Abstract:
A system is presented which includes a pressure redistribution mattress which includes a Deep Vein Thrombosis (“DVT”) system positioned therein. The pressure redistribution system contains a plurality of air chambers which are independently controllable. In addition the mattress articulates. The mattress also has a cavity in which a DVT system is housed. This system provides the advantage of combating the potential for bed sores while also providing a DVT system in a convenient location for the patient and medical staff.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/567,856 filed Dec. 7, 2012. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention is directed toward a mattress having a pressure redistribution system with articulating portions and a plurality of air or foam chambers which are independently controllable. The mattress also has a temperature control system and DVT device. 
         [0003]    When a patient is not ambulatory due to illness, injury or surgery, the patient faces an elevated risk of developing additional or piggy-back ailments. A plurality of medical devices has been developed to address some of these ailments. 
         [0004]    Deep Vein Thrombosis (“DVT”) is an affliction that causes blood clots particularly in the lower extremities of the legs. When a patient is not ambulatory, the patient faces an elevated risk factor of creating a blood clot. These blood clots, which often accumulate or reside in the patient&#39;s calf or thigh, are not, in and of themselves, overly dangerous. However when the blood clot breaks loose they create a pulmonary embolism which can get lodged in the patients heart, brain or lungs where it can cause significant damage or death. It is estimated that in each year 2 to 2.5 million Americans are afflicted by DVT causing 600,000 patients to seek medical care with 300,000 patients succumbing to the effects of the pulmonary embolism. A plurality of devices have been developed to treat or prevent DVT, demonstrative examples of these devices include the Triple Play VT® from Compression Solutions, and VascuTherm by ThermoTek. 
         [0005]    Another application faced by non-ambulatory nature of the patient is bed sores or pressure sores which are injuries to skin and underlying tissues that result from prolonged pressure on the skin. Bed sores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heel, ankles, hips or buttocks. Patients most at risk of bed sores are those with a medical condition that limits their ability to change positions, or confines them to a bed for prolonged periods. Bed sores can develop quickly and are often difficult to treat due to the non-ambulatory nature of the patient. A plurality of devices have been developed to treat or prevent bed sores including active articulating mattresses and active pressure redistribution mattresses (hereinafter “pressure redistribution mattress”) which help to shift a patient&#39;s weight and vary the pressure exerted on portions of the patient&#39;s body. 
         [0006]    While pressure redistribution mattresses and DVT devices help prevent bed sores and DVT to non-ambulatory patients, problems still remain in the art. Namely, to treat or prevent both bed sores as well as DVT currently two individual devices must be purchased, installed and used. That is, an active or reactive pressure redistribution mattress must be purchased and installed as well as a DVT device. An active pressure redistribution system involves actively adjusting pressure in various chambers of the mattress, such as actively pumping-in or sucking-out air from separated sections of a mattress so as to vary the pressure on these portions of a patient&#39;s body; whereas a reactive pressure redistribution system involves various cambers of the mattress which react or adjust to the moving body weight of the patient. An active redistribution system and a DVT system each have their own power cords which must be plugged-in. This causes excess cluttering in the patient&#39;s room, can cause an unsafe work environment and can cause injury to the patient in the event that a cord is tripped over. In addition, locating, installing, using and adjusting these two individual devices causes extra work, time and money. This is especially true when considering that often times patients requiring DVT prevention also require bedsore prevention, and vice versa. Also, considering that DVT devices and redistribution mattresses share many of the same components, such as pumps, wiring, tubing, controllers and power sources, excess costs are incurred by having to purchase duplicates of these components. 
         [0007]    Thus, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a single device that treats or prevents DVT and bed sores. 
         [0008]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that reduces the cost of treating DVT and bed sores. 
         [0009]    Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that improves the safety of treating DVT and bed sores. 
         [0010]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that improves the ease at which DVT and bed sores can be treated. 
