Abstract: A supporting article (1;12) for comforting support of body parts and made of at least two layers (2;15) of web material welded together, which defines at least one compartment. The at least one compartment is made as an air channel (3;14) extending by a greater part of the periphery (4;15) of the article and is crossed by a valve means (5;16). Furthermore, the air channel defines a central area (6;17) of intermediary material. Hereby, a particular comforting support is achieved, which secures a stable positioning of the head or parts of a body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic cushion (1) having a base sheet (2) from which there project a plurality of adjacent inflatable cells (3) that are individually deformable in height. At least some of the cells (3) are internally fitted with respective individual sensors of cell deformation that deliver electrical signals indicating that a determined threshold of deformation of a cell (3) has been crossed.

Abstract: A low air loss mattress continuously supports a person lying thereon, and includes an upper layer of inflatable cells, and a separate lower layer of inflatable cells. The lower layer of inflatable cells is always maintained at a constant pressure which is higher than the pressure in the upper layer of cells to prevent a person lying on the mattress from contacting the underlying support surface, in particular, when sitting or during transport. Cells forming the upper layer may be inflated at different pressures to provide optimum support to different parts of the body.

Abstract: The present invention details a pressurizable mattress. The mattress has at least one inflatable cushion having a pair of sides, and at least one set of an electromagnetic energy emitting device and an electromagnetic energy receiving device. The electromagnetic energy emitting device, when operating, illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion. The electromagnetic energy receiving device collects the illuminating energy. The operation of the mattress requires a means for measuring the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion. The measuring means determines the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion by measuring the quantity of illuminating energy collected by the electromagnetic energy receiving device when the electromagnetic energy emitting device illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable pad for releasable attachment to a backboard to provide cushioned support to substantially an entire human body. The inflatable pad comprises a pad body having a length, a top end and a bottom end, a first side and a second side, and a selectively inflatable air retaining chamber integrated with said pad body. The inflatable pad includes an airtight interior for which a compressed air source is provided which selectively rapidly inflates the interior of the inflatable pad to provide cushioning of a person being carried upon the backboard without comprising the immobilization of the person. The inflatable pad is alternatively comprised of various sections specifically contoured to support the head, back, and legs of a person placed thereupon, and alternatively includes an integrated head restraining means.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress for supporting patients comprises two inflatable longitudinal tubes extending along the respective longitudinal edges of the mattress and a plurality of inflatable transverse tubes. Each transverse tube has adjacent its end an aperture, with the longitudinal tube extending through the aligned apertures at one side of the mattress and the longitudinal tube extending through the aligned apertures at the other side of the mattress. The transverse tubes are selectively inflatable in various modes under microprocessor control.

Abstract: Body support having an air core (2, 3; 52) and a bellows (6, 7; 56), integrated into a side edge portion (4, 5) from a compliant filling material, and having compliant filling material in an inner space. The body support further comprises passages (13, 14, 15; 63, 64, 65) which connect the bellows (6, 7; 56) with the air core (2, 3; 52) and connect the bellows (6, 7; 56) and the air core (2, 3; 52) with the surroundings, and comprising valves (16, 17; 67, 70) for blocking in a condition of rest air flow from the air core (2, 3; 52). Because the inner space of the bellows (6, 7; 56) in the condition of rest is in open communication with the surroundings, the compressibility of the bellows filled with filling material is well adapted to the compressibility of adjacent side edge portions, which are also filled with filling material, and the maximum load of the bellows is limited.

Abstract: Inflatable mattress assemblies are disclosed. Typically including separately inflatable upper and lower components sealed one to the other, the assemblies nevertheless can create appearances of having been formed merely by laying each upper component atop the corresponding lower component. By incorporating inflatable frames around the central sections of each of the two components, the components may be sealed (welded) together at locations other than their extreme outer edges.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable, massage support apparatus. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an inflatable body supporting structure having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface define an enclosure therebetween when the inflatable body supporting structure is inflated. In the present invention, the inflatable body supporting structure has a head end and a foot end. Additionally, in the present invention, the inflatable body supporting structure has massage facilitating features formed into the inflatable body supporting structure. The massage facilitating features are adapted to enhance the massaging of a person when the person is disposed on the inflatable body supporting structure.

