A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface, and a sensor. The frame and the support surface cooperate to support a patient. The sensor is coupled to one of the frame and the support surface and is configured to provide an input signal indicative of usage of the support surface by the patient.

In various embodiments, a support system includes a cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a top layer and a bottom layer are bonded to a middle spacer layer.

A bedding system is provided that includes a fan box layer having a plurality of ducts, each of the ducts being in communication with a fan configured to move air out of the duct and into an area surrounding the bedding system. A capacitor layer is positioned above the fan box layer. The capacitor layer includes a plurality of outlet ports, each of the outlet ports being in communication with one of the ducts. A mattress layer is positioned above the capacitor layer. The mattress layer includes a bottom portion having a plurality of first holes that are each in communication with at least one of the outlet ports and a top portion having a plurality of second holes that are each in communication with one of the first holes. The top portion defines a sleep surface.

A system for directing fluid flow in a mattress is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base support layer which is configured to spatially locate at least one insert support layer. The insert layer comprises a conduit to allow fluid flow.

A multifunctional mattress having a mattress body and a heating/cooling pressurization apparatus connected to the mattress body; the mattress body comprises independent pressurized circular balloons, alternatingly pressurized square balloons, heating/cooling air supply tubes, and pressurized tubing; the two sides of said heating/cooling air supply tubes are provided with small blow holes; the independent pressurized circular balloons (3) has a surface layer and a bottom layer; the surface layer and bottom layer are joined to form a plurality of independent closed balloons (33); at a position corresponding to the head are independent pressurized circular balloons; the alternatingly pressurized square balloon areas can be inflated or deflated by means of balloons causing the upper layer of sealed balloons to rise or fall.

A moisture detection system for use on a hospital bed includes a person support surface comprising a core layer and a ticking layer. The ticking layer has an inner surface facing the core layer and an outer surface. In one embodiment the moisture detection system also includes a moisture detection sheet which has at least one moisture sensor connected thereto. The sheet is configured to be mounted to at least one of A) the core layer, B) external to the outer surface and C) between the ticking layer and the core layer. A controller is in communication with the moisture detection sensor, and with at least one pre-existing pressure sensor. In another embodiment the moisture detection system includes a detection sheet comprising a fabric which is configured to sense moisture, pressure or both. A controller is in communication with the detection sheet.

An inflatable air mattress device includes a cover internally defining a first and a second receiving zone for receiving a pump and an air mattress therein, respectively. The air mattress includes a plurality of parallelly arranged air cells, each of which internally includes a first air chamber located below a second air chamber and having an elastic member provided therein. The pump is held in the first receiving zone via a movement-limiting mechanism and is provided with an air input and an air release line for communicably connecting to each of the air cells. Since the air cells, the pump and the air input and release lines all are arranged inside the cover, the inflatable air mattress device has an esthetic appearance and occupies less space. The elastic members in the first air chambers prevent a user from contacting with a hard bed frame when the air cells are deflated.

A compact cartridge fan system for use in an articulating bed structure having a stationary horizontal support panel includes a frame adapted to be engaged in a receiving aperture in the stationary horizontal support panel. A cartridge is removably received in a receiving aperture in the frame. The cartridge has a case containing a box fan and a connector attachment. A connector is engaged in the connector attachment and adapted to be received through a mattress base supported on the stationary support panel.

A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a high air loss device. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes a pneumatic device located within the patient support.