         [0011]    These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention are apparent to one of skill in the art from the specification, drawings and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a DVT and active pressure redistribution mattress. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a DVT and active pressure redistribution mattress. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a DVT and active pressure redistribution mattress. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a DVT device incorporated into an operating table and an operating table mattress. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a DVT device incorporated into the footboard of a hospital bed; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a close up perspective view of a DVT device incorporated into the footboard of a hospital bed. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a close up perspective view of a DVT device incorporated into a mattress. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    Referring to the figures, a combined DVT and Active Pressure Redistribution Mattress  10  is presented. The device  10  has pressure redistribution mattress  12  having a top side  14 , a bottom side  16  and opposing head end  18  and foot end  20 . Positioned within mattress  12  is a pressure redistribution system  22  which is covered by an outer layer  24 , such as cloth or fabric. Alternatively, mattress  12  is simply a standard mattress such as a foam, coil spring, Sleep Number®, Tempur-Pedic® or other conventional mattress as is well known in the art. In one arrangement, mattress  12  is made of a multilayered foam and gel arrangement, wherein the top layer is gel, the middle layer is a medium density foam and the bottom layer is a high density foam. The layers of foam may or may not be memory foam. Additional layers of foam are hereby contemplated which increase in firmness towards the bottom of the mattress. 
         [0020]    Pressure redistribution system  22  includes any articulating mattress known in the art. As an example, pressure redistribution system  22  includes a frame system  26  connected to a plurality of joints  28 . At least one motor  30  is connected to the frame system  26  which is preferably associated with each joint or set of joints  28  so as to articulate mattress  12 . Motor  30  is electrically connected to and controlled by controller  32 . Motor(s)  30  and controller  32  are positioned within and/or connected to mattress  12 . 
         [0021]    As another example, mattress  12  is broken down into three separate portions, an upper body portion A, a torso portion B and a lower body portion C, approximately along fold-lines presented in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . The upper body portion is positioned towards the head end  18  of a first set of joints  28   a  with a first motor  30   a  associated therewith. The lower body portion is positioned towards the foot end  20  of a second set of joints  28   b  with a second motor  30   b  associated therewith. The torso portion is positioned between the first set of joints  28   a  and the second set of joints  28   b . Alternatively, only a single set of joints  28  and motors  30  are located within the mattress  12  thereby separating the mattress  12  into two separate segments, the head end  18  and foot end  20 . When activated by controller  32 , each motor  30  effects the angle of joint  28  so as to articulate mattress  12  from a flat position to a fully articulated position, either upwardly or downwardly, or any position therebetween. This angular articulation is represented by the curved arrows presented on  FIG. 1 . 
         [0022]    Pressure redistribution system  22  also includes a plurality of pressure varying devices  36 . In one embodiment, pressure varying devices  36  include a plurality of air chambers  38  which are fluidly connected by tube  40  to pump  42 . Pump  42  is electrically connected to and controlled by controller  32 , which, when activated, increases or decreases the pressure in air chambers  38  by filling or emptying air chambers  38 . Air chambers  34  are positioned in parallel relation to one another with a space positioned between each air chamber  34  or alternatively with each air chamber  34  connected to the adjacent air chamber  34 . Air chambers  34  extending the length of mattress  12  from the head end  18  to the foot end  20 , and from side to side. The air pressure within each individual air chamber  38  is independently controllable through an arrangement of tubes  40  and valves  43  connected to each air chamber  38 . Alternatively, the air chambers  38  of mattress  12  are further segmented into upper body portion A, a torso portion B and a lower body portion C so that the pressure of each of these portions can be independently varied despite the pressure of the other portions A, B, C. Further segmentation is hereby contemplates, such as right and left portions within each segment A, B, C, and so on. Alternatively, mattress  12  only has a single air chamber  38 . 
