Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
  • A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
  • A61G7/05784—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with ventilating means, e.g. mattress or cushion with ventilating holes or ventilators
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
  • A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
  • A61G7/05723—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with cut-outs or depressions in order to relieve the pressure on a part of the body

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a support device for supporting at least one part of a user's body, particularly a mattress, pillow, or mattress, that is adapted for preventing and/or treating pressure ulcers.
• the support device according to the present invention can preferably be used in conjunction with support medical apparatuses, such as an inpatient bed or wheelchair, in which patients are forced to maintain a certain body position for an extended period of time.
• pressure ulcers i.e. pressure sores, trophic lesions, or pressure injuries
• people who are bedridden or hypomobilized such as patients who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound due to diseases or physical conditions of various severities.
• Pressure ulcers are a growing problem for health care providers and, more importantly, patients. In particular, patients admitted to long-term care facilities are at a high probability of being at risk of developing pressure ulcers.
• decubitus ulcers are lesions of the skin and underlying tissues that are caused by prolonged compression of soft tissue (skin, subcutis, muscle) between a bony protrusion and an external surface on which the patient rests, such as the surface of a bed on which the patient is lying. In this state, the compression in turn causes less blood flow and nourishment to the tissues, consequently generating so-called pressure ulcers.
• decubitus ulcers typically form in the areas corresponding to protrusions of the skeleton and, depending on the prolonged position taken, for example, on the bed, may be occiput, scapula, nape of the neck, sacrum, heels (for supine position), or elbow, trochanter, malleolus, heels (for lateral position), or cheek, nose, chest, genitals, knees (for prone position), or ischium, legs (for sitting position).
• anti-decubitus support devices such as anti-decubitus mattresses, pillows, or mattresses are known.
• Such well-known anti-decubitus support devices can be of various types by providing for different materials and/or different types of operation, such as air or water anti-decubitus support devices, or the like.
• such well-known anti-decubitus support devices are configured to reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of pressure ulcers by reducing the pressure applied on the body parts of the user, i.e. the patient.
• some well-known anti-decubitus support devices are configured to provide, based on the shape and/or materials of its components, a reduction in the total pressure applied to the soft tissue between the underlying bony prominence and the external supporting surface, such as the surface of the bed on which the patient is lying.
• further well-known anti-decubitus support devices are configured to prevent constant decubitus at the part of the patient's body that is under compression, for example, by varying the pressure applied to the soft tissue over time by a system that provides dynamic support of the user's body (dynamic support system).
• anti-decubitus support devices are configured to exclusively mitigate, i.e. relieve or reduce, the degree of pressure applied on the user's body parts, thus providing a purely-mechanical solution to the problem of the occurrence of pressure ulcers.
• anti-decubitus support devices are primarily configured to reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of pressure ulcers but cannot treat them should they form during, for example, the patient's hospital stay or if they are already present.
• Task of the present invention is to provide an improved device for supporting a user, specifically a mattress, pillow or mattress, that is configured to prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers.
• one purpose of the present invention relates to a support device that, for the problem of the occurrence of pressure ulcers, provides a different solution than the purely-mechanical solutions of the well-known antidecubitus devices that provide only mitigation of the degree of pressure applied on the user's body parts.
• a further purpose concerns a support device whose configuration is adapted to prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers effectively.
• a further purpose concerns a support device that provides for simple and versatile use.
• a further purpose concerns a support device that under operating conditions provides comfort to the user.
• a further purpose concerns a support device that provides for simple construction. [021] A further purpose concerns a support device that provides for reliable construction. [022] A further purpose concerns a support device having a construction that in design can be widely varied according to, for example, conditions and/or type of use.
