Abstract: A multilayer assembly including a flexible, electrically conductive active central layer (532) with to main surfaces with a large area, i.e. a first surface adhered to at least one advantageously electrically insulating supporting layer (510) made of synthetic material and having substantially the same modulus of elasticity as the active central layer (532); and a second surface adhered to at least one advantageously electrically insulating second protective layer (520) made of synthetic material. The total thickness of the multilayer assembly is selected in such a way that the flexibility of the central adhesive layer (532) is substantially completely maintained. Said multilayer assembly may be used to treat or prevent bedsores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a patient on a mattress. The apparatus includes a mattress which has at least one controlled release chamber with a top face and a bottom face. A flexible film of a thin metal foil is linked to the top face, while at least one impedance varying device is linked to the bottom face of the chamber. The impedance varying device is an integral part of a measuring electronic bridge. Changes in the impedance as a result of movement of the top face with respect to the bottom face activates a servo control which increases or decreases the inflation pressure within the chamber to make certain that the distance between the top face and the bottom face of the chamber is maintained at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting a body element. The apparatus includes at least one support device with at least one closed or controlled-release chamber, a filling device and an emptying means device for filling said chamber with a filling fluid and emptying the fluid from the chamber, and a distance-measurement device for measuring the distance between a top face and a bottom face of the chamber. The apparatus further includes a reaction-measurement device for measuring the reaction of the support device relative to the morphological data of the body element to be supported, and a control system including a combination device for combining the measurement of the penetration distance d provided by the distance-measurement device and the measurement of the reaction provided by the reaction-measurement device. This combination is advantageously constituted by summing the two obtained measurements.