Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric arrangement and pillow designed to prevent skin lines and wrinkle formation while improving sleep using combinations of fabrics, cooling technologies and scents. The present invention is designed with a specific fabric and materials combination that create a surface in which the shear stresses causing skin lines and wrinkles are eliminated. Multiple layers make up the fabric arrangement include a top layer comprising a stretchable material and a second layer comprising a low friction material relative to the first layer. Supporting the first two layer is a support layer such as foam. Lower layers may comprise a cooling material, an antimicrobial or anti-allergenic material and a scent layer.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress. Covers with slick surfaces are selectively placed in engagement with each other between the mattress and the box spring or platform . One cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. The other cover may be the same as the first cover or may have slick surfaces on two sides. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, one cover may is a protective cover that encapsulates the entire mattress. In another alternate embodiment, one cover cooperates with a slick surface that is integrally provided on one or the other of the mattress or box spring or platform. In yet another alternate embodiment of the invention, slick surfaces are provided on both the mattress and the box spring or platform. The mattress is secured relative to the box spring or platform by removable fasteners in a normal mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decubitus cushion comprising a core and a jacket, wherein the core comprises viscoelastic material and the jacket comprises a cover layer of material promoting air circulation fixedly or reversibly removable at at least the side facing the skin.

Abstract: A device for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a flexible sheet with a tether strap connected to the sheet and extending from the sheet. The flexible sheet has opposed top and bottom surfaces, with the top surface having a high friction material with a higher coefficient of friction as compared to the bottom surface, which includes a low friction material. The tether strap is configured for connection to the frame of the bed to secure the sheet in place. A system incorporating the flexible sheet may also include an absorbent pad configured to be placed on the top surface of the sheet, where the high-friction top surface resists sliding of the absorbent pad, as well as one or more wedges having a base wall that the wedge rests on and a ramp surface configured to confront the sheet when the wedge is placed under the sheet. The base wall and the ramp surface may also contain high friction and low friction materials, respectively.

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: Disclosed is a physical therapy support, comprising a planar structure having a first and second end and an upper and lower surface that reduces friction between the lower body of a patient and a hospital bed. The device is positioned between a patient's hips and the underlying bed sheets, whereby the patient is elevated and separated from the sheets to allow freedom of movement and increased support when engaging in hip and lower body movements for recovery and physical therapy sessions. The shape of the device includes a first rounded end and a second flat end to form a triangular shape having tapering longitudinal sides. The cross section comprises a thin, rigid and uniform material having a low friction upper surface and a high friction lower surface. A slot penetration along the one of the tapering sides allows for handling of the device and for transporting between patients.

Abstract: A bed covering apparatus that prevents bed bugs from intrusion to an enclosed sleeping area, wherein the bed covering apparatus has a net for exclusion of insects and an openable section disposed at one end of the net that is dimensioned to accommodate legs of a person sleeping within the net, and also contains at least one slippery section to which bed bugs cannot adhere, thereby causing the bed bugs to fall from the netted sleeping area before they have an opportunity to enter the sleeping enclosure. The bed covering apparatus further may comprise straps to securely attach it to a mattress.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface, which includes at least one fluid bladder and a recess, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder, with at least a portion of the fluid delivery system being located in the recess. The fluid delivery system includes a pump having a fluid output and a fluid input. The apparatus further includes a chamber wall that defines a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid input or output of the pump, with the chamber wall absorbing vibration from the pump when the pump is operated to output fluid at its fluid output.

Abstract: A bed covering apparatus that prevents bed bugs from intrusion to an enclosed sleeping area, wherein the bed covering apparatus has a net for exclusion of insects, and also contains at least one slippery section to which bed bugs cannot adhere, thereby causing the bed bugs to fall from the netted sleeping area before they have an opportunity to enter the sleeping enclosure.

