Abstract: A bed includes a mattress set on which a user's body is placed, an adjustable bedframe to adjust a position or orientation of the mattress set for various sitting and sleeping positions, and a dryer to dry the mattress set. The dryer includes a fan, a filter, and a heater to discharge filtered hot air toward the dryer to reduce mildew and mites. A humidity sensing sheet may be provided to sense a humidity level at different regions or areas of the bed, and the dryer may be controlled to supply hot air to regions of the bed having a higher humidity level than a predetermined humidity level or humidity range.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of a medical balloon, and a balloon device useful for various medical balloon procedures, such as gastrointestinal, vascular, reproductive system, urinary system and pulmonary applications. At least two layers of a thermoplastic film are sealed at their peripheral edges and heat sealed at one or more locations inside an area enclosed by the sealed edges at predetermined locations, in one implementation of the balloon device. Such configuration enables the balloon to articulate to a desired shape upon inflation, with the desired shape being selected to accommodate a specific medical application.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

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: 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.

Abstract: An air inflatable mattress and mattress coverlet are provided for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores or bedsores). The mattress incorporates a user selectable static or alternating air powered support surface for more uniformly redistributing pressure exerted on a patient's skin. The mattress coverlet encompasses a low air loss feature independent of the mattress's user selectable air powered support surface. Such low air loss feature provides a patient contact surface exhibiting a high moisture vapor transfer ratio in conjunction with a forced air flow to aid in reducing the moisture and heat near the patient's body. Both the mattress and mattress coverlet are driven by an external control system which houses the user controls, as well as the necessary pumps, regulators, and valving.

Abstract: There is described a mattress system (20) comprising a mattress, an airflow driving device (14) and a heat adjustment unit (28). The mattress has a mattress cover (24) enclosing an internal mattress (10) such that a mattress air chamber is formed between the internal mattress and the mattress cover. The airflow driving device is in fluid communication with the mattress air chamber via an air chamber inlet and an air chamber outlet. The airflow driving device is operable to drive an airflow through the mattress air chamber from the air chamber inlet to the air chamber outlet. The heat adjustment unit is for heating or cooling the airflow so as to control a temperature of the airflow within the mattress air chamber. There is also described a mattress. In addition, there is described an apparatus for providing a temperature-controlled airflow through a mattress air chamber connected to the apparatus.

Abstract: A patient support surface, such as a mattress, includes one or more sensors to sense movement of at least a portion of the mattress caused by extension or retraction of an associated mattress support section of a bed frame. A pneumatic control system adjusts inflation and/or deflation of at least one inflatable bladder of the mattress in response to a signal received from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

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 transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

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 method and apparatus for coupling and decoupling an air supply hose to an inflatable device. The inflatable device may be adapted to support a patient, such as an air mattress or an inflatable patient transfer mat that rides on an air cushion. The method and apparatus utilize an air inlet that normally assumes a flat orientation. The air inlet includes resilient members that allow the air inlet to flex out of the flat orientation in response to a compressive force. The compressive force changes the air inlet's orientation into a generally round orientation that is sized to accept an air supply hose. A collar on the air supply hose is able to frictionally engage an edge in the air inlet in order to prevent undesired removal of the hose from the inlet. Magnets may be used to help return the inlet to the flat orientation when not in use.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.

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: A patient transfer mattress is disclosed which includes a plurality of pods connecting the upper and lower sheets of the mattress. The pods may include a first aperture in a side wall thereof and a second aperture in an end thereof, said first and second apertures allowing air to flow from within a main cavity of the mattress and out to form a cushion of air beneath the mattress. One or more of the pods may also include a perforated disc positioned between the opposite ends thereby dividing the pod into upper and lower portions. The perforated disc controls air flow between the upper and lower portions to buffer local changes in air pressure caused by pump pressure, patient body weight or saturation.

