Abstract: A patient support system has a first surface formed by one or more of a choice of structures. A fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material is disposed adjacent the first surface. Examples of structures suitable for the first surface include a conventional mattress, with or without springs, polyurethane foam, and a plurality of inflatable sacks. The structure forming the first surface can be disposed on an articulatable member. The two surfaces are disposed end to end, and preferably the fluidized material supports at least the buttocks of the patient. the fluidizable material is laterally restrained by a member which is at least partially, vertically collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. An interface member such as an inflatable sack, a non-rigid panel or a polyurethane foam member forms the part of the lateral restraint member which connects the two surfaces.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material. The fluidizable surface preferably is formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support with the aid of anchoring flaps, attachment flaps, and attachment mechanisms such as airtight zippers or mating elastomeric members. Each of these cells contains a discrete mass of fluidizable material and is manually, detachably removable from the support, without the aid of tools, for ease of cleaning and replacement. Each cell is laterally retained above the air permeable support by a member whcih is at least partially vertically collapsible so as to facilitate ingress and egress of the patient and the cells to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement. A blower inflates the sacks, the inflatable elastic wall embodiments and the fluidizable material via a network including manifolds, valves, and flexible tubing.