Abstract: An inflatable mattress made of multiple, integrally joined cushions designed to reduce patient interface pressures, which may be used separately or as an overlay on a standard hospital bed. Each cushion and section of the mattress is formed by joining upper and lower sheets, both to form the edges of the cushions and sections and to provide a relatively flat support surface which is laterally bounded by inflatable ridges which help keep the patient from rolling or sliding off either side of the mattress. The upper and lower sheets to form the mattress are made from a water vapor permeable but waterproof material, certain sections of the upper surface of the cushions being formed of air-permeable material which serves to allow air to escape in the area where a patient lies to provide comfort and therapy for the patient.

Abstract: A low air loss mattress 20 made of multiple cushions 21, 22 and 23 which are connected together and which form an integral mattress which may be used on a standard hospital bed. Each section 21, 22, and 23 is formed by sewing together upper and lower sheets 27 and 28, 29 and 30, and 31 and 32, which sheets are also connected by multiple retaining means 50 which act as air vent means to allow air to escape in the area where a patient lies to provide comfort to the patient and to allow pressure regulation in each of the cushions.