         [0023]    Mattress  12  also includes a temperature control system  44 . Temperature control system  44  is any temperature controlling system known in the art such as an air conditioning unit and/or a heating unit. In one embodiment, temperature control system  44  includes a heat pump  46  connected to a conduit  48  which travels back and forth across mattress  12  just beneath outer layer  24 . Heat pump  46  is electrically connected to and controlled by controller  32 . When activated, heat pump  46  passes warmed or cooled fluid, gases or liquid through conduit  48  so as to warm or cool mattress  12 . Similar to air chambers  38 , conduit  48  is separated into a plurality of individually controlled portions or segments, such as an upper body portion A, a torso portion B and a lower body portion C so that the temperature of each of these portions can be independently varied regardless the temperature of the other segments. Alternatively, mattress  12  only has a single segment of conduit  48  as is shown. In an alternative arrangement wherein heated and/or cooled air is used, this temperature controlled air is circulated through air chambers  38 . 
         [0024]    Connected to mattress  12  is a DVT system  50 . DVT system  50  has a housing  52  with a user interface  54 , which controls all components and functionality of mattress  12 . User interface  54  is positioned in flush alignment with the a side surface  56  of mattress  12 , such as adjacent the right side, the left side, the head end  18  or foot end  20 , so as to allow for easy interaction by a user. The DVT system  50  has a first pump  58  for pumping gasses or air, and a second pump  60  for pumping fluids and/or gases. The second pump  60  is fluidly connected to a heat pump  62  so as to enable the pumping of heated or cooled fluids or gases through the DVT system  50 . In another arrangement, second pump  60  is connected to an external source of warm or cool fluids by conduit  61  such as a cooler of ice water, or a conventional faucet connected to a source of warm or cold water. DVT system  50  also has a DVT controller  63  which controls the DVT system  50 . 
         [0025]    The user interface  54  of the DVT system  50  has a power button  62  which activates and deactivates the DVT system  50 . The DVT system  50  has a mode button  64  which allows the user to select the mode of operation of the device, such as cycling, pressure, temperature and time as is well known in the art of DVT devices. The DVT system  50  also has pair of pressure and temperature selectors  66 , which allow the user to adjust the temperature or pressure of the DVT system  50  upwardly and downwardly. The DVT system  50  also has a display  68  which displays various information of the DVT system  50  such as mode of operation, pressure, temperature, status, time, etc. The user interface  54  is also connected to controller  32  and also controls the other components and functions of the mattress  12  as is described herein, such as the pressure redistribution system  22  and temperature control system  44 . In another arrangement, the controller  32  is incorporated within the DVT system  50 . 
         [0026]    The DVT system  50  also has at least one, if not two or more pressure connectors  70 . Pressure connectors  70  are fluidly connected to first pump  58 . DVT system  50  also has at least one temperature connector  72 , if not two or more temperature connectors  72 . Temperature connectors  72  are fluidly connected to second pump  60  and heat pump  62 . Tubes  74  are removably and replaceably connected to connectors  70 ,  72  at one end and to DVT sleeves  75  at the opposite end. DVT sleeves  75  are any form of DVT sleeve known in the art such as a foot, calf, knee, thigh, hip, shoulder, elbow, arm, hand or any other sleeve which apply pressure to a patient&#39;s body so as to prevent DVT condition from occurring. Sleeve  75  has passageways  70 A therein which are connected to pressure connectors  70  by tubes  74  which allows for pressurized fluid or gasses to be pumped therethrough so as to prevent DVT condition from occurring. Sleeve  75  also has passageways  72 A therein which are connected to temperature connectors  72  by tubes  74  which allows for warmed or cooled fluid or gasses to be pumped therethrough so as to reduce swelling on the wrapped portion of the patient&#39;s body so as to manage or reduce swelling or otherwise aid in the healing process. 
         [0027]    In another arrangement DVT sleeves  75  include a pocket  75 A. Pockets  75  A are any sized and shaped pocket. Removeably and replaceably positioned within pocket  75 A is a thermal pack  75 B. Thermal packs  75 B are any device which can be used to warm or cool the patient&#39;s body covered by sleeve  75 . In one arrangement, thermal pack  75 B is a freezer gel pack or a warming gel pack used to warm or cool the patient&#39;s body when it is positioned within pocket  75 A. 
