JP5642173B2 - Improved fabric for preventing and reducing skin wounds - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to therapeutic fabrics and, more particularly, has advantageous antibacterial, antistatic, wicking and drying properties and is suitable for dermatitis, skin wounds, compression wounds and other skin diseases. The present invention relates to an article provided with a woven fabric that assists in prevention and treatment. Medical research supporting the technology disclosed in this application can be found in Pediatric Dermatology, Vol. 25, no. 4,439-433, July / August 2008, published in a paper entitled "Use of a Silklike Beding Fabric in Patients with Atomic Dermatitis", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Shall be assumed to be a part. On January 25, 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration granted 510 (k) clearance as a Class 1 medical device (registration number K061242), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Shall be assumed.

  The majority of the world's population suffers from skin problems. About 15 million Americans suffer from eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by red spots on itchy and irritated skin. Six to seven million Americans suffer from psoriasis, a skin disease that causes unsightly drowning and skin desquamation. Such skin diseases account for the majority of annual medical costs. For example, psoriasis accounts for approximately $ 3 billion of medical costs each year. Of course this is a cost other than money, such as time spent on treatment, sleep deprivation, refractory itching, skin damage, pain, social disgrace due to visible skin disease, and treatment-related inconveniences, certain clothing Prevention, the use of special detergents on clothes and bedding, and control of environmental conditions to maintain proper moisture levels in the affected skin.

  Similarly, skin wounds, especially pressure wounds, are an ever-increasing problem for medical systems around the world, especially when they are elderly, bedridden, unconscious, or capable of sensing pain. It affects groups that do not or cannot move. A compression wound, also known as a pressure ulcer, is a region of local tissue necrosis that results from squeezing the soft tissue between a bony ridge and the outer surface for an extended period of time. A compression wound develops when the blood supply to the skin is blocked for 2-3 hours. When the skin dies, the pressure wound begins as a red painful site and eventually turns purple. Compression wounds often occur in areas of the skin that are under patient pressure, such as lying on the bed, sitting in a wheelchair, and / or wearing a cast for an extended period of time. Common sites include the buttocks (above the sacrum or iliac crest) or the heel of the foot. Untreated wounds can become damaged and open to become infected and / or spread deep into the muscle. Once a compression wound develops, it often heals at a very slow rate. Known prevention methods include examination of skin redness sites (first signs of skin destruction), frequent rotation and repositioning, providing soft padding to wheelchairs and beds to reduce pressure, and / or cleansing the skin And providing good skin care by keeping dry. Treatment includes removal of pressure to the affected area, protection of the wound with gauze and other special bandages, keeping the wound clean, transplantation of healthy skin to the wound site and / or drug therapy (ie infection Antibiotics for treatment).

  Each year in the United States, more than 1 million people develop pressure wounds, about 7% of which occur in hospitals. The average cost of treating a person admitted with a pressure wound is $ 37,288, which amounts to approximately $ 2.2 billion to $ 3.6 billion annually for the cost of treating a pressure wound in an emergency care facility. Of course, this cost does not take into account the physical or emotional damage of the affected person, their family and caregivers.

  Moisture, friction and shear can cause or exacerbate skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and pressure wounds. For example, a person exposed to too much moisture has fragile skin. If the person moves on a rough, moist surface, such as a bed sheet, the skin is subject to shear damage caused by friction. Similarly, the person may be injured by clothing that contacts the skin, or another bedding, especially if the article has increased frictional force or reduced shear resistance. As long as skin damaged by moisture, friction and / or shear is much more likely to develop pressure-related damage, such as ulcers or pressure wounds, the failure is exacerbated. Further, the potential for injury increases when the skin is in the presence of biological materials that may contain factors other than moisture that irritate the skin, such as urine, stool, sweat, or wound drainage.

  Thus, it is important to provide bedding and clothing with properties that prevent skin disorders, as well as it is important that the bedding and clothing actually treat the possible diseases. Unfortunately, however, the fabrics that make up bedding and apparel that prevent and treat skin disorders, particularly pressure wounds, are not widely used in the art.

  Hospital linens, such as lower sheets, upper sheets, and pillowcases, are generally considered by the hospital as household commodities as opposed to therapeutic articles. Thus, these bedding articles are typically constructed of low technology, low cost fabrics such as conventional cotton-polyester blends. A typical conventional hospital bedding fabric is a plain weave structure that yields 4.12 ounces of fabric per square yard with 120 warps per inch and 74 wefts per inch. The warp yarn is a 39/1 spun yarn corresponding to 136 denier of 50% cotton and 50% short polyester blend. The weft yarn is 35.6 / 1 spun yarn corresponding to 149 denier of 50% cotton and 50% short polyester blend. These fabrics do not have special finishes, moisture treatment characteristics, antibacterial characteristics, antistatic characteristics, or antifouling characteristics. In essence, these are low cost bedding products similar to those found in homes and hotels that are not designed to prevent or treat skin disorders.

  Another bedding article commonly used in hospitals is an underpad, also known as a protective pad, that provides a means to protect the mattress from bodily fluids that the bedridden produces. Underpads range from very simple sheets of waterproof materials such as rubber to complex multilayer devices. The underpad is intended for a single use (ie, disposable) or can be reused. Since the underpad is intended to be placed between the lower and upper sheets of the bed, the bedridden lies directly on the underpad and the resulting body fluid is sent to the underpad by gravity. To some extent, the underpad protects the bottom sheet and the mattress below it. Since the underpad is typically in direct contact with the patient, efforts have been made to make the underpad more comfortable. For example, a rubberized pad will include flocking in contact with the patient, and a vinyl backing will include a quilt cloth.

