Abstract: A topper for a patient support surface includes an actively-cooled region that is positioned to deliver air flow under a specific area to provide localized treatment and/or moisture removal to a patient supported on the topper.

Abstract: Embodiments include a modular support pad having a support cushion, a fluid-filled bladder coupled to an electronic pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure within the fluid-filled bladder, and a ticking surrounding the support cushion and the fluid-filled bladder and providing a person support surface between the fluid-filled bladder and a person. Other embodiments include a modular support pad having a support cushion, a bladder coupled to an electronic pump for circulating a cooling fluid within the bladder, and a ticking surrounding the support cushion and the bladder and providing a person support surface between the bladder and a person. Methods of sensing pressure applied by a support pad are also described.

Abstract: A method for triggering a pause event in a turn and hold operation applied to a mattress replacement system of a person support apparatus may include inflating at least one air bladder in only one of a right side portion and a left side portion of the mattress replacement system; detecting, automatically with at least one sensor, a force applied to at least one of a frame of the personal support apparatus and the at least one air bladder as the at least one air bladder is inflated; determining, automatically with a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, if the force applied has a force duration that is greater than a threshold force duration to trigger the pause event; and discontinuing inflation of the at least one air bladder when the pause event is triggered.

Abstract: Slings for rotation of individuals are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a sling includes a central support section supporting at least a torso of the individual, a superior support section disposed along a first side of the central support section, an inferior support section disposed along a second side of the central support section opposing the superior support section, and straps extending from each lateral side of the central support section. The superior support section includes an anterior support flap and a posterior support flap, and at least a portion of the posterior support flap is separated from at least a portion of the anterior support flap. A central axis bisects the superior support section, the central support section, and the inferior support section such that the sling is foldable about the central axis, and the central axis acts as a fulcrum for rotating the individual.

Abstract: A topper for a patient support surface includes an actively-cooled region that is positioned to deliver air flow under a specific area to provide localized treatment and/or moisture removal to a patient supported on the topper.

Abstract: A patient support surface includes a cushion and an inflatable patient positioning unit. The cushion is adapted to support a patient. The inflatable patient positioning unit is arranged over a portion of a top side of the cushion at a foot end of the cushion. The inflatable patient positioning unit includes a plurality of positioner bladders shaped so that when inflated a distal end of each positioner bladder is taller than a proximal end of the positioner bladder.

Abstract: A sleep apparatus, such as a mattress, comprises a head support surface sized to support a person's head, and a torso support surface sized to support a person's torso. The head support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from a first side toward a second side of the mattress, and the torso support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side. In some embodiments, the lateral slope of the head support surface is at least about 15°, the lateral slope of the head support surface is greater than the lateral slope of the torso support surface, and/or, the sleep apparatus slopes in the longitudinal direction as well.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a turn assist layer which includes left and right side arrays of two or more longitudinally distributed turn assist members. Each array member comprises one or more longitudinally distributed turn assist bladders. At least two of the array members on the left side are longitudinally spaced from each other by a left intermember reach-in space having a left intermember dimension. At least two of the array members on the right side are longitudinally spaced from each other by a right intermember reach-in space having a right intermember dimension. A support layer resides above the turn assist layer. The support layer includes a collapsible zone at least part of which overlies the intermember spaces. The occupant support also includes a user interface for enabling a user to operate the turn assist layer.

Abstract: A patient support surface includes a cushion and an inflatable patient positioning unit. The cushion is adapted to support a patient. The inflatable patient positioning unit is arranged over a portion of a top side of the cushion at a foot end of the cushion. The inflatable patient positioning unit includes a plurality of positioner bladders shaped so that when inflated a distal end of each positioner bladder is taller than a proximal end of the positioner bladder.

Abstract: A pressure sensing pad or mat comprises a piezoresistive layer, a top electrically conductive layer comprising a plurality of electrically conductive top strips extending in a first direction along one side of the piezoresistive layer, a bottom electrically conductive layer comprising a plurality of electrically conductive bottom strips extending in a second direction, nonparallel to the first direction, along the other side of the piezoresistive layer, and top and bottom adhesive layers holding the top and bottom strips against the piezoresistive layer so as to inhibit relative displacement of the strips relative to the piezoresistive layer and relative to each other. Also disclosed are a method of manufacturing the pressure sensor pad, a pressure sensing system that employs the a sensor mat, and a pressure map display for displaying a pressure distribution of an object resting on the pressure sensing mat.

Abstract: A topper for a patient support surface includes an actively-cooled region that is positioned to deliver air flow under a specific area to provide localized treatment and/or moisture removal to a patient supported on the topper.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure, a variable output pump, a power supply and a controller. The pump includes a driver that is responsive to variations in the power signal applied to the driver to vary the output from the pump. The pump output is varied depending on the amount of flow needed as determined by a sensor that senses the pressure in the inflatable support structure.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure, a variable output pump, a power supply and a controller. The pump includes a driver that is responsive to variations in the power signal applied to the driver to vary the output from the pump. The pump output is varied depending on the amount of flow needed as determined by a sensor that senses the pressure in the inflatable support structure.

Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle, the console has an upper portion and a lower portion. A pair of mounting flanges are fixedly secured to the lower portion, the mounting flanges each having a plurality of openings to allow a mounting member of a vehicle seat to pass therethrough. The multipurpose console is releasably secured to the vehicle through the securement of a removable seat having a locking mechanism passing through one of the plurality of openings and the pair of mounting flanges. The console includes many features that can be sold as part of the console or be added on at a later time. The console fits between the two middle row seats and extends up between the two front row seats. The unit can be mounted into the vehicle by placing the side flange holes over the seat floor attachment then adding the seats which snap into the floor inside these two holes on the center side of both middle row seat.

Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle, the console has an upper portion and a lower portion. A pair of mounting flanges are fixedly secured to the lower portion, the mounting flanges each having a plurality of openings to allow a mounting member of a vehicle seat to pass therethrough. The multipurpose console is releasably secured to the vehicle through the securement of a removable seat having a locking mechanism passing through one of the plurality of openings and the pair of mounting flanges. The console includes many features that can be sold as part of the console or be added on at a later time. The console fits between the two middle row seats and extends up between the two front row seats. The unit can be mounted into the vehicle by placing the side flange holes over the seat floor attachment then adding the seats which snap into the floor inside these two holes on the center side of both middle row seat.