         [0028]    DVT system  50  is connected to mattress  12  by any means known in the art. As one example DVT system  50  has a flap of material that extends around the exterior edge of user interface  54  which is connected to mattress  12  by any means known in the art such as being sewn by stitching  76 , glued, zippered, buttoned, screwed, bolted, Velcroed® or otherwise attached by any other means. 
         [0029]    For further support and additional assurance that DVT system  50  is connected to mattress  12 , DVT system  50  is connected to frame  26  or the material mattress  12  is made of by a connecting member  77 . Connecting member  77  is any device which connects DVT system  50  to mattress  12  or the material of mattress  12  such as a screw, bolt, a zip-tie, an elastic band, a spring, a string, or any other device. DVT system is positioned within a pocket or cavity  78  within the material of mattress  12 , as is described in greater detail in the below example. 
         [0030]    The mattress  12  has a single power cord  80  connected to an external power source  82  (not shown) such as a conventional wall socket or a socket in operating table or the bed mattress  12  is supported by. Alternatively, or in addition, mattress  12  also has an internal power source  84  such as a battery. These power sources  82 ,  84  are electrically connected to all power using devices of the system  10 . 
         [0031]    To provide for easy use and control of the system, including pressure redistribution system  22  and the DVT system  50  a remote  86  is electrically and/or wirelessly connected to the controllers  32 , and  63  for the articulation and pressure redistribution system  22 , the temperature control system and the DVT system  50 . Remote  86  contains similar or identical controls as user interface  54  as is described herein. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, so as to save costs and to reduce duplicative devices within the system  10 , the pressure redistribution system  22  and DVT system  50  share components. That is, the pressure redistribution system  22  and DVT system are controlled by the same controller  32 / 63 . The pressure redistribution system  22  and DVT system utilize the same pump  42 / 58  for pumping gases and air. The pressure redistribution system  22  and DVT system  50  utilize the same heat pump  46  for pumping heated or cooled gases or fluids. The pressure redistribution system  22  and DVT system  50  are controlled by the same user interface  54  and remote  86 . In addition, the pressure redistribution system  22  and DVT system share as many systems as possible so as to reduce redundancy as well as costs. To control the system, DVT system  50  has software embedded in controller  32 / 63  which manages all systems of the device  10 . 
         [0033]    As one example, with reference to  FIG. 7 , cavity  78  is positioned within the material mattress  12  is made of. Cavity  78  is sized and shaped to receive the body of DVT system  50 . That is, cavity  78  receives DVT system within close tolerances so that the DVT system  50  fits within cavity  78  with frictional engagement, thereby helping to hold DVT system  50  within cavity  78 . To provide additional frictional engagement, the exterior surface of DVT system  50  has a roughened, ribbed or flanged surface or includes frictional members such as Velcro to increase the connection between the DVT system  50  and cavity  78 . 
         [0034]    To provide further assurance that DVT system,  50  is connected to mattress  12  and does not fall out, a connecting member  77  is connected to mattress  12  and DVT system  50 . In the arrangement shown in this example, connecting member  77  is a zip-tie, an elastic band, a spring, a string, or any other device connected to the interior of cavity  78  and to the body of DVT system  50 . More specifically, connecting member  77  is connected to the back of cavity  78  and the back or body of DVT system  50  and is tightened therebetween as the DVT system  50  is installed in mattress  12 . 
         [0035]    When installed in mattress  12 , a layer of mattress material is positioned on all sides of DVT system  50 . That is, there is a layer of mattress material between the top side the back side, the right side, the left side and the bottom side of the DVT system  50 . This layer of mattress material protects the patient using the mattress  12  from feeling the DVT system  50  within the mattress. 
         [0036]    Extending around the exposed face or user interface  54  of the DVT system  50  is a flange  88 . Flange  88  engages the side surface  56  of mattress  12  and prevents DVT system  50  from being inserted too far into mattress  12 . Flange  88  is also connected to the material of mattress  12  by any means known in the art such as stitching, gluing, welding, Velcroing® or the like. 
