Abstract: A foam chair cushion having transverse support ribs is provided for reduction of shear stress between a person's skin and the surface of the chair cushion. The chair cushion may include transverse, lateral support ribs upon the support surface of the cushion. The support ribs have a predetermined cross-sectional geometry that is curvilinear, with a superior aspect generally disposed for receipt of a person and a inferior aspect opposite. The inferior aspect of the cross-section of the support ribs may undercut the portion of the support ribs vertically above it. Having such cross-sectional geometry, the support ribs are directionally oriented, either toward the one end or the other of the chair cushion. The chair cushion may include support ribs that are directionally oriented toward the foot of the chair in regions adapted for the person's upper torso, buttocks, and lower legs, and directionally oriented toward the head of the chair in a region adapted for the person's thighs.

Abstract: A mattress insert including a substantially flat bottom surface configured to rest on a mattress and a concave portion formed in a support base opposite the flat bottom surface. The concave portion includes a recessed area between a head rest area and a leg rest area. The head rest area and leg rest area are at opposite ends of the concave portion. The head rest area and the leg rest area have a height greater than the recessed area such that the infant's head and legs are elevated. The substantially flat bottom surface of the support base extends from the head rest area to the leg rest area.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support having a first patient support deck, a removable section having a second patient support deck, the removable section being configured for movement to a first position wherein the removable section is coupled to the patient support, a second position wherein the removable section is adjacent to but spaced from the first position and a third position spaced apart from the patient support. A handle support mechanism is mounted on one of the patient support and the removable section. A handle is movably mounted on the handle support mechanism and is supported thereby for movement between a first handle position and a second handle position. The handle support mechanism is configured to facilitate movement of the handle from the first handle position toward the second handle position only when the removable section is oriented at and between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A mattress insert including a substantially flat bottom surface configured to rest on a mattress and a concave portion formed in a support base opposite the flat bottom surface. The concave portion includes a recessed area between a head rest area and a leg rest area. The head rest area and leg rest area are at opposite ends of the concave portion. The head rest area and the leg rest area have a height greater than the recessed area such that the infant's head and legs are elevated. The substantially flat bottom surface of the support base extends from the head rest area to the leg rest area.

Abstract: A mattress pad positionable atop a rectangular mattress which better accommodates diverse weights and sizes of the human anatomy for enhanced comfort. The mattress pad includes a flexible bottom sheet having a size and shape substantially similar to that of a top surface of the mattress. A flexible fabric top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet by peripheral stitching along common perimeter side, head and foot margins. A plurality of generally side-by-side body supporting chambers are each defined by peripheral stitching and spaced lines of continuous stitching which interconnect the top and bottom sheets. Each chamber is filled with an open or closed cell urethane foam material. Preselected nominal thicknesses of each of the chambers provides the comfort and accommodation to each portion of the human anatomy.

Abstract: A mattress pad positionable atop a rectangular mattress which better accommodates diverse weights and sizes of the human anatomy for enhanced comfort. The mattress pad includes a flexible air tight bottom sheet having a size and shape substantially similar to that of a top surface of the mattress. A flexible air tight top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet by peripheral heat or ultrasonic weld sealing along common perimeter side, head and foot margins. A plurality of generally side-by-side body supporting chambers are each defined by peripheral sealing lines and spaced lines of continuous sealing which interconnect the top and bottom sheets. Each air chamber is individually and selectively fillable with pressurized air and thus capable of localized pressurization within the chamber. Preselected nominal thicknesses of each of the chambers provides the comfort and accommodation to each portion of the human anatomy.

