Abstract: A method for monitoring pressure at one or more points on an individual and automatically adjusting one or more sections of a support structure. The method includes periodically receiving pressure data from one or more radio frequency addressable sensors placed on an individual; determining, based on the received pressure data, whether an adjustment in the support structure is required; systematically adjusting cells located within the plurality of zones, one zone at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated. If an improvement in pressure data is indicated for a zone, systematically adjusting cells within the plurality of subzones for that zone, one subzone at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated. If an improvement in pressure data is indicated for a subzone, systematically adjusting cells in that subzone, one cell at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated.

Abstract: A sleeping system is described in which comfort systems for a foam mattress assembly are mounted in a foundation assembly supporting the mattress assembly. The comfort systems include an air heating and cooling system, a firmness system and an elevation system. The foam mattress assembly includes a flexible encasement dish into which one or more foam layers are disposed. Blowers for the air system are mounted adjacent the foundation assembly top in direct fluid communication with apertures in the top, minimizing the air flow path from the blower exhaust to the mattress top to reduce air pressure loss and diminishment of the heated or cooled air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a corresponding device for filling at least one seat cushion of a seat with, and emptying same of, a fluid, in which, during a filling or emptying operation, depending on a switching state of an actuating member designed for filling or emptying the at least one seat cushion, a first pressure value determined upstream of a throttle point through which the fluid flows, and a second pressure value determined downstream of the throttle point, are detected, and, depending on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, an estimated value of a mass of fluid supplied to or removed from the at least one seat cushion is determined.

Abstract: A sleep surface insert system and method for positioning under, for example, an infant on a sleep surface. The sleep surface insert system includes an insert and a blower system. The insert includes a top liner and a bottom liner. The top liner and bottom liner define first and a second hollow spaces therebetween. Further, the top liner includes first and second pores such that the first pores extend through the top liner from the first hollow space and the second pores extend through the top liner from the second hollow space. In addition, the blower system is configured to provide air flow into the first and second hollow spaces defined in the insert such that the air flow is configured to flow into the insert and out of at least one of the first pores and the second pores.

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress (1) has two edge cells (2,3) and a even plurality of transverse inner cells, arranged in adjacent pairs as alternate cells (4) and cells (5). An umbilical inflation hose (6) is provided with three internal pipes (7,8,9). Pipe (7) receives constant pneumatic pressure and has a pipe extension (17) to pneumatic connectors (27) for the edge cells (2,3). Pipe (8) receives alternating pressure for cells (4) via extensions (18) to connectors (28). Pipe (9) receives alternating pressure for cells (5) via extensions (19) to connectors (29). The connectors (28,29) are T connectors having a stem welded into the bottom of their cells (4,5). The connectors (28,29) are in lines (38,39). Each cell has a connector at both ends, whereby there are lines (38 & 39) at both sides of the plurality of inner cells (4,5). The edge cells (2,3) are formed by folding and seaming a sheet of polyurethane material leaving a pair of strips (11) on top of each other.

Abstract: A patient positioning wedge, mattress, pillow, pod, or other surface or apparatus for preventing or relieving pressure ulcers or other types of wounds through low air loss therapy, alternating pressure therapy, or both, and the ports, controllers, and manifolds used in combination. The mattress includes a plurality of perforated or otherwise porous air cells for supporting the patient's body weight. The mattress further includes valves and accessory ports to pump air into accessories, such as patient positioning wedges, pods, and pillows. Each accessory also includes perforated or otherwise porous air cells. The air cells in the mattress and accessories allow for low air loss therapy and/or alternating pressure therapy by passing air between the contact surface of the mattress or accessory and the contact surface of the patient, thus helping alleviate pressure, heat, friction, and moisture, while maintaining support and stability of the patient.

Abstract: An inflatable buoyant platform (100) comprising a hollow inflatable enclosure (105) having a top surface (165) and a bottom surface (170), which are being peripherally joined by a flexible curtain (175). A support means (180) being provided inside the enclosure (105), the support means (180) adopts an extended form inside the enclosure (105) to enhance the rigidity of the enclosure (105) when the platform (100) is inflated, the support means (180) adapts a retracted form inside the enclosure (105) when the enclosure (105) is deflated. At least one inflating valve (135) on the enclosure (105) for inflating the enclosure (105) by an external source of compressed gas; at least one deflating valve (145) on the enclosure (105) for deflating the enclosure by the external source of compressed gas; and at least one exit valve (185) on the enclosure (105) for allowing the compressed gas to escape while deflating the enclosure (105).

