Abstract: A bed having a headboard wherein the headboard includes an integrated sink so as to facilitate the execution of hygienic tasks for an individual disposed in the bed such as but not limited to washing of the individual's hair. The headboard includes a body that is planar in manner wherein the body includes a first end, a second end, a lower edge and an upper edge all combining to define the shape thereof. The body of the headboard is hingedly secured to the bed proximate the lower edge of the headboard. The headboard is movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position the headboard is horizontal in orientation. The sink is manufactured from a material and is formed in a shape that facilitates the moving of the sink between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A closed cushion system including a device for selectively opening a connection between adjacent fixed, pre-filled chambers is set forth. The connection selectively facilitates flow of a fill material between the pre-filled chambers in order to selectively alter the firmness of the pre-filled chambers.

Abstract: A patient support includes a patient support surface, a DVT pump mounted in the patient support, and a port mounted at the patient support in selective fluid communication with the DVT pump. Optionally, the patient support further includes a control system to detect when a DVT device is coupled or in close proximity to the port and/or the type of DVT device. Further, the control system may be configured to control the pump based on the type of DVT device coupled to the port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a head positioning device for use in laryngoscopy, having a base plate, a head plate, at least one proximal arm and at least one distal arm. The head plate has a proximal end and a distal end. The at least one proximal arm is pivotally connected between the base plate and at or near the proximal end of the head plate. The at least one distal arm is pivotally connected between the base plate and at or near the distal end of the head plate. The proximal and distal arms are operable during use to simultaneously elevate the head plate above the base plate and tilt it at an angle such that the proximal end of the head plate is in a higher elevated position than the distal end.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a foldable bed includes: a base with an internal cavity; a foldable bed that includes separate and distinct head, intermediate and seat sections; and a bed folding mechanism. In a folded position, the intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and positioned in vertically stacked relationship, and the head section is generally vertically disposed and positioned adjacent a rear portion of the base, with an outer surface of a cushion of the head section forming the rear surface of the seating unit, and in an unfolded position, the head, intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and in serial alignment with each other. The bed folding mechanism is attached to the base and the head, intermediate and seat sections and controls the movement of the bed between the folded and unfolded positions.

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: An inflatable mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a side panel coupled between a perimeter of the top panel and a perimeter of the bottom panel. The side panel defines a cutout sized and configured to receive a headrest therein. The top panel defines a fabric section extending over the cutout.

Abstract: Hybrid coil and air chamber assemblies for cushioning supports generally include pressurized air chambers that are positioned intermediate strings of pocketed coils. In this manner, the coils and air chambers can move independently but can be made to cooperate to provide firmness control, contouring and/or support of a user thereof. Air pressure within the air chambers can be independently adjusted to manipulate firmness and/or contour properties in specific zones defined by the presence and location of the air chambers, e.g., pressure of the air chambers corresponding to the lumbar region can be adjusted to eliminate high pressure points. Still further, the pressure within the air chambers can be automatically adjusted to different applied loads as a function of movement. Also disclose are processes for adjusting a mattress including the hybrid coil and air assemblies.

Abstract: A pocketed spring assembly comprises a plurality of parallel strings of individually pocketed springs. Each string is joined to at least one adjacent string. Each string has first and second opposed plies of fabric and a plurality of pockets formed along a length of the string by transverse segmented seams joining the plies. Gaps between the segments of the seams allow air to pass into and out of the pockets despite the fabric being impermeable to airflow through the fabric. The fabric has at least four layers. The size of the gaps determines the firmness or “feel” of the pocketed spring assembly or portion thereof.

Abstract: A bed board for a diagnostic bed of a medical examination apparatus is formed in a material that includes basalt fibers. The bed board may have a bed board body composed of basalt fibers and a filler in a predetermined ratio, or may be formed by a hollow shell, composed of basalt fibers and a binder in a predetermined ratio, with the hollow shell being filled by a filler material.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first structural member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the first structural member being attached to an operating table. The apparatus also includes a second structural member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the second structural member being attached to the operating table. The apparatus further includes a first connecting member that connects the first end of the first structural member to the first end of the second structural member, the first structural member being disposed at a predetermined distance from the second structural member. The apparatus also includes a first support member supported on the first structural member, the first support member configured to support a body part of the patient.

