Abstract: A system for supporting and positioning a person. A flexible cover layer defines a support surface for the person, and a formable layer is coupled to the flexible cover layer. The formable layer includes a sealed bladder adapted to be in fluid communication with a vacuum source, and particles disposed within the sealed bladder. The system is operable in a first configuration in the absence of the vacuum, and a second configuration in the presence of the vacuum. In the first configuration, the particles are substantially movable relative to one another such that a contour may be provided to the support surface. In the second configuration, substantially immovable relative to provide rigidity to the formable layer to maintain the contour. A controller coupled to sensors may control the vacuum source to move said system between the first and second configurations. Methods of supporting and positioning the person are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient turning device for a patient support apparatus. The patient turning device includes a first and second bladder assembly each including a plurality of layers and seals defining a bladder volume. The bladder volumes are selectively inflatable with fluid to expand the respective bladder assembly, and consequently move a patient support surface of the patient support apparatus. A portion of a lower layer of the first bladder assembly and a portion of an upper layer of the second bladder assembly define an overlapping region of the bladder volumes. The patient turning device is coupled to an underside of a carrier sheet and positioned between a crib assembly and a bottom cover. An augmenting feature is configured to resiliently expand as at least one of the first and second bladder assemblies receives the fluid to move at least a portion of the crib assembly away from a patient support deck.

Abstract: A mattress cover for a mattress providing movement therapy to a patient. A patient support portion covers the upper surface of the mattress, and a bottom portion is coupled to the patient support portion. The mattress cover may substantially encase the mattress. An augmenting feature is associated with a peripheral portion with the augmenting feature adapted to move between a stored configuration, and a deployed configuration in response to increasing thickness of the mattress during the movement therapy. The augmenting feature may include concertinaed material, such as thermoformed plastic, and/or a fold of material coupled to the peripheral portion. The patient support portion and the bottom portion may at least partially overlap and be moveable relative to one another. The mattress cover may be included on a mattress overlay having a patient turning device, or on the mattress supported on a patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, that includes a sensor adapted to detect movement of the occupant while the occupant is supported on the support apparatus. A controller monitors outputs from the sensor in response to a mobility assessment control being activated. After monitoring the outputs for a period of time, the controller generates a mobility score based on the outputs from the sensor. In some embodiments, the controller use outputs from the sensor to determine which region of a defined surface area the patient has moved to. The controller records these visited regions over a time period and uses them to generate the mobility assessment. The mobility assessment provides an objective measure of an important factor used in predicting a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient. A pair of support decks are operatively attached to a support frame. Each of the support decks is arranged for articulation about a respective longitudinal axis between a plurality of longitudinal support configurations. Each of the support decks comprises a seat section and an auxiliary section operatively attached to the seat section for articulation transverse to the respective longitudinal axis. A joint assembly is coupled to the support frame and to each of the support decks. The joint assembly is arranged to concurrently position the auxiliary sections at a common angle relative to the respective seat sections independent of articulation of the support decks between the longitudinal support configurations.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support includes a plurality of stacked layers of cushioning material, at least two of the layers comprising foam, each of the at least two layers having a different firmness, and at least one of the layers comprising a gel-based cushioning layer.

Abstract: A patient support, such as a mattress, includes a plurality of inflatable bladders. Depth sensors are included in the support that measure the degree of penetration of a patient into the mattress. An air pressure sensor is also included that measures the pressure inside at least one bladder. A suitable inflation level of the mattress is determined by monitoring the rate of change of the depth with respect to air pressure as the bladder is either inflated or deflated. By detecting an inflection point in the graphical relationship of the depth and pressure outputs, a suitable inflation point for the bladders is determined that reduces interface pressures experienced by the patient, yet does not overly sink the patient into the mattress to a degree of discomfort. Analyzing the outputs of the depth and pressure sensors can also be used to detect a patient's heart rate and respiration rate.

Abstract: A cover for a mattress for supporting a patient is adapted to provide a generally smooth top surface over the mattress while still accommodating the movement of portions of the mattress or changes in thickness of the mattress, for example, when turning the patient.

Abstract: A patient support, such as a mattress, includes a plurality of inflatable bladders. Depth sensors are included in the support that measure the degree of penetration of a patient into the mattress. An air pressure sensor is also included that measures the pressure inside at least one bladder. A suitable inflation level of the mattress is determined by monitoring the rate of change of the depth with respect to air pressure as the bladder is either inflated or deflated. By detecting an inflection point in the graphical relationship of the depth and pressure outputs, a suitable inflation point for the bladders is determined that reduces interface pressures experienced by the patient, yet does not overly sink the patient into the mattress to a degree of discomfort. Analyzing the outputs of the depth and pressure sensors can also be used to detect a patient's heart rate and respiration rate.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes a plurality of cushioning layers arranged such that their supporting surfaces when unloaded are generally arranged in a plane, and with each cushioning layer interlocked with each adjacent cushioning layer wherein each cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its adjacent cushion layer.

Abstract: A cover system includes a base sheet, which is adapted to cover an underlying mattress, and a top sheet configured to wick away moisture and to cooperate with the base sheet to reduce shear on a patient supported on the cover system.

Abstract: A display for displaying toy building elements is provided. The display includes a vertical display area and a horizontal display area. The vertical display area includes a rear mounting surface with a connector for mounting the display to a wall or other structure. Optionally, one or both of the display areas includes a plurality of projections arranged in rows for mounting a plurality of complementary building elements to the display.

Abstract: A computer support station includes a tray having a work surface, with the tray adapted for mounting to a footboard of a hospital bed and being vertically and/or horizontally adjustable. The station further includes a computer and a display in communication with the computer. A keyboard is supported on the work surface and in communication with the computer.

Abstract: A tissue monitoring device for selecting, administering or adjusting a treatment based on information obtained by monitoring the tissue. The device includes a substrate for applying to the tissue, for example, a human or an animal external, or internal tissue, including vascular tissue; a light source supported by the substrate, the light source emitting light of a first frequency for directing the emitted light onto a surface of the tissue; a photodetector carried by the substrate spaced from the light source for detecting scattered light, wherein the scattered light is the emitted light scattered by the tissue; and a controller in communication with the photodetector and the light source.

Abstract: A temperature management pad includes a patient facing side, a cushioning layer for supporting the patient facing side above a surface, a cooling component located in, on, or adjacent the cushioning layer for cooling the patient facing side of the pad for cooling a patient lying thereon, wherein the cooling component includes a conduit formed between the patient facing side and the cushioning layer for circulating fluid through the pad across the cushioning layer. The cushioning layer comprises a gel cushioning layer with a continuous upper surface supporting the patient facing side, which includes channels formed therein. The conduit is supported in the channels for circulating fluid laterally across the gel cushioning layer and through the pad.

Abstract: A patient support includes a gel-based cushioning layer and an air distribution manifold located beneath the cushioning layer. The cushioning layer includes a plurality of transverse passageways extending therethrough to allow airflow through the cushioning layer and to the patient interface with the cushioning layer.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver.