Abstract: A patient transfer mattress includes a plurality of inflatable segments each including holes in a bottom sheet to create a cushion of escaping air beneath the segment to facilitate sliding of the segment along an underlying surface. The segments include attachment members, such as snaps, belts or hook and loop fasteners, adjacent peripheral edges of the segments, for connecting the inflatable segments to each other. The segments may also include fasteners for attachment of an accessory across an upper surface of the segment. Preferably, the mattress segments also include corner straps for engagement with a mattress support member to limit relative movement between the transfer mattress and the mattress support member.

Abstract: A system for visually identifying a patient transfer device, and distinguishing the patient transfer device from other patient transfer devices in a set of transfer devices is provided. The transfer device includes an inflatable mattress. The system comprises a plurality of identifier elements arranged about the mattress and adapted to present a unified appearance. The appearance of the identifier elements substantially distinct from that of the mattress such that the eye of a viewer is automatically drawn to the identifier elements. The identifier elements may include a plurality of side pull straps adapted for sliding the mattress along an underlying surface. According to one embodiment, the identifier elements include tabs to which fasteners are mounted for releasably attaching an accessory to the mattress.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes an inflatable mattress and a liner releasably attached to the inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress includes a top sheet having opposite side edges and a bottom sheet defining a plurality of holes to create a cushion of escaping air beneath the mattress. The cushion of air facilitates sliding of the mattress with respect to an underlying support surface. The liner includes an intermediate portion adapted to cover the top sheet of the mattress and opposite side portions extending beyond the side edges of the top sheet.

Abstract: A pull member for a patient transfer mattress preferably includes a first portion attached to the inflatable mattress and a second portion attached to the first portion such that a pulling force applied to the second portion is transmitted to the first portion at a location that is substantially equidistant from the top and bottom sheets. The pull member may be T-shaped having a first portion extending along a side panel between the top and bottom sheets or may include a first portion having opposite end attached to the mattress to define a loop. The pull member may include a hand grip to facilitate grasping engagement. The pull member may include a pair of elongated straps and an attachment mechanism for releasable attachment between the strap pair. The pull member may include a connector lug and a clip member for releasable attachment between first and second portions.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a top sheet inclined in a head end portion such that a patient's torso is elevated with respect to the feet. The mattress may include relatively narrow chambers in an intermediate portion for increased strength and stability. The mattress may also include a leg separator in a foot end portion, preferably tapered and including one or more inflatable chambers. The mattress may also include a pump mounted directly to the mattress. The transfer device may include a torso and head support accessory having independently inflatable torso and head chambers and inlet and exhaust tubes connected to each chamber. A distribution manifold includes valves connected to each of the inlet and exhaust tubes for controlled inflation and deflation of the chambers. The device may include a control unit connected to the manifold and mountable to an intubation tube for actuation by a user's thumb.

Abstract: A support pad includes a recess in an upper surface for receiving an inflatable transfer mattress. The recess may extend to a depth such that an upper surface of the transfer mattress is flush with the upper surface of the support pad when the transfer mattress is deflated. Alternatively, the recess may be adapted for receipt of a transfer mattress having an accessory on an upper surface of the mattress such that an upper surface of the accessory is flush with the upper surface of the pad. The support pad may include side and end portions to form an overlay adapted for placement on an underlying support member having larger dimensions than the transfer mattress. The support pad may also be sectioned to include one or more detachably connected portions to facilitate sliding removal of a transfer mattress from the recess of the support pad.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes an inflatable pad and a flap attached to the inflatable pad. The flap engages a patient such that the flap is worn by the patient. The flap may be attached to a front end of the pad and include a pair of spaced notches for receiving the legs of a patient. The flap may be further attached along side edges to a top sheet of the pad such that the transfer device is worn by the patient as a pair of shorts. Alternatively, the flap may be attached to a back end of the pad and include an upper portion having a pair of spaced openings for receipt of the arms of a patient. The flap may further include a pair of opposite side panels for encircling the torso of a patient as a vest.

Abstract: A patient transfer mattress includes a plurality of inflatable segments each including holes in a bottom sheet to create a cushion of escaping air beneath the segment to facilitate sliding of the segment along an underlying surface. The segments include attachment members, such as snaps, belts or hook and loop fasteners, adjacent peripheral edges of the segments, for connecting the inflatable segments to each other. The segments may also include fasteners for attachment of an accessory across an upper surface of the segment. Preferably, the mattress segments also include corner straps for engagement with a mattress support member to limit relative movement between the transfer mattress and the mattress support member.

Abstract: A highly absorbent sheet or pad sized to and placed onto the top of an operating table is weakened longitudinally through the center to form paired separable center-joined sections for lateral removal to respective sides of a patient lying on the sheet and centered longitudinally therewith. After surgery, the absorbent pad carrying a significant mass of blood can be quickly removed from the patient by pulling with sufficient force on the opposites sides of the pad, severing the pad centrally at the weakened portion. The weight of the patient tends to maintain one section of the pad beneath that portion of the patient as the other section is torn laterally away from the one section. The pad may comprise several layers with one or more layers being weakened by thinning the sheet material or perforating the same longitudinally.