         [0037]    In this arrangement, the interior of cavity  78  has an electrical interface  90 . Electrical interface  90  is any form of electrical connection such as a plug, or wires to which DVT system is connected to so that DVT system  50  can control the systems of mattress  12 . The interior of cavity  78  also has a fluid interface  92 . Fluid interface  92  is any form of a gas or fluid connection such as a quick disconnect plug to which DVT system is connected to so that DVT system can pass fluids or gasses through mattress  12  thereby controlling the pressure or temperature of mattress  12  as is described herein, such as the air chambers  38  and or the conduit  48 . DVT system  50  has corresponding wires  80 A and tubes  40 A which connect to electrical interface  90  and fluid interface  92  respectively. The interior of cavity  78  also has a channel  94  that provides a passageway from cavity  78  to the exterior of mattress  12  through which cords and tubes connected to DVT system  50  exit the mattress  12 . Conduit  94  is used to pass conduit  61  or power cord  80  out of DVT system, through mattress  12  so as to connect power cord  80  to an external power source or conduit  61  to external source of water or gas. 
         [0038]    The system  10  also includes a mattress cover  96 . Mattress cover  96  is made of any material which is suitable for its intended purpose. In one arrangement, mattress cover  96  is made of a sanitary and impermeable material such as a vinyl, plastic, composite or similar material which prevents liquids or fluids from penetrating the cover  96 . This is particularly useful in operation room uses where there is a high likelihood of being contaminated. In this way, less expensive cover  96  protects the more expensive mattress  12  and can be thrown away and replaced without having to replace the entire mattress  12 . Mattress cover  96  has a door  98  therein. Door  96  can be opened and closed and is positioned directly over DVT system  50 , such that when door  98  is opened it reveals the user interface  54  of DVT system  50 . Door  98  includes a sealing means around its periphery such as magnets, a zipper, buttons, snaps, Velcro® or the like that help to hold door  98  closed when the DVT system is not needed while allowing a user to easily open and close door  98 . 
         [0039]    Also, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the system  10  includes a fall-prevention system  99 . Fall preventions system  99  includes a defined perimeter or barrier positioned along the sides  56  in one arrangement, and along the sides  56  as well as the foot end  20  and head end  18  in another arrangement, of mattress  12  and extend upwardly therefrom. These raised edges provide a barrier that help to prevent a patient from rolling or falling out of bed and create a low spot in the center of mattress  12 . These raised edges take on any shape such as triangular (as is pictured in  FIG. 7 ) as well as square, round, rectangular, or any other shape. In one arrangement, the fall preventions system is formed directly within the mattress  12  and is an integral and non-removable part thereof. In another arrangement, the fall prevention system is removable and is added when-necessary to the mattress  12  under cover  96 . Fall prevention system  99  is made of the same material as mattress  12 , such as foam, or alternatively, fall prevention system  99  is made of a different material. In one arrangement, fall prevention system is made of a firmer or stiffer material than mattress  12  so as to help keep patient from falling off mattress  12 . 
         [0040]    Operating Table: 
         [0041]    In an alternative arrangement, and in addition to the above disclosure which described a single mattress  12 , with reference to  FIG. 4 , an operating table assembly  100  is presented. Operating table assembly  100  has a conventional operating table  102  as is well known in the art. Conventional operating tables  102  perform a variety of functions to assist in the surgical procedures such as articulating, raising and lowering, separating, etc. Modern operating tables  102  are sophisticated devices which require power and motors to properly adjust and position the patient for optimal surgery results. 
         [0042]    Positioned on top of the operating table  102  is a surgical mattress  12 . In one embodiment, surgical mattress  12  is separated into portions including upper body portion A, torso portion B, and lower body portion C and arm portions D. More or less portions may be required depending on the particular design and intended use of the operating table  102 . In this arrangement, the operating table mattress  12  is separated into particular portions, A, B, C, D so as to allow the operating table to articulate, as well as to reduce the replacement cost in the event that any mattress portion is cut by a scalpel or contaminated through the operating procedure. 