Abstract: An improved inflatable medical patient transfer apparatus has a combination of transverse partition members and a raised perimeter section to reduce deleterious ballooning and uneven inflation as well as quick emergency deflation and provide additional security for a patient supported upon such transfer apparatus. Additional differentially inflatable patient rolling chambers are preferably supplied on the top of the transfer apparatus to provide assistance to medical personnel in beginning to roll patients reclining or lying upon the transfer apparatus particularly in a deflated condition on a hospital bed. An improved air inlet arrangement is also provided along with certain indicia upon the surface of the transfer apparatus to expedite use by hospital personnel.

Abstract: Fluid-filled, flexible-walled chambers in a variety of shapes are embraceably fitted with elastic loops or girths whereby the overall resiliency and cushioning ability of the chambers is improved. The expanded versatility of the resilient chambers makes possible improved designs of airbed and waterbed mattresses, and of toys, sports and safety equipment.A method for controlling and improving the impact between automobile safety airbags and auto passengers is made possible through the incorporation of elastic girths in the design of the airbag.

Abstract: The present invention is a patient support system. The system includes a mattress unit, an inflatable bladder, a manifold plate and a quick release plate. The mattress unit contains the inflatable bladder. The manifold plate allows air to enter into and be released from the bladder. The manifold plate has a set of female receptacles open to the exterior surface of the mattress unit. The quick release plate has a set of male connectors that correspond to the female receptacles. Each male connector has a slidable variance, permitting it to be removably received from the corresponding female receptacle. Thus, when any pulling force is applied to the quick release plate, the quick release plate disengages from the manifold plate resulting in the bladder deflating within a predetermined time frame.

Abstract: A mattress or mattress core is provided, and comprises a base member that is provided with at least two approximately cylindrical cavities that extend in a transverse direction of the mattress or mattress core. Approximately cylindrical inserts are adapted to be placed into the cavities. The inserts at least in part have different degrees of hardness.

Abstract: A cushion having multiple pneumatic cells extending upward from a common impermeable base is directly attached to a flat rigid base which is fixedly attached to each of three subframes of a convalescent recliner. Male and female snap fasteners are suggested. The direct attachment of the cushion to the flat rigid base disposes the bottom of the common impermeable base flush with the top of the flat rigid base. Upper attachment elements are located upon the bottom of the common impermeable base which mate with lower attachment elements located upon the top of the flat rigid base. Both upper and lower attachment elements are located in a single fixed configuration. An absorbent elastic cover fits over the cushion, is readily removable, and has a hem which fits about the periphery of the bottom of the cushion, outside of the fixed configuration of upper fastening elements. An ischemic preventive support cushion which will not shift as a result of inclination is provided.

Abstract: A system supporting a cushion, containing a plurality of covered inflatable air bladders and the controls and means for inflating the bladders. Bladders may be arranged in two or more arrays and controlled so that each array is inflated and deflated at different times than are other arrays. This provides continuously variable pressure points for a cushion which supports a person. A re-programable microprocessor controls the sequence and timing of array inflation which can be selected to suit individual needs. An included rechargeable battery provides power for at least 16 hours operation and enables easy system portability. The system may be used in cushioning for wheelchairs, and for many other seating and support applications, including support for animals. It includes a remote control/alarm panel with an on/off switch and audio/visual alarms warning of power or other system failure.

Abstract: A mattress cover, for use on an air inflatable mattress which reduces the risk of bed sores in long term patients. The cover has a top sheet and side sheets attached to opposite edges of the top sheet. The length of the top sheet, in a laid-flat state, is greater than the length of the side sheets attached to the top sheet. This allows the cover to closely follow the undulating nature of the inflatable cells of the mattress, and zero pressure may be achieved. The cover may also comprise end sheets, an outer skirt, and a base portion. The present invention also provides a method of making cover, which comprises the step of stretching the side portions, while the top sheet is in a substantially unstretched condition, and then joining the side sheets in their stretched condition to the top sheet.

Abstract: A container element for a furniture item, including at least one thin-walled closeable support element being fillable with air or the like from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the element forming support structure and/or a cushion for a piece of furniture as an arm-chair, a sofa, a bed or the like.

Abstract: A custom fit, inflatable air mattress, having a unitary, or one piece structure, that can be used in a variety situations such as in the flatbed of a pickup truck, station wagon, van or the like, and is designed to accurately and snugly conform around the protruding wheel well compartments.