Abstract: One embodiment of a topper for a bed includes a liner assembly 40 having a top liner 42, a bottom liner 44 and a slip liner 70 underneath the bottom liner. The slip liner is of relatively lower friction than the top liner. An apron 62, with openings 76 therein, extends from the perimeter of the liners. Another embodiment includes a liner assembly having a top liner, a bottom liner and a slip liner underneath the bottom liner. The slip liner is of relatively lower friction than the top liner. Bridge straps 98, or 98? having a working length of at least the width of a host mattress minus the arm length of a fifth percentile female extend from the liner assembly.

Abstract: An occupant transfer device 34 for use on a host mattress 20 having a top side 22 and a flank 24 is in the form of a fitted sheet. The device has a top 36 for covering the top side of the mattress and a skirt 38 extending from the top. The top and skirt each have an occupant side 40, 44 and a mattress side 42, 46. Substantially all of the mattress side of the top exhibits relatively low friction; the occupant side of at least the top exhibits relatively higher friction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a sleep system is provided. More specifically, the invention provides a method and apparatus for an adjustable mattress that allows the user to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress. Furthermore, the adjustable mattress has zones of adjustability thereby allowing two users to adjust the firmness of the mattress of each user's zone. The adjustable mattress is also multimodal. The motorized foundation contains adjustable massaging units that may be used for physical therapy and relaxation. Likewise, the motorized foundation may be used in relax mode to assist in obtaining sleep and awaken mode to gently awake the user by the stimulation of the adjustable mattress.

Abstract: A pillow specifically used for eliminating any physical contact between a specific delicate skin area of a users body part, a support surface, and the pillow, thus completely eliminating any possible contact between the specific delicate skin area and any associated object. For example, the specific delicate skin area may be the face of the user, the users body part being their head and the support surface being a bed. The pillow is so structured as to be removably, adjustably, and comfortably worn and attached onto any part of the users body and may also be made from numerous materials of choice.

Abstract: The present invention is a multipurpose infant and toddler hair and scalp protection pad, or baby hairapy (hair therapy) pad, including a thin, firm interior padding and an exterior hair and scalp protection fabric. The baby hairapy pad is a stain-resistant, satin-covered foam and cotton/polyester pad designed to minimize hair breakage, loss, and tangling, help maintain scalp moisture balance, and protect hairstyles in infants and toddlers. Unlike pillows and linens with satin cases or aromatherapy pillows, its foam and cotton/polyester interior is both thin and firm to be safe for infants. Further, it is small and flexible enough to be easily transported and used in multiple areas: cribs, beds, carriers, floors, strollers, etc. Plus, it provides for the options to include the soothing, calming scents of chamomile and lavender within it and to use it as a nursing pad for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Abstract: The patient positioning aid assists a caregiver in rotating and positioning immobile patients. Such patients require periodic movement to prevent the development of ulcers. Conventional methods use rolled blankets or pillows to support such patients. Such improvizations are often crushed by the patients, especially by bariatric patients. The present invention has a strong resilient foam core which resists compression by a patient, yet also has a yielding surface foam layer which avoids trauma to the patient's skin. The cover is removable for cleaning, waterproof, and utilizes an anti-slip, high friction coating on the bottom which resists sliding on the bed. In addition, handles on the caregiver side of the aid assist in the maneuvering of the aid to position it properly.