         [0043]    Connected to and positioned within any portion of the surgical mattress  12  is a DVT system  50 . DVT system  50  is connected to the mattress  12  in the manner described herein. In one arrangement, DVT system  50  is positioned within the foot end  20  of the lower body portion C of the surgical mattress  12 . However, the DVT system  50  can be positioned within any portion of the surgical mattress  12 . In one arrangement, the DVT system  50  is included in the portion closest to the portion of the patient&#39;s body that is being operated on. 
         [0044]    The DVT system  50  is connected to a power source either through a power cord  80  to an external power source, to an internal power source  84 , or alternatively, surgical mattress is connected through harness  104 , to power system of operating table  102 . In one arrangement, harness  104  is a shortened conventional electrical plug which is designed to be plugged into the operating table  102 . Connecting DVT system  50  to the power system of operating table  102  reduces the number of cords required in an operating room, which improves the working conditions of an operating room and eliminates the dangerous condition of another power cord being stretched to the closest socket. This allows for increased mobility around the patient. 
         [0045]    Operating Table Assembly: 
         [0046]    Alternatively, instead of being positioned within the mattress  12  of the operating table assembly  100 , DVT system  50  is positioned within any portion of the operating table  102  itself. In one arrangement, DVT system  50  is positioned within the foot end  20  of the operating table  102 . However, the DVT system  50  can be positioned within any position of the operating table  102 . All other functions and arrangements described herein are incorporated into the operating table arrangements, including the manner of operation and the manner of attachment and the like. 
         [0047]    Hospital Bed Assembly: 
         [0048]    In an alternative arrangement, and in addition to the above disclosure, with reference to  FIG. 5 , hospital bed assembly  102  is presented. Hospital bed assembly  120  has a hospital bed  122  with removable head board  124 , foot board  126 , and side panels  128 . 
         [0049]    Conventional hospital beds  122  perform a variety of functions to assist in in-room procedures and patient recovery such as being articulating, raising and lowering, separating, allowing for the removal of bed pans, etc. Modern hospital beds  122  are sophisticated devices which require power and motors to properly adjust and position the patient. 
         [0050]    Connected to and positioned within a removable portion  124 ,  126 ,  128  of hospital bed  122  is a DVT system  50 . In one arrangement, DVT system is positioned within in and connected to head board  124  or footboard  126 . DVT system  50  is connected to the head board  124  or foot board  126  in the manner described herein. 
         [0051]    In this arrangement, the DVT system  50  is connected to a power source either through a power cord  80 , to an internal power source  84 , or alternatively, DVT system  50  is connected through harness  104 , to the power system of hospital bed  122 . In the arrangement using harness  104 , when the foot board  126  is installed on the hospital bed  122 , harness  104  in foot board  126  matingly receives harness  104  in the hospital bed  122  thereby powering DVT system  50 . Connecting DVT system  50  to the power system of hospital bed  122  reduces the number of cords required in a hospital room, which improves the working conditions of the hospital room and eliminates the dangerous condition of another power cord. 
         [0052]    In one arrangement DVT system  50  is a stand alone unit which is merely positioned within an opening or recess of foot board  126 . In another arrangement, DVT system  50  is molded within, or is an integral part of foot board  126  and therefore DVT system  50  cannot be separated from foot board  126  without dismantling foot board  126 . 
         [0053]    In Operation: 
         [0054]    In operation, with reference to the mattress arrangement, however the same applies to the operating table arrangement and hospital bed arrangement; a user plugs power cord  80  of mattress  12  into an external power source. Through the user interface  54  or remote  86 , a user adjusts the pressure redistribution system  22 . That is, the user adjusts the articulation of the various portions of the mattress  12  from a flat alignment to an articulated alignment either upwardly or downwardly. When doing so, controller  32  activates respective motors  30  which then articulates portion of frame  26  at joints  28 . In this way, the patient&#39;s body position is adjusted angularly. 