  Like sheets, underpads are considered by hospital management as household items, that is, daily items aimed at maintaining patient cleanliness and protecting furniture at the lowest possible cost. However, in situations where the patient is at risk of developing a pressure wound, daily necessities are inadequate and ineffective. Studies indicate that standard hospital-supplied daily necessities actually exacerbate wound development. Specifically, when a conventional gown patient uses conventional bedding with an underpad, the average number of wounds per patient increased by 41% between hospitalization and discharge.

  The underpad may include an absorbent material that is covered by the conventional hospital bedding fabric described above. This structure underpad effectively protects the mattress and may be relatively comfortable, but to the level that it is therapeutic unless the underpad prevents or treats skin problems, particularly pressure wounds. Not reach.

  Another example of hospital supplies that have become daily commodities and are harmful to patients are patient gowns, also known as hospital gowns. These garments are typically constructed of cotton / poly blend, such as the conventional bedding fabric described above. These garments are typically relatively inexpensive and easy to wash, but do not possess the properties to actually prevent or treat skin disorders, particularly pressure wounds.

  Although most of the technological advances in the field of patient gowns are aimed at improving patient coverage for privacy purposes, some progress has been made in treating illness with clothing. For example, US Pat. No. 6,868,854 to Kempe teaches a method for treating fibromyalgia with a radiation shielding gown, and US Pat. No. 7,0038,044 to Lewis discloses rubbing. Surgical gowns are taught that are coated with a skin cleanser that falls and adheres to the wearer.

  A series of products sold under the trade name Dermasilk (TM) has applications in skin care apparel. In particular, derma silk technology has shown excellent clinical results to help heal atopic dermatitis and psoriasis and skin ulcers that result from diabetes. Derma silk therapeutic garments include underwear and body wraps knitted with 100% silk and treated with a durable antimicrobial agent.

  Silk is effective in this case because silk fibers have a chemical structure very similar to the chemical structure of human hair (97% protein, 3% lipid, and wax substance). Silk fibers are perfectly smooth and cylindrical. Therefore, silk fibers do not cause mechanical friction with the skin. Furthermore, silk is inherently hygroscopic and absorbs up to 30% of its own weight without getting wet. This is important to aid in the healing of atopic dermatitis because silk is capable of maintaining the moisture balance of the skin and provides a microenvironment that softens and soothes near the skin. Since the diameter of silk cylindrical fibers simply increases or decreases when moisture is absorbed or released, silk can also absorb and release moisture without causing irritation. Since silk is composed of small continuous filaments, delicate skin is not disturbed when the moisture content changes. Silk helps reduce severe sweating (common in children affected by atopic dermatitis) and minimizes water loss that can exacerbate skin dryness and itching. Silk is also inherently elastic. When used in a knitting structure, the silk fabric moves the garment with the body and keeps it in close contact with the skin, thereby reducing friction.

  Derma silk fabrics and garments also include topical antimicrobial agents that provide silk fibers with protection against a wide range of bacteria, pathogens, molds and fungi. The antibacterial treatment is very effective against Staphylococcus aureus, one of the main factors that inhibit bacterial survival in the fabric and exacerbate atopic dermatitis.

  Although silk has proven effective in clothing and body wraps, there are inherent deficiencies in the use of silk fibers, yarns and fabrics because they are associated with therapeutic bedding and patient gowns. Unlike knitted garments and wraps, hospital supplies such as sheets, pillowcases, underpads and patient gowns must withstand continuous use for more than 8-9 hours per day, as well as thorough excessive washing and drying. . Hospital supplies are also typically contaminated with various chemicals and stains associated with personal hygiene and need to withstand much greater stresses and strains associated with sleeping adults. Chloride salts in perspiration and deodorants weaken the silk, and alcohol-based products such as hair sprays and perfumes, and chemical products such as nail polish removers, easily damage the silk fabric. Water applied to silk stains can fix the stains or produce ring-like stains that do not fall off. The reason why silk cannot be pre-soaked in detergent or bleach is because both damage silk. Furthermore, silk fabric cannot be air dried with sunlight because ultraviolet rays degrade silk. As a result, silk is not ideal for wide use in therapeutic hospital supplies.

  The inventor of the present invention has developed a new fabric technology for therapeutic bedding that overcomes some of the disadvantages of derma silk by using synthetic fibers. Some of these synthetic fibers have a non-circular cross section. This fabric has great promise for the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. In fact, on January 25, 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration granted 510 (k) clearance to this invention as a Class 1 medical device (Registration No. K061242) for the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis. In particular, the invention was the first therapeutic bedding approved for FDA marketing authorization as a Class 1 medical device for skin care therapy.

  Although dermatitis and compression wounds are considered to be different disorders, this FDA marketing license is impressive but not intended for use in compression wound prevention and treatment situations. In fact, the dermatitis treatment fabric is expected to provide substantial pressure wound prevention properties, especially if the fabric itself does not relieve pressure, or if it does not relieve the boned ridges with a cushion. Not.

  The prevention and treatment of compression wounds has advantageous antibacterial, antistatic, wicking and drying properties because significant medical demands remain without clear solutions, dermatitis, skin wounds There remains a need for woven fabrics that can prevent and treat pressure wounds and other skin diseases. The fabric should be non-abrasive and cost-effective and should be able to withstand as many cleanings, detergents, autoclaving, irradiation, and nighttime wear as needed. There was also a need for hospital supplies including sheets, underpads and patient gowns that are constructed of this fabric and are suitable for continuous use in hospitals or other care facilities.

  The present invention is similar to silk in terms of appearance, smoothness, elongation, and moisture treatment, but is more durable, more antifouling, and more suitable for items such as bedding and patient gowns Satisfy one or more of these requirements in the art by providing an underpad that uses a unique combination of polymer type and fiber form to form a bedding fabric including a patient gown To do. Furthermore, the fabric is also superior to cotton-containing fabrics because it dries more quickly when wet and remains smooth.

  The fabric includes a woven fabric having warp and weft woven to provide a smooth fabric surface. In a preferred embodiment, one of the warp and weft is a nylon continuous filament of at least 40% by weight of the fabric. The other of the warp and weft may be a polyester or nylon continuous filament having a non-circular filament cross-section of about 0-60% by weight of the fabric. Preferably, the fabric includes from about 0 to about 2% by weight of the conductive yarn of the fabric. Preferably, the antimicrobial substance is applied topically to the fabric or is inherently present in the fabric.

  The warp yarn can be 100% nylon, and the weft yarn can be polyester or nylon.

  This fabric is preferably woven as a twill or plain weave. Plain weave is preferred, and when twill is used, it is preferably balanced so that both sides of the fabric are the same. The warp yarn can be 40 denier, 34 filaments, nylon 6-6 continuous filament yarn with 5 twists per inch, and the weft yarn can be 75 denier, 48 filaments, textured polyester continuous filament. In the most preferred embodiment, the warp is a 70 denier, 48 filament, textured nylon continuous filament yarn, the weft is a 75 denier, 36 filament, non-circular textured polyester continuous filament, The conductive yarn is about 0 to about 2% by weight of the fabric.

Preferably, the continuous filament has a non-circular fiber cross section, such as a fiber cross section such as a star, clover, trilobal or bow tie. Continuous filaments having this non-circular fiber cross-section typically have a cross-section such that adjacent filaments form wicking channels that enhance moisture wicking and rapid drying.

  Also preferably, the fabric is finished to produce a fabric having an elongation greater than about 30% according to ASTM D5034-95 test for the breaking strength and elongation of the woven fabric.

  In a preferred embodiment, the fabric has a local antifouling finish.

  In one aspect, the present invention provides a therapeutic woven fabric that has warp and weft woven to provide a smooth fabric surface and that is made into a bed-sized sheet that prevents and reduces skin wounds. I will provide a. Sheets typically have a hem that prevents fraying of the woven fabric. One of the warp and weft is a nylon continuous filament of at least 40% by weight of the fabric and the other of the warp and weft is a polyester or nylon continuous filament having a non-circular filament cross-section of about 0 to 60% by weight of the fabric The conductive yarn is about 0 to about 2% by weight of the fabric. Preferably, the antimicrobial substance is applied topically to the fabric or is inherently present in the fabric.

  Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic fabric for use in an article that contacts the skin. One of the warp and weft is at least 40% by weight nylon continuous filament, the other of the warp and weft is a polyester or nylon continuous filament having a non-circular filament cross-section of about 0 to 60% by weight, and the conductive yarn is a fabric About 0 to about 2% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the antimicrobial substance is applied topically to the fabric or is inherently present in the fabric.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic fabric having a smooth surface for constructing garments such as bedding and / or patient gowns that include an underpad. The warp and weft yarns are continuous and substantially free of hairlines. One of the warp and weft is preferably a continuous filament yarn having a non-circular filament cross-section so that adjacent filaments form a wick channel, and a conductive yarn is incorporated to control static electricity. The antimicrobial substance can be applied topically to the fabric or it can be endogenous to the fabric.

  The invention can also be viewed as providing a method of patient therapy comprising coating the patient's bed with a sheet having a surface that is smooth even when wet and resting the patient between the sheets. . Preferably, the patient bed includes an underpad, the patient wears a patient gown, and both the underpad and the gown are constructed of a fabric having the same characteristics as the sheets. The surface roughness between the sheet, underpad and patient gown and the patient's skin is reduced compared to the surface roughness present between the cotton or polyester / cotton blended sheet and the patient's skin. .

  The invention can also be viewed as providing a method of patient therapy that includes having a patient wear or provide a patient gown having a smooth surface even when wet. Preferably, the patient bed includes bedding including an underpad constructed of the same fabric as the patient gown. The surface roughness between the patient gown and the patient's skin is reduced compared to the surface roughness that exists between the cotton or polyester / cotton blended sheet and the patient's skin.

