Abstract: A patient support system comprising a series of self-supporting cushions connected by two longitudinal members and disposed transversely to a bed, with at least two of the cushions spaced longitudinally from one another so as to raise the patient's buttocks above the underlying bed while remaining out of contact therewith. The cushions are contoured so as to raise both the head and the heels of the patient with respect to his/her buttocks, with the heels extending beyond the end cushion to remain out of contact therewith. An embodiment with a reduced number of cushions supports a patient in the sitting position, either in a chair, a wheelchair, or on a backless bench, with the option of having the patient's legs raised on a cushion extension.