Abstract: A system includes an air distribution pad and an air distributor. The air distribution pad is adapted to fit substantially on an upper bed surface of a mattress of an adjustable bed and comprises a head portion, a foot portion, a longitudinal middle portion between the head portion and the foot portion, and an upper surface extending along the head portion, the longitudinal middle portion and the foot portion. The air distributor is operably connected to the air distribution pad so as to create a flow path from the air distributor through the air distribution pad to the upper surface. The air distributor is connected to the air distribution pad within the longitudinal middle portion of the air distribution pad.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to therapy wraps for the application of compression and/or thermal therapy to a patient. The wraps are formed of at least two layers of material which are sealed together to form at least one cavity between them. The wraps may be used in conjunction with a therapy machine which fills the cavity or cavities of the wraps with fluid such as a gas and/or a liquid. The unique shapes of the wraps are particularly suitable for providing therapy to the human body. The shapes permit the manipulation of the wraps around various portions of the human body such as the shoulder, back and foot.

Abstract: Provided is an air mattress configured so that the pressure within each of bladder-shaped cells is variable, wherein the sleeping comfort of a person lying on the air mattress is not reduced. The air mattress has a plurality of air cell groups, each of which constituted by a plurality of bladder-shaped cells and lined up with respect to the lengthwise direction of the air mattress; an air supply/release pump; an air tube linking the bladder-shaped cells and the air supply/release pump in an independent first system for each of the air cell groups and an independent second system for each of specific bladder-shaped cells out of the plurality of air cell groups; and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure within the bladder-shaped cells for each of the first and second systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device. The cushioning device includes a plurality of support fluid cells between a head end and a foot end of a support surface. The plurality of support fluid cells is configured for supporting a load of a person. Each of the plurality of support fluid cells includes a reforming element. The cushioning device includes a counterbalance system that has a structure configured to transfer fluid from a first support fluid cell located at a first location along the support surface to a first counterbalance fluid cell located at a second location when the pressure is increased in the first support fluid cell of the support surface. The first counterbalance fluid cell is positioned for counterbalancing a load on the plurality of support fluid cells of the support surface.

Abstract: A two layer air support apparatus having at least two preformed air node circuits, where a top layer is radio frequency welded to a bottom layer for providing cyclic support to periodically shift pressure between different parts of a user's anatomy. The periodic shifting of the area supported by a user's anatomy over a period of time improves comfort and blood circulation. It is well known that periodic redistribution of skin pressure can help prevent some of the negative effects experienced through extended usage of beds and chairs. Additionally, enhancement of health and cosmetic improvement to vigorous individuals is suggested by the periodic shifting of supported anatomy due to improved rest from the benefits of a cyclic air support apparatus that has reduced complexity and cost.

Abstract: A method and a system have been described to determine a pressure relief set point for a person-support apparatus. The method includes determining the change in pressure or volume in a zone from a vacant mode to a person occupied mode and computing the weight supported there from.

Abstract: When pressure detected by a pressure sensor connected to a calibration standard cell has continuously fallen within a regulated pressure range at calibration for a regulated duration at calibration, zero-adjustment is performed based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor. Then, communication between the plurality of cells is created to perform internal pressure adjustment of the plurality of cells to a predetermined internal pressure value, based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor connected to the calibration standard cell and calibrate each of pressure sensors connecting to the plurality of cells, based on the adjusted internal pressure. With this scheme, it is possible to a mattress and the like that can perform zero-point adjustment efficiently by adjusting the zero point in the same manner even if the mattress is formed of a plurality of branches, without releasing the pressure sensor of each cell to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A support device of the mattress type (1), in particular for supporting the body of an individual, comprises a plurality of n compartments (2), preferably at least three compartments, more preferably three to 24 compartments suitable for being inflated with a fluid, in particular inflated with air, a plurality p of said compartments, where p is an integer in the range 2 to n, each having at least one fluid feed and/or vent orifice (4-1, 4-2) for said compartment and at least one solenoid valve (3-1, 3-2) serving to control the feed and/or vent of fluid to or from said compartments, the device being characterized in that said valves co-operate with or are integrated in said feed and/or vent orifices, each said valve (3-1, 3-2) being dedicated to filling and/or venting a single compartment.

