WO2014036472A1

WO2014036472A1 - Multi-layered patient support cover sheet system

Info

Publication number: WO2014036472A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/057640
Authority: WO
Inventors: James A. Luckemeyer; Christopher Locke
Original assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
Priority date: 2012-08-30
Filing date: 2013-08-30
Publication date: 2014-03-06

Abstract

In various embodiments, a support system includes a cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, the cover sheet comprises a fluid or moisture sensor in communication with an air mover.

Description

DESCRIPTION

MULTI-LAYERED PATIENT SUPPORT COVER SHEET SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/695,018, filed August 30, 2012 incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to support surfaces for independent use and for use in association with beds and other support platforms, and more particularly but not by way of limitation to support surfaces that aid in the prevention, reduction, and/or treatment of decubitus ulcers and the transfer of moisture and/or heat from the body.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Patients and other persons restricted to bed for extended periods incur the risk of forming decubitus ulcers. Decubitus ulcers (commonly known as bed sores, pressure sores, pressure ulcers, etc.) can be formed when blood supplying the capillaries below the skin tissue is interrupted due to external pressure against the skin. This pressure can be greater than the internal blood pressure within a capillary, and thus occlude the capillary and prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching the area of the skin in which the pressure is exerted. Moreover, moisture and heat on and around the person can exacerbate ulcers by causing skin maceration, among other associated problems. [0004] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to manage larger quantities of body fluids including sweat, urine, wound fluids, etc., by improving the moisture management efficiency of a patient support cover sheet system such as Skin IQ product (which incorporates an electrically-powered fan to move air within an open layer beneath the patient) manufactured by Kinetic Concepts Inc. of San Antonio, Texas.

[0005] User experience with the Skin IQ™ patient support cover sheet indicates that an occasional urine leak can and will be managed via evaporation through the Skin IQ™ cover; however, if a significant quantity of fluid is involved, the patient is exposed to moisture for an extended duration during which there is increased risk of skin breakdown, where the duration of the moisture exposure depends upon the evaporation rate through the cover sheet system. By improving the fluid management efficiency of the cover sheet system, the skin breakdown risk is reduced, and the system is more electrically efficient by maximizing the surface area which is exposed to airflow and moisture dissipation.

SUMMARY

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatus, systems and methods to aid in the prevention of decubitus ulcer formation and/or promote the healing of such ulcer formation by managing patient skin exposure to moisture at the support surface cover sheet interface.

[0007] In various embodiments, a patient support system includes a cover sheet with a number of layers, an air mover, and one or more fluid sensors configured to control operation of the air mover. Exemplary embodiments may also comprise a control system in communication with the air mover. Exemplary embodiments can manage larger quantities of body fluids (e.g., sweat, urine, wound fluids etc.), without increasing the air mover size and power requirement on the system by improving the moisture management efficiency of the cover. [0008] For example, in a hospital environment, if a patient urinates on a cover, this must first be detected by the caregiver, and the mattress cover changed. There can be significant delays in either of these two caregiver interventions, during which time fragile skin can be compromised. Some amount of fluid can be managed by existing systems via evaporation through the mattress cover; however, if a significant quantity of fluid is involved, the evaporation rate determines the duration to which the patient is exposed to moisture and thus the risk of skin breakdown.

[0009] By improving the fluid management efficiency, exemplary embodiments can reduce or remove this risk and make it a beneficial product attribute. In addition, exemplary embodiments can render the system more electrically efficient to provide moisture management with battery power.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the layers may have differenent hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties and establish a fluid gradient to preferentially move fluid away from areas that contact a patient. Exemplary embodiments can also improve the net efficiency of the system by ensuring that the fluids are maximally exposed to the airstreams within the structure, and reduce the likelihood of fluid being held in dense local regions. In addition, exemplary embodiments overcome the challenge of having the majority of fluid pool in the area where there is the most compression of the structure (e.g., underneath the patient at contact pressure points). Exemplary embodiments also provide the ability to evaporate a bolus of fluid over a longer period of time, which can reduce air flow requirements and electrical power consumption by the patient support cover sheet system.

