Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid in fluid cells having a spring bias. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a first foam layer including a first top surface and a first bottom surface, the first foam layer including a plurality of first channels located in the first top surface. Further disclosed is a support fluid cell located in each of the plurality of first channels. Moreover, a second foam layer including a second top surface and a second bottom surface is disclosed, the second foam layer including a second channel located in the second top surface. The cushioning device includes a counterbalance fluid cell located in the second channel. The second foam layer is located underneath the first foam layer. The first foam layer, in combination with the support fluid cells, create a support surface configured to support a load of a person.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device. The cushioning device includes a plurality of support fluid cells between a head end and a foot end of a support surface. The plurality of support fluid cells is configured for supporting a load of a person. Each of the plurality of support fluid cells includes a reforming element. The cushioning device includes a counterbalance system that has a structure configured to transfer fluid from a first support fluid cell located at a first location along the support surface to a first counterbalance fluid cell located at a second location when the pressure is increased in the first support fluid cell of the support surface. The first counterbalance fluid cell is positioned for counterbalancing a load on the plurality of support fluid cells of the support surface.