Abstract: This invention relates to a postural system which can advantageously be used by both properly walking persons and non-ambulant and partially ambulant persons, and in the latter case is suitable for use with or incorporation with medical support devices for mobility, medical devices for rehabilitation and social or domestic life and the like: this system may also be advantageously used with or incorporated with transport means. The postural system according to the invention provides a supporting structure comprising a flat base plate (10) and a plurality of modular blocks (20a-20f, 30a-30d, 40a-40f, 50a-50e, 80a-80b) intended to support various segments of the user's body (legs, pelvis, spine and so on). The number, shape, size and orientation of the said modular blocks can be suitably selected to obtain a perfect fit for the user's shape (whether male or female) and encourage perfect housing of the body and a correct weight distribution over the entire surface of the seat.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is provided that has an articulating mattress a number of articulating sections. The bed has an adjustable base with a mechanism to move the articulating mattress into a plurality of positions. The articulating mattress has a number of rigid deck boards. Each articulating section has a corresponding deck board. Adjacent deck boards are hinged together so they can move or rotate with respect to one another. A suspension material, such as pocketed coil springs and/or foam, is disposed above each of said deck boards. A surrounding covering material that encases the deck boards and the suspension material to provide a mattress that can be moved to a number of different positions without any further retaining mechanisms being needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating sleep is disclosed. Embodiments of the sleep system receive a person's lower arm in an arm cavity of a person laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary sleep system has a trunk rest and head rest. Two separated cantilevered supports extending outwardly from the base portion of the head rest are in contact with and supported by a top edge of the trunk rest, thereby defining an arm aperture that receives the person's lower arm when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An arm cavity is defined by lower surfaces of the two cantilevered supports and a trunk rest cantilevered arm cavity surface that extends generally downward and inward.

Abstract: A patient handling device includes a controller, with a plurality of sensors, control panels, and lamps electrically connected to the controller. The patient handling device records the normal/desired state of the various components when power is applied. When one of the components goes outside the normal/desired state, the controller issues an alarm. This alarm includes illuminating a plurality of amber alert lamps which can normally be viewed by a user at any position around the outside of the patient handling device. The patient handling device also includes a position control. This control restricts movement of an upper (fowler) portion of the patient handling device in a certain range of angular positions, while permitting movement of the upper portion outside the certain range.

Abstract: A shoulder pain alleviating mattress assembly includes a mattress assembly frame, a foot mattress portion carried by the mattress assembly frame, a head mattress portion carried by the mattress assembly frame in spaced-apart relationship to the foot mattress portion and at least one depth-adjustable arm gap between the foot mattress portion and the head mattress portion.

Abstract: A specialty support surface for a variable width bed that can easily change its width from a wide bariatric mattress to a standard width so it can fit through a standard hospital door frame. The support surface can be placed on any bariatric bed frame that is designed to reduce its width to fit through a standard door. The support surface has the normal traverse air cells (used to reduce or relieve pressure). In addition, transverse air cells have independently controlled compartments on their ends. By inflating or deflating the controlled compartments, the length of the transverse air cells can be varied. These controllable compartments are controlled through an electronic controller by simply pressing a keypad on its touch panel. The electronic controller is used to control air pressure to the various compartments of the specialty support surface. The mattress replacement can be single or multi zone.

Abstract: An adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be varied.

Abstract: This invention relates to mattresses such as a pressure relieving mattress and in particular ones for profiling beds. The mattress comprises a base portion 11, a carriage portion 12, an upper portion 13 and an inflatable pressure relieving underlay 14 disposed between the carriage 12 and the upper portion 13. The facing surfaces 15 and 16 of the base portion 11 and the carriage portion 12, respectively, are coated with a low friction material so that the two slide easily relative to one another. This sliding movement is restricted to longitudinal relative movement by the engagement of co-operating formations 17, 18. The combination provides particularly flexible mattress arrangement which also avoids the problem of the leg section of the mattress kicking upwardly when a profiling bed is articulated.

