Abstract: A mattress includes a plurality of air cells. Each cell has a low air permeability envelope and a foam inflation structure that defines one or more voids inside the low air permeability envelope. The foam inflation structures expand when unloaded to cause inflation of the one or more voids. When unloaded, the ratio of the volume of the foam inflation structure to the volume of the one or more voids within the low air permeability envelope is not the same in all the cells.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure that varies in size as a frame of the patient support apparatus varies in size. The inflatable support structure includes a bladder assembly and bias members that urge the bladder assembly to a collapsed configuration during deflation of the bladder assembly.

Abstract: The cushion according to the invention is made up of several layers of pneumatic elements (3) which each form a matrix (2). These pneumatic elements (3) each have a multiplicity of holes (5a) into which elastic spring elements, for example foam cylinders (1), are inserted. The pneumatic elements (3) are all substantially congruent, such that the holes (5a) of superposed pneumatic elements (3) are in each case located at the same places. An individual pneumatic element (3) is produced from two superposed sheets of an elastic plastic. The two sheets are welded sealingly to each other at the edges of the cushion and at the edges of the holes (5a). The holes (5a) are cut out after the welding. Each pneumatic element (3) has at least one connection for compressed gas. While supporting a patient, the pneumatic elements (3) are alternately supplied with compressed gas and then relaxed again.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a self deflating cushion whereby a volume of air within the cushion is controllably released to a surface of the cushion thereby providing a cooling effect to the seated anatomy of a user. The cushion further provides a variety of internal, open cell cushioning materials that store and release air during use of the cushion.

Abstract: A pad including first and second air impervious chambers adhered to one another is provided. The first air impervious chamber is provided by a plurality of fluidly interconnected air tubes. Each tube is formed between a first and a second thermo-plastic sheet. The first and second thermo-plastic sheets are affixed together at seams on opposite sides of the tubes. A first length between the pair of seams along the first thermo-plastic sheet is different than a second length between the pair of seams along the second thermo-plastic sheet. The second air impervious chamber is coupled to the first air impervious chamber. The second air impervious chamber including a core therein to provide self-inflating features to the second air impervious chamber. Methods of forming the same are provided.

Abstract: An air mattress has a top chamber and a bottom chamber separated by a barrier. The patient rests on the top surface of the top chamber, which has a plurality of apertures discharging air through apertures that are not blocked by the patient. The top chamber is provided with temperature-controlled heated or cooled air at a regulated pressure. Heated or cooled air from the top chamber is delivered to an area substantially surrounding the patient. The bottom chamber has a bottom surface containing a plurality of apertures that remain closed due to the weight of the mattress and the patient when the pressure-regulated air is beneath a pre-selected value. When the air pressure is increased, the apertures at the bottom surface of the bottom chamber emit air, creating an air cushion underneath the air mattress that facilitates lateral movement of the mattress over a flat or irregular surface, such as from a hospital bed to a stretcher, or from a stretcher to an operating table.

Abstract: Described herein are exemplary embodiments of improved surgical positioners that not only help position a patient during surgery, but also help maintain the patient's body temperature during surgery. Some exemplary surgical positioning devices disclosed herein comprise a flexible shell defining a deflatable air-tight internal region partially filled with beads and an electrical warming fabric coupled to an internal surface of the shell that is adjacent to the patient. The warming fabric is configured to convert electrical current into heat for warming the patient during surgery.

Abstract: A cellular structure includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells coupled to the base, a sealing layer, and a pressurization system. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The cells each extend outwardly from the base, and are grouped together in at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The cells in each of the first, second, and third zones are only coupled in flow communication with the cells in that respective zone. The pressurization system is coupled to the first, second, and third zones for selectively and independently pressurizing each of the zones. The pressurization zone is configured such that in a first mode of operation, the first zone is pressurized and the second and third zones are depressurized, and in a second mode of operation, the first zone is depressurized while the second and third zones are pressurized.