  Another aspect of the present invention is to prevent skin wounds and injuries caused by having a patient wear or provide a patient gown composed of a therapeutic fabric and replacing the product when it is soiled. Provide a method of preventing or treating. Alternatively, the supplies can be changed according to hospital protocols, for example every 24 hours. Desirably, the therapeutic fabric is comprised of a woven fabric having warp and weft woven to provide a smooth fabric surface, one of the warp and weft being a nylon continuous filament of at least 40% by weight of the fabric. The other of the warp and weft yarns is a polyester or nylon continuous filament having a non-circular filament cross-section of about 0 to 60% by weight of the fabric and comprises about 0 to about 2% by weight of conductive yarn of the fabric. Preferably, the patient is also provided with at least one of a lower bed sheet, an upper bed sheet, a pillowcase and / or an underpad. The article should have a geometric average surface roughness of 1.0 to 1.75 microns when dry, as measured with a Kawabata Evaluation System FB4 surface tester. Preferably, the article or articles exhibit an antimicrobial reduction after 24 hours of contact with E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis at least 98.0%.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a patient gown comprising a woven fabric woven with 100% continuous synthetic yarn, which conforms to a test according to AATCC test method 100 and is compatible with S. aureus and S. aureus. The antibacterial reduction after 24 hours of contact time exceeds 99%, the average surface roughness using Kawabata Surface Roughness Evaluation is about 1.75 microns, and the moisture wick speed is 15 mm / min. And finished to achieve having a drying rate of greater than 1.0% per minute.

  In one aspect, the present invention comprises an underpad that has warp and weft woven to provide a smooth fabric surface and is sized to fit a bed and can prevent and reduce skin wounds. A woven fabric for treatment is provided. The underpad can have a hem or seam that prevents fraying of the woven fabric, includes a liquid impervious lower layer and / or a fluid absorbing intermediate layer, and to increase protection of the patient's knees and feet, The width along the top edge may be at least 34 inches, the bottom edge is at least 42 inches, and the overall length may be 65 inches.

  The invention provides a method of patient therapy comprising covering the patient's bed with an underpad having a smooth surface even when the bed is wet, and resting the patient on the underpad. Can also be considered. Preferably, the patient's bed includes at least one other bedding product, such as a lower sheet, an upper sheet, and / or a pillowcase, and / or the patient wears a patient gown and one or more items and the patient The gown is composed of the same fabric as the upper fabric layer of the underpad. The surface roughness between the upper fabric layer and the patient's skin is compared to the surface roughness present between the upper fabric layer of a conventional underpad made of cotton or polyester / cotton blend fabric and the patient's skin. Has been reduced.

  Another aspect of the invention provides a method for preventing or treating skin wounds and disorders by providing an underpad to a patient and replacing the underpad when the underpad becomes soiled. Alternatively, the underpad can be replaced according to hospital protocols, for example after 24 hours of use. Desirably, the upper fabric layer of the underpad is comprised of a woven fabric having warp and weft woven to provide a smooth fabric surface, wherein one of the warp and weft is a nylon continuous of at least 40% by weight of the fabric. The filament, the other of the warp and weft is a polyester or nylon continuous filament having a non-circular filament cross-section of about 0 to 60% by weight of the fabric and comprises about 0 to about 2% by weight of conductive yarn of the fabric. The underpad upper fabric layer should have a geometric mean surface roughness of 1.0 to 1.75 microns when dry, based on measurements with a Kawabata Evaluation System FB4 surface tester. Preferably, the upper layer of the underpad has an antibacterial reduction after at least 24 hours contact time with E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis at least 98.0%.

  Another aspect of the present invention is an underpad having an upper fabric layer comprising a woven fabric woven with 100% continuous synthetic yarn, the fabric comprising S. aureus and stool chain according to the test according to AATCC test method 100 Antibacterial reduction after 24 hours contact time with cocci exceeds 99%, average surface roughness using Kawabata surface roughness assessment has a flatness of about 1.75 microns, moisture wick speed above 15 mm / min And finished to achieve a drying rate of greater than 1.0% per minute. Preferably, the underpad also includes a liquid impervious lower layer and a fluid absorbing intermediate layer, all three layers being secured together.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for preventing or treating skin wounds and disorders by providing an article to a patient and replacing the article when the article becomes soiled. Desirably, the article is comprised of a woven fabric having warp and weft woven to provide a smooth fabric surface, wherein one of the warp and weft is a nylon continuous filament of at least 40% by weight of the fabric, The other of the weft yarns is a polyester or nylon continuous filament having a non-circular filament cross-section of about 0 to 60% by weight of the fabric and comprises about 0 to about 2% by weight of conductive yarn of the fabric. The article of the method can be one or more of a lower bed sheet, an upper bed sheet, a pillowcase, an underpad and / or a patient gown. The article should have a geometric mean surface roughness of 1.0 to 1.75 microns when dry, as measured with a Kawabata Evaluation System FB4 surface tester. Preferably, the one or more articles provide at least 98.0% antimicrobial reduction of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis after a contact time of 24 hours.

  These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a view of a bed having an upper sheet and a pillow cover constructed of the fabric of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bed having a lower sheet and an underpad constructed of the fabric of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a patient wearing an embodiment of the patient gown of the present invention. It is the schematic of the cross section of an underpad. 1 is a schematic view of a patient gown blank. FIG. It is a microscope picture of the thread | yarn whose cross section of a fiber is star shape. It is a microscope picture of the thread | yarn whose cross section of a fiber is a clover shape. It is a microscope picture of embodiment of the cloth of this invention. It is a microscope picture of the conventional bedding cloth for hospitals.