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a support device for preventing and/or treating pressure ulcers, in a first embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the support device of Fig. 1 ;
• FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the support device at a region indicated by the letter "A" in Fig. 2;
• FIG. 4 shows a top view of the support device in Fig. 1 ;
• - Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the support device taken at the B-B line in Fig. 4;
• - Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the support device of Fig. 1 in which a portion is omitted so as to show a receiving cavity;
• FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of a support device in a second embodiment of the present invention in which a portion is omitted so as to show a receiving cavity;
• FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of a support device in a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a portion is omitted so as to show a receiving cavity.
• the present invention relates to a device for supporting a user, particularly a mattress, pillow, or mattress, which is adapted for preventing and/or treating pressure ulcers on one or more parts of the body of said user, such as a patient.
• the present invention relates to a support device that is configured to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of pressure ulcers in people who are bedridden or hypomobilized, such as patients who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound due to diseases or physical conditions of various severities, and/or to treat any pressure ulcers present in people who are bedridden or hypomobilized.
• a support device such as a mattress, pillow, or mattress
• an inpatient bed as a support medical apparatus, preferably in a hospital or home setting.
• this reference should be understood to be provided solely by way of example and not limitation, in that the support device, according to the present invention, may be used in association with further medical support apparatuses in which patients are forced to maintain a specific body position for an extended period of time, such as a mattress or cushion to be associated with the seating of a wheelchair.
• the support device, according to the present invention can be used in association with additional non-medical support apparatuses.
• a support device such as a mattress mat.
• the present invention can be used for any type of device that is configured to support a user's body, or a part thereof, such as a mattress, pillow, aid element (for legs, arms, heels, or elbows), and the like, and that is further configured to prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers.
• a support device 100 for supporting at least a part of a user's body, particularly a mattress, pillow or mattress, which is configured to prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
• the support device 100 is associable with an inpatient bed, as a support medical apparatus, preferably in a hospital or home setting.
• the support device 100 is preferably configured to be interposed between the mattress of an inpatient bed and the user so as to support at least a part of the user's body.
• this selection is not limiting, and, for example, the support device 100 can be associated with further medical support apparatuses in which patients are forced to maintain a certain body position for an extended period of time, such as a wheelchair.
• the support device 100 is preferably configured as a mattress having an appropriate shape and/or size so as to be arranged on a mattress of a bed and support a portion of the body of a user lying on such a bed.
• the support device 100 may be configured as a mattress, pillow, or mattress having any desired shape and/or size so as to support one or more portions of a user's body, or the entirety of a user's body.
• the support device 100 includes a mattress body 12 having preferably a substantially parallelepiped shape with a quadrangular base, as shown in the attached figures.
• the mattress body 12 has a thickness, i.e. a height H1 , that is less than each of the other dimensions, such as a length along a longitudinal direction L1 that in turn is greater than a width along a transverse direction T 1.
• a thickness i.e. a height H1
• this selection is not limiting, and shape and/or size of mattress body 12 can be appropriately selected according to specific needs, such as a disc shape having dimensions suitable for supporting only one or more parts of the user's body.
• the mattress body 12 comprises a first upper face 14 and a second lower face 16, preferably substantially quadrangular in the present embodiment.
• the first face 14 is adapted to face the part of the patient's body that is operatively supported by the support device 100.
• the second lower face 16 is opposite to the first face 14, and is separated from the latter by the thickness H1 of the mattress body 12.
• the first face 14 and the second face 16 are connected by a perimeter edge 18 substantially defining said thickness H1 of the mattress body 12.
• the perimeter edge 18 in turn comprises a pair of longitudinal edges 20 and a pair of transverse edges 22.
• the first face 14, the second face 16 and the perimeter edge 18 substantially define the outer surface of said mattress body 12.
• the term “mattress body” means any body, element or combination of bodies/elements, which is configured to provide support and cushioning to a user lying or sitting on it, and which is preferably comprising or formed with appropriate one or more soft and/or resilient materials. Therefore, the term “mattress body” also includes “mat body” and "cushion body.”
• the mattress body 12 may include different constructions adapted to provide support and cushioning to a user, such as a patient, who is operatively lying or sitting on top of the support device 100 so as to provide comfortable support.