Abstract: A mattress expander used to increase a width of a mattress, the mattress expander including a top pad having a width greater than the mattress to define overhanging portions on either side of the mattress, a pair of side members, under the overhanging portions; and, a mattress extending from one side portion and attachable to the other side portion to hold the side members under respective overhanging portions defining a mattress receiving channel there between.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress that incorporates a movement mechanism and support member inside of the foam mattress includes a fabric covering with a fastener member. The fastener member is used to keep a fitted sheet in place over the adjustable mattress when the mattress is adjusted to an inclined configuration. The fastener member is attached to the fabric covering near the lower edge of the adjustable mattress and is adapted to fasten to a corresponding fastener on the fitted sheet. The fastener member can be a toggle that fits through a loop on the fitted sheet. The fitted sheet also has an elastic band that draws the fitted sheet taut around the adjustable mattress. The lower portion of the fabric covering is made of stretchable fabric that stretches between the lower edge of the adjustable mattress and a balancing bar that supports the adjustable mattress when the adjustable mattress is inclined.

Abstract: An inflatable bed having a primary body, a backrest selectively inclinable relative to the primary body, a slit defined at a junction of the primary body and the backrest, and a pouch received in the slit to be selectively inflatable to move the backrest relative to the primary body. The slit is defined in a manner that when the pouch is inflated and the backrest is lifted by the pouch, friction of a bottom face of the backrest to a top face of ground where the inflatable bed is rested is minimized so as to facilitate the inclinable movement of the backrest relative to the primary body.

Abstract: A baby play yard mattress is revealed. The baby play yard mattress is set on a lower frame of a foldable frame. One side of a back veneer of the baby play yard mattress is disposed with slots corresponding to a folded area of the lower frame. By such design, the baby play yard mattress can also be folded while the foldable frame being folded. Moreover, only one side of the back veneer is arranged with slots so that the baby play yard mattress still provides good support to babies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mattress system that provides proper spinal alignment when a person is in the lateral decubitis position for long periods of time, such as when a person is undergoing surgical procedures. Thus the present invention is configured to work within the confines of standard surgical tables. By allowing a section of a mattress under the arm and shoulder of the patient to be easily removed, damaging pressures on the patient's shoulder and pressure injuries in the lateral decubitus position are greatly diminished.

Abstract: A furniture device comprising a section, having a fundament, a plate member, a first set of elastic members, an array of connections, a plurality of connection members attached to the first set of elastic members and to the fundament and a deformation member adapted to displace the plate member. Each elastic member comprises an elastic element having a first spring constant and a flexible envelope that encloses the elastic element. The connections located between the upper and lower ends of the elastic members forming an upper part with an upper length extending between the upper ends of the elastic members and the connections, and a lower part extending between the connections and the lower ends of the elastic members. The upper length is mainly unaffected by the displacement of the plate member and the lower length is adjustable by means of the displacement of the plate member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mattress comprising supporting plates and a supporting mechanism rotatably installed on the supporting plates between a first position where the supporting plates are incapable of rotating so as to form a plane and a second position where the supporting plates are capable of rotating to a folded position, herein the supporting mechanism includes at least two supporting tubes rotatably installed on the supporting plates and at least one pivoting joint disposed on the at least two supporting tubes, the at least two supporting tubes being connected to each other via the at least one pivoting joint so as to drive the at least one pivoting joint to rotate with respect to the supporting plates, thereby achieving simple, convenient and fast folding operation of the mattress.

Abstract: An insert for a bed facilitates use of a mattress having one cross-sectional profile with a bed frame having a different cross-sectional profile. An insert includes a base extending between sidewalls which have various contoured surfaces. The contoured sidewall surfaces enable the insert to be disposed in a bed frame in association with a mattress. Inner surfaces of the sidewalls are configured to accommodate receipt of a mattress while outer surfaces of the sidewalls are configured for the insert to be disposed in a bed frame. The surface sidewalls may further be configured to provide the insert with a safety feature which prevents or reduces the likelihood of a user falling from the side of a mattress associated with the insert.