Abstract: A new pneumatic mattress for providing a lightweight inflatable resting surface. The inventive device includes a tubular perimeter member having a pair of end portions and a pair of side portions extending between the end portions of the tubular perimeter member. A number of tubular cross members are extended between the side portions of the tubular perimeter member. The lumens of the tubular cross members are in fluid communication with the lumen of the tubular perimeter member.

Abstract: An inflatable air mattress which includes a top sheet and bottom sheet of flexible air impermeable material. When inflated, the mattress is provided with a series of tube beams running the length of the air mattress. These beams are sealed to the top and bottom sheets of the air mattress by a sinusoidal sealing pattern.

Abstract: A valve assembly for inflatable bladders, including beds, balls, toys, and other inflatable objects includes a locking mechanism within the valve for releasably holding the valve opened. The valve acts in three distinct ways. In a first way the valve is closed maintaining the bladder internal pressure. In a second way the valve may be incrementally opened by a user to release the internal pressure to suit the user. In a third way the valve may be opened and locked or latched to remain open allowing the deflation of the bladder. A spring provides a return force to close the valve when the lock is not engaged. Air pressure from outside the bladder supplied by a pump or the like will force the valve diaphragm open against the spring and allow air to enter. The diaphragm is made of a resilient seal material. The locking mechanism is engaged by pressing the diaphragm open and twisting to engage a lock.

Abstract: The present invention details a pressurizable mattress. The mattress has at least one inflatable cushion having a pair of sides, and at least one set of an electromagnetic energy emitting device and an electromagnetic energy receiving device. The electromagnetic energy emitting device, when operating, illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion. The electromagnetic energy receiving device collects the illuminating energy. The operation of the mattress requires a means for measuring the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion. The measuring means determines the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion by measuring the quantity of illuminating energy collected by the electromagnetic energy receiving device when the electromagnetic energy emitting device illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: An alternately inflated/deflated air bed being made by an arrangement of many air bag sets, each of them provided therein with a first air bag which is further provided therein with a second air bag. The first air bag thus is divided into two air chambers. An air pipe is provided on the first air bag for air intake and discharge. The second air bag is constantly kept inflated. The air bag sets are arranged in series. When the air bag sets of the odd and of the even numbers are alternately inflated/deflated by simultaneous discharge or intake of the two air chambers, the first air bags are inflated/deflated twice as much, so that a patient lying on the air bed obtains adequate ventilation by alternately changing contact points of his body with the air bed. When there is a power loss or machine failure which causes the first air bags to discharge, the second air bags support the patient to still feel comfortable.

Abstract: An air spring bedding system includes a mattress matrix assembly and a box spring assembly. The mattress matrix assembly comprises first and second air support structures. Each support structure has alternating offset air springs and connecting tubes which interconnect to two adjacent alternating offset air springs for distributing air between them. One of the two support structures also has alternating offset apertures. A respective one of the alternating air springs of the second support structure are respectively aligned with and inserted into a respective one of the alternating offset apertures of the first support structure such that the two support structures abut against each other to form the mattress matrix assembly. The alternating air springs of the two support structures are arranged in a matrix arrangement. The box spring assembly includes upper and lower support structures. Each support structure has a plenum and hollow cylinders which are arranged in a matrix arrangement.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a top sheet made of woven textile material laminated to an inner sheet of PVC and welded to bottom sheet made of PVC. Oval beams are welded to the inner and bottom sheets which are joined by lap seams. Support strips are provided for securing the lap seams at each corner.

Abstract: An inflatable support pad wherein a first group of inflatable cells are in flow communication with each other, a second group of inflatable cells are in flow communication with each other, and the cells of the first group of cells are interleaved with the cells of the second group of cells whereby the cells are alternatively inflatable and alternately exhaustible. Seal seam portions or walls which separate adjacent cells have serpentine shapes and are disposed relative to each other to define alternately broad and narrow cell portions. The serpentine shapes are truncated to eliminate or reduce duck-billing.

Abstract: A personal support device adapted for permitting a pregnant woman to lie on her stomach or abdomen even during the third trimester of pregnancy is formed of an inflatable mattress with an isolated section defined by a cylindrical wall. A portion of the outer membranae of the mattress extends into the isolated section to form a cavity for receiving and supporting the abdomen. Clearance holes in the cylindrical wall permit the isolated section to breathe, thereby permitting the cavity to expand and contract to maximize both the support and the comfort of the woman.