Abstract: A baby linen including a hair protection layer and an underlying fabric layer. The baby linen may take the form of a baby blanket or a crib sheet. The crib sheet also may be a single layer of material including two sections of material sewn together. The first section of material may include a hair protection material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a patient transfer system. The patient transfer system is positioned on a support area of a first underlying surface's top surface. The support area (a) receives a patient and (b) is defined by a head end, a foot end, a first side and a second side. The patient transfer system has a base sheet, a transfer sheet a support sheet, a first attachment mechanism, and a second attachment mechanism. The base sheet covers the support area and has (a) a pivot line positioned near or at the first side and (b) a transition line positioned near or at the second side. The transfer sheet has (a) a proximal end that connects to the base sheet at pivot line and (b) a distal end that extends to the transition line. The support sheet has (a) a proximal end that connects to the transfer sheet above the transition line and (b) a distal end that extends at least to the pivot line.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring a patient from a first support surface to an adjacent second support surface. The device includes a plurality of elongated side-by-side first bladders arranged to be placed under the patient on the first support surface and a rolling sheet to be disposed between the patient and the bladders. The bladders being separately and sequentially inflatable to tilt and move the patient transversely.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a patient transfer device includes an elongated foam pad having a fluid impervious enclosure. The foam pad is configured to be placed under the patient on a first support surface, and extends along at least a portion of the patient's body. The foam pad defines a fluid chamber to receive fluid under pressure. The fluid chamber has a bottom wall facing the first support surface, and including perforations for expelling fluid against the first support surface to provide a fluid bearing to facilitate moving the foam pad and the patient supported thereon from the first support surface to an adjacent second support surface.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes at least one inflatable air bladder formed of anti-shear material, and a cover including a foam layer and a highly stretchable material layer. The at least one air bladder occupies a majority of the interior region of the cover, and the foam layer is placed over the at least one air bladder between the highly stretchable material layer and the at least one air bladder.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a patient transfer device includes an elongated foam pad having a fluid impervious enclosure. The foam pad is configured to be placed under the patient on a first support surface, and extends along at least a portion of the patient's body. The foam pad defines a fluid chamber to receive fluid under pressure. The fluid chamber has a bottom wall facing the first support surface, and including perforations for expelling fluid against the first support surface to provide a fluid bearing to facilitate moving the foam pad and the patient supported thereon from the first support surface to an adjacent second support surface.

Abstract: A mattress support element comprises a fluid filled bladder and a fluid container substantially surrounded by the bladder. The fluid container is in constant fluid communication with ambient fluid outside the bladder. The fluid container is configured to deform from its original shape when an external force is applied to the bladder and to reform to its original shape upon removal of the external force from the bladder.

Abstract: A mattress (900) provides a user with three-dimensional firmness zoning, the mattress (900) cooperating with a mattress shell (720). The mattress (900) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending resilient blocks (910) being independently movable relative to one another, an inflatable bladder (914) positioned to lie upon the top side of at least one of the blocks (910), and a topper (912) positioned to lie upon the inflatable bladder (914), the topper including opposite ends configured for attachment to the shell (720).

Abstract: A bedsheet device (10) configured to overlay a mattress (12), the bedsheet device (10) comprising: a slide sheet (14, 16) being constructed of a pliable material and having a lower surface (14) which is of a relatively low friction material designed to slide relative to an upper surface of the mattress (12) under the weight of a patient; and reinforcing means (20) affixed to the slide sheet (14, 16) to provide sufficient reinforcement to permit suspension and/or turning of the patient upon the slide sheet (14, 16), said reinforcing means (20) being capable of being manipulated independent of the slide sheet (14, 16) to effect said suspension and/or turning of the patient.

Abstract: A draw sheet with low friction underside surface and removable sturdy body straps attached to draw sheet upper surface by means of reusable fasteners to be positioned under a patient in a convalescent bed. A grip dowel positioned through opposing side sleeves of the draw sheet to allow one-handed turning of a patient by a care giver. The body straps secure the patient in a side rest position by attachment to the side rails of the bed. The draw sheet is detachable from the body straps to reveal the torso of the side rest secured patient. Body strap ends stays may be individually disengaged from the bed rails and to obtain greater access to the upper or lower torso of the patient. If so capable, the patient may disengage the body straps from the bed rails to return to a back rest position. Additionally, grip dowels positioned in pull strap sleeves flanking the patient's head and neck may be used to longitudinally position the patient in bed.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes an anti-shear liner, a cover, and a cushion layer. A method for minimizing shear on a patient's skin as the patient rests upon a patient support includes providing an anti-shear layer, providing a cover, and placing the anti-shear layer and cover on the support. The cover may have a surface integrity against fluid leakage which is maintained upon stretching of the cover. The anti-shear liner may be disposed between the cover and the cushion layer, permitting the cover to slip relative to the cushion layer. The cover may be stretchable in one direction more than in an orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus comprises a rolling transfer tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. The rolling transfer tube is flattened when placed under a patient to form an upper run and a lower run. A fluid chamber that receives fluid under pressure is defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The inner surface has a plurality of perforations through which fluid is expelled to create a fluid bearing between the upper run and the lower run.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for moving or transferring a prone person or other body between two platforms, permitting a single caregiver of less than average strength to perform such transfer between an unmodified bed and a second surface, which may for example be part of a transport device. The method involves providing some form of low friction surface over any significant portion of a bed or other platform over which the person or other body is to be moved, the person either being mounted on a low friction board or sheet having straps extending therefrom to facilitate movement of the person across a first platform to a second platform, which is preferably mounted at a slightly lower height than the first one, or straps being wrapped around the person at two spaced locations and used for pulling the patient across the low friction surface to effect the transfer.

