Infection control bedding product

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements associated with a hermetically sealed bedding product providing control over infections, such as, for example, a pillow, quilt, mattress, headrest and the like. The present invention also relates to a method of making a ventilated hermetically sealed bedding product providing control over infections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Infection control and cross-infection in hospitals are now a major problem, which involves significant costs and other disadvantages. The resulting strains of bacteria are increasingly resistant to the effects of antibiotics. Therefore, after infection in a hospital, eradication is often difficult and the infection can spread relatively quickly. The so-called "soak" problem is well known, which consists of the infiltration of an infected fluid into the interior of a bedding product that provides control over infections, such as pillows, mattresses, quilts or headboards. In the event of "leakage", there is often a significant risk of cross-contamination associated with any of these bedding products to provide control of the infection, as they are often used sequentially by many different patients. Indeed, this problem occurs in situations where there are regular changes of people using pillows, quilts and similar products, for example in hotels and boarding houses. In addition, at home, many people suffering from allergies and respiratory diseases have problems related to fungal infections and dust mites.

[0003] Numerous materials are commercially available that are commonly used as waterproof mattress covers, which usually contain woven or knitted nylon fabric with a thermoplastic coating, usually made of polyurethane. Woven or knitted fabric provides mechanical strength, while the thermoplastic (polyurethane) coating ensures water resistance.

[0004] Some of these fabrics are called "vapor-permeable" because there are small pores in the coating of submicron size that allow water vapor particles to travel through them. However, these fabrics do not allow sufficient flow to allow ventilation of the cushion.

[0005] US Pat. No. 4,637,377 discloses a surgical pillow designed to support the heart or other body organs of a patient during surgical operations. The surgical pillow disclosed in US 4 637 377 has a foam-filled lining in which there is a vent that allows the air accumulated in the pillow to escape due to the compression of the pillow during use.

[0006] US Pat. No. 5,038,431 discloses a cushion for administering drugs. The cushion has an outer layer forming a pocket for entering the filling material. The pocket has a vent and the filling material is saturated with medicine. When the vent is open, the user is exposed to drug vapors which escape through the vent.

[0007] Pillows known in the current state of the art do not eliminate the "soak" problem.

[0008] US Patent No. 4,445,241 discloses an air-impermeable and fluid-impermeable lining for padded objects, mattresses and similar items. The cover has an upper part, a lower part and many side parts. Ventilation between the interior of the cover and the atmosphere in the surroundings is provided by at least one opening. At least two side parts are formed using at least the inner, middle and outer layers of material. In the inner and middle layers of the material, offset of the air channel openings is provided. At least one filter is placed between the middle and outer layers of the material. From the diametrically opposed lower and upper longitudinal edges of the lateral portion in the direction of the longitudinal center line dividing the lateral portion in half, laterally a plurality of connecting seams extend laterally over a portion of the width of the lateral portion. Connection seams create many pockets with filters. Connection seams also create air ducts extending between individual layers of material to retain thicker solid particles.

[0009] US-A-4,445,241 discloses a moisture and air impermeable cushion cover in which welded seams forming pockets are used to place filters to retain solids and bacteria. It is a complicated product that is difficult and expensive to manufacture. The seams form a tortuous air channel extending between the inside and outside of the cushion, each air channel having at least two filters. These filters, however, are not and cannot be physically connected to each other by welding or otherwise, as in the present invention, and in fact at least one filter located at the outer opening of the air channel can be removed through the shaped holes slots 28 (see column 4, lines 13 to 15). The tortuous canal is actually a place of bacterial growth, which is contrary to the purpose of the invention.

[0010] Another difference and advantage of the present invention compared to US-A-4,445,241 is that the filter cannot be deliberately or accidentally removed from the cushion, which could prevent filtering, and which is possible with the structure disclosed in US- A-4 445 241.

[0011] The main problem that had to be eliminated during the development of the sealed cushion was to ensure adequate ventilation of the cushion core. The cushion can be made in a way that prevents the passage of air by using impermeable material to make the cover, and welding seams. The lack of ventilation of such a cushion causes, however, the occurrence of problems such as the following:

1) When the head rests on the pillow, no cushion is emitted from the pillow. This is uncomfortable and causes instability of the surface on which the head rests.

2) Accidental or first-time contact with the head exerts pressure on the pillow causing great danger of stresses in the seams that may cause them to burst.

3) The gradual arrival of water vapor particles due to diffusion results in their condensation in the cushion, which causes accelerated deterioration of the materials inside the cushion.