• such support and cushioning characteristics may be provided by one or more soft and/or resilient materials with which said mattress body 12 is formed, and/or by a structure of said mattress body 12 or portions thereof, and/or by a combination of material(s) and structure(s) of said mattress body 12 or portions thereof.
• mattress body 12 is formed with one or more soft and/or resilient materials, preferably foams, having a given density that is selected to provide desired support and cushioning characteristics. More preferably, the mattress body 12 is formed with one or more soft and/or resilient materials that are hypoallergenic so as to avoid allergic reactions on the part of the user and/or antibacterial so as to provide greater hygiene.
• the mattress body 12 is preferably formed with a material that is soft and resilient, such as a polyurethane foam preferably having a density between 25 kg/m 3 and 75 kg/m 3 , more preferably density of about 50 kg/m 3 .
• a material that is soft and resilient such as a polyurethane foam preferably having a density between 25 kg/m 3 and 75 kg/m 3 , more preferably density of about 50 kg/m 3 .
• this selection is not limiting, and the mattress body 12 may, for example, provide for a multi-layer structure having a plurality of overlapping layers formed with soft and/or resilient materials having different characteristics, such as different densities, which when combined provide desired overall support and cushioning characteristics.
• the mattress body 12 may be shaped at its first face 14 by providing one or more concave and/or convex regions having a shape complementary to one or more parts of the user's body, so as to operatively receive and support them in a desired position or orientation.
• said mattress body 12 includes encompassed therein at least one receiving cavity 24 which is configured to be in fluid communication with the exterior to said mattress body 12 through a plurality of outlet conduits 26.
• the mattress body 12 includes encompassed within it at least one receiving cavity 24 that is configured to be in fluid communication, via the plurality of outlet conduits 26, with at least one portion of an outer surface of the mattress body 12, such as the first face 14 and/or the second face 16 and/or the perimeter edge 18 or portions thereof.
• the outlet conduits 26, such as through-holes formed on the wall of the mattress body defining on one side the first face 14 and on the other side a part of the receiving cavity 24, may provide for any shape and/or size.
• the outlet conduits 26 are preferably through-holes of substantially circular shape.
• said outlet conduits 26 are preferably through-holes having a diameter or size comprised between 8 and 12 mm, more preferably of about 10 mm to allow adequate gas delivery flow, as further explained below.
• said support device 100 further includes a gas supply assembly 28.
• Said gas supply assembly 28 is adapted to be fluidly connected with said at least one receiving cavity 24. Further, the gas supply assembly 28 is configured to supply within said at least one receiving cavity 24 a treatment gas comprising oxygen gas.
• the gas supply assembly 28 is configured to supply the treatment gas comprising oxygen gas within said at least one receiving cavity 24 with a given pressure or flow rate. More preferably, the gas supply assembly 28 is configured to supply the treatment gas comprising oxygen gas within said at least one receiving cavity 24 with a flow of between 2 and 10 liters/minute.
• the support device 100 is configured to deliver oxygen gas, through the receiving cavity 24 and the plurality of outlet conduits 26 of the mattress body 102, to said one or more parts of the patient's body substantially at the surface(s) on which they rest and/or which are proximal.
• the support device 100 is configured to prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers effectively.
• oxygen gas turns out to be an effective nourishing agent for the skin and underlying tissues. Consequently, the provision of gaseous oxygen, substantially at the support surface(s) on which said one or more parts of the patient's body rest, ensures elimination or reduction of the likelihood of occurrence of pressure ulcers.
• oxygen gas makes possible the formation of granulation tissue and thus the re-epithelialization of lesions. Therefore, in case such pressure ulcers were already present or were forming, the provision of gaseous oxygen, substantially at the surface(s) on which said one or more parts of the patient's body rest, makes treatment of such pressure ulcers possible.
