Patent ID: 7240384
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: A47C,A61G,Y10S

Abstract:
1. The method of lateral turning and repositioning of patients in bed and the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, pneumonia and other hazards of immobility in a patient comprising the steps of: a. turning the patient 30° in the lateral inclined position in the bed, and b. supporting the patient in the desired turned position with a patient positioning aid comprising: a generally wedge-shaped multisided polymeric foam cushion having a length which approximates the length of a patient's torso, and a height adequate to prevent the rolling of a patient, the cushion having a caretaker panel, a flat or convex patient panel, and a flat bottom panel, the angle between the patient panel and the bottom panel being approximately 30°, the cushion comprised of an inner core of a strong, resilient, high modulus of elasticity foam having a density of 1.4-4.6 pounds per cubic foot and an indention force deflection of 30-80 and an outer layer of soft, compliant, viscoelastic foam having a density of not less than 1.2 pounds per cubic foot and an indention force deflection equal to or less than 30, and the cushion having a cover comprised of a moisture proof low friction and shear reducing material, the cover having a high friction polyurethane, butyl rubber, or vinyl coating on the portion of the cover covering the bottom panel of the cushion.