Abstract: A disposable or reusable "crawl resistant" flexible mattress formed of panels sealed together to define alternately inflatable passages between the panels for sequentially supporting structure for a long term bed patient to reduce decubitus ulcers, bed sores, etc. The mattress has vent holes in its top for ventilating the patient with inflation gas and a crawl resistant layer bonded to a bottom of the mattress to prevent the mattress from "crawling" relative to the bed and patient during use. In one form of the mattress, crawling is reduced by a separation between the inflation passages so individual sections of the mattress can more readily conform to a patient's body contour.

Abstract: A disposable or resuable "crawl resistant" flexible mattress formed of panels sealed together to define alternately inflatable passages between the panels for sequentially altering supporting structure for a long term bed patient to reduce decubitus ulcers, bed sores, etc. The mattress has vent holes in its top for ventilating the patient with inflation gas and a crawl resistant layer bonded to a bottom of the mattress to prevent the mattress from "crawling" relative to the bed and patient during use. In one form of the mattress, crawling is reduced by a separation between the inflation passages so individual sections of the mattress can more readily conform to a patient's body contour.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing the surfaces of articles such as medical intruments and other products by exposing such surfaces to hydrogen peroxide gas at temperatures below 80.degree. C. in a temperature range that is generally considered nonsporicidal.

Abstract: A flexible pad with interconnecting internal passages for circulating a hot or cold liquid for treating a patient. The pad has an improved internal flow pattern that includes a set of partitions that separate the pad into a plurality of major fields that are connected in series to insure that liquid flows to all areas, i.e. fields, of the pad even when such pad is in folded condition. Within each field is a series of passages forming a crisscross waffle grid pattern for random liquid flow in many directions within each field to reduce the chance of blocking liquid circulation through the pad when it is in folded condition.