[0011] In various exemplary embodiments, systems are provided that can include a number of components that both aid in prevention of decubitus ulcer formation and to remove moisture and/or heat from the patient. For example, systems can include a multi-layer cover sheet that can be used in conjunction with a variety of support surfaces, such as an inflatable mattress, a foam mattress, a gel mattress, a water mattress, or a RIK^® Fluid Mattress of a hospital bed. In such exemplary embodiments, features of the multi-layer cover sheet can help to remove moisture from the patient and to lower interface pressures between a patient and the surface of the multi-layer cover sheet, while features of the inflatable or foam mattress can aid in the prevention and/or healing of decubitus ulcers by further lowering interface pressures at areas of the skin in which external pressures are typically high, as for example, at bony prominences such as the heel and the hip area of the patient. In other exemplary embodiments, systems can include the multi-layer cover sheet used in conjunction with a chair or other support platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail below, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, that which is set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the following claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0013] In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading and understanding this disclosure that other variations for the invention described herein can be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, portions of the support system shown and described may be incorporated with existing mattresses or support materials. Other embodiments may utilize the support system in seating applications, including but not limited to, wheelchairs, chairs, recliners, benches, etc. [0014] In the following Detailed Description of Disclosed Embodiments, various features are grouped together in several embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that exemplary embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description of Disclosed Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a cover sheet and a support mattress supporting a person.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the cover sheet of FIG. 1

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the cover sheet of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a graph of air pressure versus flow for an embodiment of an air mover in one exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DETAILED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatus, systems and methods to aid in the prevention of decubitus ulcer formation and/or promote the healing of such ulcer formation. For example, in various embodiments, preventing ulcer formation and/or healing decubitus ulcers can be accomplished through the use of a multilayer cover sheet. Exemplary embodiments of the multi-layer cover sheet can be utilized to aid in the removal of liquid, moisture vapor, and heat adjacent and proximal to the patient surface interface and in the environment surrounding the patient by providing a surface that absorbs and/or disperses the liquid moisture, moisture vapor, and heat from the patient. In addition, the exemplary embodiments of the multi-layer cover sheet can be utilized in combination with a number of support surfaces or platforms to provide a reduced interface pressure between the patient and the cover sheet on which the patient is positioned. This reduced interface pressure can also help to prevent the formation of decubitus ulcers.

[0020] In various exemplary embodiments, the cover sheet may include a number of layers. Each layer may be formed of a number of different materials that exhibit various properties. These properties may include the hydrophobicity level, the level of friction or shear of a surface, the permeability of a vapor, a gas, a liquid, and/or a solid, and various phases of the vapor, the gas, the liquid, and the solid, and other properties.

[0021] Exemplary embodiments can also improve the fluid management capability of the system through careful selection of materials, and by the use of moisture or fluid sensors and a control system configured to control the operation of an air mover.

[0022] Referring now to Figures 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of a cover sheet 500 is disclosed. FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of cover sheet 500 during use and located between a patient 180 and a supporting mattress 560. FIG. 2 provides a top view of exemplary embodiments of cover sheet 500 (without patient 180 for purposes of clarity), while FIG. 3 provides a section view of cover sheet 500 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