[0012] In addition, many attempts have been made to develop pillows and mattresses having a barrier that prevents solid and liquid contaminants from entering, but none of them has been fully successful. To date, the best results have been obtained with the cushion currently used in the healthcare sector, which is disclosed in the applicant's patent specification EP 1 222 886. Nevertheless, the bedding product providing infection control according to the present invention provides significant advantages over the pillow disclosed in EP 1 222 886.

[0013] European Patent No. EP 1 222 886 discloses a cushion containing a sealed liquid-tight outer lining, a filling material located inside the outer shell, a venting element placed in the shell and connecting the inside of the shell with its outside, and a filter removing microorganisms from the air mounted in the venting element and designed to filter the air flowing through the venting element, wherein the filter comprises an outer layer made of a liquid resistant material with a number of superimposed inner filter layers attached to the outer layer, where the filter layers are welded together and with the lining transversely to the venting element. The use of a filter that removes microorganisms prevents bacteria from getting inside the duvet cover.

[0014] The outer layer of the cushion filter disclosed in EP 1 222 886 does not provide adequate liquid resistance. Even if the filter element is constructed using the same materials as the outer layer disclosed in EP 1 222 886, the filter can be completely resistant to liquid, but it does not provide adequate ventilation to obtain venting of the product, which results in the cushion bulging during using. This results in a lack of comfortable support resting on the user and can cause the pillow to burst during use due to internal pressure. The method of welding each of the five filter layers disclosed in EP 1 222 886 is also time consuming and, from a commercial point of view, prevents mass production of the product.

[0015] In EP 1 222 886, for example, an outer layer of the filter is used which is resistant to the effects of liquids but does not provide elimination of fluid transmission. The fabric disclosed in EP 1 222 886 is in the form of a nylon material that passes fluid at relatively low pressures (e.g., compared to the membrane of the present invention). In order to use a liquid-impermeable fabric in EP 1 222 886, it is necessary to reduce the pore size to such an extent that pores of such size prevent proper breathing, cushion deformation or inhalation / exhalation.

[0016] The present invention aims to solve said technical problems. As will be described in detail in the following description, the filter membrane used in the present invention is more in the form of reinforced plating than of breathable osmosis material. This is not the case with EP 1 222 886, where the material must be rougher to form part of the product and can only be liquid resistant, but does not eliminate fluid transmission. The cushion disclosed in EP 1 222 886 uses a woven synthetic outer material lined with layers of polyester nonwoven fabric. The membrane of the present invention is fundamentally different from the material disclosed in EP 1 222 886.

[0017] The filtering membrane of the present invention solves numerous technical problems. The thin-skin-like filter membrane used in the present invention must be reinforced, whereby the product providing infection control according to the present invention can be used in the environment for which it is intended and becomes resistant to the conditions that may arise during its use. This was accomplished without compromising the key properties of the filter element and cushion, including filtering out impurities and the "breathability" of the cushion.

[0018] EP 1 222 886 discloses welding five or six layers of material together. If, as described in EP 1 222 886, each layer is welded to a different one and then to a liquid-resistant outer fabric, after which the whole is welded in a hole made in the cushion, the process becomes impossible to use from a manufacturing point of view and mass production. If they are welded together in a single process, the integrity of the sealing, and as a result of the cushion, is deteriorated because the strength and integrity of the seals between the individual layers are reduced. The description and drawing contained in EP 1 222 886 also show a solution in which the filter element should run diagonally and be welded to the upper seam of the cushion with one end and the other with the side seam of the cushion. This means that the welding process must be carried out through a twice as thick layer of polyurethane-covered fabric, in addition to 5/6 layers of the filter element, which creates further problems related to the production and quality / integrity of the product. In other words, EP 1 222 886 does not disclose a product which, in the case of mass production, makes it possible to provide the advantages of the present invention.

[0019] Another problem with the cushion disclosed in EP 1 222 886 is that the filter element itself, as well as the seal between the filter element and the cushion bottom, can tear or tear when the pressure corresponding to the pressure exerted by the patient lying on the elbows will be applied directly to the filter element itself. Therefore, another problem that has been eliminated by the present invention is the provision of a new and significantly improved filter element whose properties provide pressure resistance while ensuring appropriate bacteriological properties.

[0020] The filter element disclosed in EP 1 222 886 is described as enabling effective retention of 0.6 microns or larger particles, while the present invention uses a new medical membrane design that has been found to be able to effectively retain particles of the size 0.2 microns or larger. The present invention is therefore adapted to more pollutants of many types.