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress system includes a plurality of rigid ribs position side-by-side and hingedly interconnected so as to form a continuous overlay basis which is flexible in one direction. A plurality of pneumatic cushions is attached to each rib so as to provide a cushioned surface. The pressure of the pneumatic cushions is controlled by a main pressure control system which includes a main supply conduit with a pressurized inlet and an exhaust, both controlled by a control unit, and a pressure sensor. The pneumatic cushions are connected through a number of tubes located within the ribs to a rib control system which selectively connects them to the main supply conduit. By synchronized control of the pressure of the main supply conduit and the rib control system, the pressure within each cushion can be measured and controlled independently.

Abstract: A beach bed includes a flexible, thin-walled plane made from synthetic material, e.g. PVC. It is made up of a central part and a peripheral inflatable part separated by means of one or more heat seals, whereby the inflatable part, when inflated, form a boxed-in area around the central part. The inflatable part, when inflated is provided with at least one part that is raised relative to the rest of the inflatable part. With an item of this design it is possible for the user to make himself comfortable on a sandy surface and at the same time prevent sand from blowing on himself and any items he has placed in the central part. Furthermore, a beach towel may be coupled to the beach bed. Moreover, advertising may be printed on the central part of the beach bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling outward movement of flexible walls defining an enclosed chamber of a device inflatable by air or other compressible fluid, the outward movement occurring in response to application of an external force over portions of a flexible wall to decrease the volume and increase the internal pressure of the chamber. Spring-like couplings, preferably in the form of elastic members such as "rubber bands," are attached at spaced points to portions of the flexible, relatively moveable walls inside and/or outside the chamber. The couplings are so attached as to be expanded or stretched by relative movement of the flexible wall portions as the external force is applied, whereby the members exert a force resiliently opposing movement of the flexible walls in response to the increase in internal pressure caused by application of the external force.

Abstract: An airbed having multi-zone air mattress is provided having a control that can identify the configuration of any of a plurality of hand control units connected thereto and can interpret control functions differently based on the identified unit configuration. A plurality of normally closed valves seal pressures in each of the zones when power to an air pump is off while mattress zone pressures are constantly monitored and the measurements sent by the control through a communications port for monitoring of the motion or care of a user of the bed and for analysis and diagnosis. When pump power is on, the pressure in the zones is regulated at predetermined pressure settings ideal for the user. Deviations from ideal pressure cause a programmed controller to calculate inflation or deflation times for the respective zones that would be required to inflate or exhaust the zones to the desired pressures.

Abstract: An integrated matrix bedding system includes an air/foam mattress matrix assembly which comprises an airtight structure assembled within a restraining member. The airtight structure has a base with a plurality of compressible and expandable members extending upwardly from the base and arranged in a matrix arrangement. A plurality of connecting tubes are connected to the base and interconnected to two adjacent compressible and expandable members for distributing air between the plurality of compressible and expandable members. The restraining member has a plurality of interior cavities arranged in a matrix arrangement which corresponds and aligns with the compressible and expandable members. The plurality of compressible and expandable members are respectively inserted within the interior cavities of the restraining member.

Abstract: An air pump comprises a hollow pump body, at least one pulling member, an air inlet and an air outlet. The hollow pump body has air inside and consists of flexible sides and two opposite stiff ends. The air outlet is provided on the pump body to discharge the air in the pump body when the pump body is pressed. The pulling member is attached to one of the stiff ends of the pump body in order to restore the pressed pump body by pulling the pulling member. The air inlet is provided on the pump body to suck outside air into the pump body when the stiff end is pulled by the pulling member to restore the shape of the pressed pump body.

Abstract: An air pressurization and control system for a low air loss air floatation mattress or cushion is disclosed. The control system controls air supplied to the air floatation mattress within a range of pressures and flowrates so as to inflate all of the cells of the mattress and to maintain a flow of air to all of the cells over an extended period of time while maintaining all of the cells at a desired level of inflation for the air floatation support of the patient without any of the cells exerting decubitus pressures above the maximum desired decubitus pressure and so as to prevent collapse of any of the cells. A sensor is provided for sensing the pressure of the air within the common supply.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plurality of mattress structure components are arranged for selective assembly to provide a customized mattress structure at the point of sale to accommodate the musculoskeletal condition and interface pressure preference of the user. The mattress structure components include a perimetrical frame having a central opening and a plurality of cores which are provided in a variety of firmness and support characteristics such that various combinations of firmness and support can be selectively provided. The frame is preferably made from a relatively firm foam rubber such as a high resiliency, high density urethane foam and the plurality of cores includes air bladders, "zone foam" elements, "sculptured foam" shaped from foam blocks, and combinations thereof for filling the central opening of the perimetral frame. The mattress is also suitable for use with an articulating deck having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thighs and foot sections.

