1. The Mammoth Concept:
1.2. Design Brief: A mattress range to help those with chronic illness (like Spina Bifida and Cystic
Fibrosis) and severe disabilities. The mattresses in the range are an assistive medical devices /
technology to aid either the rehabilitation of the chronically sick, or an aid for those ‘end of life’. The
range both fit, and work effectively with both static and profiling bed bases of all standard UK sizes.
1.3. Product Description: A zoned, V‐Cut castellated medical grade foam, encased in an outer
stretch fabric cover, either waterproof or non‐waterproof.
1.4. Key Design Innovation(s): Zoned, V‐Cut Castellated Medical Grade Foam. 4 Sided Zip situated toward the top of the mattress for easy removal and laundering.
Note: It is acknowledged that foam is already used within mattresses, either as a single entity, or in
conjunction with springs. Mammoth’s performance range will have the first foam core cut into
zoned, V‐cut Castellations in order to provide better support, postural alignment, circulation,
pressure relief, temperature control and comfort. The foam deliberately does not include viscoelastic
(memory foam) chemicals, due to their heating properties – i.e. visco elastic foam holds onto
heat into order to work effectively. The extra heat in the mattress would work negatively against the
body’s bio systems, causing symptoms such as dehydration, perspiration and disturbance /
awakenings through the sleep cycles – a major problem for those with a chronic illness or severe
disability.
2. Introduction and history
2.1. The Mammoth Performance Mattress range has been designed specifically for the “chronically
sick”, disabled and for those with severe abnormalities or severe injuries. Mammoth’ s Performance
range is an assistive medical technology mattress portfolio designed for use within the domestic
home or medical / clinical care environments.
2.2. Developed by John Tuton who was employed by medical devices business, ArjoHuntleigh, the
Mammoth Performance range is designed for those suffering specifically suffering from Spina Bifida,
Cystic Fibrosis as well as significant physical disabilities. These chronic illnesses and disabilities often
required dynamic alternating ‘air’ mattress whilst in hospital but at home, these patients often had
to compromise with a domestic orthopaedic mattress.
3. Specific issues with Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis
3.1. Spina Bifida (Latin: "split spine") is a developmental congenital disorder caused by the
incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube. Some vertebrae overlying the Spinal cord are not
fully formed and remain unfused and open. If the opening is large enough, this allows a portion of
the Spinal cord to protrude through the opening in the bones1. Given its impact on Spinal and
lumbar regions as well as some other specific ailments resultant from the condition, a specialist
platform at the contact interface, such as Mammoth’s performance mattress is needed to provide
appropriate physiological support in terms of pressure distribution, and support of the circulatory
and lymphatic systems in order not to compound problems further.
3.2. Cystic Fibrosis (also known as CF or mucoviscidosis) is an autosomal genetic disease affecting
most critically the lungs, and also the pancreas, liver, and intestine2. It is characterised by abnormal
transport of chloride and sodium across epithelium, leading to thick, viscous secretions. There are
higher risks during sleeping for those with Cystic Fibrosis, so the Mammoth Performance mattress is
designed to maintain oxygen levels and regulate body temperature which can be a risk factor for
those with Cystic Fibrosis.
In both these conditions and many severe disabilities, the Mammoth Performance Mattress is
designed to alleviate both physiological and cognitive issues arising as symptoms of these conditions.
Difficult sleeping patterns in both conditions can lead to physical discomfort and impaired cognitive
functioning and general worsening of the condition.
The Mammoth Performance range is designed to meet the needs of those with a chronic illness and
severe disability by introducing some specific design features that alleviated some of the specific
ailments of these conditions.