[0021] The present invention therefore relates to a bedding product providing infection control, for example a pillow, having in particular technical improvements and excellent liquid resistance compared to the pillow disclosed in EP 1 222 886.

Summary of the Invention [0022] The present invention discloses a hermetically sealed bedding product providing infection control, such as a pillow, quilt, mattress, headrest or similar product, having a sealed skin and elastically deformable filling material, and comprising a venting element disposed in the sheath and characterized by . that the venting element comprises a filtering element having a filtering membrane intended for removing particles of microbiological size, wherein the filtering element also contains a reinforcing layer made of a material ensuring adequate mechanical strength, the filtering element allowing air passage, while it is essentially impermeable to liquids while providing a barrier to microbial size particles.

[0023] Thus, the infection control product of the present invention has the advantage that the vent element allows air to flow, providing ventilation of the cushion, while preventing liquids including moisture, water drops, human sweat, sputum and urine through the vent element.

[0024] Thus, the problems in the current state of the art have been eliminated by placing in the cushion cover a vent element comprising a filter element that allows essentially air to flow, whereas it is essentially liquid impermeable and a barrier to particles of microbial size.

[0025] For convenience, a hole is provided in the product cover for receiving a venting element.

[0026] In an optimal solution, the opening made in the product cover is positioned in such a way that the seam of the filter element and the hole is not integrated with any circumferential seam of the product cover providing control over infections.

[0027] The layer of reinforcing material preferably comprises a material providing mechanical strength, preferably it may comprise a spun synthetic non-woven material such as polypropylene (PP).

[0028] The filter element preferably comprises an element that substantially prevents the ingress of fluids while allowing air to pass through. For convenience, resistance to liquids can be obtained by using a filter membrane made of a hydrophobic or oleophobic material.

[0029] The filter membrane preferably comprises a thermoplastic non-woven material, which may contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filtering membrane is made of oleophobic foamed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In an optimal solution, the filtering membrane is made in the form of oleophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and contains a membrane support of a non-woven fabric made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0031] The filtering membrane acts as a filter for microorganisms. This solution has the advantage of eliminating the entry of bacteria into the inside of the duvet.

[0032] The filter membrane is preferably adapted to retain 0.2 microns or larger particles.

[0033] The pore size of the filter membrane is preferably in the range from 0.2 micron to 4 microns, more preferably from 0.5 micron to 4 microns, and may range from 1 micron to 4 microns. The pore size of the filter membrane can preferably be in the range of 2 microns to 4 microns.

[0034] When using pores of a filter membrane with a size of few microns, there is a danger that if the filter element is placed in the cushion in the same way as described in EP 1 222 886, the internal pressure that occurs when the patient exerts force on the cushion will cause pillow tear. It should be noted that the same danger occurs in most applications for which the filter element is suitable, for example, in wheelchair cushions, mattresses and so on.

[0035] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filter element comprising the filter membrane and the reinforcing material are connected to each other and to the body of a product providing infection control at the opening made in the cover of a product providing control over infections such as a headrest, pillow, quilt. , mattress and the like, so that a venting element is provided in the product that controls infection. The connection of the layers together is preferably obtained by welding. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the vent element is equipped with a seal (PU), the seal also being connected to the filter element and the product backing to ensure infection control in order to provide a tight vent element.

[0036] The cover of a product providing infection control, such as a cushion, is preferably made of a polyurethane coated polymer material, for example polyurethane coated nylon.

[0037] The infection control product of the present invention most preferably has a gasket that matches perfectly the dimensions of the infection control product in the hole in which the venting element is placed, then connected to the bottom of the infection control product.

[0038] For convenience, the seal is made of the same material as the cover of the product providing control over infections. The gasket is preferably made of a thermoplastic material such as polyurethane (PU). The placement of a gasket in the vent element of the infection control product ensures that the edges of the mounted vent element, including the filter membrane / reinforcing layer and the gasket, connected to the fabric covering the bedding product (e.g. the cushion bottom) are tightly sealed and impermeable to liquids. [0039] After placing the vent element subassemblies in the opening of the product shell, all vent element subassemblies together with the product sole itself providing infection control are connected to each other in a manner that provides a fluid tight seal.

[0040] The present invention also provides a method for producing a hermetically sealed bedding product providing infection control comprising the following steps:

a) providing a filtering membrane;

b) providing a reinforcing layer;

c) providing a cover for the bedding product, the cover having an opening adapted to receive a filter membrane and a reinforcing layer; and

d) fixing the layers a), b) and c) to each other, thanks to which the layers are attached to each other creating a liquid-tight seal.