[0023] The exemplary embodiments shown comprise an air permeable, water vapor- permeable first layer 510, a second layer 520 comprising a spacer material, and a third layer 530. It is understood that any of the individual layers may comprise a composite or laminate of multiple materials. As shown in FIG. 2, in this exemplary embodiment cover sheet 500 comprises a perimeter 517 with a first end 502, second end 504, first side 506 and second side 508. Exemplary embodiments of cover sheet 500 also comprise a central region 515 surrounded by a perimeter region 516, as shown in FIG. 2. It is understood that the rectangular shape of perimeter 517 shown in FIG. 2 is merely one example of numerous configurations that are possible. Other perimeter shapes, including for example, oval, square, or other polygonal shapes are possible and included within the scope of this description. [0024] In this embodiment, central region 515 generally comprises an area in the central portion of cover sheet 500 as viewed from above, and includes an area that will be in contact with and beneath a patient laying on cover sheet 500 during normal use. Central region 515 is also the region most likely to receive fluid from patient 180. Perimeter region 16 extends around central region 15 and within perimeter 517, and includes an area that will typically not be in contact with a patient laying on cover sheet 500 during normal use.

[0025] The general principles of operation for this exemplary embodiment are provided initially, followed by a more detailed description of individual components and principles of operation. In general, fluid 1 16 is transferred from a patient 180, through first layer 510 and into second layer 520. Fluid 116 may comprise perspiration (including both liquid and moisture vapor) during typical use. In addition, fluid 116 may comprise other fluids, such as urine, from patient 180. As described in more detail below, during use air mover 540 pushes or pulls air through second layer 520 to facilitate the evaporation of fluid 116. The movement of air within the cover system by air mover 540, as well as the evaporation of fluid 116, also transfers heat away from patient 180. [0026] In specific exemplary embodiments, first layer 510 is permeable to fluids and air. In the embodiment shown, cover sheet 500 also comprises a second layer 520 which is configured as a spacer material that separates first layer 510 and a third layer 530. As used in this disclosure, the term "spacer material" (and related terms) should be construed broadly to include any material that includes a volume of air within the material and allows air to move through the material.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, spacer materials allow air to flow through the material when a person is positioned on the material while the material is supported by a mattress or other support surface, including for example a chair or examination table. Examples of such spacer materials include open cell foam, polymer particles, and a material sold by Tytex under the trade name AirX™. In particular embodiments, second layer 520 may be configured as an open cell foam that is configured to allow air flow through the material when cover sheet 500 is supporting the weight of a person during use. In this embodiment, cover sheet 500 also comprises third layer 130 that is configured to separate second layer 520 from a supporting surface underneath cover sheet 500 (e.g., a mattress, chair, examination table, or other support surface).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment cover sheet 500 comprises a plurality of sensors moisture or fluid sensors 525 in second layer 520. It is understood that the location of sensors 525 shown in FIG. 3 is merely exemplary, and other embodiments may have sensors 525 placed in other locations. In certain embodiments, sensors 525 could be integrated into or between one or more of first, second or third layers 510, 520, or 530. In particular embodiments, the location of the sensors 525 can be chosen to improve system performance and control of air mover 540. [0029] In particular exemplary embodiments, second layer 520 comprises a spacer material through which air is pushed or drawn for the purpose of evaporation. In certain exemplary embodiments, second layer 520 may comprise a spacer material of sintered polymers which do not collapse under the weight of patient 180 and also allow air flow through the material. In specific exemplary embodiments, the thickness of second layer 520 can be approximately 0.125 to .025 inches. In other exemplary embodiments, second layer 520 may be either thicker or thinner than this range.

[0030] In certain exemplary embodiments, the cover sheet may comprise layers in addition to those described above. For example, a breathable absorption layer (e.g., a non- woven fiber such as a Libeltex Aerofill or a thin non-woven material deposited with an absorber) could be included between first layer 510 and second layer 520. Such a layer could remain open to cover system air flows during low-moisture operation, and also to act as a reservoir in the instance that a larger volume of fluid were delivered than the evaporation process within the second layer 520 could manage. Such an embodiment could lead to the fluid being slowed on its progression through the structure, but would nonetheless keep the fluid away from patient 180.

[0031] First, second and third layers 510, 520 and 530 are capable of being fixed together during manufacture through a variety of methods known to one skilled in the art, such as with adhesives, welding, quilting etc. The laminated structure is readily amenable to volume manufacturing methods, and the materials and processes are currently used in the medical industry and for furnishings in compliance with global safety standards.