         [0055]    Next, a user adjusts the air pressure within the air chambers  38  through interface  54  or remote  86 . When activated, controller  32  activates pump  42  which pumps air into or sucks air out of air chambers  38  thereby varying the pressure experienced by the patient. Or alternatively, an active pressure redistribution mode is selected which intermittently varies the pressure in t air chambers  34  based on the software program thereby constantly changing the pressure experienced by the patient and thereby reducing the potential for bed sores. 
         [0056]    Next, a user adjusts the temperature of mattress  12  through interface  54  or remote  86 . When activated, controller  32  activates heat pump  46  which passes heated or cooled fluids or gasses through conduit  48  thereby heating or cooling the patient. 
         [0057]    When DVT prevention is needed, a user connects tubes  74  to connectors  70  and/or  72 . The user then connects DVT sleeves  75  to the affected portion of the patient&#39;s body. In the event that additional warmth or cooling is needed, thermal pack  75 A is positioned in pocket  75 B. The user then activates the DVT system through the user interface  54  or remote  86 . First, the user activates the DVT system  50  by depressing power button  62 . Next the user selects the mode through the mode button  64  and then selects the pressure setting or temperature setting through pressure and temperature selectors  66 . Once set, the DVT system  50  proceeds to carry out the DVT prevention program by cycling pressurized air and/or heated or cooled fluid through sleeve  75  until it completes the program or cycle or the user or patient deactivates the DVT system  50  or modifies the settings. 
         [0058]    Financial Method: 
         [0059]    In addition to the improved apparatus and method of use described herein, also presented is an improved financial method of providing and using a mattress  12  having a DVT system  50  therein. In this financial method, the manufacturer of the system  10  (which includes a mattress  12  having a DVT system  50  therein) provides the system  10  to a hospital or end user free of charge. In return, the hospital into an agreement wherein the hospital will purchase a specified number of consumable pieces associated with the system  10  from the manufacturer over a specified timeframe. In one arrangement, the hospital agrees to purchase all consumable parts from manufacturer. 
         [0060]    In this arrangement, the hospital has the right to use the system  10 , however the hospital does not own the system. However, the hospital must purchase a minimum number of consumable parts such as sleeves  75 , tubes  74 , covers  96  and the like from manufacturer. 
         [0061]    In this method, either the manufacturer or the hospital will carry the service and maintenance costs associated with the durable portions of the system. Alternatively, the hospital and the manufacturer may split the service and maintenance costs associated with the durable portions of the system. 
         [0062]    As one example of the financial method in use, the manufacturer agrees to supply 100 systems  10  to a new hospital that is about to open. In return, the hospital executes a 5-year agreement wherein the hospital will purchase all consumable parts associated with the system from the manufacturer. In addition, the hospital agrees to purchase at least three pairs of sleeves  75  from the manufacturer at a specified price per month for each system  10  delivered to the hospital throughout the duration of the 5-year period. At the end of this initial 5-year period the parties are free to renegotiate the agreement. 
         [0063]    This arrangement reduces the hospital&#39;s upfront costs while allowing the hospital access to the cutting edge technology presented in the system  10 . In return, the manufacturer receives a guaranteed steady minimum return on each unit supplied. Accordingly each party receives a substantial benefit. 
         [0064]    From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the described DVT System and Active Pressure Redistribution Mattress  10  provides and offers many advantages over the prior art. Namely, the herein described device presents a single device which prevents both DVT and bed sores and unintentional bed falls. The herein described device also reduces the cost of treating DVT and bed sores by providing a single device that shares components, or reduces the use of redundant components. The herein described device also improves the safety and convenience of treating DVT and bed sores by eliminating unnecessary cords and devices. The system also increases access to this technology by providing the system at low upfront costs. 
         [0065]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.