Abstract: A mattress surface has planar lower and upper surfaces. The mattress has a forward head surface and a rearward foot surface. The mattress has parallel side surfaces. A box spring assembly is provided in a wedge-shaped configuration. The box spring assembly has planar lower and upper surfaces. The box spring assembly has a forward head surface and a rearward foot surface. The box spring assembly has parallel side surfaces. The thickness of the box spring assembly at the forward head surface is greater than thickness of the box spring assembly at the rearward foot surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a therapeutic bed comprising a mattress. The mattress has a fluid cushion and a fluid pump. The fluid cushion has a fluid support surface, a retractable/deployable bolster, and a closure mechanism. The fluid support surface has a top surface designed to receive a patient thereon. The closure mechanism corresponds to the retractable/deployable bolster and allows the retractable/deployable bolster to be deployed or retracted. When the retractable/deployable bolster is deployed the retractable/deployable bolster protrudes from the top surface and is positioned about a portion of the patient's perimeter. When the retractable/deployable bolster is retracted the closure mechanism is positioned over the retractable/deployable bolster to prevent the retractable/deployable bolster from protruding from the top surface. And the fluid pump provides a fluid to the fluid cushion.

Abstract: A patient bed and a method for reproducibly positioning and supporting a patient in a medical diagnosis or therapy apparatus, such as a CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus, involve supporting at least regions of the patient body in a desired position on the patient bed and using at least one positioning unit to position the regions of the patient body relative to the patient bed. The patient bed has a number of height-adjustable elements arranged like a matrix that are individually adjustable in terms of height.

Abstract: An inflatable sex-support unit for mattress configured to be temporarily or permanently attachable to such mattress, comprising of bladders that are stowed away in layers of bedspread and foams, that inflate to a height of 12 or more inches above the unit's surface to elevate and support the back area including the buttocks; to elevate and support the left leg in a wide spread posture; to elevate and support the right leg in a wide spread posture; while leaving enough space between the two lower bladders for a second party to occupy during sexual intercourse. The top area provides a soft and smooth surface that is also utilized for sleeping atop such bed or on the ground surface.

Abstract: An inexpensive enclosure providing a protected space on a beach, lawn or the like. An inflatable tube forms a wall surrounding a space having an open end, so that a user is shielded from small kicked or thrown material or objects, running pets and the like. The tubular wall has flaps extending from its bottom surface, with pouches or separate tubes which a user fills at the site to hold the enclosure in place. The enclosure may have a floor, and may have attachment portions for removably connecting an extension unit having a floor which extends beyond the open end of the space between side portions of the wall.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved bed. The bed comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet connected with the top sheet, and at least one coil beam. The coil beam further comprises a first fastener attached to the top sheet, a second fastener attached to the bottom sheet, and a string connecting the first and second fasteners. In one embodiment, the first fastener further comprises a first attachment sheet with two first openings and a first bridge formed therebetween. The first attachment sheet is welded onto the top sheet. The string runs through the two first openings between the first bridge and the top sheet. In addition, the second fastener further comprises a second attachment sheet with two second openings and a second bridge formed therebetween. The second attachment sheet is welded onto the bottom sheet. The string runs through the two second openings between the second bridge and the bottom sheet.

Abstract: An infant support apparatus for supporting an infant lying prone on its torso, configured to aid in soothing the infant and to aid in relieving and reducing the infant's gas pains. The infant support apparatus supports the head of the infant, the torso of the infant, and the legs of the infant such that the infant's head is elevated above its torso and its legs. The infant support apparatus is optionally fire retardant and fire resistant and includes a removable washable cloth cover. Retaining straps are used for holding the infant on the support apparatus. The infant support apparatus is shaped to conform to an underlying surface.

Abstract: A foam mattress system having transverse support ribs is provided for reduction of shear stress between a person's skin and the surface of the mattress system. The mattress system may include a mattress to be used independent of other mattresses or springs, or a mattress pad to be used atop other mattresses or springs, and either may be used on both a flat bed and a bed with an inclined torso section. The mattress system includes transverse, lateral support ribs upon the support surface of the mattress. The support ribs have a predetermined cross-sectional geometry that is curvilinear with a superior aspect generally disposed for receipt of a person and a smaller inferior aspect opposite. The inferior aspect of the cross-section of the support ribs may undercut the portion of the support ribs vertically above it. Having such cross-sectional geometry, the support ribs are thereby directionally oriented, either toward the foot or toward the head of the mattress system.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress, inside which are arranged with plurality of sensors which are disposed on the lifting-and-supporting assemblies, and a control system is used to control the lifting-and-supporting assemblies and the sensors, through rise and fall of the lifting-and-supporting assemblies, the therapeutic mattress can be adjusted to support different body parts of the patient. The control system and the sensors can cooperate with each other to provide a precise function of weight-measurement and body-position sensing, and the sensors will cooperate with lifting-and-supporting assemblies to adjust the supporting point of the therapeutic mattress to the patient, thus preventing bedsores.