  The following discloses a therapeutic fabric for preventing and treating skin wounds and disorders. As used herein, “fabric” or “therapeutic fabric” shall refer to this fabric unless the context suggests a different meaning. The fabric is used to form articles that come into contact with the skin, such as bedding and patient gowns. As used herein, “bedding” shall refer to lower bed sheets, upper bed sheets, pillowcases and / or underpads, and “goods” shall refer to bedding and patient gowns. The therapeutic fabric includes warp and weft woven to provide a smooth fabric surface. In a preferred embodiment, one of the warp and weft is a nylon continuous filament of at least 40% by weight of the fabric and the other of the warp and weft is a polyester having a non-circular filament cross-section of about 0 to 60% by weight of the fabric. Nylon continuous filament. The most preferred embodiment includes about 1 to about 2% conductive yarn to control static electricity.

  Preferably, the antimicrobial substance is applied topically to the fabric or is inherently present in the fabric. In preferred embodiments, antibacterial substances such as AEGIS Environments, Inc. AEGIS Microbe Shield manufactured by is applied topically to the woven fabric in a standard fabric finishing operation. Antimicrobial substances are preferably applied from 0.25 to 2.0% by weight of the active ingredient to 100% by weight of the fabric. AEGIS Microbe Shield works well against the following common microorganisms: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibacterial substances can also prevent fabric odors.

  The warp can be 100% nylon and the weft can be polyester or nylon.

  In one embodiment, the fabric is woven as a twill (typically 2 × 1 twill), or in another embodiment, a plain weave. The yarn is woven into a fabric structure having a coverage of 80% to 100%. The warp yarn can be 40 denier, 34 filaments of 5 twisted nylon 6-6 continuous filament yarn per inch, and the weft yarn can be 75 denier, 48 filament textured polyester continuous filament. In another embodiment, the warp is a 70 denier, 48 filament textured nylon continuous filament and the weft is a 75 denier, 36 filament textured polyester continuous filament. Continuous filament yarns are preferred because they do not have short fibers that extend beyond the plane of the fabric, thereby reducing irritation to sensitive skin. A smooth fabric surface also enhances this effect. The continuous filaments that form a smooth surface and the short fibers that form the stimulating surface are shown in the micrographs of FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively. A warp of about 30 to 100 denier and a weft of about 30 to 100 denier may be used.

  Preferably, the continuous filament has a non-circular filament cross section, such as a star cross section or a clover cross section. The clover shaped cross section also improves the smoothness and flexibility of the fabric. Examples of these can be seen in FIGS. In a non-circular cross-section, adjacent filaments form wick channels along the filament surface to promote and enhance moisture transport from contact with the skin. Moisture moves along the fabric from its original source, from which water can further evaporate or escape. As such, moisture evaporates and dries more quickly from the fabric surface, reducing the amount of moisture in contact with the skin. Thus, the wick channel also helps the user maintain body temperature by reducing excessive sweating.

  In a preferred embodiment, nylon is used because nylon has one of the highest water supply levels among synthetic fibers. Nylon absorbs moisture and helps it escape and evaporate. Nylon is preferred, but polyester can also be used if a durable auxiliary hydrophilic treatment is applied as a post finish.

  In a preferred embodiment, the fabric is applied with a topical antifouling treatment, such as HydroTex USA, Inc. Hydro Wick (TM) NA from Hydro Wick (TM) NA was applied at 40% solids and consumed 8% based on the weight of the fabric. Thus, the fabric can release dirt associated with skin antibiotic creams and ointments, wound drainage, and tissue pieces.

  In preferred embodiments, the fabric may also include conductive yarns such as carbon, silver or other metals. Conductive yarns are not critical to the therapeutic properties of the present invention, but are useful in reducing the likelihood of static electricity being generated during a facility laundry process. In particular, conductive yarns control electrostatic dissipation by conducting and removing static charges and preventing static charge accumulation. The conductive yarn is preferably included as various ends of warp yarns and / or rows of weft yarns. Preferably, the conductive yarn is about 1 to about 2% by weight of the fabric.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, when conductive yarn is included in the fabric, the percentage of nylon, non-circular filament conductive yarn is 100% instead of 102% in total. The other yarns of the final fabric are therefore proportionally reduced. However, for the sake of brevity, the range is defined as nylon at least 40% by weight, non-circular nylon from about 0 to about 60% by weight, and conductive yarn from about 0 to about 2% by weight. Show.

  The fabric provides exceptional antibacterial, antistatic, wicking and drying properties and can prevent and treat dermatitis, skin wounds, pressure wounds and other skin diseases. In addition, the fabric is non-abrasive and cost effective and can withstand many washings, detergents, autoclaving, irradiation, and night wear. Therefore, this cloth is suitable for people lying on the bed, receiving rehabilitation, life support or nursing care, especially those exposed to biological materials including sweat, urine, feces, vomit, wound drainage. Extraordinarily well suited.

  Preferably, the fabric is finished to produce a fabric having an elongation greater than about 30%, as measured by ASTM D5034-95. Those skilled in the art are familiar with suitable finishing techniques to achieve this result.