[0032] In certain exemplary embodiments, air mover 540 can be a centrifugal 12 volt

(nominal) DC fan manufactured by Panasonic under the part number FAL5F12LL. This particular air mover is approximately 3 inches wide by 3 inches tall by 1.1 inches thick and weighs approximately 3.5 ounces. This air mover also produces a maximum air flow of approximately 8.8 cfm and maximum air pressure of approximately 6.2 mm Ι¾0 at a nominal 12 volts. During operation, the air flow will be reduced as the pressure across the air mover is increased. Exemplary embodiments using this air mover typically have an air flow of approximately 1.0 to 2.0 cubic feet per minute (cfm) during operation. A graph of air pressure, air flow, and nominal speed for various voltages is provided in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, this air mover provides less than 6 mm H₂O differential pressure at flow rates of approximately 2.0 cfm. The Panasonic FAL5F12LL air mover also creates low noise levels (30.0 dB-A, according to the manufacturer's specifications). [0033] In another exemplary embodiment, air mover 540 is a 12 volt DC, 40 mm box fan such as a Sunon KDE 1204 PKBX-8. By utilizing an air mover such as the Sunon model (or other similarly-sized devices), air mover 540 can be placed integral to cover sheet 500, allowing for a more compact overall design. In certain exemplary embodiments, air mover 540 may be battery-powered. [0034] In one exemplary embodiment, first layer 510 may be comprised of a material that is liquid impermeable and air impermeable, but is moisture vapor permeable. One example of such vapor permeable material is sold under the trade name GoreTex.™ GoreTex™ is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, but may be air permeable or air impermeable. [0035] As used in this disclosure, the term "spacer material" (and related terms) should be construed broadly to include any material that includes a volume of air within the material and allows air to move through the material. In exemplary embodiments, spacer materials allow air to flow through the material when a person is laying on the material while the material is supported by a mattress. Examples of such spacer materials include open cell foam, polymer particles, and a material sold by Tytex under the trade name AirX™. Additional examples and features of spacer materials are disclosed in the description of second layer 520 in FIG. 3.

[0036] Referring back to FIG. 1, supporting mattress 560 and cover sheet 500 system provide support for person 180 and aids in the removal of moisture, vapor and heat adjacent and proximal the interface between person 180 and support system 100. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , cover sheet 500 comprises integral air mover 540. In other exemplary embodiments, air mover 540 may be external to cover sheet 500 with appropriate coupling members such as tubing, piping or duct work, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, air mover 540 may comprise a guard or other partition (not shown) to prevent material from cover sheet 500 or the surrounding environment from blocking the inlet or outlet of air mover 540. During operation, air mover 540 shown in FIG. 1 operates to increase pressure within cover sheet 500 and create an air flow 541 that is pushed or forced through second layer 520 and into the surrounding environment. [0037] In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, fluid 116 is transferred from person 180 (and the air adjacent person 180) through first layer 510 and second layer 520 to air pockets within the spacer material of second layer 520. Fluid 116 will continue to transfer to air pockets within spacer material while the air pockets are at a lower relative humidity than the air adjacent person 180. As the relative humidity of the air pockets increases and approaches the relative humidity of the air adjacent person 180, the transfer rate of fluid 1 16 will decrease. It is therefore desirable to maintain a lower relative humidity of the air pockets within second layer 520 than the relative humidity of the air adjacent person 180. As fluid 116 is transferred to air pockets within second layer 520, it is desirable to remove moisture vapor from the air pockets and lower the relative humidity of the air within second layer 520. By removing fluid 1 16 from the air within second layer 520, the transfer rate of fluid 1 16 from person 180 can be maintained at a more uniform level.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, air flow 541 flows through the air pockets within second layer 520 and assists in removing fluid 116 from the air pockets. This lowers the relative humidity of the air pockets and allows the transfer rate of fluid 116 to be maintained over time. As shown in FIG. 3, air flow 541 from air mover 540 can be drawn (or forced) through the air space within second layer 520.

[0039] In particular embodiments, sensors 525 are sensitive to the moisture levels within cover sheet 500 such that air mover 540 can be run at the optimal duty and speed to effectively manage the moisture present. In certain embodiments, sensors 525 may be configured as moisture sensor (e.g., such as an inexpensive relative humidity sensor) mounted in the air-path of air mover 540 to trigger higher speed operation of air mover 540. In the embodiment shown, sensors 525 send signals to a control system 545 via a electrical connections 526. In other embodiments, sensors 525 may communicate with control system 545 via wireless communication systems including, for example, RFID systems. In exemplary embodiments, control system 545 can control the operation of air mover 540 by turning air mover on or off, and/or varying the operating speed of air mover 540.

[0040] In certain embodiments, sensors 525 may be configured as conductive sensors that pass a low-level voltage and current between two conductors incorporated into second layer 520. During operation, when moisture contacts the two conductive parts the electrical resistance changes. A specific exemplary embodiment of a conductive sensor comprises two parallel insulated wires, where the outer insulation is mechanically removed in notches such that an electrical path results when moisture is present anywhere along the length of the wire. Sensitivity can be increased by adding a hydrophillic material in between the conductors. Such sensors can be made proportional to a degree, but tend to be more often binary signals.

[0041] In other exemplary embodiments, sensors 525 may be configured as galvanic sensors that produce a voltage signal when wetted to a sufficient degree. In one exemplary embodiments, second layer 520 may comprise a silver-zinc open cell polyurethane foam material that produces a decreasing voltage as the structure dries. In one embodiment, the foam comprises V.AC. GranuFoam Silver Dressing (Kinetic Concepts, Inc., San Antonio, Texas).

[0042] In still other exemplary embodiments, sensors 525 may be configured as capacitive sensors that use capacitive coupling to detect and measure humidity or fluid level. Capacitive sensors are relatively low cost and quite effective. In one specific embodiment, an assembly of at least two flexible conductive layers can be used which would be electrically isolated from the fluid and connected to drive electronics which may be mounted within the re-usable controller. Such a configuration may be perforated away from the conductive paths so that fluid distribution is not impeded. In addition, the configuration affords the possibility to cover large areas of the overall structure of cover sheet 500, providing a small number of large-coupling areas, or a large number of smaller-coupling ones, or any combination of sensing areas. In specific embodiments, the signal is proportional so that the system can identify the quantity and location of fluids that can allow implementation of other features of benefit to the user. [0043] In still other embodiments, sensors 525 may be configured as relative humidity sensors which are inexpensive and readily available, typically providing both humidity and temperature outputs. One of more of these sensors can be placed in any air flow path, either upstream in the second layer 520 or downstream of air mover 540 in air flow 541.

[0044] In the instance that no or low levels of fluid are detected by sensors 525, air mover 540 can be deactivated for short periods of time, reducing total power consumption. Air mover 540 could be turned back on based on detection of a moisture or fluid event by any of sensors 525, or could be timed to turn on periodically to sense humidity level in the air stream. In one exemplary embodiment, if low to moderate levels of moisture are detected, air mover 540 may operate at a fifty percent duty for a set period while the fluids are evaporated. In certain embodiments, the system can then check again to see if the levels are the same and, if so, will continue at the present duty level. If the levels have dropped the percent duty can be reduced, and if the fluid levels have increased the system can apply the air mover 540 at a one hundred percent duty for a shorter period of time and re-test. The control logic of control system 545 can be implemented with passive electronics or relays; or, an optimal control algorithm could be devised for software implementation.