Abstract: An underbody convective warming blanket includes a duct that is separate from, but in fluid communication with, interior space of the underbody convective warming blanket. The duct may be deployed to provide an air circulation conduit to shunt air around the air distribution structure in the interior space. The duct may be a flexible tube having a first end coupled to a first duct port in the underbody convective warming blanket near a first end of the underbody convective warming blanket and a second end to be coupled to a second duct port in the underbody convective warming blanket near a second end of the underbody convective warming blanket. An underbody convective warming blanket may include a midsection with an elongate columnar configuration which transitions at an end, or at each end, to a plinth-like configuration.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.

Abstract: An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A patient support includes a first layer, a first air supply coupled to the first layer, a second layer, and a second air supply coupled to the second layer.

Abstract: A cushion heated convectively using a positive temperature coefficient of resistance type resistive heating includes a mattress pad, seat or the like with a bottom surface secured around its perimeter to an air permeable top surface, forming a plenum and containing tubular spacer material or other air flow structure therein. The plenum is connected to a power unit housing a blower, a heating module and a controller unit. The heating module includes a PTC type heating element. A remote control is provided, and a foldable antenna attachable to the convective unit facilitates wireless communication with the controller unit. The user resting atop the cushion controls the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and through the top surface.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.

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 a device and a method for the gentle placement of a patient in a defined position. In order to provide a device for the placement of patients which both allows gentle positioning and at the same time holds the patient in a defined position, the device according to the invention comprises a mattress having a surface able to adopt a flexible state, as a result of being subjected to a first control signal, and a rigid state, as a result of being subjected to a second control signal, a cushion which is filled with a fluid, rests on the mattress and comprises a flexible wall in the region of the patient or the body part of the patient resting on the cushion, and a fluid pump which is connected via a valve to the fluid in the cushion and via which the internal pressure and/or the internal volume of the cushion may be adjusted to a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.

Abstract: A support surface is configured to support a patient thereon and has a base portion that includes an air cushion layer. The support surface also has a layer of three dimensional engineered material above the base portion. The layer of three dimensional engineered material is configured to permit air passage therethrough. The layer of three dimensional engineered material is made of a material other than foam. A cover is positioned between the layer of three dimensional engineered material and the patient to be supported. Air is forced through the layer of three dimensional engineered material.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a high air loss device. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes a pneumatic device located within the patient support.

Abstract: An infant play environment includes a padded mat on which the infant can be supported, a plurality of wall members foldably attached to the mat and supported by removable and reducible rigid members, with at least an opposing pair of said wall members engaging a toy bar extending over and above the mat. The environment is reconfigurable for use as a mat, a tunnel, a four walled enclosure and is foldable for storage.

Abstract: A patient support includes a spacing structure and a base portion.

Abstract: An overlay for a patient support is provided. The overlay is coupled to an air supply and includes an air permeable three-dimensional fiber network. The overlay is integrated into or coupled to the patient support in some embodiments.

Abstract: A support surface is configured to support a patient thereon and has a base portion that includes an air cushion layer. The support surface also has a layer of three dimensional engineered material above the base portion. The layer of three dimensional engineered material is configured to permit air passage therethrough. A cover is positioned between the layer of three dimensional engineered material and the patient to be supported. Air is forced through the layer of three dimensional engineered material.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for controlling humidity (i.e., moisture) within and/or adjacent a coverlet associated with a multi-layer air mattress. Humidity sensors may be incorporated at selected locations within the coverlet and coupled to a controller that is configured to provide a closed-loop control signal to vary air flow rate through the coverlet to control the rate of moisture adjustment, such as removal. In part, present subject matter may include a combination of a Low-Air-Loss (LAL) topper, having a pair of humidity sensors, one of which is at an inlet to the LAL topper and the other of which is at a selected one of existing outlets of the LAL topper. Air flow through the LAL topper is kept constant, in accordance with its basic operation, while the two humidity sensors are part of a closed-loop feedback control system, which adjusts the humidity of the air being input at the inlet.