  The fabric is in the structure of various articles in contact with the skin, both of which are shown in FIG. 1, including a top sheet 10 that includes a hem 14 that prevents fraying, and a pillowcase 12 that also has a hem (not shown). Is suitable. As shown in FIG. 2, the fabric can also be used to construct the lower sheets 20, underpad 60, and patient gown 30 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an underpad 60 that preferably includes a matching corner portion 21 is disposed on the lower sheet 20. Typically, a patient (not shown) lies directly on the underpad 60 and an upper sheet (not shown) is hung on the patient. The underpad 60 is preferably shaped like a trapezoid with an upper edge 62 that is narrower than the lower edge 64 when placed on the bed. More preferably, the upper edge 62 of the underpad 60 is at least 34 inches wide, the lower edge 64 is at least 42 inches wide, and the length 68 is approximately 65 inches. These dimensions advantageously provide the pad with sufficient extent to extend under the knee and foot of a patient particularly susceptible to pressure wounds.

  FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an underpad 60 that includes an upper fabric layer 75, an intermediate layer 77, and a lower layer 79 comprised of the therapeutic fabric referred to herein. The absorbent intermediate layer 77 is preferably composed of a nonwoven or foam material. The bottom layer 79 is preferably liquid impervious and can be composed of materials such as vinyl, rubber, polyurethane coat materials, and other liquid barriers known in the art. The upper fabric layer 75, the intermediate layer 77, and the lower layer 79 are preferably secured together to form an underpad 60 with a peripheral seam 85 as shown in FIG.

  This fabric is also suitable for the structure of the patient gown 30 as shown in FIG. 3 including the sleeve panel 32 and the body 33. FIG. 5 shows a preferred blank for constructing the patient gown 30. Preferably, a continuous piece of therapeutic cloth constitutes the body 33. There are preferably two sets of two sleeve panels 32 (four in total), all of which are made of therapeutic fabric. Each individual panel 32 is attached to another sleeve panel 32 via a sleeve hole seam 35. Each pair of two sleeve panels 32 is attached to the body 33 via a sleeve panel seam 36. The sleeve panel 32 defines a sleeve hole 34, and the arms extend through the sleeve hole 34 when the assembled gown is worn by the patient, as shown in FIG.

  A first fastener 40 and a second fastener 42 extend along the upper edge of the sleeve panel 32 and mate with each other, such as male and female snaps or buttons, loops and hook fittings, respectively. . The innermost sleeve panel 32 defines a neck hole 37 (shown in FIG. 3) that may be a V-neck, semicircle, and the like. The straps 38 are secured to each other (eg by tying) behind the patient as shown in FIG. Alternative means of securing the patient gown 30 to the patient include snaps, buttons, loops and hook assemblies, hooks, zippers, adhesives and the like. As shown with respect to the lower right string 39 in FIG. 5, the string 39 can be attached to the body 33 at a location other than the outermost edge 50.

  Preferably, the patient gown 30 has a hem 48 and / or piping 52 for finishing the edge, a pocket 44 for accommodating a small personal or medical product, and a hospital name, department, product brand or other desired marking. An identification display 46 is included.

  One comparative example of fabric is a structure of 84 warp yarns per inch and 96 weft yarns per inch, producing a fabric that is 2.36 ounces per square yard. The warp is a 70 denier, 48 filament textured nylon continuous filament, and the first weft is a 75 denier, 36 filament non-circular cross-section, textured polyester continuous filament. The second weft is a twin yarn made by twisting 25 denier, 3 filament carbon yarn with 70 denier, 68 filament polyester continuous filament yarn, 2.5 picks per inch or a total of fabric Woven into fabric at 1% by weight. For purposes of interpreting Tables 1 through 3 below, this structure shall be referred to as a therapeutic fabric, but this is only one embodiment of the present invention.

  As a comparative example, a typical hospital bedding fabric is a plain weave with a structure of 120 warp yarns per inch and 74 weft yarns per inch resulting in a fabric of 4.12 ounces per square yard or book. 75% heavier than the invention. The warp is a 39/1 spun yarn (equivalent to 136 denier) of 50% cotton and 50% short polyester blend. The weft is a 35.6 / 1 spun yarn (equivalent to 149 denier) with a blend of 50% cotton and 50% short polyester. These cotton blend fabrics do not have special finishes, moisture treatment characteristics, antibacterial properties, or antifouling properties. For the purpose of interpreting Tables 1 and 2, this structure shall be called “cotton blend”.

  As shown in the leftmost column of Table 3 below, conventional hospital bedding fabric structures are not limited to the “cotton blends” in Tables 1 and 2, but are used in Table 3 for comparison purposes.

  Preferred fabrics have the following properties:

  ・ High water supply. Nylon has one of the highest water supplies among synthetic fibers and absorbs moisture, helping to escape and evaporate. This is shown in Table 1 and contributes to the wick ability superior to the present invention.

  -Excellent moisture transport. Non-circular fiber cross-sections create channels along the fiber surface to facilitate and enhance moisture transport from contact with the skin. Moisture evaporates and dries more rapidly, thereby reducing the amount of moisture that is in close proximity to the skin. The performance of the treatment fabric with a dry rate of greater than 95% after 45 minutes is a significant improvement over cotton blends as shown in Table 2.

  • Minimal friction with the skin. Continuous filament yarns do not have short fibers that extend beyond the plane of the fabric that stimulates sensitive skin. A smooth fabric surface enhances this effect. Preferably, the fabric has a geometric mean roughness of less than about 1.7 microns, as measured by a Kawabata Evaluation System FB4 surface tester. 8A and 8B, which are micrographs of the present invention and cotton blend, show the essential differences in these surfaces.

  ・ Substantial antibacterial properties. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in accordance with AATCC test method 100, it exhibits substantial bactericidal efficacy (> 99.9%) against S. aureus and S. aureus in a wide variety of articles, The hospital cloth is not shown. This is shown in Table 3.