• the continuous flow of treatment gas comprising oxygen gas substantially at the surface(s) on which said one or more parts of the patient's body rest, keeps the skin dry, i.e. decreases its moisture, consequently reducing a further cause of the occurrence of pressure ulcers.
• outlet conduits 26 configured as through- holes with a diameter or size between 8 and 12 mm or of about 10 mm ensures at the same time adequate flow of treatment gas delivery including oxygen gas, reduction of the likelihood of patient body parts obstructing the conduits, and simplicity of fabrication of the supporting device 10.
• the mattress body 12 provides a substantially box-like structure having a plurality of walls defining the first face 14, the second face 16, the perimeter edge 18, and a single internal receiving cavity 24 also having a substantially box-shaped, such as a parallelepiped.
• said single receiving cavity 24 is in fluid communication with the outside to the mattress body 12 through the plurality of outlet conduits 26 and, in addition, is fluidly connected with the gas supply assembly 28, as defined above.
• the mattress body 12 may include encompassed within it a plurality of distinct receiving cavities 24, each of which is in fluid communication with the outside to the mattress body 12 through a respective plurality of outlet conduits 26 and, further, each fluidly connected with respective one or more gas supply assemblies 28.
• the mattress body 12 preferably comprises a first upper body portion 30 and a second lower body portion 32 which are provided distinct each other and subsequently coupled together so as to define said mattress body 12 and its receiving cavity 24.
• the first body portion 30 and second body portion 32 are provided separate and subsequently coupled together, for example, by gluing them together so as to define said mattress body 12 and its receiving cavity 24.
• a step of making the support device 100 is advantageously simplified. Further, in this state disassembly and reassembly steps of the support device 100 are advantageously simplified to conduct effective cleaning or sanitization steps of its components.
• Said body portions, first 30 and second 32 are preferably both formed of polyurethane foam and preferably provide for possibly equal or different densities thereof.
• the first body portion 30 may have a density of about 50 kg/m 3 and the second body portion 32 may have a density of about 75 kg/m 3 , to provide a more rigid support base.
• this selection is not limiting and further materials, or combinations of materials, possibly differing from each other in chemical nature and/or structure and/or density, may be used for forming each of the two body portions, first 30 and second 32.
• the first body portion 30 has a parallelepiped shape in which a first side defines said first face 14 and a second side, opposite to the first, provides for a surface recess defining said receiving cavity 24.
• the second portion of body 32 has a plate shape in which a first side defines said second face 16 and a second side, opposite to the first, is adapted to couple to the second side of the first portion of body 30 so as to operatively close said receiving cavity 24. This advantageously further simplifies stages of fabrication, assembly and reassembly of the support device 100 since the body portions, first 30 and second 32, involve simple shapes.
• the mattress body 12 may provide for further constructions.
• the mattress body 12 may provide for additional body portions in a different number and/or shape than described above.
• the gas supply assembly 28 is configured to supply treatment gas having a content, or concentration, of oxygen gas higher than or equal to 50%, more preferably higher than or equal to 90%, even more preferably higher than or equal to 95% by volume over the total volume of said treatment gas.
• An oxygen content higher than or equal to 90 percent, even more preferably higher than or equal to 95 percent is particularly preferred because it provides very effective treatment results in a relatively short time, having a high oxygen content, especially when the support device 100 is configured, e.g., sized and/or shaped, to provide treatment to a specific limited part of the user's body ("zonal" treatment).
• the support device 100 is configured to prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers particularly effectively because the higher content of oxygen gas in the treatment gas (i.e. the higher concentration or purity of the gaseous oxygen) ensures more effective nutrition of the skin and underlying tissues for the same treatment gas flow and, consequently, more effective prevention and/or treatment.
• the higher content of oxygen gas in the treatment gas i.e. the higher concentration or purity of the gaseous oxygen
• the gas supply assembly 28 includes a compressor apparatus 34, such as a pump or compressor.
• the compressor apparatus 34 is configured to preferably take, via a supply line 38, treatment gas from a storage device 36, such as one or more cylinders, and supply it to the receiving cavity 24 of the mattress body 12, through an injection line 40.