Abstract: In many aspects, the systems and methods described herein include a mattress having a top sleeping layer disposed on top of a support layer. The support layer includes a polyurethane foam having channels aligned with the joints of the articulated sections of the foundation or frame of the adjustable bedding assembly. When the sections articulate about the joints, the channels allow the overlying top layer to conform to the sections while reducing wear and tear therein.

Abstract: A self-adjusting mattress includes a support member, top and bottom foam layers, a movement mechanism and balancing bars. The support member includes a frame of longitudinal and cross bars and mesh panels between the bars. The support member has a middle section that is pivotally connected to upper and lower sections. The upper, middle and lower sections are coplanar in the flat configuration of the mattress. The movement mechanism includes multiple electric motors that move the mattress into an inclined configuration by rotating the upper and lower sections relative to the middle section. The bottom foam layer is molded around the support member. The molded foam flows above, below and through the holes in the mesh panels. The top foam layer is then glued or molded to the top of the bottom foam layer. The balancing bars extend less than half way under the upper section of the support member.

Abstract: A symmetrical pressure relief foam mattress includes an upper foam layer placed on a zoned foam layer. A plurality of cylindrical holes are distributed throughout each of a first, a second and a third lateral region of the zoned foam layer. The first lateral region is less than twelve inches wide and has a middle that is within eighteen inches of the top of the zoned foam layer. The third lateral region is also less than twelve inches wide and has a middle that is within eighteen inches of the bottom of the zoned foam layer. The second lateral region has a middle disposed at the center axis of the zoned foam layer. The middle of both the first and third lateral regions is about fifteen inches from the edge of the mattress regardless of which end the consumer chooses to use as the head of the mattress.

Abstract: Method to manufacture a personalised mattress (1) from a basic part (2) with a recess (2) and inserts (3, 4, 5), which comprises the following steps: determination of the anthropometric data of a person; determination of the optimum distances over which the mattress (1) has to be deformed in a number of positions so that the spine of the person in this position has the same shape, insofar possible, as when the person is standing upright; determination of the deformation characteristics that a mattress (1) must have at these positions; selection of inserts (3, 4, 5); fitting of the inserts (3, 4, 5) in the basic part (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating sleep is disclosed. Embodiments of the sleep system receive a person's lower arm in an arm cavity of a person laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary sleep system has a trunk rest and head rest. Two separated cantilevered supports extending outwardly from the base portion of the head rest are in contact with and supported by a top edge of the trunk rest, thereby defining an arm aperture that receives the person's lower arm when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An arm cavity is defined by lower surfaces of the two cantilevered supports and a trunk rest cantilevered arm cavity surface that extends generally downward and inward.

Abstract: An adjustable contour mattress is provided with a multiplicity of zones each having a mattress height independently adjustable by a respective electro-mechanical actuator. The actuators are disposed within the mattress between a lower panel member and an upper mattress layer. A control unit is connected to the actuators for operating them to alternately raise and lower respective zones of the upper mattress layer. A remote control is operatively connected to the control unit and includes command input elements enabling an individual user to selectively operate the actuators independently of other ones of the actuators, whereby the user can adjust heights of the zones independently of one another.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A bed frame 36 disclosed herein includes a calf section 72 with a foot end 74 and an upper end 76 longitudinally spaced from the foot end, an upper body section 54 with a head end 56 and a lower end 58 longitudinally spaced from the head end, and a medial section 66 longitudinally intermediate the calf and upper body sections. The bed frame is capable of assuming a chair state and a chair egress state. The upper body section and medial section define a sacral corner 68, and the calf section and medial section define a popliteal corner 70 spaced from the sacral corner by an intercorner distance. The intercorner distance is smaller in the chair egress state than in the chair state. A mattress 100 disclosed herein includes an upper body segment 102, a calf segment 116, and a medial segment 124 The lower end 106 of the upper body segment cooperates with the upper end 120 of the calf segment to define an intersegment distance.