[0041] In an optimal solution between steps (b) and (c) a gasket is provided which is also attached together with the filter membrane and the reinforcing layer to the product cover.

[0042] For convenience, the step of securing the layers to each other can be carried out by joining, such as gluing or welding, since the layers must be attached to each other in a manner that forms a fluid-tight seal.

Detailed description of the invention [0043] The invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the attached drawing, which shows two exemplary embodiments of a cushion according to the present invention.

[0044] Embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawing relate to a pillow providing infection control, but the present invention can of course also be used to produce many other bedding products providing infection control.

[0045] In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a first embodiment of the cushion according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the exterior of a second embodiment of the cushion according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the interior of a second embodiment of the cushion according to the invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the layer of materials used in the third and most preferred embodiment of the bedding product providing infection control according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged, close-up view of the elements of a bedding product providing infection control in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the bedding product providing infection control in Figures 4 and 5, wherein the layers are mounted on the bedding product providing infection control;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the joined layers including the cushion shell, polyurethane (PU) gasket, spun reinforcing layer made of polypropylene and medical membrane, which are stacked on each other at the installation site and are shown before welding (after welding the layers will be squeezed together);

Figure 8 is a perspective view of stacked layers stacked on the upper surface of the sealing device, the surface of the welding device having dimensions selected such that it has a larger surface area than the surface area of ​​the composite layers, thereby ensuring complete welding of the corresponding edges ; and

Figure 9 is a main plan view of the final bedding product providing infection control, the cushion cover being welded to the filter element and reinforcing layer.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 1, the first embodiment of the cushion according to the invention is generally indicated with reference numeral 10. The cushion 10 comprises a fabric made lining 1 covered with waterproof material and a section of the filter element 2. The cushion is preferably ultrasonically welded at seams 3. The cover 1 made of fabric has a cushion filling and is made of a heat-sealable polyurethane-coated material that provides a liquid-resistant (waterproof) coating on the cover.

[0047] The filter element comprises a filter membrane, which may be in the form of a nonwoven membrane made of thermoplastic material. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filtering membrane has the form of a membrane made of oleophobic foamed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and having a nonwoven membrane made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The backing layer made of polyvinyl chloride is molten or welded to a filter membrane made of polytetrafluoroethylene. It has been experimentally found that for this application the optimal pore size of the filter membrane is in the range of 2 to 4 microns. This pore size allows sufficient air flow to provide dynamic ventilation of the cushion hit on the user's head. The air flow through the cushion according to the invention was measured and was approximately 20 to 40 liters per minute per square centimeter at a pressure difference of 1 bar. It has also been experimentally found that this pore size provides 100% filtration efficiency to remove microorganisms while providing water resistance at a pressure of approximately 0.2 to 0.8 bar.

[0048] The problem of the intrinsic weakness of the mechanical filter membrane made of polytetrafluoroethylene / polyvinyl chloride is eliminated by the use of an additional reinforcing layer made of synthetic material, for example polypropylene, preferably spun polypropylene fibers, due to which adequate mechanical strength of the filter membrane is ensured. Such an assembly is called a "filter element" and has been designated in general reference number 2 in Figure 1.

[0049] With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, a preferred solution will be described to ensure that various components are welded together. Similar reference numbers in the drawing indicate elements corresponding to similar elements of the first and second embodiment of the cushion. [0050] In the first embodiment of the cushion 10, the filter element 2 extends over the entire corner of the cushion 10, whereby the filter element 2 forms an integral part of the welded seam. However, it was experimentally found that in the event of a pillow burst during use, the most common point of the fault was the welded seam where the filter element 2 joins the seam. It is believed that this mechanical failure occurs for two reasons:

1) The shape of the seams causes them to shear; and

2) The weld strength of the filter element 2 is welded to another substrate much higher if the layer made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (providing strength) is next to the substrate to which the material is welded. On the other hand, if there is a waterproof layer next to the substrate to which the filter element is welded (i.e. layer of non-woven fabric made of polyvinyl chloride), it is possible to split the layers, as a result of which a durable weld is not obtained.

