Abstract: An alternating pressure pad includes a first series and a second series of inflatable cells. The first and second series of inflatable cells are interleaved, with one series within the other series. Each cell of the first series of inflatable cells and each cell of the second series of inflatable cells extends transversely across the alternating pressure pad and defines a non-linear and non-repeating path, with the path defined by substantially all of the cells of the first series being identical to the path defined by substantially all of the cells of the second series.

Abstract: A patient support includes an alternating pressure pad having separate sets of alternately inflatable cells and at least one further inflatable cell under the pad, with a support for the head of a patient lying thereon, and a control mechanism arranged to maintain alternate inflation and deflation of the cells of the pad to deflate the cells at the head end of the pad and also to inflate the cells under the pad in order to raise the level of the chest of a patient supported on the pad.