Pressure modulating soft actuator array devices and related systems and methods. One example of the present systems comprises: a device having a body that defines a plurality of cavities; a pressure source configured to be in fluid communication with the plurality of cavities; a plurality of sensors configured to capture data indicative of pressure within the plurality of cavities; and one or more controllers configured to actuate the pressure source to move fluid toward and/or away from one or more of the plurality of cavities in response to data captured by the plurality of sensors; wherein the device is configured to be disposed between a user and a surface on which the user is seated upon.

A bed system includes microclimate control capabilities for providing quality sleep experience. The bed system can include a microclimate control subsystem configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress, or draw ambient air from the mattress, to achieve a desired temperature at the top of the mattress. Utilizing supply of conditioned air to provide air at desired temperature to the mattress system, or utilizing air suction to drain heat away from the mattress system, can provide precise microclimate control at the mattress, thereby permitting conformable sleep.

Active comfort controlled bedding systems and processes of operating the bedding systems generally include a variable firmness control. The active comfort controlled bedding system can include a control unit in electrical communication with a signal generating layer configured to generate heat and alter a firmness property of at least one viscoelastic foam layer, wherein the amount of heat is based on a decrease of the glass transition temperature as a function of the percentage of humidity in the environment. In other embodiments, the bedding system is provided with at least one foam layer comprising a phase change material stratified in a foam structure of the at least one foam layer; and the at least one foam layer is heated to a temperature greater than a melt temperature of the paraffin wax to soften the at least one foam layer. In other embodiments, ambient humidity conditions can be changed.

An improved bed and method of forming with the required profile and localised support for a user by the improved bed at various sections of the bed including shoulder (A), lumbar (B) hip and lower body (C) such as by the mattress (15) having selected forms or voids a Shoulder Pressure Attenuation Area (SPAAM) a Lumbar Pressure Attenuation Area (LPAAM) a Hip Pressure Attenuation Area (HPAAM) and the base (26) having a Shoulder Pressure Attenuation Area (SPAAB) a Lumbar Pressure Attenuation Area (LPAAB) a Hip Pressure Attenuation Area (HPAAB) locatable at different locations along the longitudinal extension of the bed (32,42,52) with a Shoulder Pressure variation means (31) a Lumbar Pressure variation means (41) and a Hip Pressure variation means (51) comprising adjustable slats driven by electric motors.

A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells, a first reservoir, and a second reservoir connected to the first reservoir in series. The first and second reservoirs are connected with a pressure relief valve allowing fluid to escape from the first reservoir to the second reservoir when the pressure in the first reservoir exceeds a threshold and a check valve allowing fluid to flow back from the second reservoir to the first reservoir. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.

A body state determination device includes a detection unit that is configured to detect a plurality of pressure distributions formed by a body weight of a user, and a determination unit that is configured to determine a state of a body of the user by comparing the plurality of pressure distributions detected by the detection unit with each other.

A multichannel air assembly (1000) for use with inflatable products with multiple inflatable chambers (C). Specifically, said multi-channel air assembly (1000) may be used to selectively inflate or deflate one or more chambers (C) of an inflatable product to varying pressures.

A patient immersion sensor includes a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) apparatus to determine a time of flight (TOF) of a RADAR pulse and a reflected signal that is reflected by a patient or by a portion of a patient support surface supporting the patient. The TOF is indicative of an immersion depth or a distance toward bottoming out of a patient supported on the patient support surface, such as a mattress or a pad. The RADAR apparatus emits pulses of very short duration so as to be able to detect objects, such as a patient or a portion of a mattress or pad, at very close distances. The RADAR apparatus may use time-of-flight (TOF) between transmission of the pulse and receipt of a reflected signal to determine a distance toward bottoming out by the patient, thereby to determine if the patient is properly immersed into the patient support surface. Adjustments to inflation or deflation of one or more bladders are made to achieve a desired immersion amount within a tolerance range between upper and lower TOF thresholds.

A first collection of biometric data of a user on a mattress of the bed system is sensed via a sensor of the bed system. The user is instructed to perform an exercise activity. The user is instructed to return to and lay on the mattress after performing the exercise activity. A second collection of biometric data of the user on the mattress of the bed system is sensed via the sensor of the bed system again after the user has performed the exercise activity. A stress test output is generated based on the sensed first biometric data and the sensed second biometric data. The stress test output is displayed to the user.