Abstract: A support assembly for a mattress, the support assembly comprising compressible blocks having individual degrees of firmness, and a sleeve defining spaced-apart pockets holding the blocks therein, the sleeve positioning the blocks adjacent one another and the sleeve being composed of a material having a slippery outer surface permitting individual compression of the blocks so that each compressible block moves in a vertical direction independently of adjacent blocks to enable at least two-dimensions of firmness zoning.

Abstract: A mattress assembly including a bottom mattress section and a top, transfer mattress section is provided. The transfer mattress section includes lateral flaps which are coupled to the sides of the bottom mattress section by hook and loop type fasteners. Pull straps are secured to the flaps for moving the transfer mattress section, and a patient thereon, with respect to the bottom mattress section once the fasteners have been disengaged. The interface of the top and bottom mattress sections is low friction to facilitate sliding the top mattress section with respect to the bottom mattress section.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plurality of mattress structure components are arranged for selective assembly to provide a customized mattress structure at the point of sale to accommodate the musculoskeletal condition and interface pressure preference of the user. The mattress structure components include a perimetrical frame having a central opening and a plurality of cores which are provided in a variety of firmness and support characteristics such that various combinations of firmness and support can be selectively provided. The frame is preferably made from a relatively firm foam rubber such as a high resiliency, high density urethane foam and the plurality of cores includes air bladders, "zone foam" elements, "sculptured foam" shaped from foam blocks, and combinations thereof for filling the central opening of the perimetral frame. The mattress is also suitable for use with an articulating deck having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thighs and foot sections.

Abstract: A frictionally variant seat pad comprising a top member, a bottom member, a polyester filling and a plurality of hook and loop receiving strips. The polyester filling is disposed between the top and bottom member, and the top and bottom member are secured in fixed relation to one another by means of stitching located along the perimeter of both the top and bottom members. The surface of the top member is constructed of satin, which provides a low co-efficient of friction, allowing an individual to easily slide upon the surface. The bottom member is provided with a non-slip, rubberized backing, which, due to the low co-efficient of friction afforded by the non-slip rubberized backing, grips to the surface upon which the frictionally variant seat pad rests, thereby preventing movement of the frictionally variant seat pad.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a low friction bed sheet or the like for facilitating changing the position of a person or part of a person in prone position. The low friction bed sheet includes at least a low friction surface comprising a material with low friction and adjacent to the low friction surface are high friction surfaces comprising materials with high friction. The low friction surface is placed only on the side against the person in bed while the underside against the bed is mainly comprised of at least one high friction surface. The width of the low friction surface is less than the width of the bedding for which the low friction bed sheet is intended. In the transition between the low friction surface and the high friction surface there are transition zones at least lengthwise in the bed which can be perceived by the person in the bed.

Abstract: An overlay sheet and a related method for positioning a bedridden patient on an oscillating air support system for maximum safety and maximum therapeutic benefit. An overlay sheet which positions the patient is provided including the sheet, the supports which are located between the patient's arms and torso, and a retaining VELCRO strap. The patient is positioned between the supports and retained by the VELCRO straps, thus, ideally positioned and prevented from sliding side-to-side during oscillation of the air support system.