Abstract: In many aspects, the systems and methods described herein include mattress having a top sleeping layer disposed on top of a support layer. The support layer includes polyurethane foam having channels aligned with the joints of the articulated sections of the foundation or frame of the adjustable bedding assembly. When the sections articulate about the joints, the channels allow the overlying top layer to conform to the sections while reducing wear and tear therein.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes an inner core assembly 48 including a core portion 49 having a head end and a foot end defining a core longitudinal length; a left width adjustment portion 56 comprising a plurality of left width adjustment bladders 60, the left width adjustment portion extending laterally away from a left side of the core portion; a right width adjustment portion 58 comprising a plurality of right width adjustment bladders 62, the right width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the right side of the core portion; the left and right width adjustment portions each having a head end substantially longitudinally aligned with the head end of the core portion and extending footwardly a longitudinal distance less than the core longitudinal length thereby defining left and right relief portions 66, 68.

Abstract: A self-contained gatching mattress is provided having a gatching mattress sleep deck, a first air bladder cushion, a second cushion material, a control box having an air pump system and a manifold, a conduit distribution unit, a sliding bridge, and a cushion material positioned above the sliding bridge and the control box. The sliding bridge forms a gap area for conduits to extend from the control box to the conduit distribution unit which decreases the chances of the conduits being kinked or the conduits altering the cushion's tissue interface pressure to a patient positioned on the cushion when the sleep deck is gatched and/or portions are retracted or extended.

Abstract: A mattress for use on a bed frame has a lower body section 42 and a upper body section 40. The mattress upper body section is orientation adjustable in as a function of the orientation of the upper body section of the frame upon which the mattress rests. At least part 60 of the mattress lower body section is profile adjustable as a function of the orientation of the mattress upper body section without being dependent on profile adjustment of the lower body section of the frame. A mattress replacement system includes a mattress having an orientation adjustable upper body section and a lower body section. The mattress replacement system also includes an angular orientation sensor 58 for determining the orientation of the upper body section. At least part 60 of the mattress lower body section is profile adjustable in response to the determined orientation of the mattress upper body section.

Abstract: An inflatable bed having a primary body, a backrest selectively inclinable relative to the primary body, a slit defined at a junction of the primary body and the backrest, and a pouch received in the slit to be selectively inflatable to move the backrest relative to the primary body. The slit is defined in a manner that when the pouch is inflated and the backrest is lifted by the pouch, friction of a bottom face of the backrest to a top face of ground where the inflatable bed is rested is minimized so as to facilitate the inclinable movement of the backrest relative to the primary body.

Abstract: A self-adjusting mattress includes a support member, top and bottom foam layers, a movement mechanism and balancing bars. The support member includes a frame of longitudinal and cross bars and mesh panels between the bars. The support member has a middle section that is pivotally connected to upper and lower sections. The upper, middle and lower sections are coplanar in the flat configuration of the mattress. The movement mechanism includes multiple electric motors that move the mattress into an inclined configuration by rotating the upper and lower sections relative to the middle section. The bottom foam layer is molded around the support member. The molded foam flows above, below and through the holes in the mesh panels. The top foam layer is then glued or molded to the top of the bottom foam layer. The balancing bars extend less than half way under the upper section of the support member.

Abstract: A mattress converts from a crib mattress with side walls and end walls surrounding an infant sleeping surface on a central mattress section therebetween to a twin mattress with a substantially planar sleeping surface to support a reclining child or adult. The end walls and side walls are tethered or hingedly connected to the central mattress section and are moveable from an upright position (crib mattress) to an open position (twin mattress). Sidewall extensions are hingedly connected to the side walls and are pivotably moveable from a first position above the side walls to a second position axially aligned with the side walls when the side walls are in the open position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface, with at least one fluid bladder, a base wall, and a cradle, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder. The cradle is formed from a compressible material and is supported by the base wall, with the bladder being anchored at the base wall.