[0051] The geometric shape of the first embodiment of the cushion 10, in which the filter element forms part of the seam, forces the exterior of the waterproof layer made of polyvinyl chloride, which is necessary to avoid wetting the exposed layer made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and therefore the waterproof layer made of polyvinyl chloride must contain a welded surface of the filter element. This solution makes the weld less durable than desired. Accordingly, a second embodiment of the invention is provided, said second embodiment of the cushion according to the invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this second, preferred embodiment of the invention, the cushion is generally designated by reference numeral 20 and comprises a waterproof cushion cover 21, element filtering 22 and seam

23. The cover 21 is made of polyurethane coated nylon. Referring to Fig. 3, in said second embodiment of the invention, the cushion 20 has a window 24 cut out in the material of which the cover 21 is made. Said window 24 can have any shape and is substantially offset from the seams 23 of the cushion. Fig. 3 shows the inside of the cushion cover 21.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 3, the filter element 22 is cut so that it has a similar shape and similar dimensions to the window (opening) 24, except that the filter element 22 is slightly larger than the window 24, which allows the filter element 22 to extend beyond the edges of the window 24. The position of the filter element 22 is selected in such a way that the filter membrane / filter element faces outwards (in the case of the figure away from the observer), while the support layer providing mechanical strength forms a front layer to be welded to the coated side of the cushion cover.

[0054] This solution eliminates the problems associated with mechanical defects by removing the filter element 22 from the seam area to the area where there are no shear forces, as well as by maintaining the correct position of the contact surface between the materials being welded.

[0055] In the case of the filter element according to the present invention, the filter membrane provides resistance to liquids while allowing air to pass, which is associated with the construction of a polyvinyl chloride backing. The placement of a reinforcing layer behind the filter membrane, which is preferably made of spun polypropylene (PP) non-woven fabric (it is possible to use other synthetic materials for this purpose), provides an additional increase in the required strength around the welded connection of the filter element with the window / strip located in the cushion cover in to mount the filter. This was achieved by using a reinforcing layer made of hot melt material (i.e. polypropylene non-woven fabric) embedded in the polyurethane coating of the fabric forming the cushion bottom, as well as the filtering membrane, which ensures a more durable welded seam and eliminates the risk of product breakage ensuring control over infection.

[0056] The window / strip is further designed in such a way that the seams (connection edges) of the filter element / window are not integrated with the main peripherally welded seam of the cushion, where they would reduce the overall strength of the seam. The window has therefore been redesigned in such a way that its edges or "frame" are separated and separated from the edge of the cushion cover, which allows obtaining a durable weld of the filter element / window while maintaining the integrity of the main welded cushion seam.

[0057] In a second embodiment of the invention, which has been shown and described with reference to Figures 2 and 3, only one venting element is present in the cushion 20. However, it should be understood that any desired number of holes may be used, each having a corresponding filter element to remove microorganisms.

[0058] A third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7. Similar reference numerals in the drawing showing the third embodiment of the product denote elements corresponding to similar elements of the first and second embodiments of the invention.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the third embodiment of the cushion for infection control is generally indicated by reference numeral 30, the cushion 30 comprising a vent member generally designated by reference numeral 32. The cushion 30 for infection control comprises a cushion sole 31, a vent 32 having a polyurethane (PU) seal 36 made of polypropylene, a spun reinforcing layer 35 and a filtering membrane (also referred to herein as a medical membrane) 33. When all of these components are joined together, which is preferably done by welding, all the layers are compressed together, creating a product that provides control of the infections according to the present invention.

Components for the most advantageous cushion design for infection control [0060] • The main cushion cover 31 made of polyurethane (PU) coated polyamide is preferably Redwood "ICE" fabric.

• Medical membrane 33 such as the MMT-302 medical membrane manufactured by WL Gore & Associates, Inc., 401 Airport Road, Elkton, Maryland, United States of America.

• Spinning polypropylene membrane 35.

• Gasket made of polyurethane 36.

Details of each component

Cushion cover 31 [0061] The cushion cover 31 is made of polyurethane (PU) coated polyamide₂ at 135 g / m2².

[0062] The polyurethane coating provides protection against fungi and bacteria. [0063] A product having a venting element to provide control of infections may be washed at 75 ° C. The product that provides control over infections is gentle on the skin and also has the advantage that the presence of the venting element does not emit noise, which is obviously undesirable, especially when the product is used by a patient in a hospital.

Filtering membrane (medical membrane) [0064] The filtering membrane 33 has the form of a breathable membrane that allows air to escape from the cushion when squeezed, which prevents the occurrence of the undesirable phenomenon of "bulging" of the cushion around the patient's head / mouth.

[0065] The breathable medical membrane 33 also protects the structure (including radio-welded seams) of the product providing control over infections, so that the seams are not subjected to excessive loads when the pillow is compressed, preventing it from tearing when the entire pillow is compression.

