional washing or cleansing mitts, the open lower edge 3 forms the entry of an applicator's hand. In the mitt of the present disclosure, an "extended" hand insertion area is provided in the lower portion, which allows for the hand of an applicator to be inserted when the mitt is comprised in a package (as best illustrated in figure 3).
The "hand insertion area" is an area formed in the first layer 8 in the lower portion 6 of the mitt. The hand insertion area allows for a facilitated entry of the hand of an applicator, particularly when the mitt is stored and arranged in a package.
The hand insertion area 16 is defined by the first 10 and second 12 cutting lines, which extend from separate points at the lower edge of the mitt to respective fold points in the first layer in the lower portion of the mitt. The partially cut first layer 8 is folded along the folding line 14 defined between the first 11 and the second 13 fold points. The first layer 8 is folded over the folding line 14 such that a flap portion 15 is formed. The space defined by the folding line 14 and the first 10 and second 12 cutting lines represents the hand insertion area 16.
The first layer 8 has an interior surface and an exterior surface. When the mitts 1 are stored in a package, the flap portion 15 is folded over the folding line 14 such that the flap portion 15 contacts the exterior surface of the first layer 8, as best illustrated in figures 2 and 3. During use; i.e. during cleansing, the flap portion 15 may be folded back to cover the hand or the wrist of an applicator
The first 10 and second 12 cutting lines are cut such that essentially no material of the first layer is removed. Accordingly, the size of the flap portion 15 corresponds to the size of the hand insertion area 16. Full coverage of the wrist is thereby provided when the flap portion 15 is folded back towards the wrist during cleansing.
The lower portion 6 of the mitt has a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 10-50% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt 1. Typically, the lower portion 6 of the mitt has a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 10-30% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt 1.
The maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt, i.e. the maximum length, l₁, of the mitt may be from 170 to 300 mm, e.g. from 200 to 250 mm.
The maximum lateral (x) extension of the mitt; i.e. the maximum width, w₁, of the mitt may be from 120 to 250 mm, e.g. from 140 to 190 mm.
In figure 1, the mitt has a rectangular shape. The present disclosure is not limited to a rectangular shape, but various mitt shapes are conceivable.
In figure 1, the upper edge 2, lower edge 3, and first 4 and second 5 side edges, respectively, are illustrated as straight edges. It is, however, equally conceivable that the edges are rounded, curved or sloping.
Preferably, at least the lower edge 3 is a straight edge.
The hand insertion area 16 is preferably arranged centrally along the lower edge 3 of the mitt 1. This is beneficial from a packaging aspect, and also for the purpose of preventing contamination when the mitt is dispensed from the package as well as during cleansing.
The maximum lateral (x) extension of the hand insertion area 16 may correspond to from 60 to 90 %, preferably from 70 to 85% of the maximum lateral (x) extension of the mitt 1.
The maximum lateral (x) extension, i.e. maximum width, w₂, of the hand insertion area 16 may be from 70 to 225 mm, preferably from 80 to 160 mm, more preferably from 120 to 150 mm.
The area of the hand insertion area 16 may be from 8 to 30%, preferably from 10 to 20 % of the total surface area of the second layer 9 of the mitt 1.
The total surface area of the second layer 9 of the mitt 1 corresponds to the total surface area of the first layer 8 including the flap portion 15.
For example, the area of the hand insertion area 16 may be from 2000 to 8000 mm2, preferably from 4000 to 6000 mm2.
As mentioned hereinbefore, the area of the hand insertion area 16 corresponds to the surface area of the flap portion 15.
As illustrated in figure 1, the distance, di, from the lower edge 3 to the folding line 14 may be from 25 to 60 mm, preferably from 35 to 50 mm.
If the distance, di, is too large, the risk of contaminating the skin of a patient during cleansing is enhanced. Furthermore, it may be difficult to keep the mitt arranged on the applicator's hand during use. In contrast, if the distance, di, is too small, the hand insertion area 16 becomes less accessible during storage and when the mitt is to be dispensed from the package 17.
The folding line 14 is typically a straight folding line. This is beneficial for packaging purposes, and for ease of access to the mitts in the package.
The hand insertion area 16 is not limited to a specific shape, but any shape is conceivable, such as a rectangular or square shape. Likewise, the cutting lines need not be straight cutting lines, but may be curved, rounded or sloping.
In figure 1, the mitt 1 is illustrated as a rectangular "pouch", which cover both the thumb and the rest of the fingers. It is, however, conceivable that the mitt comprises two separate portions, wherein a first portion is configured to cover the thumb, and the second portion is configured to cover the rest of the fingers.
As illustrated in figure 1, the angle, α1, between the first cutting line 10 and the folding line 14 may be from 90 to 140°, preferably from 100 to 125°, and wherein the angle, α2, between the second cutting line 12 and the folding line 14 may be from 90 to 140°, preferably from 100 to 125°.
This configuration allows for a facilitated entry of an applicator's hand, and an improved protection of the hand or the wrist during cleansing.
Typically, the longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt 1 is larger than the lateral (x) extension of the mitt 1.
This is beneficial since the mitt should preferably cover the hand and at least a portion of the wrist of an applicator.
The mitt 1 may comprise any material suitable for cleansing the skin or a wound of a patient.
The material of the first layer 8 may be the same as the material of the second layer 9. However, it is equally conceivable that the material of the first layer 8 is different from the material of the second layer 9. For example, the first layer 8 may be adapted for cleansing, and the second layer 9 may be adapted for rinsing.
It is also conceivable that the first layer 8 or the second layer 9 comprises more than one sheet. For example, the first layer 8 or the second layer 9 may be a laminate comprising two or more sheets.
The first 8 and/or the second 9 layer may comprise a material selected from tissue, nonwoven and/or an absorbent foam.
As mentioned hereinbefore, the cleansing mitt of the present disclosure may be used to cleanse, e.g. debride a wound. In such embodiments, the exterior surface of the first 8 and/or second layer 9 may be textured.
When the mitt is to be used for wound debridement, the mitt may comprise a material comprising microfibers or monofilament fibers.
In this regard, the mechanical debridement of the wound may be improved.
According to another aspect, as illustrated in figures 2 and 3, there is provided a package 17 comprising at least one mitt 1 as described hereinbefore, wherein the package 17 has a top side 18 and a bottom side 19; the top side 18 comprising an opening 20, wherein the package 17 comprises a lid 21 covering the opening 20 and being detachably attached to the top side 18 of the package 17, wherein the at least one mitt 1 is arranged in the package 17 such that at least a portion of the hand insertion area 16 is visibly observable in the opening 20 upon partial removal of the lid 21.
The package 17 typically comprises a flexible and moisture impermeable material. For example, the package may comprise a polymeric material including, but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, and the like, and combinations thereof.
The package 17 has a top side 18 comprising an opening 20 from which the mitt(s) 1 is/are dispensed or extracted.
The package 17 has a lateral (x) extension and a longitudinal (y) extension.
The at least one mitt 1 is arranged in the package 17 such that the lateral (x) extension of the mitt 1 coincides with the lateral (x) extension of the package 17 and such that the longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt 1 coincides with the longitudinal (y) extension of the package 17.
The opening 20 has a longitudinal (y) extension and a lateral (x) extension, wherein the longitudinal (y) extension of the opening is typically larger than the lateral (x) extension of the opening 20. In this regard, the mitt can be easily dispensed from the package and the hand of an applicator can be inserted into a large portion (typically the entire portion) of the mitt 1.
The opening 20 may have a lateral (x) extension corresponding to the length, If, of the folding line 14. Alternatively, the lateral (x) extension of the opening 20 is larger than the length, If, of the folding line 14.
The length, l_f, of the folding line 14 may be from 50 to 120 mm, e.g. from 75 to 100 mm.
In embodiments where the cutting lines 10, 12 are sloping towards the first 11 and second 13 fold points defining the folding line 14 (see figure 1 and figure 2), the hand insertion area will be accessible in the opening upon partial removal of the lid.
Alternatively, the lateral (x) extension of the opening 20 may correspond to the maximum lateral (x) extension of the hand insertion area 16.
The lid 21 is detachably attached to the top side of the package 17.
The term "detachably attached" means that the lid may be separated from the top side 18 of the package 17 upon the application of a separation force. For example, the lid may be at least partially adhesively attached to the top side 18 of the package 17.
After a mitt 1 has been dispensed from the package 17, the lid 21 may be resealed to the top side 18 of the package 17.
For example, in embodiments where water and/or a cleansing solution is added directly to the opening 20 of the package 17, the applicator may choose to re-seal the lid 21 and "massage" the water and/or cleansing solution to secure evenly spreading of the water and/or cleansing solution throughout the mitts 1 stored in the package 17.
The lid 21 may comprise the same material as the pouch.
As illustrated in figure 2, the lid 21 may comprise a protruding portion 23, which serves as a gripping tab, and facilitates the detachment and separation of the lid 21 from the top side 18 of the package 17.
The package 17 typically comprises a plurality of mitts 1. For example, the package 17 may comprise the number of mitts 1 required for cleansing all body parts of a single patient.
In exemplary embodiments, the package 17 comprises from 4 to 20 mitts, e.g. from 5 to 12 mitts.
The at least one mitt 1 may be dry or pre-moistened when stored in the package 17. The mitt(s) 1 may be pre-moistened with water and/or a cleansing solution. Preferably, the at least one mitt 1 is dry.
This may be beneficial to accomplish cleansing (by means of the first layer of the mitt) and subsequent rinsing (by means of the second layer of the mitt) in an efficient manner.
It is also conceivable to soak or wet the mitt 1 prior to insertion of the applicator's hand; i.e. when the mitt 1 is stored in the package 17, as mentioned hereinabove.