Abstract: A mattress converts from a crib mattress with side walls and end walls surrounding an infant sleeping surface on a central mattress section therebetween to a twin mattress with a substantially planar sleeping surface to support a reclining child or adult. The end walls and side walls are tethered or hingedly connected to the central mattress section and are moveable from an upright position (crib mattress) to an open position (twin mattress). Sidewall extensions are hingedly connected to the side walls and are pivotably moveable from a first position above the side walls to a second position axially aligned with the side walls when the side walls are in the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus has a back section, a center section pivotally connected to the back section so that the back section is movable between a first position coplanar with the center section and a second position approximately perpendicular upwardly relative to the center section, a leg section pivotally connected to the center section so that the leg section is movable between a straight position coplanar with the center section and a bent position approximately perpendicular downwardly relative to the center section, a cushion slidably positioned on the center section so that the cushion is movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the cushion between the backward position and the forward position.

Abstract: A bed and a method of using the bed are described. In accordance with one implementation, a bed comprises a frame and a support mechanism operably connected to the frame. The support mechanism is configured to support the frame. A mattress comprises a plurality of complementary members. The members have first and second opposing ends and a support device. The first ends of the members are rotatably connected to the frame via a mechanism for positioning the members. Other implementations are described.

Abstract: Assembly, comprising an element (2) defining a lying or support surface, such as a foam layer forming a core of a mattress, and a device (3) associated with the element (2) for adapting the form of the lying or support surface in waves, wherein the device (2) comprises at least one selectively expandable and/or compressible body. The body (3) is further embedded in or arranged under a part of the element (2) which is lower-lying during use and has above it at least a greater part of the thickness of the element (2). The body (3) acts on a wave part of the element (2) so as to selectively bring about waves in the lying or support surface, which wave part is connected via a hinged configuration to other parts of the element (2).

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A mattress expander used to increase a width of a mattress, the mattress expander including a top pad having a width greater than the mattress to define overhanging portions on either side of the mattress, a pair of side members, under the overhanging portions; and, a mattress extending from one side portion and attachable to the other side portion to hold the side members under respective overhanging portions defining a mattress receiving channel there between.

Abstract: The portable collapsible baby mattress apparatus provides multiple caregiving functions for an infant. The inflatable mattresses pads are selectively fastened to provide a horizontal mattress assembly, and selectively disassembled for portability and compact state. Functions include simulation of a caregivers heartbeat and breathing, entertainment and education for an infant via the view screen and speaker/mic, infant monitoring with alarm, and height and swivel adjustment of the view screen.

Abstract: A mattress has at least one inflatable top layer made up of a plurality of adjacent elements that are individually inflatable by a pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device and at least one bottom layer supporting the top layer. The bottom layer has a recess for receiving a sensor connected to the pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device, and making it possible to determine the pressure applied by the body of an individual bearing against the inflatable top layer and to regulate the inflation pressures of the elements of the top layer. In at least one support zone designed to support the sacrum of an individual, the top layer is made up of a plurality of inflatable elements that are of a width smaller than their height.

Abstract: A mattress includes a core portion having independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones, each of which includes at least an A bladder and a B bladder. Pressure within all the core portion A bladders is adjustable separately from pressure within all the core portion B bladders. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are adjustable separately from pressure within the B bladders of the given zone. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the A bladders of zones other than the given zone, and pressure within the B bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the B bladders of zones other than the given zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sectional element mat (2), the support properties of which may be individually tailored, whereby exchangeable sectional elements (E) are arranged tightly together or above each other. The above is characterized in that the individual sectional elements (E) may be easily removed and exchanged with other sectional elements. The individual sectional elements are either connected to each other by means of a separable material bridge or perforation (5, 6), connected to each other by means of a plug connector (27, 31), plugged onto or into a common base mat (40) or lying loose on the same. Individual sectional elements can be removed or separated from the combination where necessary and replaced by softer or stiffer sectional elements. In certain situations the resulting free space is left empty. The sectional element mat (2) is either part of a combination with other sectional element mats or contiguous or separate layers (1, 3), or itself forms the mattress core.