Abstract: A cushion that includes a cushioning element. The cushioning element has a number of substantially parallel elongate columns formed in a gelatinous cushioning media. The columns are configured so that when a force is applied to the cushioning element in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the columns, the cushioning element will yield by a combination of compressability of the cushioning media and bucklability of the walls of the columns. In particular, the walls of columns which are located beneath a protruberance on an object being cushioned tend to buckle, permitting the cushioning element to conform to the shape of the cushioned object while evenly distributing a supporting force across the contact area of the cushioned object and avoiding pressure peaks. The preferred cushioning media is a gelatinous elastomer or gelatinous viscoelastomer. Various configurations of cushioning elements, including sidewall supports, are disclosed.

Abstract: An air bed includes first and second air-tight enclosures disposed side by side in a first plane. Each of the first and second air-tight enclosures is independently inflatable and has substantially the same length and width, the first and second air-tight enclosures together having a first cross-sectional area in the first plane. An inflatable foundation is disposed below the first and second air-tight enclosures in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The inflatable foundation has a cross-sectional area in the second plane at least as great as the first cross-sectional area. The inflatable foundation is independently inflatable with respect to the first and second air-tight enclosures. The first and second air-tight enclosures and the inflatable foundation are secured together by a circumferential belt, with the first and second air-tight enclosures fixed in place with respect to the inflatable foundation.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable self sealing valveless fluid or gas container useable for a wide variety of applications including cushioning, package filler, mattresses, rafts and the like. The container is formed from one or more inflatable self sealing elements, each inflatable element being formed from a pair of inflatable cells. Each cell is formed from an inner and outer sheet of thermoplastic or other impermeable material, the sheets being sealed together at boundaries which define the inflatable cell. The inner sheets of each cell in the pair are sealed together such that the boundaries of the seal define a fill channel through which fluid or gas may pass between the cells. Apertures in the inner sheets of both cells within the fill channel allow fluid or gas to pass from the fill channel into both cells to cause inflation.

Abstract: A female anatomical mattress including a generally rectangular body supporting structure. The body supporting structure has a pair of side walls with a continuous central section. The central section has an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel and lower panel each share a rounded front end and a rounded rear end. The upper panel has a generally rectangular cavity that extends downwardly therefrom and toward the lower panel. Lastly, a generally rectangular head supporting structure is rounded. The head supporting structure is sized for positioning within the cavity of the body supporting structure, when not supporting a person's head. The mattress may be foam filled or inflatable.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a head end, a foot end, and sides. The bed includes a frame and a deck carried by the frame. The deck includes an upper deck portion and a central, longitudinal recess in the upper deck portion. The recess is defined by a lower deck portion and walls connecting the lower and the upper deck portions. The bed also includes a mattress including a planar, upwardly-facing patient surface, side portions resting on the side deck portions, and a central projection extending downwardly into the recess. A first longitudinal deck section is coupled to the deck to pivot about a pivot axis above the lower deck portion between a generally horizontal position and a tilted position.

Abstract: A water-tight and heat-insulating air mattress structure having an air valve and a body made up of upper and lower layers, first and second LLDPE layers, first and second aluminum foil layers, and a nylon layer sandwiched there-between. The upper layer is applied on the first LLDPE layer which can retard the encroachment of water, while the first aluminum foil layer which can prevent the heat from dissipation is laminated between the first LLDPE layer and the nylon layer. The opposite layers, the lower layer and the second LLDPE and second aluminum layers, are applied in the same order as the above layers, and thus laminating and sandwiching the nylon layer there-between to form an air mattress structure with the advantages of both water-tight and heat-insulating.