Abstract: A patient moving station provides fluid bladders connected to a fluid transfer station. Fluid, preferably air, is provided to a first compartment to lift the buttocks of a patient to provide a gap to assist in changing diapers. Second and third compartments below shoulders are useful to inflate and deflate to turn the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of optimizing a pressure contour of a pressure adjustable platform system by (a) measuring pressure in a plurality of bladders in the pressure adjustable platform system; (b) assessing whether a change in pressure in one or more of the plurality of bladders occurs; (c) determining whether a subject on the pressure adjustable platform system has adjusted position, moved or tossed; (d) generating an adaptive sleep algorithm; and (e) adjusting the pressure in one or more bladders.

Abstract: A patient support includes a bladder layer with a plurality of bladders, a pneumatic supply system, and a plurality of tubes in fluid communication with pneumatic supply system. The tubes are coupled to and guided by the bladder layer so that the tubes and bladder layer may remain in close registry when being handled, for example, either during the assembly process or cleaning process.

Abstract: A support surface assembly comprises a support surface and a multi-zone chamber comprising two or more inflatable bladders forming the support surface. In an example, first and second bladders of the multi-zone chamber are arranged in a head to toe configuration and are substantially free to move with respect to one another. In another example, a flexible joint is included between first and second bladders, the flexible joint including one or more releasable fasteners. In another example, a fluid communication conduit between first and second bladders couples the first and second bladders in a series fluid communication. In another example, the bladders form an array of bladders arranged in series from a head to a foot of the support surface, wherein each of the bladders has substantially the same dimensions.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide: a cushion cell with a new structure which is designed to disperse stresses when the cushion cell is in an inflated state such that excellent durability is achieved and in which a large support area for the human body can be obtained with excellent space efficiency relative to a square shaped space for disposal in an inflated state; and a cushion body with a new structure using the same. The cushion cell is formed with a fluid chamber inside and the height of the cushion cell can be changed by adjusting the pressure in the fluid chamber. The planar shape of the cushion cell in a deflated state is a square shape, and each side part has a curved shape protruding outwards.

Abstract: A patient positioning wedge, mattress, pillow, pod, or other surface or apparatus for preventing or relieving pressure ulcers or other types of wounds through low air loss therapy, alternating pressure therapy, or both, and the ports, controllers, and manifolds used in combination. The mattress includes a plurality of perforated or otherwise porous air cells for supporting the patient's body weight. The mattress further includes valves and accessory ports to pump air into accessories, such as patient positioning wedges, pods, and pillows. Each accessory also includes perforated or otherwise porous air cells. The air cells in the mattress and accessories allow for low air loss therapy and/or alternating pressure therapy by passing air between the contact surface of the mattress or accessory and the contact surface of the patient, thus helping alleviate pressure, heat, friction, and moisture, while maintaining support and stability of the patient.

Abstract: An air cellular cushion according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of air cells; a sensor configured to detect an air cell collapsing to a bottom; a parameter measuring unit configured to measure a parameter indicating a collapse state of the air cell collapsing to the bottom; an indicator configured to output an indication; and a control unit configured to change the indication output from the indicator based on a parameter value measured by the parameter measuring unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.

Abstract: A method may include presenting a user interface on a display of a remote control to label a first air chamber of a plurality of air chambers; receiving a label from a user for the first air chamber; presenting a prompt to the user on the display to enter a pressure setting for the first air chamber, the prompt including the label received from the user; receiving a pressure setting for the first air chamber from the user; and transmitting a control signal to instruct the first air chamber to adjust pressure to the pressure setting.

Abstract: A sleep system comprises a mattress comprising a plurality of zones, each zone comprising at least one fluid inflatable bladder, a controller configured to control a fluid pressure within the at least one fluid inflatable bladder of each of the plurality of zones, and a user controlling device in communication with the controller, the user controlling device being configured to display a firmness identifier, the firmness identifier comprising a plurality of symbols, each symbol corresponding to a pressure setting within the at least one fluid inflatable bladder of a corresponding one of the plurality of zones.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad (1) comprises inflatable cells (9,10) supplied with air by supply lines (7, 8) from a compressor (2) via supply line (3). A pressure controller controls the output of the compressor. Also connected to supply line (3) is an angle detection valve (40) restricting flow of air to atmosphere with increase in its angular position and a pressure transducer (17). Any increase in pressure due to an increase in angle of the detection valve (19) results in back pressure in the detection line. The pressure controller (2) uses the pressure transducer (17) to detect this change in pressure and then acts to adjust compressor output to the cells (9, 10) accordingly. The angle detection valve (40) is positioned under the head section of the pad to move with the head rest section.