Abstract: A method for detecting occupant position change on a support surface includes establishing a rate of change of pressure in a head end test zone and in a foot end test zone, comparing the head end rate to at least one head end rate limit, comparing the foot end rate to at least one foot end rate limit, and inferring, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred. An associated occupant support includes a frame and a mattress. The mattress includes head and foot zones each having at least one pressurizable bladder. The support also includes a controller adapted to compare a head end rate of pressure change to a head end rate limit, to compare a foot end rate of pressure change to a foot end rate limit, and to infer, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a mattress including a plurality of cells provided on a body pressure working surface of a substrate that supports a human body, and a pressure control means that changes a setting of a height of each cell by adjusting a pressure in a fluid chamber formed within the cell. An elastic cushion layer is provided on a body pressure working surface of the cells, and a constricted portion is formed in a middle in the height of the each cell so that the body pressure working surface of the cell is allowed to tilt following deformation of the cushion layer as a result of the cells' precession-deformation at the constricted portion.

Abstract: A body position and pressure control apparatus is provided capable of highly accurately detecting body pressure distribution without causing a sense of discomfort for a sleeper, changing body positions, and distributing body pressure. The body position and pressure control apparatus has a mattress provided with a plurality of divided portions and supporting a sleeper, an elastomer sensor, and a body pressure adjuster controlling each of the divided portions based on an instruction from the elastomer sensor and thereby changing the body pressure distribution of the sleeper. The elastomer sensor has a sheet sensor main body and a calculator, the sensor main body having an elastomer sensor thin film, a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of detectors corresponding to the divided portions provided between the electrodes.

Abstract: An adaptive cushion apparatus for minimizing force concentrations on body parts of a person seated or lying on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a stretchable piezoresistive force sensor of novel design and construction. The apparatus includes an electro-pneumatic control system for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to pressures measured by a pressure transducer which tend to minimize force concentrations sensed by the force sensors.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.

Abstract: A person monitoring system is operable to predict the onset of an adverse condition of a person. The system receives first information corresponding to a feature of a person support apparatus and second information corresponding to a physiological characteristic of the person. The system calculates a condition score as a function of the first and second information. In some instances, the system alerts a caregiver if the condition score exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the person monitoring system alerts a caregiver when a person supported on a person support apparatus is regaining consciousness by monitoring one or more of a change in position, a heart rate, and a respiration rate. A person monitoring system that monitors a person's quality of sleep and presents information concerning the quality of sleep to one or more interested parties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a plurality of therapeutic devices including a rotation device and a percussion-vibration device for carrying out rotation, percussion, and vibration therapy for a patient. The patient support apparatus includes a control system for controlling operation of the plurality of therapeutic devices. The control system comprises a touch-screen display segmented into a main menu portion and a data window portion. The therapeutic functions are represented by touch selectable buttons on the main menu portion. When any of these buttons are selected, a plurality of adjustable operating parameters appears in the data window portion. At the same time, the buttons corresponding to the therapeutic functions in the main menu portion remain visible such that an operator can easily select another therapeutic function. A method of tracking the therapeutic functions performed is provided.

Abstract: A device for automatically adjusting the hardness of an air bed based on front or side lying comprises: a mattress body having at least one air cushion, wherein the air cushion has an air inlet/outlet; gravity sensors traverse positioned in the mattress body; a cylindrical member, which one end is connected with the air inlet/outlet; an inflation/deflation device connected with the other end of the cylindrical member, wherein the other end is not connected with the air cushion; and a control device electrically connected with the inflation/deflation device and the air cushion previously stores the predetermining values of front lying and side lying, the gravity sensors are triggered to send signals to the control device while the user lies on, the control device determines the result of front lying or side lying based on the triggering amount and drives the inflation/deflation device to inflate/deflate the air cushion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control unit configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data.