Abstract: A person support surface comprises a multitude of inflatable cells. The cells are inflated and deflated to adjust an interface pressure between the person support surface and a person supported by the surface.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is closed, so that air continues to escape from perforations in the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

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: Apparatus, systems, and methods to support a patient or other person include a first material that is substantially air impermeable welded to a second material that is substantially air permeable and liquid impermeable. The first material may also be liquid and vapor impermeable and the second material may be vapor permeable. Exemplary embodiments may include an inflatable enclosure formed from a sheet of the first material with an aperture, and the second material may cover a portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A decubitis mat includes a plurality of individual cells (16 which are pressurized by air. A polymer sensor/vent structure (20) is mounted on the top surface of each cell and defines a plurality of polymer filled channels (28) and a vent valve (26) which is biased to a closed position. As a body resting on the mat heats the polymer, it undergoes a phase change an expands, causing biasing forces (30) which bias the vent valve to open, permitting air in the cell to be released providing air flow to the body.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a system for supplying air and controlling the flow of air into and out of the chambers of a patient supporting air mattress. It includes an electric motor powered variable speed blower, a two position rotary valve, air mattress supply lines communicating between the rotary valve and the chambers of the air mattress, a continuous exhaust line also connected to the rotary valve, stepper motor controlled valves in the air mattress supply lines, pressure sensors between the stepper motor controlled valves and the chambers of the air mattress and a control unit for controlling the stepper motor controlled valves to control the amount by which the chambers of the air mattress are inflated.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed including a spacing structure and a base portion.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is opened, so as to deflate the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad comprises at least two sets of inflatable cells, an air supply line to each set, a pump to circulate pressurized air through a circuit including the sets of cells and to return air from the cells to the pump, valve means for alternately causing inflation and deflation of each set, a sensor pad in the circuit through which pressurized air is passed and detecting means for detecting a reduction in air flow through the sensor pad to a level below a predetermined level and for increasing air pressure in the sets of cells to restore the air flow to a level above the predetermined level.

Abstract: A cushioning device including a first fluid bladder support structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a second fluid bladder support structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and at least one fluid accumulation reservoir. The first and second fluid bladder support structures deform under application of a load and reform upon removal of the load. A first conduit interconnects the first fluid bladder support structure in fluid communication with the second fluid bladder support structure. The first conduit includes a first one-way valve which permits fluid flow from the first fluid bladder support structure to the second fluid bladder support structure. A second conduit interconnects the second fluid bladder support structure in fluid communication with the at least one fluid accumulation reservoir.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed including a three-dimensional fiber network.

Abstract: Supporting device, notably mattress, mattress support or supporting device for seats, comprising several elements comprising flexible fluid-holding chambers aligned vertically and assembled in a network so as to form a structure enabling a body to rest. The pressure in each fluid-holding chamber is transmitted insider first conduits (4) coming out of said chamber. The first conduits communicate this pressure to the fluid-holding chambers of the neighboring elements.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment bed with features to enhance the care and comfort of burn patients and others subject to extensive recuperative periods. Among the features are patient engaging fluidized bead surfaces integral with the upper surfaces of air cushions provided by an air bed. Detachable conformation of the fluidized bead surfaces is also provided.

Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a system for supplying air and controlling the flow of air into and out of the chambers of a patient supporting air mattress. It includes an electric motor powered variable speed blower, a two position rotary valve, air mattress supply lines communicating between the rotary valve and the chambers of the air mattress, a continuous exhaust line also connected to the rotary valve, stepper motor controlled valves in the air mattress supply lines, pressure sensors between the stepper motor controlled valves and the chambers of the air mattress and a control unit for controlling the stepper motor controlled valves to control the amount by which the chambers of the air mattress are inflated.

Abstract: A low air loss bladder coupled to a siderail is provided.

Abstract: A mattress device includes a plurality of dual-fluid fluidizing units juxtapositionally secured in a mattress envelope; each dual-fluid fluidizing unit consisting of a lower air cell and an upper gel (or gel-like) cell superimposed and secured on the lower air cell, having a plurality of flexible ventilating and baffling tubes formed through each upper gel cell for venting air from the lower air cell to the patient's body as lying on the upper gel cells for therapeutically treating the patient as synergetically effected by both the air and gel cells.