Abstract: A pressure relief support system utilizes a self-adjusting approach to maintaining generally constant pressure in fluid support bladders. A constant force, such as from a constant force linear spring or from a counterweight system, is applied directly to a fluid support bladder or to a reservoir in fluid communication with such bladder. Plural self-adjusting arrangements may be provided in a single device for fabricating a support body with sectionalized support. Such arrangements may be incorporated into mattress support systems or into seating arrangements or other alternative uses. By appropriately selecting system components, such as the amount of the constant force applied, the original volume of fluid to which the force is applied, and the reservoir size, pressure dispersion for a patient or supported object of any type may be controlled at a predetermined generally constant point.

Abstract: A pressure relief support system utilizes a self-adjusting approach to maintaining generally constant pressure in fluid support bladders. A constant force, such as from a constant force linear spring or from a counterweight system, is applied directly to a fluid support bladder or to a reservoir in fluid communication with such bladder. Plural self-adjusting arrangements may be provided in a single device for fabricating a support body with sectionalized support. Such arrangements may be incorporated into mattress support systems or into seating arrangements or other alternative uses. By appropriately selecting system components, such as the amount of the constant force applied, the original volume of fluid to which the force is applied, and the reservoir size, pressure dispersion for a patient or supported object of any type may be controlled at a predetermined generally constant point.

Abstract: A control panel for an inflatable structure includes a multi-layer planar fluid flow control panel sealed together at predetermined locations to define at least one fluid flow conduit with at least one layer of the panel having a plurality of apertures located in a predetermined pattern that communicate with the conduits. A plurality of discrete, inflatable chambers are sealed in planar orientation to the upper surface of the control panel to form the structure. The apertures of the panel are sealed in registered relationship with the fluid orifices to thereby permit fluid communication between the chambers and conduits of the control panel for selective inflation and deflation thereof. The interior surface of the control panel and chambers is selectively coated with a release material to prevent closure of the conduits and enable coplanar sealing of the chambers onto the panel about the perimeter of the apertures and orifices when disposed in registered relation.

Abstract: An air mattress for supporting an individual within a circular tent. The inventive device includes a circular upper web coupled to a circular lower web by a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An air valve is directed through the sidewall for permitting pneumatic inflation of the mattress. A plurality of spacing projections extend from the lower circular web and cooperate to support the mattress above a floor web of an associated tent.

Abstract: An inflatable object, especially an air mattress, with a part acting as a pump and a part inflatable thereby. In the pump part there is a device for spreading its walls making it unnecessary initially to provide air via the user's mouth or a bellows. A particulate propellant material, which may also take the form of waste, is used. A propellant material is a material which can be compressed and which on decompression, with the introduction of air, increases its volume. To prevent propellant material particles from penetrating into the valve between the pump and the inflatable parts, an air-permeable wall is fitted in front of the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mattress, particularly an air mattress. It comprises a bottom element (1) and a number of elongated, bag-like mattress elements (2), which may be inflated with gas such as air and are adjacently attached in the bottom element (1) of the mattress, transversally to the lengthwise direction (D--D) of the mattress and in such a fashion that they form, when inflated with gas, loop-like members, resembling an overturned U-shape or the like in cross-section, and extending outwards from the bottom element. The mattress may also comprise a number of second elongated, air-inflatable or similar resilient bag-like mattress elements. In that case, the first mattress element is arranged to encompass, at least partly, the second mattress element.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress comprising a pair of exterior tubes longitudinally disposed in parallel on opposite sides of the mattress in combination with a plurality of parallel connected interior tubes smaller in diameter then the exterior tubes and in sufficient number and dimension to partially enwrap a human user reclining on the inflated mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which supports a patient on an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure preferably has two components: a) lower inflatable layer which is selectively operable to provide basic support for the patient and which includes a plurality of laterally offset zone which may be independently inflatable to control rotation of the patient. Further, a second inflatable layer includes a plurality of zones for establishing optimal patient interface pressures and patient comfort levels, and may also include sufficiently independent inner chambers to facilitate the providing of specific therapies such as alternation of primary pressure contact areas, or percussion or vibration of the patient through inner cell inflation.

Abstract: A disposable rescue mattress comprised of a mattress being comprised of an upper sheet and a lower sheet. The upper sheet and lower sheet are secured together along peripheral edges thereof to form an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges. The lower edge has an air intake valve extending therethrough into the inner surface of the mattress. The device also includes a blanket having an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges. The lower edge and two side edges are secured to the corresponding lower edge and two side edges of the mattress with the upper edge extending upwardly beyond the upper edge of the mattress.