Abstract: An air cushion bed includes an inflatable air mattress; a first sensing mat provided on an outer surface of the air mattress and including a first upper and a first lower sensing sheet with a first soft pad sandwiched between them; and a first determining module electrically connected to the first upper and lower sensing sheets. When the first sensing mat is compressed and the first upper and lower sensing sheets are electrically connected to each other via holes on the first soft pad, the first determining module determines there is a patient lying on the air mattress or the air mattress with a patient lying thereon is insufficiently inflated. A second sensing mat and a second determining module can be additionally provided on another outer surface of the air mattress opposite to the first sensing mat for the air cushion bed to determine both of the above two situations.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a bed frame having a head end and a foot end and control circuitry carried by the bed frame. The control circuitry receives information about conditions of the patient support apparatus. A light is coupled to the bed frame adjacent the foot end and is coupled to the control circuitry. The light is in a first state when the patient support apparatus is operating normally and the light is in a second state when the control circuitry detects an alert condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress system in which a ultra low pressure plenum is positioned within the mattress system. In one embodiment, the ultra low pressure plenum is a bladder which is sandwiched between layers of a foam material. A plurality of ultra low pressure plenums formed as columns extending longitudinally or laterally along the length of the mattress system can be used.

Abstract: A mattress and a capacitive immersion system for adjusting the support that the mattress provides to a user are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mattress includes one or more air cells and a capacitive immersion system. The system relates generated capacitance between conductors mounted to an air cell to a pressure inside the air cells on which the conductors are mounted. More specifically, the measured capacitance may be related to a distance between the conductors. This distance may then be related to pressure with the air cells. The air cell may be inflated or deflated as required or desired to maintain a suitable minimum distance or distance that a user finds to be subjectively comfortable.

Abstract: A lateral tilting device for a patient lying on a mattress is capable of being inserted between the mattress and a level bed base or bed frame on which the mattress rests. The lateral tilting device comprises at least two independent first and second inflatable cells, pneumatically independent and positioned at least partly symmetrically from one another in relation to a median axis of the tilting device. The lateral tilting device includes two ‘U’ shaped inflatable compartments that are fitted into one another. A method for the lateral tilting of the mattress includes inflating a said first or second cell and concomitant deflation of the other second or respectively first cell of the tilting device laid out under the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress system for a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one inflatable bladder, each having at least one inflation port and a plurality of selectively sealable deflation pinholes. When fully deflated the inflatable mattress may be rolled up into a compact storage configuration. An air pump is in fluid communication with the inflation port of each inflatable bladder and is adapted to pressurize the bladder with air treated with an ozone generator, sanitizer, or the like. Such an air pump is preferably controlled by a controller circuit that may be included to inflate any of the inflatable bladders and activate or deactivate the air treatment apparatus, based on, for example, a pre-programmed schedule or regiment as directed by a medical professional. Auxiliary attachments, such as an appendage sleeve, a blanket, or the like, may also be inflated with the air pump.

Abstract: A system includes a fluid controller coupled to an inflatable bladder and configured to add fluid to and remove fluid from the inflatable bladder, a control unit configured to provide information used by the fluid controller to adjust the pressurization of the inflatable bladder, the control unit including a user interface configured to constantly display a plurality of indicia corresponding to a range of pressure levels in which the inflatable bladder is employed by a user, where each of the plurality of indicia is associated with a different level of pressure of the inflatable bladder, respectively. In one embodiment, the fluid controller is configured to adjust the pressurization, in response to a user input at the user interface, to a pressure level selected by the user based on a current pressure level of the inflatable bladder, the pressure level selected by the user and an operating time of the fluid controller.

Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress with at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels.

Abstract: This air cell cushion has a pair of side air cells extending upwardly from the upper surface side of the base member at both end sides in the lateral direction of the base member. The side air cells have a larger front-rear direction size than in the lateral direction thereof. Also, each side air cell is configured to inflate outward in the lateral direction. By this, in a case in which the side air cells face the armrests of the wheel chair, when the side air cells are inflated outward in the lateral direction, the outer side surfaces of the side air cells abut against or become adjacent to the armrests.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a multi-bladder air mattress where only two inflation-deflation port members are required to inflate an air mattress having either four or six separate air bladders.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A mattress with built-in massage capabilities that is arranged so the mattress can be used as a standard sleep surface when the massage function is idle. In standard sleep mode a user will not notice the massage aspects of the mattress. Massage is performed by air pumps and air bags controlled to simulate various massage protocols such as wave, stretching, kneading, and percussion.