Abstract: A mattress (10) comprises a support base (12) defining an interface surface (14) at the top thereof and a softer compressible layer (22) overlying the interface surface. The thickness of the support base varies along a longitudinal direction such that the interface surface (14) defines a concave laterally extending channel between first and second support surfaces (16,20) for the upper and lower halves of a user's body respectively, and the compressible layer (22) substantially follows the profile of the interface surface (14). The mattress (10) is particularly useful for a pregnant woman who can comfortably lie on her back, side or front.

Abstract: A cushion set for positioning a human body, including a face support cushion, a spacer block cushion, an upper torso support cushion, a lower torso support cushion, a calf support cushion and a bolster. The face support cushion is generally in the shape of an inverted “U” having a generally inverted U-shaped opening passing therethrough. The upper torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the face support cushion, the lower torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the upper torso support cushion, the calf support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the lower torso support cushion, and the bolster is adapted to be releasably attached to the calf support cushion. The spacer block cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the underside of the face support cushion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable patient turning and lifting device and associated methods for turning and lifting an immobilized patient. The device comprises at least one inflation bladder configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient supporting surface, such as a bed. The bladder is inflated with pressurized fluid. Preferably, the inflation bladder is secured by a body support having at least one support pad on which the patient is positioned. An embodiment provides two inflatable turning bladders oriented on the left and right sides of the back of the body support. Preferably, at least one fluid pump is provided in communication with the bladders, and it is preferably fitted with a controller to tailor the sequencing and timing of the inflation to reposition the patient's body.

Abstract: A mattress pad positionable atop a rectangular mattress which better accommodates diverse weights and sizes of the human anatomy for enhanced comfort. The mattress pad includes a flexible bottom sheet having a size and shape substantially similar to that of a top surface of the mattress. A flexible fabric top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet by peripheral stitching along common perimeter side, head and foot margins. A plurality of generally side-by-side body supporting chambers are each defined by peripheral stitching and spaced lines of continuous stitching which interconnect the top and bottom sheets. Each chamber is filled with a loose stuffing of fibrous or synthetic material which is movable within the chamber and capable of localized accumulation within the chamber by manual body or hand manipulating pressure against the top sheet. Preselected nominal thicknesses of each of the chambers provides the comfort and accommodation to each portion of the human anatomy.

Abstract: A full-body mattress for the prevention of conditions which may have a negative impact on health and for the improvement of the health and comfort of a user. The full-body mattress has a first end with a first height, a second end opposite the first end with a second height, a top surface disposed between the first end and the second end, with approximately one half of the top surface being horizontal and planar, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The first height is less than the second height, only a portion of the top surface is inclined at an angle, the angle is located in a plane defined by a length and a height of the full-body mattress, the angle is between about 30 degrees, and the bottom surface is not parallel with the inclined portion of the top surface. Also, in combination, a full-body mattress as described above, and a full-body mattress covering adapted to fit the full-body mattress removable bumpers are attached to the top surface of the full body, integral, and unitary mattress.

Abstract: Improved backboard pads for use in transporting immobilized patients on a backboard while still providing reasonable comfort to the patient include a base pad having with a plurality of gel-filled pads secured to the base pad, the gel-filled pads including first and second scapula pads positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of the base pad, a buttocks pad between the scapula pads and the lower end of the base pad, a heel pad between the buttocks pad and the lower end of the base pad, and a headrest pad between the scapula pads and the upper end of the base pad. An inflatable lumbar pad is secured to the base pad between the scapula pads and the buttocks pad; and an inflatable knee pad is slidably positioned between the buttocks pad and the heel pad. The gel-filled pads are preferable secured in openings through the base pad.