• a storage device 36 such as one or more cylinders
• the gas supply assembly 28 may include further configurations adapted for supplying a treatment gas comprising oxygen gas within said at least one receiving cavity 24 of the mattress body 12.
• the gas supply assembly 28 may comprise an oxygen concentrator device, preferably portable, which is configured to generate from the air present in the environment the treatment gas comprising gaseous oxygen by steps of separating and concentrating the latter so as to supply it, by means of a compressor apparatus, to the receiving cavity 24 of the mattress body 12 through the injection line 40.
• the gas supply assembly 28 further comprises a pressure regulating valve 42, preferably disposed along the injection line 40, which is configured to maintain and/or regulate a desired pressure and/or flow value within the receiving cavity 24.
• said pressure regulating valve 42 is a quick-connection type valve so as to make easy a connection/disconnection of the injection line 40 to/from the compressor apparatus 34, i.e. to/from the oxygen concentrator device.
• the pressure regulating valve 42 allows a desired flow of treatment gas, and therefore oxygen gas, to be selected and/or maintained to achieve reliable treatment of said one or more patient body parts by means of the support device 100.
• the plurality of outlet conduits 26 is preferably formed on the first face 14 of the mattress body 12 that is operatively adapted to face toward said one or more patient body parts that are supported by the support device 100.
• the plurality of outlet conduits 26 is formed only on said first face 14 of the mattress body 12.
• the plurality of exit conduits 26 is preferably formed only on one or more distinct areas of said first face 14 that are adapted to face toward respective one or more predetermined parts of the patient's body.
• treatment gas is delivered particularly efficiently to said one or more parts of the patient's body.
• wastage of treatment gas and oxygen gas is avoided because the flow is directed only to those parts of the patient's body that require treatment.
• the mattress body 12 includes further anti-decubitus means 44, such as mechanical-type antidecubitus means and the like.
• said additional anti-decubitus means 44 are arranged at the first face 14 that is operatively adapted to face toward said one or more parts of the patient's body that are supported by the support device 100.
• the additional anti-decubitus means 44 comprise a plurality of projecting elements 46 provided by the first face 14 that is operatively adapted to face toward said one or more parts of the patient's body that are supported by the support device 100.
• the projecting elements 46 are preferably arranged distinctly and/or spaced apart so as to form a non-planar surface structure, i.e. a non-planar surface pattern, having substantially a plurality of alternating raised and depressed areas.
• the projecting elements 46 protrude along a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal L1 and transverse T1 directions, defining on the first face 14 alternating relief and depression areas separated from each other by a projecting height Q1 , or by a depression distance, greater than 0.5 mm along said direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal L1 and transverse T 1 directions.
• the projecting elements 46 are defined by a plurality of distinct longitudinal ribs, substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L1 , which are shaped and positioned to define an undulating profile of the first face 14 when viewed along the longitudinal direction L1 .
• the projecting elements 46 may provide for any shape and/or arrangement and/or orientation.
• the projecting elements 46 may be defined by a plurality of distinct hemispherical or truncated conical elements provided by the first face 14, and forming a regular or non-regular pattern.
• said further anti-decubitus means 44 may comprise, in addition to or instead of said projecting elements 46, further configurations that are adapted to provide an anti-decubitus effect.
• additional anti-decubitus means 44 may include a system that provides dynamic support of the user's body, such as a dynamic air or water support system.
• the dynamic air or water support system may provide at the first face 14 a plurality of support zones that are selectively adjustable with different fluid (air or water) pressures.
• the fluid (air or water) pressures are selectively varied over time in the different support zones to raise or lower them under the patient, so that the compression of the respective body parts varies over time.
• the support device 100 is configured to prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers further effectively.
• the treatment gas comprising oxygen gas and the further anti-decubitus means 44 provide a synergistic effect that further ensures elimination or reduction of the likelihood of occurrence of pressure ulcers.
