Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes a mattress with at least one air operated component and a cushioning layer forming a patient support surface. The mattress has a recessed portion beneath the patient support surface at the foot end of the mattress with an enclosure housed in the recess. The enclosure houses therein at least one pump for directing air to the air operated component and a controller for operating the pump. The enclosure has a central section and two side sections, with each of the sections having an upper side. The side sections are located on opposed sides of the central section and at opposed sides of the mattress at the foot end. The upper side of the central section is recessed below the upper sides of the side sections wherein the depth of the cushioning layer at the foot end between the side sections is maintained generally constant at least along the central portion of the mattress extending from the head end to the foot end.