Abstract: Systems and methods for generating notifications based on bladder volume signals and bladder muscle signals are disclosed. A system includes a processor, a plurality of bladder electrical signal application electrodes, a plurality of bladder volume measurement electrodes, a plurality of bladder muscle measurement electrodes, a memory module communicatively coupled to the processor, and machine readable instructions stored in the memory module. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions cause the system to output a first electrical output signal with the plurality of bladder electrical signal application electrodes, receive the bladder volume signal at the plurality of bladder volume measurement electrodes in response to the first electrical output signal, receive the bladder muscle signal at the plurality of bladder muscle measurement electrodes, and generate the notification based on the bladder volume signal and the bladder muscle signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of a monitoring system includes a sensing subsystem adapted to sense an external parameter within a region of interest relative to an occupant support or an occupant of the occupant support. The monitoring system also includes a processor. The processor is adapted to receive data representing the sensed external parameter and to execute machine readable instructions thereby causing the monitoring system to evaluate, based on the received data, a likelihood that the occupant will attempt an egress from the occupant support. The processor is also adapted to generate a notification of the likelihood of attempted egress.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy apparatus includes components operable to simultaneously provide a High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) therapy and a Mechanical Insufflation/Exsufflation (MIE) therapy to a patient. The respiratory therapy apparatus includes a controller that controls a synchronization of the HFCWO therapy and the MIE therapy to provide respiratory therapy to the patient to effectively clear mucous or induce deep sputum from the lungs of patient.

Abstract: A system includes a patient support apparatus that has one or more therapies. The therapies are optionally available depending on the acuity of the patient. A request for enablement of a therapy is transferred to a service provider for approval and, when approved, the therapy is enabled by the service provider. The patient support apparatus may be in communication with a server that is in communication with multiple patient support apparatuses so that the server is operable to selectively enable therapies on various patient support apparatuses.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, includes an alert light assembly or an alert light module having separate zones that are individually illuminated to convey information regarding respective alert conditions. The zones each have indicia related to a particular condition of the patient support apparatus. The illuminated zones are each sufficiently large so as to be seen from afar, such as on the order of ten feet or more. Alternatively or additionally, a GUI of the patient support apparatus displays alert indicia as part of a screen saver. Further alternatively or additionally, the patient support apparatus illuminates an alert light in a manner indicating an optimal time for taking a patient's vital signs.

Abstract: A method for controlling an angular orientation of a person support apparatus including a bladder portion containing fluidized particulate material, an upper frame, and a base frame may include adjusting a height of the upper frame with respect to the base frame with at least one of a first and second actuator at respective speeds, determining a dynamic angular orientation of the upper frame with respect to the base frame based on at least one of a respective operating characteristic of the first and second actuator, determining a corrected angular orientation based on the dynamic angular orientation and a floor angle indicative of the orientation of the base frame with respect to horizontal, comparing the corrected angular orientation with an orientation reference range, and adjusting at least one actuator speed when the corrected angular orientation is outside the orientation reference range until it is within the orientation reference range.

Abstract: Embodiments include a person support apparatus including a plurality of air fluidizable material, a tub, a foam bolster disposed along at least one wall of the tub and extending over the at least one wall, and an inflatable air bladder disposed above the foam bolster along the at least one wall of the tub. A method of assisting a person with ingress or egress of a person support apparatus by deflating the inflatable air bladder and adjusting a level of fluidization of the air fluidizable material such that the surface supporting the portion of the person is substantially level with a top of the foam bolster is also described.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a high air loss device. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes a pneumatic device located within the patient support.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a patient support deck. A footboard is removably coupled to the frame. A compression therapy module is located inside the footboard or is mounted to a foot section of the frame. A sleeve port is pneumatically coupled to the compression therapy module and is located on the foot section. The sleeve port is configured for attachment to at least one tube extending from a compression sleeve worn on a limb of a patient. Control circuitry is coupled to the frame and is operable to control functions of the patient support apparatus and to control the compression therapy module. A graphical display screen is coupled to the control circuitry and displays user inputs that are selected to control functions of the patient support apparatus and the compression therapy module.

Abstract: A system for detecting potential for infection includes a wound dressing and an electronics component. The wound dressing includes a temperature sensing layer and a cover layer comprising a substrate and a backing layer. The electronics component includes a power source, an electronic control unit (ECU), and a communications interface positioned within a housing and removably coupled to the temperature sensing layer of the wound dressing. The electronics component is configured to receive a plurality of temperature readings from the temperature sensing layer, and provide an indication of potential infection of the wound based the plurality of temperature readings. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of temperature readings corresponds to a temperature of an area around a wound. Methods for preventing infections using the system are also described.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface, and a sensor. The frame cooperates with the support surface to support a patient. The sensor is coupled to one of the frame and the support surface and is configured to provide an input signal indicative of a characteristic associated with the patient.

Abstract: An incontinence detection system monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a control system operable to gather physiological information about a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. The information may be gathered from sensors, a user interface, or a hospital information system. The control system also monitors operating parameters of the patient support apparatus and environmental conditions in the patient room. The control system utilizes the data gathered to identify a risk of an adverse event occurring to a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is also operable to modify patient support apparatus parameters or environmental conditions to mitigate the risk of the adverse event.

Abstract: A number of patient beds are disclosed. Some patient beds have siderails that are movable by a patient so that the patient can egress from the bed without interference from the siderails. Various caregiver control panels and patient control panels for controlling features and functions of a patient bed are also disclosed. For example, a cart with caregiver control inputs, including hand inputs on a graphical user interface (GUI) and foot inputs, is disclosed. Patient positioning and transfer devices are also disclosed. Various types of in-bed physical therapy devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a remote computer device and a patient bed in communication with the remote computer device. The patient bed has circuitry operable by a user to obtain at least one software application from the remote computer device. The system also has an authentication software module that verifies that the at least one software application is authorized for use on the patient bed.

Abstract: An example method for detecting a sleep apnea event can include: capturing a plurality of infrared images of an individual breathing; developing a spatial template based upon the infrared images, the spatial template defining at least a normal breathing pattern; using the spatial template to analyze further infrared images of the individual during sleep; and detecting a sleep apnea event using the spatial template and the further infrared images.

Abstract: Wound dressings including a skin contact layer and a cover layer removably adhered to the top surface of the skin contact layer are described. The skin contact layer includes a lower substrate extending around a central aperture and a lower adhesive. The lower substrate includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The lower adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface of the lower substrate. The cover layer substantially covers the central aperture of the lower substrate, and includes an upper substrate and a backing layer. An upper adhesive is positioned between the top surface of the lower substrate and a bottom surface of the backing layer. In embodiments, the cover layer can be removed and changed while the skin contact layer remains adhered to the skin around a wound.