Mattress with variable pressure elements to prevent bedsores - has chambers expanded or contracted by vaporising or condensing inert chemical using peltier elements

摘要

The mattress chambers (1, 3) are pressurised when the chemical within is heated and vaporised. These chambers then support a body lying on the mattress. The chambers (0, 2) are depressurised when the chemical is condensed. Pressurised and depressurised chambers alternate. Pressure loading-unloading changes about every 15 minutes. The heating and cooling is effected by passing current through Peltier elements. Most of the heat required to evaporate the chemical and inflate chambers comes from that due to chemical condensation in neighbouring chambers. This heat is conducted through a thermally conducting plate under the mattress. ADVANTAGE - Prevents bedsores without using apparatus with mechanical pumps or very intensive manual methods requiring skilled staff.