Abstract: A pressure pad has two sets of cells with a sensor pad positioned under the pad. During inflation, part of the flow goes to the sensor pad to exhaust and the rest fills the cells. Any change in patient position/weight causing a change in airflow in tube will alter the differential pressure measured at a pressure transducer. Based on this feedback a microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump, thus adjusting the airflow to the cells to prevent bottoming or to rung at a minimum pressure. The pressure pad is segmented into a heel section, upper leg section, torso section, and a head section. The heel, head, and upper leg sections are maintained at a lower pressure, and the torso section at a higher pressure. A control module to control the flow in the segments is provided inside the pressure pad. The pressure pad can be an alternating or static pad.

Abstract: A pressure pad (1) has two sets of cells (11, 12) with a sensor pad (8) positioned under the pad (1). During inflation, part of the low goes to the sensor pad (8) to exhaust and the rest fills the cells (11 or 12). Any change in patient position/weight causing a change in airflow in tube (10) will alter the differential pressure measured at the pressure transducer (16). Based on this feedback the microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump (6) thus adjusting the airflow to the cells to prevent bottoming or to rung at a minimum pressure. The pressure pad (1) is segmented into a heel section, upper leg section, torso section, and a head section. The heel, head and upper leg sections are maintained at a lower pressure P1 and the torso section at a higher pressure P2. A control module (50) to control the flow in the segments is provided inside the pressure pad (1). The pressure pad (1) can be an alternating or static pad.