Abstract: An improved support system for a person in a sitting attitude to vary pressures produced on affected body areas adequate to improve blood perfusion thereat. A first, primary resilient support element is provided that defines a generally centrally located opening with a second, inflatable fluid support element received therein. The inflatable support element is located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover and is normally deflated whereby minimal pressures are generated on body areas thereover. Fluid may be supplied to the second support element to inflate same, thereby supporting a greater proportion of the body weight and lowering pressures generated on the portions contacting the first support element. A valve controllably inflates and deflates the second element. A timer may be employed to activate an air compressor to inflate the second support element after a predetermined interval.

Abstract: An improved patient support system including a fluid inflatable support for receiving a patient thereon; a fluid supply source in communication with said fluid support, a detector associated with said fluid support means for monitoring the degree of inflation of said support, and control valving, switching or the like operatively associated with said fluid supply and said detector to actuate said fluid supply responsive to predetermined input from said detector.

Abstract: A mattress unit comprises an inflatable base having resilient support cells on its upper surface, the tops of the cells supporting a patient, and a cover over the cells with a gas inlet to provide an increased pressure between the cover and the cells. The cover is perforated to allow ventilation of a patient. The unit is suitable for long-stay patients.

Abstract: A fluidized patient support structure in which a mass of granular material is received within an open top container between a fluid diffuser plate and a flexible sheet on which the patient may lie in a supine position. Pressurized fluid passes through the diffuser plate and suspends the granular material in a fluidized form. The diffuser plate has a predetermined variable contour and a predetermined depth of fluidized material thereabove adequate to support a patient in a supine position.