[0045] A specific exemplary embodiment may provide an initial activation (power on) of air mover 540 to operate for thirty minutes at one hundred percent duty and then test the moisture levels. During therapy, if no fluid is detected air mover 540 may be turned off and the moisture level re-tested every thirty minutes. If a low-to-medium moisture level is detected, air mover 540 may be operated at fifty percent duty (e.g., five minutes on, and then five minutes off) for a thirty minute period, followed by a testing of the moisture level. If a medium-to-high moisture level is detected, air mover 540 may be operated at an eighty percent duty cycle (four minutes on, one minute off) for thirty minute period, followed by a testing of the moisture level. If a high moisture level is detected, air mover 540 may be operated at a one hundred percent duty cycle for an hour, followed by a testing of the moisture level.

[0046] Exemplary embodiments allow for air mover 540 to be operated from a battery power source, and thus be portable. The intention of the re-test routine is that it is possible that the system detects the presence of moisture which it can manage as discussed, but lacks the remaining battery capacity to ensure that it can complete the next full cycle. If this is the case, the system continues to apply the therapy but reports a "battery charge state alert" so that the user may connect the mattress to the power supply. Further, the system would not allow the fan to be run at one hundred percent duty if it does not predict sufficient battery capacity (e.g., in a low-charge battery situation, it may be preferable to operate the fan at a lower duty such as eighty percent to continue air flow as long as possible). When the system believes the battery charge state has become critical, or if after fifteen minutes after the alert, the user has not connected the controller to a power supply, the system will drop to fifty percent duty.

[0047] Support mattress 560 can be any configuration known in the art for supporting person 180. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, support mattress 560 may be an alternating-pressure-pad-type mattress or other type of mattress utilizing air to inflate or pressurize a cell or chamber within the mattress. In other exemplary embodiments, support mattress 160 does not utilize air to support person 180.

[0048] The cover system can be placed on the person 180 to move fluid away from the skin, including above the person and without the inclusion of a support surface 160. It is not necessary for the cover system to remain flat as suggested by Figs. 1 and 3, although performance may be compromised by folds or creases that reduce air flow 541. [0049] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, vapor and air can carry organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful pathogens. As such, and as will be described in more detail herein, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more antimicrobial devices, agents, etc., can be provided to prevent, destroy, mitigate, repel, trap, and/or contain potentially harmful pathogenic organisms including microbial organisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, dust mites, fungi, microbial spores, bioslimes, protozoa, protozoan cysts, and the like, and thus, remove them from air and from vapor that is dispersed and removed from the patient and from the environment surrounding the patient. In addition, in various embodiments, the cover sheet 500 can include various layers having antimicrobial activity. In some embodiments, for example, first, second and third layers, 510, 520 and 530 can include particles, fibers, threads, etc., formed of silver and/or other antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial agents can also be introduced into the air stream 941, although distribution within the cover system would not be uniform.

[0050] In various exemplary embodiments, second layer 520 can be formed of various materials, and can have a number of configurations and shapes, as described herein. In some embodiments, the material is flexible. In such exemplary embodiments, the flexible material can include properties that resist compression, such that when the flexible material is compressed, for example, by the weight of a patient lying on cover sheet 500, the flexible material has a tendency to return toward its original shape, and thereby impart a supportive function to cover sheet 500. The flexible material can also include a property that allows for lateral movement of air through the flexible material even under compression.