Abstract: A portable air mattress system includes an inflatable member expandable from a deflated state to an inflated state. An inflation device is in fluid communication with the inflatable member. The inflation device is configured to selectively inflate the inflatable member to the inflated state. Further, the inflation device can be removed and reattached by the user. A power supply cable is in electrical communication with the inflation device. The power supply cable is configured to provide electrical power from a power source to the inflation device so as to power the inflation device. The terminal end of the power supply cable includes a universal serial bus (USB) connector.

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: A bed comprises a frame 34 with at least one orientation adjustable section (44, 46, 48), a mattress 58 supported by the frame and having at least one A bladder and at least one B bladder. The bladders are inflatable and deflatable out of phase with each other in coordination with at least one of a) issuance of a command for the frame section to change orientation and b) an actual change in orientation of the frame section. Also described is an associated method for operating an occupant support at least part of which is orientation adjustable relative to other parts of the occupant support. The method comprises providing, in response to a change of orientation of the orientation adjustable part, a relatively lower occupant/support interface pressure (OSIP) at a location A and a relatively higher OSIP at a location B followed by providing a relatively higher OSIP at the location A and a relatively lower OSIP at the location B.

Abstract: A mattress system has a cover, a crib, and a fluid bladder system. The crib surrounds the perimeter of the fluid bladder system and the cover overlies the top surface of the crib and fluid bladder system. The fluid bladder systems provide at least one conventional bladder therapy to a patient positioned on the mattress system. The fluid bladder system interconnects to the crib to not form a hammock effect so the crib functions as a restraint. The fluid bladder is also designed to bottom out to form an exterior cavity. A second cushion is inserted into the exterior cavity and positioned so the crib continues to function as a restraint. The second cushion provides a therapy to the patient that is different from the fluid bladder system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control unit configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data.

Abstract: A medical air mattress has a mattress body and an upper bedspread. The mattress body is formed by multiple air cells including independent air cells parallelly arranged as an air cell row. The upper bedspread covers the mattress body. The independent air cells are connected to the independent deflating unit to be deflated independently. When the patient needs to use the bedpan, the independent air cells are deflated to form a recess for receiving the bedpan so that the patient needs not to move.

Abstract: A body support platform for supporting a human body, comprising one or more body support unit(s), the or each support unit comprising a plurality of columns, each column comprising a stack of fluid-fillable substantially spherical resilient balls, each ball of a respective column being physically and fluidly connected only to the adjacent ball(s) within said column, such that a column may be compressed substantially independently of a neighboring column; and a base providing a primary fluid reservoir; wherein said columns are arranged in an array across said base; and each of aid columns is connected to said base, such that the lowermost ball of each respective column is directly fluidly connected to said primary fluid reservoir; and wherein the uppermost ball of respective columns collectively define a body support surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive patient system comprising: apparatus; sensing means associated with the apparatus, the sensing means adapted to send, receive or identify a location signal; presence identification means associated with a region of a patient, the presence identification means adapted to send, receive or identify a location signal; and altering means adapted to alter a property of the apparatus in proximity to the presence identification means upon identification of an activity signal, thereby effecting an activity in the vicinity of the region of the patient, wherein the activity signal is associated with transmission or identification of at least one location signal as between the sensing means and the presence identification means. Also provided is a method for providing a directed response to a region of a patient.

Abstract: A fluid bladder system has a conventional fluid bladder and a resilient member in the fluid bladder. The resilient member is of a size that it allows the fluid in the fluid bladder to be the principal support applied to the patient. The resilient member only applies a force to the patient only after the patient displaces the fluid in the fluid bladder so the resilient structure is the only entity that inhibits the patient from bottoming out.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a bed frame with movable portions and a mattress supported on the bed frame. A control system synchronously controls inflation and deflation of at least one air bladder of the mattress and movement of at least one of the movable portions.

