Abstract: A ventilating, patient-supporting mattress apparatus is provided which provides full patient support solely by means of pressurized airflow and with the complete absence of internal solid support structure which can cause pressure sores or the like on a patient's skin. In preferred forms, the mattress apparatus includes a lower inflatable chamber having an air-pervious upper wall, together with a secondary, air-pervious, overlying suede or un-buffed leather wall secured to the chamber to define an upper inflatable compartment between the upper and secondary walls. A fan assembly is operatively coupled with the lower chamber to supply pressurized air thereto; such air is passed into the chamber and thence through the upper and secondary walls in a throttled fashion so as to inflate the mattress. Continuous airflow through the mattress also provides soothing ventilation for sensitive skin.