US 4,706,313 · Granted 1987-11-17
The Anti-Bedsore Mattress That Molds to Your Body
Hospital patients who stay in bed for long periods can develop painful pressure sores where their body weight presses against the mattress in the same spot for hours. This mattress solves that by having custom-shaped recesses that fit the bumpy contours of a lying-down body, reducing dangerous pressure buildup. It even has a zipper to let air flow through so skin stays dry.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a mattress design with strategically placed recesses that match where a human body naturally protrudes when lying down, combined with an outer covering that is waterproof, non-shearing (won't slide and create friction burns), flame-retardant, and antibacterial. What's protected here is also the ability to selectively insert foam blocks into portions of those recesses for customizable support, plus the integration of a zipper system that enables airflow circulation through the entire mattress structure.
Why it matters
Decubitus ulcers (pressure sores) are a serious medical problem in hospitals and long-term care facilities, causing pain, infection, and extended recovery times. By engineering a mattress that actively redistributes pressure away from the body's bony prominences and reduces moisture buildup through ventilation, this patent addresses a real clinical need. The waterproof, antibacterial top sheet and flame-retardant materials make the design practical for healthcare environments where infection control and safety codes matter.
Real-world use
Hospital patients recovering from surgery or immobilized by injury lie on this mattress in recovery rooms and rehabilitation facilities, where the contoured surface and air circulation help prevent the painful bedsores that can develop after days of bed rest.
Original USPTO abstract
A mattress consists of a foam body having recesses at positions corresponding to the locations of protruding portions of a patient lying on the mattress. Foam blocks can be selectively placed in portions of the recesses. An encasement member encases the foam body and includes a top foam sheet. A bloused waterproof, non-shearing, flame retardant and antibacterial top sheet forms a portion of the encasement member covering the foam sheet. A zipper in the encasement member enchances air circulation into and out of the mattress.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 4,706,313
- Filing date
- 1986-05-01
- Grant date
- 1987-11-17
- Assignee
- Comfortex, Inc.
- Inventor(s)
- MURPHY; MIKE
- CPC class
- A47C27/20
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