Abstract: A thermal blanket for flowing temperature controlled air upon a patient wherein the blanket is inflated with air and orifices within the blanket permit the air to flow upon the patient. The improvement includes the locating of the air inlet at a central blanket location in the patient's chest region to permit the highest air temperature to be available over the chest region, and the air flow direction produces optimum distribution. The locating of the air hose upon the blanket upper side permits the inflated blanket to insulate the hose from the patient, the portion of the blanket placed over the patient's head is perforated to facilitate forming a head receiving opening, and a transparent barrier may be affixed to the blanket upper side to cover the patient's face during respiration.

Abstract: A disposable patient heating or cooling blanket having three layers of flexible sheeting two of which form an air chamber, the third of which is a comfortable layer for contact with the patient and which, having a greater friction characteristic, aids in keeping the blanket in place on the patient. The patient is bathed in conditioned air through a multiplicity of orifices in the bottom layers of the blanket and the size and location of the orifices are such that sufficient pressure exists within the blanket to prevent crimping blockage and to insure a uniform flow of air through the orifices throughout the blanket area. Conditioned air is introduced horizontally through an external nozzle which is inserted into a low cost foldable fitting plate bonded to the blanket which permits the blanket to be concisely folded and packaged.