• the embodiment that includes projecting elements 46 guarantees at the same time, in addition to the synergistic effect of the treatment gas including oxygen gas and the further anti-decubitus 44 means, a construction that is particularly easy to make.
• the support device 100 further includes a distribution tubing unit 48.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 is arranged within said at least one receiving cavity 24 and includes a plurality of through openings 50 (best seen in Fig. 3) that are configured to fluidly connect the interior of said distribution tube unit 48 with the exterior of the latter.
• the through openings 50 can be variously oriented in said distribution tubing unit 48 to provide desired preferential flow directions, and in the present embodiment they are oriented facing the first face 14.
• the through openings 50 may optionally be oriented toward the second face 16 or the perimeter edge 18.
• different groups of through openings 50 may provide different orientations to each other.
• said gas supply assembly 28 is fluidly connected with the distribution tubing unit 48 and is further configured to supply within the latter said treatment gas comprising oxygen gas.
• the support device 100 is configured to deliver treatment gas within the receiving cavity 24 and mattress body 102 through the distribution tubing unit 48 whose structure and/or conformation can be appropriately selected to provide a desired degree of gas distribution homogeneity, depending on the application and/or shape of the receiving cavity 24.
• the structure and/or conformation of the distribution tubing unit 48 can be appropriately selected to provide a high degree of treatment gas homogeneity within the receiving cavity 24 when, based on the position of the body on the bed, substantial homogeneous soft tissue compression is expected in different parts of the patient's body.
• the structure and/or conformation of the distribution tubing unit 48 can be appropriately selected to provide a desired degree of inhomogeneity of treatment gas within the receiving cavity 24 when, based on the position of the body on the bed, substantial inhomogeneous soft tissue compression is expected in different parts of the patient's body.
• the support device 100 provides a construction that can be easily varied during the design phase to achieve a desired degree of homogeneity of treatment gas distribution to effectively prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers.
• the mattress body 12 provides for a substantially box-like structure having a plurality of walls defining the first face 14, the second face 16, the perimeter edge 18, and a single internal receiving cavity 24 also having a box-shape.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 is entirely contained within said single receiving cavity 24.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 includes at least one distribution tube line branching, i.e. extending, from the injection line 40 which, in turn, is connected to the compressor apparatus 34 of the supply assembly 28, described above.
• said at least one distribution tube line is provided with said plurality of through openings 50.
• the support device 100 provides a construction that can be further easily and effectively varied in the design stage to achieve a desired degree of homogeneity of treatment gas distribution to effectively prevent and/or treat pressure ulcers.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 comprises three distribution tube lines, such as first distribution tube line 52, second distribution tube line 54, and third distribution tube line 56.
• the distribution tube lines, first 52, second 54, and third 56 fluidly branch, i.e. extend, from the injection line 40 through first branch connection means 58 (best seen in Fig. 6), such as a four-way fitting preferably of the quick-connection type.
• first branch connection means 58 best seen in Fig. 6
• this selection is not limiting since the number of distribution tube lines can be any number equal to or greater than one.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 may comprise a single distribution tube line, arranged, for example, in a serpentine manner within the receiving cavity 24.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 may comprise two, four, or more distribution tube lines variously arranged within the receiving cavity 24.
• the distribution tube lines, first 52, second 54 and third 56 respectively comprise one or more portions of distribution tubing which are provided distinct and connected in series with each other by respective second connection means 60 (best seen in Fig. 6).
• at least some of said one or more portions of distribution pipe are provided with said plurality of through openings 50.
• the first distribution tube line 52 includes three distribution tube portions, such as first portion 52a, second portion 52b, and third portion 52c, which are arranged sequentially in that order and connected to each other by respective second connection means 60, such as elbow fittings preferably of the quick- connection type.
• the second distribution tube line 54 comprises a single distribution tube portion, such as fourth portion 54a.
