Abstract: A support surface for a patient support apparatus includes an inflatable bladder assembly including an inflatable bladder having a first layer defining a first aperture, a support located adjacent to the inflatable bladder, and having a second layer defining a second aperture axially aligned and overlapping with the first aperture. A first patch is connected to the first layer, extends across and covers the first aperture, and has an exterior face facing the support. A second patch is connected to the second layer, extends across and covers the second aperture, and has an exterior face facing the first inflatable bladder. The exterior face of the first patch is connected to the exterior face of the second patch at a patch connection, thereby connecting the inflatable bladder to the support. A method for forming an inflatable bladder assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support surface for a patient support apparatus includes an inflatable bladder assembly including an inflatable bladder having a first layer defining a first aperture, a support located adjacent to the inflatable bladder, and having a second layer defining a second aperture axially aligned and overlapping with the first aperture. A first patch is connected to the first layer, extends across and covers the first aperture, and has an exterior face facing the support. A second patch is connected to the second layer, extends across and covers the second aperture, and has an exterior face facing the first inflatable bladder. The exterior face of the first patch is connected to the exterior face of the second patch at a patch connection, thereby connecting the inflatable bladder to the support. A method for forming an inflatable bladder assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support surface for a patient support apparatus includes: a comfort layer for supporting a patient on the support surface; a support layer disposed below the comfort layer and contributing to support the patient on the support surface; a cover enclosing the comfort layer and the support layer; and an anatomical turn insert including a turn bladder having a plurality of portions that are adapted to tilt specific parts of the patient's body, for example during a turn-assist or a continuous lateral rotation therapy (CLRT) function. The anatomical turn insert may also be provided as an independent component selectively placed within, beneath, or on the mattress.

Abstract: A pneumatic control assembly for a patient support surface includes a first air supply device providing air at a high flow rate and a low pressure, and a second air supply device providing air at a low flow rate and a high pressure. At least one first valve is configured to be fluidly connected to at least one inflatable section of the patient support surface, the at least one first valve being selectively actuated to fluidly connect the first air supply device with a corresponding one of the at least one inflatable section. The at least one first valve is piloted by the second air supply device. Other aspects of the pneumatic control assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient support apparatus, and more particularly to an ICU bed. The invention also relates to a frame assembly and to a foot extension for such patient apparatus. The invention further relates to a mattress for a patient support apparatus, such as a therapeutic mattress for an ICU bed.

Abstract: A mattress for a patient support apparatus has a cover having bottom and top surfaces, and an inflatable section disposed between the bottom and top surfaces. The inflatable section has a plurality of upper bladders in fluid communication with each other and a plurality of lower bladders in fluid communication with each other. The upper and lower bladders are selectively inflated independently from each other. The upper and lower bladders are formed by three sheets including an upper sheet, a lower sheet disposed below the upper sheet, and an intermediate sheet disposed between the upper and lower sheets. The upper sheet is fixed to the intermediate sheet to define the upper bladders between the upper sheet and the intermediate sheet. The lower sheet is fixed to the intermediate sheet to define the lower bladders between the lower sheet and the intermediate sheet. Other aspects of the mattress are also disclosed.