Abstract: A patient support includes a layer of fluid pressurized bladders, the bladders each having a chamber and an upwardly facing surface for facing and supporting a patient, and a cover over the layer of fluid pressurized bladders. Respective bladders in at least a group of the bladders each have a resilient body in its respective chamber to reform the shape of the respective bladder when a compression load on the respective bladder is removed wherein the pressure in the respective bladders is generally maintained without a powered supply of air. The cover has an upwardly facing patient surface and a bladder layer facing surface, with the patient surface for forming a patient support surface on the support, and the bladder layer facing surface for lying on the upwardly facing surfaces of the bladders.

Abstract: A patient support includes a cover defining an interior region, an air permeable first layer located in the interior region, and a first air supply coupled to the first layer to provide air flow through the first layer. The patient support also includes a plurality of air bladders located beneath the air permeable first layer and a second air supply coupled to the air bladders to selectively inflate and deflate the air bladders. An angle sensor is located in the interior region in an articulatable portion of the patient support. A controller is coupled to the first and second air supplies and the angle sensor to control inflation and deflation of the air bladders in response to an angle signal received from the angle sensor and to control air flow through the air permeable layer in response to the angle signal.

Abstract: Transfer pads for horizontal and/or vertical translocation are provided. The transfer pads include the fewest possible number of components required to provide a plenum chamber, the operative features of which are controlled at least by the provision of one or more interior sheets having specific characteristics with respect to position, perforation and attachment.

Abstract: A cushion or mattress comprising a base and a plurality of linearly aligned individual air cells across the base. Groups of individual air cells can be interconnected and in fluid cooperation with an inflation source, such as a pump. In one aspect of the invention, the inflation of adjacent cells is staggered, for example, in a checkerboard-like inflation pattern that helps diffuse load over a wider area.

Abstract: A method may include presenting a user interface on a display of a remote control to label a first air chamber of a plurality of air chambers; receiving a label from a user for the first air chamber; presenting a prompt to the user on the display to enter a pressure setting for the first air chamber, the prompt including the label received from the user; receiving a pressure setting for the first air chamber from the user; and transmitting a control signal to instruct the first air chamber to adjust pressure to the pressure setting.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: A patient transfer kit including an inflatable mattress, alternatively with a rigid top board with a patient restraint system on which a patient can be placed, when patient immobilization is required. A portable cart is included with a chamber for storage of a plurality of mattresses. The cart also has a gas/air blower and power supply system for powering the blower. The power system includes provision for drawing power from line AC/DC, and has a rechargeable battery and charger for maintaining the battery by connecting the supply to the line AC/DC. The mattress has a perforated bottom surface for exit of air to provide an air cushion, and is constructed with a white top surface and a dark bottom surface for optimum recognition of contamination, and identification of the bottom surface which must be placed downward. The cart is coated with an antimicrobial substance to minimize the risk of contaminants.

Abstract: An adaptive cushion for reducing pressure on body parts of a person positioned on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a force sensor. The cushion includes a controller for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to air pressures that tend to reduce the interface pressures sensed by the force sensors. A pressure reduction method includes varying the inflation pressure in a first air bladder cell while measuring the sum of the interface pressures exerted on all or a plurality of the air bladder cells, re-pressurizing the first cell to that air pressure for which a minimum total interface pressure was obtained, repeating this process for the remaining air bladder cells.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that reduces localized subcutaneous pressure while allowing capillary flow in a medical setting is disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes a mattress with at least one air operated component and a cushioning layer forming a patient support surface. The mattress has a recessed portion beneath the patient support surface at the foot end of the mattress with an enclosure housed in the recess. The enclosure houses therein at least one pump for directing air to the air operated component and a controller for operating the pump. The enclosure has a central section and two side sections, with each of the sections having an upper side. The side sections are located on opposed sides of the central section and at opposed sides of the mattress at the foot end. The upper side of the central section is recessed below the upper sides of the side sections wherein the depth of the cushioning layer at the foot end between the side sections is maintained generally constant at least along the central portion of the mattress extending from the head end to the foot end.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: A patient support including a pressure adjustable mattress system. The pressure adjustable mattress system includes a support surface and a controller to control the pressure of the support surface.