[0051] Examples of materials that can be used to form second layer can include, but are not limited to, natural and synthetic polymers in the form of particles, filaments, strands, foam (e.g., open cell foam), among others, and natural and synthetic materials such as cotton fibers, polyester fibers, and the like. Other materials can include flexible metals and metal alloys, shape memory metals and metal alloys, and shape memory plastics. These materials can include elastic, super elastic, linear elastic, and/or shape memory properties that allow the flexible material to flex and bend and to form varying shapes under varying conditions (e.g., compression, strain, temperature, ph, moisture, etc.). [0052] In various exemplary embodiments, cover sheet 500 can be a one-time use cover sheet or a multi-use cover sheet. As used herein, a one-time use cover sheet is a cover sheet for single-patient use applications that is formed of a vapor, air, and liquid permeable material that is disposable and/or inexpensive and/or manufactured and/or assembled in a low-cost manner and is intended to be used for a single patient over a brief period of time, such as an hour(s), a day, or multiple days. As used herein, a multi-use cover sheet is a cover sheet for multi-patient use that is generally formed of a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable and air permeable or air impermeable material that is re-usable, washable, can be disinfected using a variety of techniques (e.g., autoclaved, bleach, etc.) and generally of a higher quality and superior in workmanship than the one-time use cover sheet and is intended to be used by one or more patients over a period of time such as multiple days, weeks, months, and/or years. In various exemplary embodiments, manufacturing and/or assembly of a multi-use cover sheet can involve methods that are more complex and more expensive than one-time use coversheets. Examples of materials used to form one-time use cover sheets can include, but are not limited to, non- woven papers. Examples of materials used to form re -usable cover sheets can include, but are not limited to, Gore-Tex^®, and urethane laminated to fabric.

Claims

1. A cover sheet comprising:

a first layer comprising a vapor permeable material;

a second layer comprising a spacer material;

a third layer, wherein the second layer is between the first layer and the third layer; an air mover configured to create air flow through the spacer material; and a fluid sensor in communication with the air mover.

2. The cover sheet of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of fluid sensors in communication with the air mover.

3. The cover sheet of claim 2 wherein the cover sheet comprises a central region and a perimeter region extending around the central region, and wherein the central region is configured to be in contact with a patient in contact with the cover sheet during use.

4. The cover sheet of claim 3 wherein the plurality of fluid sensors are located in a central region of the cover sheet.

5. The cover sheet of claim 1 further comprising a control system in communication with the fluid sensor and the air mover.

6. The cover sheet of claim 5 wherein the control system is configured to turn the air mover on and off.

7. The cover sheet of claim 5 wherein the control system is configured to control the operating speed of the air mover.

8 The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the fluid sensor is configured to detect liquid.

9. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the fluid sensor is configured to detect moisture.

10. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the fluid sensor is located in the spacer material.

11. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the fluid sensor is a capacitive sensor.

12. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the fluid sensor is a conductive sensor.

13. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the air mover is configured to pull air through the spacer material.

14. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the air mover is configured to push air through the spacer material.

15. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the second layer comprises an open-celled foam structure.

16. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the second layer comprises a sintered polymer.

17. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the spacer material is configured to permit air to flow through the spacer material while the spacer material supports a person laying on the cover sheet.

18. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the spacer material comprises one of the following: open cell foam; natural or synthetic polymer particles, filaments, or strands; cotton fibers; polyester fibers; flexible metals and metal alloys; shape memory metals and metal alloys, and shape memory plastics

19. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the first layer comprises an air impermeable material.

20. The cover sheet of claim 1 wherein the air mover is battery-powered.

21. A method of removing moisture vapor from a person, the method comprising:

providing a cover sheet between a support surface and a person, wherein the cover sheet comprises:

a first layer comprising a vapor permeable material;

a second layer comprising a spacer material;

a third layer, wherein the second layer is between the first layer and the third layer;

an air mover configured to create air flow through the spacer material; and a fluid sensor in communication with the air mover; and

operating the air mover to provide an air flow through the spacer material.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the fluid sensor sends a control signal to the air mover to control operation of the air mover.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the fluid sensor sends a control signal to a control system in communication with the air mover.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein the fluid sensor sends a control signal to stop operation of the air mover when the fluid sensor does not detect a fluid.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the fluid sensor sends a control signal to begin operation of the air mover when the fluid sensor detects a fluid. The method of claim 21 wherein operating the air mover provides an air flow directed toward the air mover.

The method of claim 21 wherein the cover sheet comprises a central region and a perimeter region extending around the central region, and wherein the central region is configured to be in contact with the person.

The method of claim 27 wherein the fluid sensor is in the central region.