Abstract: A pillow (or several pillows depending upon need/size configuration) having unique shapes for placing between an individual's back, head, backside, legs, arms (or any combination thereof) and the floor, ground, bed, table or other surface to provide anatomical support as opposed to simply providing cushioning between the body on the underlying surface. When the individual is lying on his or her back, the pillow provides for proper alignment of the body to relieve pressure on joints, nerves, muscles and skin. Its unique posturing permits the body to relax and rest more comfortably and also potentially increase blood flow and nerve transmission throughout the body or through specific areas of the body.

Abstract: A full-body mattress for the prevention of conditions which may have a negative impact on health and for the improvement of the health and comfort of a user. The full-body mattress has a first end with a first height, a second end opposite the first end with a second height, a top surface disposed between the first end and the second end, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The first height is less than the second height, at least a portion of the top surface is inclined at an angle, the angle is located in a plane defined by a length and a height of the full-body mattress, the angle is between about 1 degree and about 44 degrees, and the bottom surface is not parallel with the inclined portion of the top surface. Also, in combination, a full-body mattress as described above, and a full-body mattress covering adapted to fit the full-body mattress.

Abstract: A body support apparatus, for example, a bed, includes a support surface defined by support members. Each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface. Support members are so arranged that movement of any one of the support members in a direction substantially normal to the support surface and beyond a threshold distance relative to an adjacent support member causes movement in substantially the same direction of said adjacent support member. No movement of a support member is caused by the movement of an adjacent support member when the distance of relative movement is below the threshold distance. The support members are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position, by tension springs.

Abstract: A set of bed sheets includes a lower sheet sized and configured to cover the bottom portion of a mattress and an upper sheet sized and configured to cover the top portion of the mattress. First and second separable fasteners about the respective continuous edges of the lower and upper sheets are removably attachable to secure the upper sheet to the lower sheet in a manner which encloses the mattress. The upper sheet includes a top surface which is formed of a material to define a third separable fastener. A collection of accessories include a crib rail bumper, a head support wedge, body position rolls, an insulated baby bottle/cup holder and a liquid impervious drool pad. Each of the accessories is provided with a fourth separable fastener adapted for releasable attachment to the third separable fastener on the top surface of the upper sheet.

Abstract: A support for the body of a lying or sitting person, including a formed structure of a permanently flexible material, comprising a bottom part (9) that has a head end (12) and an opposing foot end (10), and from which several ribs (11) arranged side-by-side protrude towards the upper side running approximately transversely to the longitudinal center line (7) of the support (1) and being inclined, in the side view, towards the head end (12). The support (1) is characterized in that said ribs (11) are arranged in an arrow shape, and form with the longitudinal center line (7) an angle &agr; larger than 90° towards the head end (12). The support (1) provides an improved and at the same time relieving tensile effect in particular for the vertebral column and hence the intervertebral disks of a person to be treated.

Abstract: An inherited weight massage equipment comprised of a convex arch member in length, width and strength approximately equal to the height, the waist and the weight respectively of an average person; having its arc surface of a given curvature to be held in place by both end edges of the arch member; and the arc surface being sufficient to bear the weight of at least one person to lie on his/her back or stomach to exercise stretch or compression massage; a mat made of resilient material paved on the arc surface; a frame comprised of a pair of connection rods, a pair of hand rests and four posts being pivoted to the arc surface; and a press belt having multiple nipples being adapted between those hand rests.

Abstract: A pneumatic couch includes an airtight envelope divided into a lower skin and an upper skin. The airtight envelope includes low-stretch material. The pneumatic couch also includes at least one valve for inflation with compressed air and deflation. Between the lower skin and the upper skin, a plurality of flexible webs are arranged running in vertical planes substantially parallel to each other. The flexible webs comprise low-stretch material and are joined over the entire length of the flexible webs both to the lower skin and to the upper skin. At an upper and a lower end of the couch, the airtight envelope overlaps the flexible webs and the lower skin and the upper skin are joined airtight. The airtight envelope overlaps an outermost web on a first and second long side and the lower skin and the upper skin are joined airtight. On one long side of the couch both the lower skin and the upper skin continue past the airtight joint, and are taken around a rear wall and joined to each other, and form a back part.