Abstract: A mattress system devised to achieve a function of automatic detection, mainly including a mattress having a simple structure; a control unit equipped with a unique user interface for caregivers to simultaneously adjust three major functions, namely, therapy mode, therapy intensity and comfort level; and a connection pipe for supplying air and power. The system is further provided with a built-in auto-setting function to sense the body characteristics of the patient lying on the mattress and determine an effective supporting pressure range for the patient. By detecting a pressure difference representing the body characteristics of the patient lying on the mattress and comparing with the data stored in a built-in database, the system can always provide the patient with not only a well-proved therapeutic effect through the auto-setting function, but also an adjustable comfort level on the patient's request through the user interface.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for a user to adjust a pressure in an inflatable device. The method includes acts of adjusting the pressure in the inflatable device with a control device to a pressure preferred by the user, where the pressure preferred by the user has a first value, and establishing a first setting corresponding to the pressure preferred by the user with the control device, and automatically establishing a second setting corresponding to a second pressure having a second value once the first setting is established, where the second value differs from the first value by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other things, techniques for waking a user by changing the user's sleep environment. In one example, a method includes receiving, at a central controller of an air mattress system, at least one user alarm setting, generating, via the central controller, at least one instruction based on the received user alarm setting, and transmitting, from the central controller, the at least one instruction to a first component of the air mattress system to adjust a feature of the first component.

Abstract: In one example, this disclosure describes a method including determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, whether a user is present on a mattress of the air mattress system, initiating a timer in response to determining that the user is present on the mattress, enabling a light control feature of the air mattress system upon determining that the user is present on the mattress after expiration of the timer, and after enabling the light control feature, transmitting, from the central controller, at least one instruction to turn on at least one light of the air mattress system in response to determining that the user is no longer present on the mattress.

Abstract: A method can be provided that includes measuring sound waves using a sound measuring device, determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, one or more parameter values of the sound waves, comparing the one or more parameter values with values, ranges, or patterns indicative of snoring, identifying a snoring state of a user, and initiating, with the central controller, a change to one or more adjustable features of the air mattress system.

Abstract: In one example, this disclosure describes a method including receiving, at a central controller of an air mattress system, a plurality of air pressure value, determining a plurality of average values using the plurality of the received air pressure values, calculating a difference value between a first one of the plurality of average values and a second one of the plurality of average values, comparing the difference value to a threshold value, determining, based on the comparison, whether a user of the air mattress system moved.

Abstract: A method may include presenting a user interface on a display of a remote control to label a first air chamber of a plurality of air chambers; receiving a label from a user for the first air chamber; presenting a prompt to the user on the display to enter a pressure setting for the first air chamber, the prompt including the label received from the user; receiving a pressure setting for the first air chamber from the user; and transmitting a control signal to instruct the first air chamber to adjust pressure to the pressure setting.

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members that raise or lower portions of the patient support based on the status of a valve assembly. The patient support may also include a plurality of inflatable members positioned at a foot end of the patient support to support lower legs of a patient including their heels. Another valve assembly is provided to control a bleed rate of air from the heal bladders.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an ultimate comfort n care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a medical or a hospital bed, and, more particularly, to a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed-sheets while the hospital bed is occupied by a patient. The present invention also comprises of a medical bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of a used bed sheet with a new bed sheet while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof. Optionally, the medical or hospital bed can also have an air bladder system to inflate or deflate the hospital bed mattress while a bed sheet is being changed.

Abstract: The described system and method allows for the control of inflation and deflation of air mattresses such that fast and accurate deflate times and satisfaction of consumer expectations may be achieved. A combination of empirically-derived deflate profiles, corrected dynamic measurements, and static measurements may be used to achieve fast and accurate deflation to user-defined target pressures. Additionally, a marketing routine that invokes simulated deflation or simulated inflation when deflation or inflation is not necessary but a user is expecting deflation or inflation, respectively, may be used to better satisfy the user's expectations.

Abstract: Patient support systems are generally disclosed. An example patient support system may include a base; first and second longitudinally oriented sidewalls extending upward from lateral side portions of the base; a substantially vapor-impermeable barrier on the top surface of the base and on inwardly facing surfaces of the sidewalls; a substantially vapor-permeable top cover extending between the sidewalls such that a generally longitudinally oriented channel configured to receive airflow therethrough is substantially defined by a lower surface of the top cover, an upper surface of the barrier on the base, and inwardly facing surfaces of the barrier on the sidewalls; a supply conduit extending from an exterior air supply connector to an internal air supply opening within the channel; an air discharge opening within the channel; and an inflatable support disposed in the channel. The interior volume of the inflatable support may be fluidicly isolated from the channel.