Mattress

Abstract

An alternating pressure mattress is provided with an upper visco-elastic foam layer to reduce the pressure variation flet by a patient lying on the mattress. The foam layer may extend into gaps between the cells making up the mattress. A foam layer may also be provided beneath the cells so that the mattress has a more conventional appearance.

1 . A mattress for assisting in the treatment of ulcers comprising: 
 a plurality of inflatable bladders defining a support surface for supporting a patient;    a control system for supplying pressurised air to the bladders for selective inflation and deflation of the bladders; and    a visco elastic foam layer covering at least a portion of the support surface.    
     
     
         2 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 1   , wherein the foam is pressure and/or temperature sensitive.  
     
     
         3 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the inflatable bladders are separated by visco elastic foam walls.  
     
     
         4 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 1   , wherein the foam is breathable.  
     
     
         5 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the inflatable bladders are positioned within the visco elastic foam mattress.  
     
     
         6 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the mattress is coated in a polyurethane cover, preferably a thermoplastic cover.  
     
     
         7 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 6   , wherein the cover is adapted to be impermeable to fluids but permeable to vapours.  
     
     
         8 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the control system comprises at least one rapid deflation valve for deflating the bladders.  
     
     
         9 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 1    further comprising a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure in at least one inflatable bladder.  
     
     
         10 . A mattress as claimed in    claim 1    wherein the control system can be programmed to inflate and deflate the bladders in a plurality of different cycles.  
     
     
         11 . A mattress for assisting in the treatment of ulcers comprising: 
 a plurality of inflatable bladders defining a support surface for supporting a patient;    a control system for supplying pressured air to the bladders for selective inflation and deflation of the bladders; and    a visco elastic foam shell adapted to absorb pressure so reducing the pressure between patient and mattress.