Abstract: A mattress for comfortably supporting an individual with an abdominal condition requiring minimal contact between the mattress and the individual's abdomen, while also providing a structure for facilitating the turning of the individual between supine and prone positions. The mattress comprises a resilient mattress body including upper and lower surfaces, top and bottom edges, and first and second side edges. An inner abdominal support wall defines an abdominal receiving chamber positioned intermediate the top and bottom edges and extending downwardly form the upper surface of the mattress body. The mattress further comprises an outer abdominal support wall and an inflatable chamber defined intermediate the inner and outer abdominal support walls. An adjustable shoulder support is positioned intermediate the top edge and the abdominal receiving chamber. An adjustable pillow is positioned above the upper surface of the mattress body intermediate the shoulder support and the top edge.

Abstract: A nursing pillow for supporting an infant on the lap of a user includes a main pillow body having a lower surface and an opposed upper surface interconnected by a front edge, a rear edge and a pair of opposed sides. The pillow body includes a mid portion with a first end and a second end. The upper surface of the mid portion slopes downwardly from side-to-side such that the upper surface of mid portion is higher at the first end and lower at the second end. The pillow body also includes a side portion adjacent the second end of the mid portion. The upper surface of the side portion is raised relative to the second end of the mid portion such that the upper surface of the pillow body steps upwardly from the second end of the mid portion to the side portion.

Abstract: A pillow (or several pillows depending upon need/size configuration) having unique shapes for placing between an individual's back, head, backside, legs, arms (or any combination thereof) and the floor, ground, bed, table or other surface to provide anatomical support as opposed to simply providing cushioning between the body on the underlying surface. When the individual is lying on his or her back, the pillow provides for proper alignment of the body to relieve pressure on joints, nerves, muscles and skin. Its unique posturing permits the body to relax and rest more comfortably and also potentially increase blood flow and nerve transmission throughout the body or through specific areas of the body.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam mattress or pillow overlay for a mattress that prevents plagiocephaly by allowing a recess in a mattress pad or pillow for the Baby's head to protrude backwards while lying flat on its' back instead of lying against a flat surface. An over-mattress, foam mattress pad, or pillow, the support assembly comprising a shaped rubber foam cradle for a baby's head and/or baby's head and body covered with a mattress cover or pillowcase composed of comfortable quilted cloth material.

Abstract: A sitting, sleeping or support pad (1), which on account of its special design can be used in a number of different areas of application, includes an inner bag with a fill material, disposed in an outer bag. The inner bag has an elongated, substantially rectangular shape and the outer bag consists of first and second sides (2, 3), with a I substantially similar shape to the inner bag, where between the outer bag's first and second sides (2, 3), at least in a part of the bag's length against one of the short sides of the outer bag, there is provided an intermediate piece (6) and an end portion (4) is formed on at least one short side. The end portion (4) is enlarged and provides the opportunity for the pad to be placed on the short side, as well as for all or most of the fill material to be collected in a part of the inner bag, thereby to provide co-operation between inner bag and outer bag to achieve a sitting position where the user is raised above ground level.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress capable of being folded or rolled into a small compact unit and unfolded or unrolled to a relatively flat or partially contoured body supporting condition. The mattress is comprised of an inner foam core of the type capable of being rolled or folded. An outer flexible and foldable fabric cover surrounds the foam core. Moreover, air spaces are formed in the foam core to allow a self-inflating when a valve on the mattress is opened. The mattress is air impervious and will remain inflated when the valve is closed. This construction also allows a deflating when the mattress is compressed and the valve is again opened. The mattress is characterized in that the major part of the upper surface area is provided with a plurality of closely spaced apart recesses formed in both the cover and the foam core and thereby define corresponding raised portions or projections between each of the recesses.

Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover defining an interior region and including an upwardly-facing top surface configured to be positioned beneath a patient. The surface pad system also includes a pad core received in the interior region of the cover to support the patient.

Abstract: A patient support device, and more particularly, a patient support device which provides improved full-body comfort to conscious patients immobilized for one or more hours while undergoing imaging or interventional procedures. The patient support device preferably comprises a foam for supporting the body and inflatable bladders for providing adjustable comfort to the cervical, lumbar and patellar regions of the patient. Arm restraints which safely and securely position patient's arms laterally on a narrow support (table).

Abstract: A support pad includes a low density layer of an air and water permeable three-dimensional matrix composed of a mat of polymeric material. The layer preferably has a smooth and planar contour on the top face, and a “peak and valley” contour on the bottom face. A pad may be maintained over the top face of the low density layer. Sheeting may be placed over at least the top face of the low density layer and the pad to provide a more comfortable surface for an individual to rest upon.

Abstract: A patient support system is provided with side bolster features for improved patient safety and control. A multi component mattress includes a resilient foam core having associated therewith two side bolsters of a less compressible resilient material. Each side bolster forms two peaks with a saddle therebetween to prevent a patient from rolling off the mattress while still providing direct entry and exit access to the mattress. A foam topper may be applied across the top of the exposed core and the upper portion of the side bolsters. Such topper may include parallel ridges, as well as perpendicular segmentations to improve pressure dispersion. The total coverage topper or upper layer surface adds to usable patient support area for the mattress while otherwise minimizing the pressure from the less compressible bolster elements.

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

Abstract: A mattress made of foamed plastic material with modulated rigidity, having an upper layer made of a plastic material with a composition based on an open cell polyurethanic foam with silicone, flameproofing, fungicide and bacteriostatic additives, having low elastic memory and being substantially inelastic, which is arranged on a lower layer which is composed of modular elements which are mutually assembled by joints of the mortise and tenon types.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a firm body support portion constructed of foam, with the foam halving a first side for placement on a bed or gurney, and the second side upon which the body of the patient would be laid. The foam apparatus would include a principal upper torso support portion for supporting a patient generally from the top of the patient's head to the lower buttock region of the patient; first and second leg portions which are attachable to a lower edge of the principal body support portion for supporting the legs of the patient, and attachable arm portions secured to the side edges of the upper body support portion for accommodating the arms of the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel mattress having massage effect for being cushioned by a human back, and comprising an upholstered seat, a number of springs, a plurality of magnetic stones and an upholstery covering said upholstered seat; wherein, said upholstered seat is provided an accommodating space therein, a lying surface on the top surface thereof, a peripheral stretcher protruded and extended upwardly and provided on at least one end on the lying surface, and a supporting plane formed at the bottom surface of said upholstered seat, the central part of said supporting plane being slightly protruded downwardly; and wherein, said springs are installed in said accommodating space, every two of said springs are linked together, and directions of compression and stretching of each spring are always perpendicular to the lying surface and the supporting plane; further, said magnetic stones are disposed on the lying surface of said upholstered seat, and each of them has a kneading part on the top periphery there

Abstract: A pressure adjustable, anatomically contoured mattress includes an elongate body supporting member that has a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core and a flexible covering that encloses the core. The body supporting member further includes a contoured recess formed in an upper surface of the body supporting member and extending laterally relative thereto. The recess accommodates the breasts of the female user lying face down on the body supporting member. The recess also accommodates the shoulder of a user lying sideways on the mattress. One or more valves are connected communicably to the core and extend through the covering. The valves are opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and, alternatively, to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed, to draw in air and expand. The valves are closed for maintaining a selected air pressure within the core.