  A good degree of stretching and recovery. Such fabrics help the bed sheets fit better, thereby reducing wrinkles that cause skin irritation. Such fabrics better conform to the body and also reduce shear forces on sensitive skin. Preferably, the fabric is finished to produce a fabric having an elongation greater than about 30% as measured by ASTM D5034-95. Excellent elongation characteristics are shown in Table 4.

  -Durable against prolonged washing and drying. Such fabrics do not lose fibers during washing (as compared to cotton blends) and do not cause fiber pilling that further irritate the skin.

  -Ability to withstand the use of high cleaning temperatures and strong detergents.

  • Ability to release dirt related to skin antibiotic creams and ointments, wound drainage, and tissue fragments. This is shown in Table 4.

  In Table 4, data relating to various properties of star and clover shaped cross-section yarns and one embodiment of the present invention are compared to representative 55/45 polyester / cotton and 100% cotton bedding fabrics.

  Although the physical properties of fabrics are significantly superior to conventional fabrics, we, the textile specialists and medical professionals, have tested therapeutic fabrics in clinical trials on real patients in hospitals. I was surprised at the dramatic clinical results obtained. In short, patients using articles made of the fabric of the present invention are significantly less likely to develop compression wounds than patients using standard hospital supplies and may be discharged with compression wounds. Is remarkably low.

  The trial included 307 patients from a regional hospital kidney ward. This patient population was selected because patients suffered from multiple comorbidities in addition to renal failure and were at risk of developing high pressure wounds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) reduced friction, shear, and compression damage to the skin, and (2) reduced maceration and skin fold destruction, including underpads and patient gowns The bedding helps prevent skin fold wetting caused by sweat and incontinence. Hospital cotton bedding comprising an underpad made from the fabric of the present invention and a patient gown (hereinafter referred to as a “combination of the invention”), including an underpad used in a hospital and a patient gown It was compared with a blended sheet (hereinafter referred to as “standard combination”).

  Over the duration of the study, all new inpatients were given either the inventive combination or the standard combination, depending on the time of patient admission. In particular, all patients admitted in the first 8 weeks of the study were given the combination of the present invention using the standard combination, patients admitted in the next 8 weeks, and patients admitted in the last 7 weeks were: Given a standard combination. The 307 test subjects were statistically similar with respect to demographic factors such as weight, age and comorbidities. The average length of stay was just over 5 days. Test data was analyzed using a t-test statistical method to determine if the averages of the two samples were equal. Statistical significance that the difference in means is not due to chance was shown when p <0.05, ie when there was a probability of 95% or higher. The main findings are shown below.

  • Using the combination of the present invention, 61.7% fewer wounds were developed compared to the standard combination. The result had a p-value of 0.0137 and was considered statistically significant.

  Using the combination of the present invention, 39.6% fewer wounds were found in patients at discharge compared to the standard combination. The result had a p-value of 0.0315 and was considered statistically significant.

  When normalizing the data to account for the length of stay of patients in the kidney ward, using the combination of the present invention resulted in 56.8% fewer wounds per 1,000 patient days compared to the standard combination. The result had a p-value of 0.0137 and was considered statistically significant.

  Using the combination of the present invention, 32.0% fewer wounds per 1,000 patient days were found at discharge compared to the standard combination. The result had a p-value of 0.0315 and was considered statistically significant.

  The above results proved that the inventors have correctly conceived and materialized an effective therapy for the prevention and treatment of pressure wounds in medical facilities.

  To prevent or treat skin wounds or disorders, the patient is provided with one or more articles constructed from a fabric. Suitable articles include lower bed sheets, upper bed sheets, pillowcases, underpads and / or patient gowns. These items are considered to be in “substantial skin contact” with the patient as long as the bedded patient's skin is expected to contact the item within a 24-hour period in the hospital. One or more items should be replaced when undesirably wet or soiled, or otherwise according to standard hospital procedures that require a complete bedding change every 24 hours, for example.

  Compression wounds obtain and provide for use the lower sheets, upper sheets, pillowcases, underpads, and / or patient gowns that are marketed as pressure wound prevention or healing products And, optionally, providing explanations or information can also be prevented or cured. “Commercially available” as used herein refers to the written or electronic distribution of information regarding sheets, pillowcases, underpads or gowns.

  The present invention relates to the acquisition of a product that is marketed as a pressure wound prevention product, the use of the product in relation to the care of a patient who develops a pressure wound under conventional therapy, and the development of a pressure wound to a patient. Also included are methods of preventing and / or treating compression wounds by monitoring for. The article can be replaced when undesirably wet or soiled, can have a geometric average surface roughness of about 1.0 to 1.75 microns when dry, and / or has conductive yarns. obtain.

  The present invention provides information to health care providers about the sale of at least one article as a pressure wound prevention article and treatment, providing the article to a health care provider, and using the article to prevent or treat pressure wounds. Also included is a method of preventing and / or treating a compression wound by providing.

  The present invention promotes the weaving of fabrics, the application of antibacterial agents to fabrics, the cutting and sewing of fabrics to form articles, and the sale of articles as pressure wound prevention or treatment articles. And providing supplies to health care providers. The article can include a conductive yarn.

