Abstract: A chair, particularly a wheelchair (1), has a detachable active calf support (4), which has a plurality of inflatable cushion members (A, B, C, D) providing a calf support surface for a person in the chair. The cushion members are parallel transverse tubes forming an array extending away from the chair seat (3). The chair has a control for inflating and deflating the tubes in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: For monitoring body movements of a patient on a support, particularly to ascertain risk of bed sores, at least one fluid filled cell is inserted between the patient and a support on which the patient is lying. There is a detector of fluctuations in the state of the fluid in the cell caused by body movements of the patient, providing an output dependent on the fluctuations. This output is analysed by discriminating between fluctuations which are indicative of major body movements and fluctuations which are indicative of minor body movements.

Abstract: A mattress cover, for use on an air inflatable mattress which reduces the risk of bed sores in long term patients. The cover has a top sheet and side sheets attached to opposite edges of the top sheet. The length of the top sheet, in a laid-flat state, is greater than the length of the side sheets attached to the top sheet. This allows the cover to closely follow the undulating nature of the inflatable cells of the mattress, and zero pressure may be achieved. The cover may also comprise end sheets, an outer skirt, and a base portion. The present invention also provides a method of making cover, which comprises the step of stretching the side portions, while the top sheet is in a substantially unstretched condition, and then joining the side sheets in their stretched condition to the top sheet.