Abstract: Air mattresses primarily intended for hospitals, long-term care facilities and in-home use are described. The mattress includes multiple foam layers and an air sector having multiple resilient foam filled air cylinders. The air cylinders at different locations are filled with foam having different density (firmness); some are filled with multiple layers of foam. Each air cylinder has an air inlet connected to the atmosphere by an inlet valve and an air outlet. The air outlets are either connected to one or more restricted internal check outlet valves in a non-powered air mattress, or connected to a pump via hose connectors in a powered air mattress. The restricted outflow of air from the cylinders in a non-powered air mattress allows the patient to slowly settle into the supportive foam layers for optimal interface pressure distribution. The air cylinders re-inflate when the patient adjusts position or is vacated from the surface.

Abstract: A mattress to prevent the creation of pressure sores having a heel pillow portion intended for use in healthcare facilities having replaceable parts is disclosed. The heel pillow mattress of the present invention is made of foam and has a cavity located at the foot area of the mattress for containing a pillow therein. A soft, resilient pillow insert contained within the cavity provides cushion for the heels of a patient lying on the mattress. A layer of foam covers the top of the cavity containing the pillow insert. This layer of foam has a low indentation force deflection (IFD) to provide a high degree of cushioning for the heels. This layer of foam together with the pillow insert beneath it, provide increased cushioning when a patient's heels apply a downward force on the mattress so that as the heels sink into the mattress, the foam layer and the pillow insert give way to the downward force of the heels and the mattress cradles the heels.

Abstract: A mattress intended for use in hospital facilities, and having replaceable parts is disclosed. The mattress is made up of an upper layer of one foam material and a lower thicker layer, itself having two layers. The first lower layer is constructed to give a reclining body flexible support. The second lower layer supports and acts as a base for the first lower layer. The upper and lower foam layers are covered by a water and moisture impervious cover. The cover is formed in two halves, an upper half enclosing the upper layer on the top and sides and a lower half enclosing the lower layer on the bottom, the sides and a portion of the top. The two halves of the cover are joined together by a zipper around the side walls of the mattress to entirely enclose two inner foam layers.