Preferably, the second layer 9 of the mitt 1 is unfolded along its longitudinal (y) extension in the package 17.
Accordingly, the mitt is stored in the package in an unfolded configuration.
This allows for the entire interior portion of the mitt 1 to be accessed upon insertion of a hand into the hand insertion area 16.
In figure 3, a package 17 comprising a plurality of mitts 1 is illustrated. When the lid 21 has been partially removed, the hand 22 of an applicator can be donned directly by inserting the hand 22 into the hand insertion area 16 of the mitt 1, which is visibly observable in the opening 20 of the package. No other part of the mitt 1 needs to be touched, which significantly reduces the risk of microbial contamination. The applicator's hand 22 may be inserted into the entire interior portion of the mitt 1 (being stored in an unfolded configuration in the package).
According to another aspect, there is provided a kit comprising a package 17 as described hereinbefore, and a cleansing solution.
The cleansing solution may be used to cleanse the skin or a wound of a patient.
Preferably, the cleansing solution is an antiseptic, antimicrobial or a bacteriostatic solution. Alternatively, the cleansing solution is a wound debridement solution.
In embodiments where the mitt is to be used for cleansing a wound, i.e. for debriding a wound, the mitt 1 may have an exterior surface adapted for mechanical debridement of a wound (a textured or rough exterior surface). The cleansing solution of the kit may be a wound debridement solution. Accordingly, a combined debridement effect (chemical and mechanical) can be accomplished.
Terms, definitions and embodiments of all aspects of the present disclosure apply mutatis mutandis to the other aspects of the present disclosure.
Even though the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art.
Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the present disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

A mitt (1) for cleansing the skin or a wound of a patient; said mitt having a lateral (x) and a longitudinal (y) extension and being defined by an upper edge (2), a lower edge (3), a first side edge (4), and a second side edge (5), wherein said mitt (1) comprises a lower mitt portion (6) having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 10-50% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of said mitt (1), and an upper mitt portion (7) having a maximum longitudinal (y) extension corresponding to 50-90% of the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of said mitt (1), and wherein said mitt (1) comprises a first (8) and a second (9) layer being sealed along said upper edge (2) and along said first (4) and second (5) side edges, characterized in that said first layer (8) is cut along a first cutting line (10) extending from said lower edge (3) to a first fold point (11) in said lower mitt portion (6), and along a second cutting line (12) extending from said lower edge (3) to a second fold point (13) in said lower mitt portion (6), and in that said first layer (8) is folded along a folding line (14) defined between said first (11) and second (13) fold points to form a flap portion (15), wherein the area between said folding line (14) and said first (10) and second (12) cutting lines defines a hand insertion area (16).
The mitt (1) according to claim 1, wherein said mitt (1) is dry.
The mitt (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said hand insertion area (16) has a maximum lateral (x) extension corresponding to from 50 to 90 %, preferably from 70 to 85% of the maximum lateral (x) extension of said mitt (1).
The mitt (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein said hand insertion area (16) is arranged centrally along said lower edge (3).
The mitt (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the area of said hand insertion area (16) corresponds to from 8 to 30%, preferably from 10 to 20 % of the total surface area of said second layer (9) of said mitt (1).
The mitt (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the area of said hand insertion area (16) is from 2000 to 8000 mm2, preferably from 4000 to 6000 mm2.
The mitt (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the distance, di, from said lower edge (3) to said folding line (14) is from 25 to 60 mm, preferably from 35 to 50 mm.
The mitt (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein said folding line (14) is a straight folding line.
The mitt (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the angle, α1, between said first cutting line (10) and said folding line (14) is from 90 to 140°, preferably from 100 to 125°, and wherein the angle, α2, between said second cutting line (12) and said folding line (14) is from 90 to 140°, preferably from 100 to 125°.
The mitt (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the longitudinal (y) extension of said mitt (1) is larger than the lateral (x) extension of said mitt (1).
The mitt (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein said first (8) and second (9) layers comprise a material selected from tissue, nonwoven and/or an absorbent foam.
A package (17) comprising at least one mitt (1) as defined in any one of claims 1-11, wherein said package (17) has a top side (18) and a bottom side (19); said top side (18) comprising an opening (20), wherein said package (17) comprises a lid (21) covering said opening (20) and being detachably attached to said top side (18) of said package (17), wherein said at least one mitt (1) is arranged in said package (17) such that at least a portion of said hand insertion area (16) is visibly observable in said opening (20) upon partial removal of said lid (21).
The package (17) according to claim 12, wherein said second layer (9) of said mitt (1) is unfolded along its longitudinal (y) extension in said package (17).
A kit comprising a package (17) as defined in claim 12 or claim 13, and a cleansing solution.
The kit according to claim 14, wherein said cleansing solution is an antiseptic, antimicrobial or a bacteriostatic solution, or a wound debridement solution.