Abstract: There is provided a patient support that may be adjustable in height, width, length or a combination thereof. The patient support may be useable with normal sized patients or with bariatric patients. The patient support has a variety of features to enhance operability and/or functionality, including a width adjustable caster frame, width adjustable deck portions, a width adjustable headboard and an extendible foot board to provide extra length. An enhanced lift mechanism can accommodate bariatric patients and alternative functionality in achieving deck positions improves patient comfort. Various parts of the patient support including deck panels and the footboard may be removed and replaced with ease without complicated connectors.

Abstract: The wall mounted fold away couch and bed is wall treatment that comprises a combination wall bed and couch. The wall mounted fold away couch and bed is a wall frame that further contains a bed frame and a seat frame. The bed frame is attached to the wall frame such that the bed frame can be rotated out of the wall frame to allow the use of the bed frame as a bed. The seat frame is attached to the bed frame such that the seat frame is accessible while the bed frame is stored within the wall frame. The seat frame is attached to the bed frame such that the seat frame rotates off of the bed frame allowing seat frame can be used as a chair. The wall mounted fold away couch and bed comprises a wall frame, a bed frame, and a seat frame.

Abstract: A traveling wave air mattress apparatus includes an air mattress comprised of an array of laterally disposed, longitudinally spaced air bladder cells that are individually inflatable to quiescent pressure levels which provide comfortable support for a human body, and an air pressure-pulse generator controlled by a wave sequence generator for periodically introducing into sequences of the air bladder cells timed sequences of air pressure pulses which vary pressures in the cells from quiescent pressures, the air pressure variations resulting in leading and lagging soliton-like traveling waves of body support force variation which travel longitudinally over the surfaces of the pulsed air bladder cells, thus inhibiting formation of bedsores. The wave patterns may optionally simulate water waves and/or rocking motions of a boat to produce relaxing effects.

Abstract: A mattress is configured to have multiple zones made of springs configured in different orientations. A first zone of the mattress has springs packed in a first pattern, and a second zone has the springs packed in a second pattern that is different from the first pattern. The springs in the first zone and the second zone are the same type of springs. By packing the same springs in different patterns, the zones can have different firmness levels.

Abstract: A system comprising a yoga mat, storage compartment and carrying case and associated methods for use.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow, having a predetermined shape when inflated, such that the bottom face of the pillow sits securely on an airplane table tray, the pillow's back face, above the arm space, leans fully against the seat back that the table tray is mounted on, providing lateral stability for the upper region of the pillow, unique over the prior art, and an angled front face upon which the confined traveler can lean forward from their seated position and get full support for their upper torso and head so they can comfortably rest or sleep. The pillow is composed of flexible, air-retentive material and has a valve for inflating and deflating the pillow. In its deflated state the pillow is compact enough to fit in most carry-on bags for ease of transport and storage. A simple bellows is provided with the pillow for inflating the pillow.

Abstract: A play yard system for infants or small children. They play yard includes a frame, and the system includes at least one child support unit for mounting to the frame of the play yard. The at least one child support unit may take the form of a bassinet and/or a changing table. The play yard frame may be collapsible for storage and transport, and the child support unit may be removable from the play yard frame.

Abstract: A mat with a thermostatic layer between two layers of foam to reduce heat accumulation and the manufacturing process thereof, which includes a supporting foam layer, an air permeable foam layer, and the thermostatic layer; wherein the thermostatic layer lies on the top side of the supporting foam layer and includes phase change material (PCM) microcapsules and a bonding material; the air permeable foam layer has larger pores than the supporting foam layer, and has its bottom side attached to the thermostatic layer, and is thus bonded to the supporting foam layer via the bonding material. When a user lies on the air permeable foam layer, the user's body skin is not directly pressed against the PCM microcapsules, thereby allowing the PCM microcapsules to communicate with the ambient air through the pores in the air permeable foam layer and to dissipate heat rapidly for keeping the mat cool.