Abstract: A cushion unit includes shell having a first cushion retaining portion and a second cushion retaining portion that are demarcated by a hinge-seam including a fastener portion. The fastener portion is secured to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the cushion unit includes a cushion member affixed to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an outboard surface of the cushion member and secured indirectly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. A method for manufacturing a cushion unit is disclosed. A method for providing a cushion unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mattress for a hospital bed is provided. The mattress includes an encasing enclosing a compressible mattress portion and a rigid mattress portion. The compressible mattress portion has an integral construction extending from a head end of the bed to a foot end of the bed. The rigid mattress portion contracts from a first elongated position to a second retracted position, and the rigid portion contracting the compressible mattress portion therewith. The rigid mattress portion may be provided at any side or end section of the mattress. Accordingly, the width or length of the mattress can be modified.

Abstract: A bed mattress is provided for employing a plurality of cushion elements to be arranged in different portions of the mattress divided corresponding to the user's body parts and have appropriate elasticity for the corresponding part of the user's body, which comprises a mattress frame with an enclosing wall of elastic material for providing a mounting space therein; a plurality of cushion elements disposed in the mounting space and forming a mattress body together with the mattress frame; a side pad covering the periphery of the mattress body; and upper and lower cover pads with outer edges fastened respectively to the top and bottom edges of the side pad to enclose the upper and lower surfaces of the mattress body.

Abstract: A seating pad assembly is provided for use by travelers to increase the comfort for a seat on a public transportation vehicle or at a public transit terminal. The seating pad assembly includes a cushion formed from a viscoelastic foam and having dimensions substantially conforming to the dimensions of at least the hip/thigh support and the back support of the seat. Thus, the viscoelastic foam will bridge hard points and pinch points of the seat and will efficiently support the traveler across the gap. The seating pad assembly further includes a removable cover, straps for holding the pad in a coiled condition and a carrying bag for transporting the pad assembly.

Abstract: A seating pad assembly is provided for use by travelers to increase the comfort for a seat on a public transportation vehicle or at a public transit terminal. The seating pad assembly includes a cushion formed from a viscoelastic foam and having dimensions substantially conforming to the dimensions of at least the hip/thigh support and the back support of the seat. Thus, the viscoelastic foam will bridge hard points and pinch points of the seat and will efficiently support the traveler across the gap. The seating pad assembly further includes a removable cover, straps for holding the pad in a coiled condition and a carrying bag for transporting the pad assembly.

Abstract: A combination mattress for putting babies to sleep without disturbing the babies and waking them up includes a platform piece and baby-carrying piece. When the baby-carrying piece is placed in the platform piece, the two form a complete sleeping surface for a baby. When the caregiver needs to put the baby to sleep, the caregiver removes the baby-carrying piece from the platform piece, puts the baby on top of the baby-carrying piece, and cuddles the baby to sleep. When the baby is asleep, the caregiver moves the baby-carrying piece with the baby lying on top of the baby-carrying piece into the platform piece, where the baby continues to sleep. By avoiding touching the baby or creating pressure points with the baby's body, the caregiver avoids waking up the baby while transporting the baby to the platform piece.

Abstract: A patient support including turn assist, low air loss or integrated lateral transfer. The patient support is adapted to support a bariatric patient and includes a turning bladder for turning or assisting in turning a bariatric patient.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an articulated mattress that does not need any specific frame for its perfect functioning, mattress that may be provided with a massage device, pertaining to the general market, having particular application in the field of health and prevention and being included in the group of products that provide comfort and wellbeing.