Shear reducing mattress cover

Apparatus for redirecting shear on the skin of a patient supported on an associated mattress, comprising:

• a mattress cover for covering an associated mattress, and having an upper portion generally facing and making contact with the topside of the associated mattress;
• a plurality of shear transfer zones formed on an underside of said upper portion, comprising relatively low shear material arranged in at least three respective areas at least generally aligned with a supported patient's heel, the ischial, and shoulder blade areas, respectively, so as to create a low friction interface between the associated mattress and said mattress cover to reduce shear forces exerted by the associated mattress;
• and
• a plurality of shear support areas defined by said underside of said upper portion between adjacent of said shear transfer zones;
• wherein said shear support areas include at least an area corresponding for support of a patient's thigh area, so that shear forces exerted by the associated mattress are redistributed to areas of a patient's body that are relatively less likely to develop decubitus ulcers.

Methodology for redirecting shear on a patient's skin away from areas of a patient's body more likely to develop decubitus ulcers, comprising:

• covering a patient support mattress with a mattress cover having an upper portion generally facing and making contact with the topside of such associated mattress;
• forming a plurality of shear transfer zones on the underside of such upper portion, comprising relatively low shear material arranged in at least three respective areas at least generally aligned with a supported patient's heel, the ischial, and shoulder blade areas, respectively, so as to create a low friction interface between the associated mattress and such mattress cover to reduce shear forces exerted by the associated mattress;
• and
• forming a plurality of shear support areas defined by such underside of such upper portion between adjacent of such shear transfer zones, including at least an area corresponding for support of a patient's thigh area, so that shear forces exerted by the associated mattress are redistributed to areas of a patient's body that are relatively less likely to develop decubitus ulcers while otherwise preventing a patient from sliding the length of such mattress when used on an adjustable bed.