Abstract: A topper (38) for a bed extends in longitudinal and lateral directions and includes a fluid flowpath (60) for channeling fluid through the topper from an inlet (62) to an outlet (64). The flowpath is configured to distribute the fluid to a preferred target region (50) of the topper. A bed which includes the topper has a blower (72) connected to the topper inlet for supplying air (88) to the flowpath.

Abstract: A topper (38) for a bed extends in longitudinal and lateral directions and includes a fluid flowpath (60) for channeling fluid through the topper from an inlet (62) to an outlet (64). The flowpath is configured to distribute the fluid to a preferred target region (50) of the topper. A bed which includes the topper has a blower (72) connected to the topper inlet for supplying air (88) to the flowpath.

Abstract: A system includes a sequential compression device (SCD) used by a patient as part of a sequential compression therapy (SCT) protocol. The system also includes a computer device that determines whether the SCD is in use in substantially real time in compliance with the protocol. The computer device initiates a notification to a caregiver if noncompliance with the SCT protocol is detected.

Abstract: A method for detecting occupant position change on a support surface includes establishing a rate of change of pressure in a head end test zone and in a foot end test zone, comparing the head end rate to at least one head end rate limit, comparing the foot end rate to at least one foot end rate limit, and inferring, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred. An associated occupant support includes a frame and a mattress. The mattress includes head and foot zones each having at least one pressurizable bladder. The support also includes a controller adapted to compare a head end rate of pressure change to a head end rate limit, to compare a foot end rate of pressure change to a foot end rate limit, and to infer, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred.

Abstract: A topper (38) for a bed extends in longitudinal and lateral directions and includes a fluid flowpath (60) for channeling fluid through the topper from an inlet (62) to an outlet (64). The flowpath is configured to distribute the fluid to a preferred target region (50) of the topper. A bed which includes the topper has a blower (72) connected to the topper inlet for supplying air (88) to the flowpath.

Abstract: A patient support includes a cover defining an interior region, an air permeable first layer located in the interior region, and a support layer located beneath the air permeable first layer. A pressure sensing layer is located underneath the support layer. At least one air supply is coupled to the support layer. A controller is coupled to the air supply and to the pressure sensing layer. The controller controls inflation and deflation of the support layer in response to a signal from the pressure sensing layer.

Abstract: A system for directing fluid flow in a mattress is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base support layer which is configured to spatially locate at least one insert support layer. The insert layer comprises a conduit to allow fluid flow.

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 bed frame 36 disclosed herein includes a calf section 72 with a foot end 74 and an upper end 76 longitudinally spaced from the foot end, an upper body section 54 with a head end 56 and a lower end 58 longitudinally spaced from the head end, and a medial section 66 longitudinally intermediate the calf and upper body sections. The bed frame is capable of assuming a chair state and a chair egress state. The upper body section and medial section define a sacral corner 68, and the calf section and medial section define a popliteal corner 70 spaced from the sacral corner by an intercorner distance. The intercorner distance is smaller in the chair egress state than in the chair state. A mattress 100 disclosed herein includes an upper body segment 102, a calf segment 116, and a medial segment 124 The lower end 106 of the upper body segment cooperates with the upper end 120 of the calf segment to define an intersegment distance.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes an air supply and an air fluidization therapy bed including a fluidization space and a fluidizable medium positioned in the fluidization space. The air fluidization therapy bed receives a flow of pressurized air from the air supply. The flow of pressurized air operable to fluidize the fluidizable medium. The patient support apparatus is configured to provide other therapies, such as pulmonary therapies, in addition to the air fluidization therapy.

Abstract: A patient support includes a cover defining an interior region, an air permeable first layer located in the interior region, and a support layer located beneath the air permeable first layer. A pressure sensing layer is located underneath the support layer. At least one air supply is coupled to the support layer. A controller is coupled to the air supply and to the pressure sensing layer. The controller controls inflation and deflation of the support layer in response to a signal from the pressure sensing layer.

Abstract: A patient support includes a cover defining an interior region, an air permeable first layer located in the interior region, at least one air supply coupled to the first layer to provide air flow through the first layer, a support layer located beneath the air permeable first layer, a pressure sensing layer located underneath the support layer, and a controller coupled to the air supply and to the pressure sensing layer. The controller controls air flow through the first layer in response to a signal from the pressure sensing layer.

Abstract: A patient support includes a cover defining an interior region, an air permeable first layer located in the interior region within the cover, a first air supply coupled to the first layer to provide air flow through the first layer, air bladders including a head zone and a seat zone located beneath the first layer, a first sensing assembly located beneath the head zone, a second air supply coupled to the air bladders to selectively inflate and deflate the air bladders, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the first and second air supplies to control inflation and deflation of the air bladders and to control air flow through the permeable layer. The controller also receives a signal from the first sensing assembly, determines whether the patient support is occupied, and adjusts air flow through the first layer based on the signal from the first sensing assembly.

Abstract: A cooling system for an occupant of an occupant support comprises a coolant conduit having an inlet for receiving coolant and an outlet for discharging the coolant to a destination. The conduit is nonpermanently and manually shape adjustable, shape stable subsequent to adjustment, and removably securable to the occupant support, the occupant or both. In one embodiment the destination is an ambient environment selected to achieve targeted coolant delivery to a localized region of the occupant's body. A cooling glove to be worn by a user has at least one coolant intake and at least one of a) a coolant passage extending from the coolant intake to an exhaust opening which exhausts coolant to an ambient environment; and b) a cooperative relationship with the user which defines a fluid pathway bounded in part by the glove and in part by the user and which discharges coolant to an ambient environment.

Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress and a topper resting atop the mattress and extending in longitudinal and lateral directions. The topper has a fluid flowpath having an inlet and an outlet. The flowpath exhibits a nonuniform resistance to fluid flow in at least one of the longitudinal and lateral directions. The bed also includes a blower connected to the inlet for supplying air to the flowpath. The resistance may be a monotonically varying resistance to fluid flow in at least one of the longitudinal and lateral directions and configured to preferentially drive fluid flow through the topper so that a larger proportion of the fluid flowing through the topper flows under a target region and a relatively smaller portion bypasses the target region.

Abstract: A system includes a sequential compression device (SCD) used by a patient as part of a sequential compression therapy (SCT) protocol. The system also includes a computer device that determines whether the SCD is in use in substantially real time in compliance with the protocol. The computer device initiates a notification to a caregiver if noncompliance with the SCT protocol is detected.

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 method for detecting occupant position change on a support surface includes establishing a rate of change of pressure in a head end test zone and in a foot end test zone, comparing the head end rate to at least one head end rate limit, comparing the foot end rate to at least one foot end rate limit, and inferring, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred. An associated occupant support includes a frame and a mattress. The mattress includes head and foot zones each having at least one pressurizable bladder. The support also includes a controller adapted to compare a head end rate of pressure change to a head end rate limit, to compare a foot end rate of pressure change to a foot end rate limit, and to infer, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred.

Abstract: A system includes a sequential compression device (SCD) used by a patient as part of a sequential compression therapy (SCT) protocol. The system also includes a computer device that determines whether the SCD is in use in substantially real time in compliance with the protocol. The computer device initiates a notification to a caregiver if noncompliance with the SCT protocol is detected.

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.