Sudden infant death syndrome prevention apparatus and method and patient

Abstract

A safety pad or mattress such as for use in a crib prevents sudden infant death syndrome by ensuring an oxygenated breathing space for the infant. Reticulated foam is made into a pad or a mattress and may be covered with a fitted open weave fabric covering. An embedded air tube is interconnected with an air pump which circulates fresh, i.e., oxygenated, air in the breathing space. The air pump may be inside or outside the mattress. The forced air circulation flushes any exhaled carbon dioxide from the breathing space, even when the infant is face down or otherwise in a prone position on the mattress, to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning. The air circulation flow rate is limited to prevent infant cooling. A pad bladder for similar function may be provided having a layer of reticulated foam sandwiched between upper and lower air impervious sheets and dispersing air introduced therebetween. The upper sheet has a pattern of air holes for release of the dispersed air. Two or more zones with different air flow rates may be established with different air hole patterns, so that a higher risk infant can receive a relatively higher air flow rate. A patient care surface uses a low air loss bladder with a sandwiched layer of reticulated foam as an air dispersing element and a still higher air flow rate for intentionally cooling and drying a patient, which aids the skin and other general condition of the patient.