Abstract: A mattress system for use in cribs or beds for small infants or adolescent children is constructed of a base and a sleeping recess defined by side walls, a head wall, a foot wall, and a floor. The mattress is constructed of a foam material which is air permeable. The mattress including the side, head, foot walls and floor of the recess, are enclosed in a removable cover. The floor of the recess is covered by a detachable vinyl panel formed as part of the cover and having hook or loop type strips. A second floor cover in the form of a detachable sheet, having mating hook or loop style patches which engage their opposite counterpart on the vinyl panel. An accessory panel is constructed having the dimensions of the recess to fill the recess and convert the specialty mattress into a conventional mattress.

Abstract: An air sac for use on a low air loss bed. The air sac is provided with a releasable connector for retaining the air sac to the low air loss bed and with a nipple for receiving air from a gas supply source to inflate the air sac. The air sac is also provided with a cutout which allows the patient to be rolled toward one end of the air sac when the air sac is inflated. A pillar is provided on the end of the air sac toward which the patient is rolled when the air sac is inflated to retain the patient on the air sac. The air sacs are arranged in sets with every other sac mounted to the frame of the low air loss bed in alternating arrangement whereby the patient is rolled first in one direction when the air sacs of one set are inflated and then back in the other direction when the air sacs in the first set are deflated and the air sacs in the second set are inflated.

Abstract: An inflatable pad or mattress wherein the air cells spanning a central region of the pad or mattress are extended in at least one dimension relative to the air cells of the foot and/or head region of the mattress. The heavier portions of a person's body, including the upper torso and hips, contact the higher air cells, while the lighter portions of the person's body are in contact with the shorter air cells. The pad preferably includes a single air passage interconnecting the various air cells. The air passage includes a flow-throttling device communicating with individual cells, whereby air flow from one cell to another cell is restricted to delay pressure equalization action among the cells.

Abstract: Ergonomic support members formed of and contoured to a corrected spinal curvature of an individual. The matrix provides the rigid support necessary for correction of the spinal curvature by gradual realignment with continued use of the support members, and may have channels for optional forced air flow, for heating and cooling and comfort of the individual during sleep or rest. Each support member is closely contoured to have a concave cross-section dimensioned according to the serial cross sections of a respective body section (e.g. head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and legs) while laying supine. The resulting contour of the support member thus provides the necessary convexity to evenly distribute body weight along the entire longitudinal axis of the spine and thereby provide corrective support for the spinal curvature. In the transverse plane, the contour forms a snug concavity wrapping up the sides of an individual.

Abstract: A mattress apparatus for incontinent patients includes first and second resilient mattress portions each having a sloping end and a water repellent cover attached thereover. The covers are removably attached together to form a mattress. A liquid drain cover is made of a flexible, water repellent material and has first and second sections and is shaped to fit over the connected first and second resilient mattress portions. Each section of the liquid drain cover has a plurality of elongated ridges extending thereover and forming a plurality of drain grooves therebetween. The drain cover has a liquid collection channel formed between the first and second sections for collecting liquid draining from. The liquid collection channel located between the drain cover sections is connected to a liquid collection container for collecting liquid from the channel. The drain cover has a beaded edge around three sides of each section to block the escape of liquid therefrom.

Abstract: A mattress is provided with elevated chest support region and an arm well to reduce sleep disturbance in a person in the prone, sublime or side position. Said mattress is further provided with a firm zone at the foot of the mattress to assist persons transitioning onto and off of the mattress. An adjustable cover for said mattress is provided as is an improved method for packaging said mattress and cover.

Abstract: A portable pillow for holding and cradling an infant that can be used by any person desiring to hold, feed, or cuddle the infant. The pillow can be held in a person's arms while sitting or standing, lay comfortably on someone's lap, or be placed on a flat surface, cradling the infant, without the need of holding the pillow. There is a recessed surface where the infant is placed, and overlapping straps that snugly hold the infant within the pillow. The straps are adjustable and held in place with fasteners, such as hook and loop. An inner foam core that is removable from the outer cover is made from two layers of foam with different densities. The top layer is soft for comfort while in contrast the bottom layer is firmer for support and structure. The pillow is portable, lightweight, and easy to hold and carry, therefore it can be used as a portable bed. This will enable the infant to sleep securely and undisturbed, while the pillow is being held or carried.