Abstract: A pressure relieving pad with graduated pillars to effectively reduce the development of decubitus ulcers. The pad is preferably made of foam to keep the manufacturing costs down and includes a first plurality of large pillars or columns. A second plurality of smaller pillars or columns is then positioned atop each of the larger pillars forming a progression or graduation of pillars. Adjacent larger pillars are preferably attached to one another at their bases to form an underlying, support platform or level for the pad. In operation, the weight or force of the patient using the pad is progressively transferred from the small pillars on top downwardly through the larger pillars to the underlying support platform or level.

Abstract: A multi-layered pad primarily intended to prevent and treat decubitus ulcers. The pad includes at least first and second layers with the first layer being a bladder made up of separate, discrete pouches containing a viscous fluid. The second layer underlies the fluid bladder layer and is a pillared one of upstanding columns cut in a piece of foam. Each individual pouch is mechanically attached atop its underlying foam column. The attaching arrangement includes a connecting sheet of plastic film wherein the sheet is secured to the pouch and has a central opening in it that goes over and receives the top or head section of the column. The connecting sheet at its opening is received in a slit in the column's wall portion to further help maintain the pouch in place atop its column.