Abstract A mattress is provided having a gradation of its compression modulus such tht the weight of a person reclining thereupon is distributed uniformly. In the preferred embodiment, intersecting cut scores extend partially into the mattress and at their intersections provide upstanding columnar tufts. The mattress is especially useful for supporting patients susceptible to decubitus ulcers or who have traumatized skin resulting from burns and the like. The surface area of the columnar tufts and the variance of the depth of the cut scores in the preferred embodiment reduces the pressure on body surfaces not only to below that which would occlude arteries, but on some surfaces to below the value determined to occlude capillaries. In one embodiment, areas of highest expected pressure are recessed below the mattress surface. The mattress can be wet-proofed by applying a film to clusters of the columnar tufts.
A variable compression modulus mattress having improved properties of weight distribution for a human body lying thereon comprising a resilient, unitary foam core and a body receiving surface, said core and surface having a plurality of cut scores to form columnar tufts and the surface having a plurality of sectors with each sector being of a variable compression modulus, whereby various portions of the body when resting on the sectors will exert a pressure such that the entire body weight is evenly distributed over the surface of the mattress.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
A variable compression modulus mattress having improved properties of weight distribution for a human body lying thereon comprising a resilient, unitary foam core and a body receiving surface, said core and surface having a plurality of cut scores to form columnar tufts and the surface having a plurality of sectors with each sector being of a variable compression modulus, whereby various portions of the body when resting on the sectors will exert a pressure such that the entire body weight is evenly distributed over the surface of the mattress.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The mattress of claim 1 wherein the foam core is polyurethane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The mattress of claim 1 wherein the foam core is rubber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mattress of claim 1 wherein thE sectors have cut scores of varying depth.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mattress of claim 4 wherein the surface of the columnar tufts in each sector have varying surface area.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mattress of claim 1 wherein each sector is recessed below the body receiving surface to receive a particular portion of the body.