Therapeutic mattress

Abstract

A mattress for cushioning the body of a user that is economical to implement for the prevention, reduction and healing of decubitus ulcers and associated injuries. The mattress of the present invention provides a plurality of support to areas of the body of a user, as critical support areas and utilizes a plurality of voids, as air pouches, in non-critical support areas such as the back the back of the head and shoulders, the tailbone region, arms, elbows, hips, heels and feet, thereby to prevent, reduce and heal decubitus ulcers. In the preferred embodiment, the mattress is comprised wholly of fire-retardant, anti-microbial, variable density foam.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application entitled, “THERAPEUTIC MATTRESS,” having Ser. No. 60 / 756,988, filed Jan. 6, 2006, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is generally related to a mattress, and more particularly is related to a therapeutic mattress used as a bed or a cushion which reduces pressure and compression forces for non-critical support areas.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, pressure sores, bedsores, or other localized tissue damage are risks for persons who are otherwise immobile or bedridden, or left to sit or lie in one position for a period of time. These injuries are at greatest risk to occur in the bony areas of the body, including the back of the head and shoulders, the tailbone region, arms, elbows, hips, heels and feet. The sores can occur with minimal pressure and compression forces, rubbing or ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The mattress of the present invention has a structure that provides a plurality of support to areas of the body of a user, as critical support areas and utilizes a plurality of voids, as air pouches, in non-critical support areas such as the back of the head and shoulders, the tailbone region, arms, elbows, hips, heels and feet, thereby to prevent, reduce and heal decubitus ulcers. In the preferred embodiment, the mattress is comprised wholly fire-retardant, anti-microbial, variable density foam. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes angular shapes in modular sections for the gradual support maximization in the critical support areas and reduction of pressure and compression force in the non critical support areas. Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the incorporated drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Problems solved by technology

Decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, pressure sores, bedsores, or other localized tissue damage are risks for persons who are otherwise immobile or bedridden, or left to sit or lie in one position for a period of time.

The sores can occur with minimal pressure and compression forces, rubbing or friction that causes the deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to tissue, causing the formation of such sores.

In some instances, these sores begin as minor skin irritations that are simply exacerbated by the compression, heat and moisture created by the body's weight and the mattress.

The elderly are especially at risk because of the increased likelihood of debilitating medical condition with immobility.

The development of these sores can lead to serious infection, which in some cases become life threatening.

However, these bedding and cushioning options are often expensive to implement and have not fully addressed the continuing problem of decubitus ulcers and associated injuries.

Therefore, there remains an unaddressed need to address these deficiencies and inadequacies.

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