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: The present invention may be used for support of a human on a cushion. A mattress apparatus may have a base member of generally rectangular shape with four upstanding peripheral side walls. A plurality of bars may be disposed on the base member in a rectangular matrix configuration and the plurality of bars may have a separation space longitudinally and laterally between adjacent bars. A gas member of generally elongated tubular shape may be positioned longitudinally in each of the longitudinal separation spaces with each of the gas members having a gas conduit connected to a first pressurized gas source. Lateral gas tubes that may be of generally rectangular shape may be positioned transversally of the longitudinal gas tubes with a first end of each lateral gas tube connected to the first pressurized gas source or to a second pressurized gas source. A bed sheet covering the base member to enclose the top of the mattress apparatus.

Abstract: A mattress has cells with low air permeability envelopes. Check valves permit air flow into cell groups. An inflation structure expands within the cells when not loaded to cause the envelope to fill with air through the check valves. Another mattress has a cell with a primary bladder, a hollow inflation structure in the primary bladder, a secondary bladder in the hollow inflation structure. The inflation structure expands when not under load to cause the primary bladder to fill with air through the check valve. An air cell has a bladder, a check valve permitting air flow to the bladder, and an inflation structure that expands in the bladder when not under load to cause the bladder to fill with air through the check valve. The inflation structure is a cylindrical foam structure with a portion removed along a surface and a D-shaped hollow space within an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: An air pump includes a sliding member disposed movably a housing and cooperating with the housing and a partition casing in the housing to define first and second chambers thereamong. The air pump is operable between a deflation state, where air from an inflatable product connected to an air nozzle on the housing into an air impeller chamber in the partition casing through the first chamber and an air inlet in the partition casing is driven by rotation of an air impeller to flow outside the air pump through an air outlet in the partition casing, the second chamber and an first vent unit in housing, and an inflation state, where air flowing from the outside into the air impeller chamber through a second vent unit in the sliding member, an air pipe of the sliding member and the air inlet is driven to flow into the inflatable product through the air outlet, the first chamber and the air nozzle.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a mat, with an upper side and a gas permeable lower side. The mat includes a chamber between its upper and lower sides, which is operable to be in fluid communication with an air source such that when air flows into the mat, the air will flow into the chamber and through the gas permeable lower side to form an air film between the mat and a surface on which the mat is supported at its lower side. In addition, the lower side of the mat is substantially planar when the mat is inflated. A system for controlling the inflation of the mat may be used that automatically adjusts for the inflation of the mat during patient transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: A sleeper apparatus for holding an infant designed to simulate the feeling of being held in a caregiver's arms is herein disclosed. The sleeper is similar in shape to that of a canoe and is able to accommodate most infants via a removable insert section. The insert may be added or removed, depending on the size of the infant. The sleeper is made using padded foam materials and comprises an air bladder located along an inside wall of a perimeter enclosure. The bladder is connected to a DC-powered air pump, which pumps air in and out of the bladder to simulate human breathing. The inner space of the sleeper is contoured to conform to the babies shape. The head area is larger with minimal padding to provide for unobstructed and clear breathing. The foot area is slightly declined and would be provided with additional padding. The sleeper provides a comforting and secure resting place for infants.

Abstract: An air distribution support surface product includes a vapor permeable material such as a sheet of breathable material, a fluid resistant material, such as a sheet of waterproof material and an intermediate fluid passing material interposed between the vapor permeable material and the fluid resistant material to form a plurality of chambers. One of the chambers serves as a type of fluid retention chamber and another chamber serves as a type of fluid loss chamber. A fluid intake opening may be provided to allow fluid, such as air, to inflate the chambers. In one example, both of the chambers share the intermediate fluid passing material. As such, the fluid retention chamber is formed by the fluid resistant material and the intermediate fluid passing material. The fluid loss chamber is formed by the vapor permeable material and the intermediate fluid passing material.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length.

Abstract: A method for assessing the status of a piezoelectric sensor of interest is disclosed. The sensor of interest is located adjacent a surface of a mattress supporting a person. In some instances, the sensor of interest may be coupled to a mattress or coupled to a bed frame that supports the mattress. The method involves analyzing the complex impedance of the excited sensor relative to a complex impedance profile. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.