Abstract: A travel pillow is provided in the form of a torus which is inflated and which has an integral bottom backing member adapted to coact with the seat back of a chair in a plane, train, bus, or automobile in which sleep is promoted regardless of movement of the individual's head during sleep periods because the pillow permits both rotation of the head within the torus during sleep and also movement of the pillow laterally and vertically as it slips against the seat back during natural sleep movements.

Abstract: A seating member grips to the clothing of a user on the seating member and slides on a support surface for the seating member. The seating member has a low co-efficient of friction bottom surface, and a high co-efficient of friction top surface. The top and bottom surfaces are coupled to one another to resist rotation between the two of them.

Abstract: A sling for patient to be transferred includes a trough of strong flexible sheet material having a bottom, opposite side walls and opposite end walls. The side walls are connected to the end walls at four corners with a reinforced edge extending along the side walls, end walls and around the four corners. A pair of flexible handle straps are connected to each of the side walls, each handle strap extending beyond the reinforced edge of each side wall and being adjacent one of the corners and a further handle strap is fixed to each of the end walls, each further handle strap being intermediate the corners of each end wall respectively and extending beyond the reinforced edge of each end wall.

Abstract: A sheet to be used to help turn or position a patient wherein the sheet includes a bottom surface and top surface, the bottom surface including opposing end portions and a central portion which has less frictional drag than the opposing end portions and top surface. The top surface is constructed in a configuration with an area larger than the area of the central portion at the bottom surface. A method of application is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet position adjustment assembly comprises a sheet that overlies a support element such as a mattress on a relatively moveable frame of an adjustable bed. A pair of lengthwise adjustable straps connect the sheet adjacent the head portion of the mattress to a relatively stationary base of the adjustable bed. The straps are securely sewn to the sheet by nylon stitching. A mat of reinforcement material is sewn to the sheet at the attachment interface with the straps. A low-friction fabric panel is provided on the underside of the sheet that slides on the mattress. An upstanding rail is attached to the bed frame adjacent the head portion of the mattress to prevent collapse as the connecting straps extend thereover during the position adjustment operation. The method of adjusting the position of the sheet comprises connecting the sheet to the fixed base portion of the adjustable bed. The position of the moveable frame is then vertically adjusted upwardly by lifting or pivoting.

Abstract: A mattress pad primarily intended for use with a standard hospital bed frame to reduce the development of decubitus ulcers or bed sores in patients using the pad. The pad is multi-layered and includes a cover or casing containing interior strata of a plastic film layer atop a fluid bladder layer supported on an underlying layer of foam. The pad is specially designed to reduce lateral and normal pressures and forces on the patient which can lead to the development of such ulcers. The reduction of the lateral shearing forces is accomplished in a number of ways including by oversizing the plastic film layer and fluid bladder layer on the underlying layer of foam and by positioning microbeads between the plastic film layer and fluid bladder layer to dramatically reduce the frictional drag or lateral shearing forces between the layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for evacuating persons of decreased mobility from a building, such as a hospital, in the event of emergency. It provides a device for moving a supine person by lifting or sliding. The device comprises an elongated, planar, rigid base portion on which the person lies and a lower surface provided with a layer of carpeting for sliding on a surface, flaps having adjustable straps for securing the person on the base portion, handles attached to each end of the base portion whereby the device may be pulled from either end, and handles attached to both sides of the base portion whereby the device may be lifted from said both sides.

Abstract: A pillow comprising a container made of edge-joined slabs of polyurethane foam filled with a mixture of polyurethane foam chips averaging about one-quarter inch square and polyester fibers averaging about two inches in length, said fibers being coated with silicone, said mixture being homogeneous and consisting of 70 to 50 percent of said polyurethane foam chips and 30 to 50 percent of said coated polyester fiber.