[0066] The medical membrane 33 was subjected to rigorous testing as a microbiological barrier, and worked extremely well.

Spinning layer 35 made of polypropylene [0067] The circumference shape and dimensions are the same as for the medical membrane 33.

[0068] The purpose of using spun polypropylene is to provide greater strength in the area of ​​the venting element. The spinning layer 35 made of polypropylene is located behind the medical membrane 33 and prevents it from being pierced by hands / fingers.

Gasket made of polyurethane (PU) 36 [0069] The gasket made of polyurethane is slightly smaller than the rectangular radiofusion region, but slightly larger than the medical membrane and spun polypropylene. This ensures complete sealing of the connection between the edge of the medical membrane and spun polypropylene and the surface of the cushion cover. The edges of each layer are therefore sealed and compressed, which ensures a completely smooth and pleasant to touch surface.

[0070] The role of polyurethane gasket 36 is to increase the amount of plastic in the welding area, so that more plastic can flow onto the spun polypropylene layer, medical membrane 33 and polyurethane-covered cushion bottom, which increases the quality / strength of joints between different layers .

weld

1. Long welds extending along the edge of the cushion cover [0071] Long welds extending along the edge of the cushion cover are made entirely by radio frequency welding. This ensures that the seams are completely impervious to liquids.

2. The closing weld completing the execution of the filled cushion [0072] Regardless of whether it is made by radio frequency welding or hot bonding, the closing weld closes the filling of the cushion and completes the process of making an impervious edge seam.

Fire resistance tests [0073] The finished cushion made using the process according to the invention, filled and closed, has been subjected to fire resistance tests. The tests of the finished pillow came out exceptionally well, it obtained the FR rating on the Crib 5 scale.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 8, the components of the vent member 32 stacked on the upper surface of the welding device are shown. The surface of the welding device is larger than the surface of the subassemblies, thus ensuring that the edges around the circumference of the venting element 32 and the opening 38 are connected together.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 9, a ready weld is shown, with a shiny polyurethane bead around the perimeter of membrane 33 and spun polypropylene. Polyurethane ensures connection and edge impermeability.

[0076] A method of producing a hermetically sealed bedding product providing control over infections such as a headboard, pillow, quilt, mattress, or similar product according to the invention comprises the following steps:

a) providing a filtering membrane;

b) providing a reinforcing layer;

c) providing a seal;

d) providing a duvet cover for the bedding product with a hole in the duvet cover;

e) placing in the hole a seal made of polyurethane, a reinforcing layer and a filtering membrane;

f) fixing the layers a), b) and c) and the product covers to each other, thanks to which the layers are tightly connected to each other creating a liquid-tight seal, with the filter membrane, reinforcing material and gasket connected to the bottom of the bedding product ensuring control of infections with an opening in the cover, thanks to which a venting element is provided in the bedding product that controls infection.

[0077] The layers of the filter element 32 are connected to each other by gluing or welding, e.g. hot welding, ultrasonic welding, pressure welding or radio frequency welding. The joining is preferably carried out by radio frequency welding, where the radio frequency sealing device operates in the range of 27.12 MHz ± 160 kHz.

[0078] In order to make the cushion 30 for control of infections, a welding device is used to ensure efficient welding. The method of producing the infection control product described above allows for reproducible and mass production of the product 30.

[0079] A pillow or similar product is therefore provided in the present invention which can be particularly advantageously used in hospitals and other medical institutions as a protective agent against the spread of bacteria and general nosocomial infections (HAI). The present invention can also be used for other bedding products, for example, such as wheelchair cushions and quilts, which also have a sealed lining containing elastically deformable filling material.

[0080] It will be appreciated that, although the invention has been described with reference to the hermetically sealed cushion, the infection control provided by the invention relates generally to bedding products and upholstered furniture. In fact, the invention can be advantageously used to prevent cross-infection in any situation where there is a regular change of people using pillows, quilts and similar items. In addition to high-risk areas such as hospitals and medical institutions in general, the invention can be used more commonly in other situations where there is a regular change of people using this type of bedding and furniture, for example in hotels, guesthouses and similar facilities. The pillow and bedding products providing control of the infections according to the invention can also be used in domestic applications to avoid problems associated with dust mites and fungal infections. A cushion of this type can also be placed in airplane seat headrests, as well as used in military applications, including sleeping bags and similar items.

[0081] It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are merely an example, and that various modifications and changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.