• the third distribution tube line 56 comprises three distribution tube portions, such as fifth portion 56a, sixth portion 56b, and seventh portion 56c, which are arranged sequentially in this order and connected to each other by respective second connection means 60, such as elbow fittings preferably of the quick-connection type.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 has a construction that can be widely varied at the design phase to achieve a desired degree of homogeneity of treatment gas distribution and, at the same time, is simple to construct since it comprises commonly available elements that can be easily assembled together.
• At least a portion of at least one of the distribution tube lines, first 52, second 54 and third 56 is formed with a tube formed of a flexible material, such as PVC, silicone or combination thereof, preferably complying with the requirements for medical use.
• said flexible material tube is provided with at least a part of said plurality of through openings 50.
• all portions of the distribution tube lines, first 52, second 54 and third 56 are formed with tubes made of a flexible material, such as PVC or silicone, possibly complying with the requirements for medical use.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 and the support device 100 have a construction adapted to provide comfort to the user under conditions of use.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 includes elements formed of flexible material, the likelihood that under conditions of use the user will perceive substantially rigid elements of the support device 100 when lying on top of the latter is reduced.
• said distribution tube lines, first 52, second 54, and third 56 are downstream fluidly connected to each other through third confluence connection means 62 (best seen in Fig. 6), such as a three-way fitting preferably of the quick-connection type, substantially forming a closed circuit.
• third confluence connection means 62 such as a three-way fitting preferably of the quick-connection type, substantially forming a closed circuit.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 and the support device 100 provide for reliability of operation because the probability that portions of the distribution tube lines, first 52, second 54 and third 56, will not be reached by the treatment gas is reduced.
• the treatment gas can reach most portions of the tubing lines even when the user, by weighting on the support device 100, compresses and/or obstructs a portion of them.
• a support device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.
• the support device 100 is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, except for further means such as retaining means 64.
• the support device 100 includes retaining means 64 preferably provided distinct from the mattress body 12 and subsequently arranged within the receiving cavity 24.
• the retaining means 64 are configured to secure the distribution tubing unit 48, or parts thereof, at a given position within the receiving cavity 24.
• the support device 100 provides for reliability of operation because the probability that under operating conditions the distribution tubing unit 48 may move within the receiving cavity 24, undesirably varying a given gas distribution, is reduced.
• Said retaining means 64 may comprise different constructions and, in the present embodiment, comprise fastening elements, such as one or more transverse elements or rib elements.
• said one or more traverse elements 64 preferably formed of the same material with which the mattress body 12 is formed, are attached to the latter so as to retain the distribution tubing unit 48, or parts thereof, in abutment on one of the walls defining the receiving cavity 24.
• said one or more transverse elements 64 are attached to the mattress body 12 by means of bonding substances.
• the retaining means may comprise bonding substances adapted to secure the distribution tubing unit 48, or parts thereof, on one of the walls defining the receiving cavity 24.
• the retaining means may comprise a combination of bonding substances and traverse elements 64 adapted to secure the distribution tubing unit 48, or parts thereof, on one of the walls defining the receiving cavity 24.
• a support device 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.
• the support device 100 is substantially the same as that of the first or second embodiment, except for further means such as cushioning means 66.
• the support device 100 comprises cushioning means 66 formed of soft and/or resilient material, which are arranged within the receiving cavity 24 and adapted for at least partially covering or wrapping relatively more rigid components present within the receiving cavity 24, such as, for example, the connection means, first 58, second 60, and third 62.
• the support device 100 provides a construction adapted to provide further comfort to the user under the conditions of use.
• Said cushioning means 66 may include different constructions and, in the present embodiment, include padding elements, such as one or more platelets made of soft and/or resilient material.
• Such platelets made of soft and/or resilient material are configured to at least partially envelop relatively more rigid components present within the receiving cavity 24, such as, for example, the connection means, first 58, second 60, and third 62.
• the outlet conduits 26 are preferably through-holes of sizes between 8 and 12 mm or about 10 mm.