  Those skilled in the art can come up with further modifications and improvements after reading the above description. For example, the present invention may be performed by a weave other than plain weave or twill. The weave of the present invention produces a smooth and flat surface without any three-dimensional surface structure that may excessively scratch the skin. Other weaves that can be substituted include satin weave, cotton satin weave, or duck weave. It is to be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been omitted herein for the sake of brevity and readability, but do not depart from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (22)

A therapeutic fabric comprising a woven fabric woven with 30-100 denier warp and 30-100 denier weft,
It said warp and said weft yarns, both sides of the woven fabric are woven in a plain weave to be the same,
One of the warp or the weft is a nylon continuous filament, constitutes at least 40% by weight of the woven fabric,
The warp or the weft of the other is a nylon continuous filaments having a polyester or a non-circular filament cross-section having a non-circular filament cross-section, constitute the remainder of the woven fabric, the continuous filaments having the non-circular fiber cross-section Has a cross-section that forms a wick channel that enhances the escape and rapid drying of moisture by adjacent filaments, the cross- section being a star, clover, trilobal or bow tie,
Treatment fabric the final said woven fabric has an elongation of greater than 30% in conformity with ASTM D5034-95. Treatment for fiber according to claim 1 wherein the warp is 100% nylon. Treatment for fiber according to claim 2 wherein the weft is 100% polyester. Treatment for fiber according to claim 1 wherein the weft yarn is 100% nylon. The warps, 70 deniers, treatment for fiber according to claim 1 is nylon continuous filament yarns that have been textured 48 filament. The weft, 75 denier, 36 therapeutic fabric of claim 1 which is textured polyester continuous filaments of the filament. It said continuous filaments has a non-circular fiber cross section, the treatment for fiber according to claim 1 having a star-shaped cross-section. It said continuous filaments has a non-circular fiber cross section, the treatment for fiber according to claim 1 having a cloverleaf cross-section. Treatment for fiber according to claim 1, further comprising a local antifouling. The woven fabric, treatment for fiber of claim 1 drying rate after 45 min (%) is in excess of 95%. The woven fabric, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and antimicrobial reduction after 24 hours of contact time with the Staphylococcus epidermidis (compliant AATCC100) a therapeutically for fiber according to claim 1 is at least 98.0%. A bed sheets cut and sew a therapeutic fabric according to claim 1, comprising a smooth fabric surface, is sized to cover the bed, sheets comprising a heme to prevent fraying of the fabric. A pillow cut and sew a therapeutic fabric according to claim 1, having an opening for inserting the pillow at one end, a pocket formed in the shape pillow cover for accommodating the pillow. A therapeutic fabric for preventing and reducing skin wounds, the woven fabric of claim 1, and a conductive yarns woven into the woven fabric, the conductive yarn, the warp or the weft and become and therapeutic fabric is 0-2% by weight of the woven fabric. Therapeutic woven fabric of claim 14 wherein the conductive fibers are carbon. The composite conductive yarn, 70/68 fabric woven therapeutic of claim 15 textured is a carbon yarn polyester yarn and twisted with 25/3 of. Patient gowns made by cutting and sewing a therapeutic fabric of claim 1. Said therapeutic fabric comprises a 1-2% by weight of conductive yarns of the woven fabric, patient gowns of claim 17, the conductive yarns can be controlled electrostatic dissipative. Underpads made by cutting and sewing a therapeutic fabric of claim 1. Underpads of claim 19, wherein the therapeutic fabric comprises a 1-2% by weight of conductive yarns of the woven fabric, the conductive fibers can be controlled electrostatic dissipative. A method of manufacturing a patient gown, comprising:
A step of obtaining a 30-100 denier warp and 30 to 100 denier woven fabric woven with weft, said warp and said weft yarns, both sides of the woven fabric are woven in a plain weave to be the same , one of the warp or the weft is a nylon continuous filament, constitutes at least 40% by weight of the woven fabric, the warp or the weft of the other, a polyester or a non-circular filaments having a non-circular filament cross-section a nylon continuous filaments having a cross-section, constitute the remainder of the woven fabric, the continuous filaments having the non-circular fiber cross section, to form a wick channels to strengthen that escape of moisture and rapid drying by adjacent filaments We have a cross-section, this cross-section, star, cloverleaf, 3裂形or bow tie , And the final the woven cloth, a step in which an elongation rate of more than 30% in conformity with ASTM D5034-95,
Forming a blank by cutting the woven fabric according to a pattern,
Sewing the blank to form a patient gown. A method of manufacturing an underpad,
Obtaining a woven fabric woven with a warp of 30 to 100 denier and a weft of 30 to 100 denier, wherein the warp and the weft are woven in a plain weave so that both sides of the woven fabric are the same One of the warp or the weft is a nylon continuous filament and constitutes at least 40% by weight of the woven fabric, and the other of the warp or the weft has a non-circular filament cross section or a non-circular filament Nylon continuous filament having a cross-section, constituting the remainder of the woven fabric, the continuous filament having a non-circular fiber cross-section forms a wick channel that enhances the escape and rapid drying of moisture by adjacent filaments Has a cross-section that is star-shaped, clover-shaped, tri-fibrous or bow-tie , And the final the woven fabric, the steps are those having an elongation of greater than 30% in conformity with ASTM D5034-95,
Cutting the woven fabric according to a pattern to form a blank;
Sewing the blank as the outermost layer of the underpad; and
Including methods.