Introduced here are pressure-mitigation systems able to mitigate the pressure applied to a human body by the surface of an object (also referred to as a “structure”). A controller device (or simply “controller”) can be fluidically coupled to a pressure-mitigation device that includes a series of selectively inflatable chambers. When a pressure-mitigation device is placed between a human body and a surface, the controller can continuously, intelligently, and autonomously circulate fluid through the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device. Normally, the controller circulates air through the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device, though the controller could circulate another fluid, such as water or gel, through the chambers of the pressure-mitigation device. The controller may cause the chambers to be selectively inflated, deflated, or any combination thereof.

A wheelchair is provided. First supports for supporting a user of the wheelchair are unevenly disposed to form a perimeter, and second supports for supporting the user of the wheelchair are unevenly disposed at least partially within the perimeter of the first supports. The first supports support the user when the first supports are in a raised position and the second supports are in a lowered position. The second supports support the user when the second supports are in a raised position and the first supports are in a lowered position. A alternation of supporting the user with the first supports or the second supports facilitates reduction of pressure sores of the user. In various embodiments, multiple groups of supports are used, the supports contour to a user's anatomy and/or the supports are pneumatic.

A system for supporting the human body or a human body segment is provided. The system comprises a base element having a substantially flat shape, and one or more pluralities of shaped modular elements. The base element is flexible, so that it can be brought from an operating, extended configuration to a non-operating, folded configuration. The support system comprises one or more stiffening elements, which are designed in such a way that, on the one hand, they provide the correct stiffness to the backrest when in the operating configuration, and, on the other hand, they do not prevent the possibility of folding the backrest when in the non-operating configuration. The support system can, for example, be made in the form of a seat, a backrest, a mattress, or the like.

Described herein are devices, systems, and methods relating to making individuals comfortable when in contact with surfaces (e.g., seats and beds) including preventing pressure injuries on subjects. In embodiments, disclosed herein are pressure injury prevention systems comprising actuator assemblies that can simultaneously provide immersion and offloading of pressure while allowing a subject to retain balance. In other embodiments, moisture control devices and/or sensing networks can be used in conjunction with said actuator assemblies to prevent pressure injuries in a subject in need thereof. In embodiments, also described herein are computing devices and applications that alert a manual intervention or trigger an automated intervention between the individual and the intervention surface based on a risk determination. Such interventions can send instructions to the system to relieve pressure and/or moisture at one or more interface locations on the interface surface between the system and a subject according to a set of rules based on a predetermined profile, data collected continuously in real time, or both.

A dynamic-directional seat pad which contains an inflating element (1), wherein a plan view of the inflatable element (1) contains a back side (4), concave sides (2) and a concave front side (3).

A support system for the human body, or a human body segment, is provided. The system comprises a covering lining in which a plurality of pockets is defined in which there are inserted one or more filling elements forming together a cushioning arrangement of the support system. Filling elements with different physical properties, for example different stiffnesses, are inserted in the different pockets of the covering lining. The pockets may be independent of one another and removably connected to one another, so that they can be combined with one another in the way that best adapts to the specific morphology of a single user. The support system can be made, for example, in the form a cushion, a seat, a backrest, a mattress or with any other shape that may be desired.

Introduced here are methods, apparatuses, and systems for mitigating the contact pressure applied to a human body by the surface of an object, such as a chair, bed, or table. A pressure-mitigation apparatus can include a series of chambers whose pressure can be individually varied. When placed between a patient and a contact surface, a controller can vary the contact pressure on the human body by controllably inflating one or more chambers, deflating one or more chambers, or any combination thereof. By monitoring the pressure in each chamber over time, the controller can also gain an enhanced understanding of movement(s) performed by the human body when positioned on the pressure-mitigation apparatus.

A cushion is disclosed herein, including an elongate inflatable bag and a jacket that has a plurality of sleeves, wherein the bag is inflated and is releasably engaged with the jacket such that the bag extends through and turns between the sleeves.

A support device has a main support surface for a person's body, including an auxiliary device influencing the main support surface shape. The auxiliary device includes: a group of supports supporting the main support surface, positioned on the side of the main support surface facing away from the body-supporting side, the supports each including a sub-support surface; an adjuster for each sub-support surface influencing the height of each sub-support surface. The device also includes a monitor for each sub-support surface monitoring the height of the respective sub-support surface; and a programmable control unit controlling the adjuster. The supports include an elastically bendable plate connected to the adjuster. The bending plate is connected to the sub-support surface to influence its height depending on the extent of bending imposed by the adjuster. The adjuster includes an electromotor on the concave side of the bending plate.

Introduced here are methods, apparatuses, and systems for mitigating the contact pressure applied to a human body by the surface of an object, such as a chair, bed, or table. A pressure-mitigation apparatus can include a series of chambers whose pressure can be individually varied. When placed between a patient and a contact surface, a controller can vary the contact pressure on the human body by controllably inflating one or more chambers, deflating one or more chambers, or any combination thereof. By monitoring the pressure in each chamber over time, the controller can also gain an enhanced understanding of movement(s) performed by the human body when positioned on the pressure-mitigation apparatus.