• the mattress body 12 is formed, at least in part, with a porous material having opened-cells in fluid communication with each other so as to form said outlet conduits 26 which, in turn, put in fluid communication at least a portion of the outer surface of the mattress body 12 with the receiving cavity 24.
• the receiving cavity 24 has a parallelepiped shape.
• the receiving cavity 24 may provide for other shapes and, for example, may be defined by an assembly of conduits in fluid communication with each other and shaped into the mattress body 12.
• the distribution tubing unit 48 may comprise one or more superiorly open channel elements, for example shaped on the second body portion 32, and respective one or more cover elements provided with said plurality of through openings 50.
• said channel elements and said cover elements are coupled together, preferably removably, so as to define the distribution tubing unit 48.
• further cavity support means may be provided, preferably provided separate from the mattress body 12, which are arranged within the receiving cavity 24 and configured to increase and/or adjust, by a desired degree, the stiffness of the mattress body 12.
• said cavity support means are configured to increase and/or adjust the stiffness of the mattress body 12 so as to prevent collapse of the receiving cavity 24, consequently reducing or eliminating the likelihood that portions of the distribution tube lines, first 52, second 54, and third 56, will be compressed and/or obstructed by the weight of the user bearing on the support device 100.
• Such cavity support means are particularly advantageous when the support device 100 is used by several users having different weights from each other.
• said cavity support means may be defined or may comprise one or more traverse elements 64 and/or additional longitudinal, oblique, prop or similar elements that are flexible and provide for a desired stiffness, greater than that of the materials of the mattress body 12.
• the cavity support means serve substantially as ribbing elements within the receiving cavity 24 and are adapted to support at least a portion of the weight of the user's body bearing on the support device 100.
• said cavity support means may be defined or may comprise at least one flexible inner-tube element that is arranged within the receiving cavity 24.
• said flexible inner-tube element is adapted to receive, i.e. to be filled with, a support fluid, such as air or water, or is adapted to be fluidly connected to support-fluid pumping means, such as a compressor adapted to pump air or a pump adapted to inject water.
• the flexible inner-tube element having any desired shape such as a doughnut shape, cylinder shape, or the like, is adapted to receive the support fluid at a given pressure and preferably hold it, for example through a valve, at that given pressure value so as to achieve a desired stiffness, which is greater than that of the materials of the mattress body 12.
• the flexible inner-tube element substantially acts as a ribbing element within the receiving cavity 24 and is adapted to support at least a portion of the weight of the user's body bearing down on the support device 100, i.e. contributing to the support at the receiving cavity 24.
• the support device 100 having the features of the various embodiments described above, or combinations thereof, is found to be particularly effective for use in a method for preventing the occurrence and/or treating pressure ulcers present on one or more parts of a patient's body.
• the provision of oxygen gas, substantially at the support surface(s) on which said one or more parts of a patient's body rest, ensures elimination or reduction of the likelihood of occurrence of pressure ulcers.
• the treatment gas comprising oxygen gas to said one or more parts of a patient's body for a time, i.e. for an interval of time, preferably of 2 to 4 hours per day.
• the support device 100 provides a different solution than the purely-mechanical solutions of the well-known anti-decubitus devices, which only provide for the mitigation of the degree of pressure applied to the user's body parts.
• the support device 100 provides a configuration adapted for preventing and/or treating pressure ulcers effectively.
• the support device 100 provides for simple and versatile use in possible association with additional medical support apparatuses, such as an inpatient bed or wheelchair.
• the support device 100 provides comfort to the user under operating conditions.
• the support device 100 provides for a simple and reliable construction.
• the support device 100 provides for a construction that can be widely varied at the design phase according to, for example, conditions and/or type of use.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Nursing (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=85511238

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2023
  • 2023-01-11 EP EP23709783.7A patent/EP4648733A1/de active Pending
  • 2023-01-11 WO PCT/IT2023/000001 patent/WO2024150258A1/en not_active Ceased

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events