An automated system and methods are provided for coordinating a transfer of a patient between patient support apparatuses. The system includes first and second patient support apparatuses having a patient support surface supported by an adjustable frame. A controller is provided and is configured to communicate with at least one of the first and second patient support apparatuses. The controller includes programmable instructions to coordinate automated movements of at least one of the patient support apparatuses in order to couple the support apparatuses at a preferential transfer position, engage or monitor at least one safety feature, and provide an indication that it is safe to transfer the patient between the first and second patient support apparatuses.

A transfer system includes an air-bearing support with first and second longitudinal sections. A port is provided in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, and configured for inflation of the air-bearing support for transfer of a patient or other body. A selective coupling extends between the first and second longitudinal sections, adapted to attach the first and second sections together for transfer of the body on the air-bearing support, and to at least partially detach the first and second longitudinal sections for separation and removal, e.g., upon deflation of the patient support, after the transfer is accomplished.

A multi-cell inflatable jack includes a plurality of jack elements. Each of the plurality of jack elements includes a body having a predetermined perimeter shape and defining a perimeter chamber and a central chamber. A valve is coupled to the body and configured to provide air flow to one of the perimeter chamber or the central chamber. A plurality of flow control stringers are located between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion and are configured to control an air flow rate into each of the perimeter chamber and the central chamber. At least one fastener is formed on the body and configured to attach the jack element to at least one additional jack element in a multi-cell stack.

Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a support element and a conformable riser element adjacent the support element. The riser element and the support element collectively form a body support member configured to support a user and define a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the user's arm. The riser element and the support element are each disposed within a casing formed at least in part with a stretch material. In some embodiments, the riser element includes a polyester filler material and the stretch material includes a four-way stretch material. The four-way stretch material in combination with the polyester filler material enables the riser element to be conformable.

A patient support device includes a sheet configured to be placed beneath the patient in use and a plurality of straps connected to the sheet and configured for use in moving, lifting, turning, and/or positioning the patient. The straps may include one or more retractable straps that each have a stretchable retraction strap connected thereto and configured for retracting the retractable strap. The straps may also include one or more central support straps connected to the sheet in an area positioned between the legs of the patient. The sheet may also include a head support for supporting the patient's head, which head support may also include one or more straps. The straps may be connected to a hoist, which is then used to lift the patient.

An air supply supplies air to multiple different inflatable devices. The air supply includes an air compressing device, and at least two pressure valves. The air supply operates to introduce air from the first pressure valve to a first inflatable device at a first pressure that is within a first air pressure range. The air supply also operates to introduce air, on demand, from the second pressure valve to a second inflatable device at a second pressure within a second air pressure range while continuing to supply air to the first inflatable device at a pressure within the first air pressure range. The second pressure and/or the second pressure range is different from the first pressure and/or the first pressure range.

A transfer mattress includes a top panel; a bottom panel; an outer stringer having a superior edge coupled to the top panel and an inferior edge coupled to the bottom panel such that a portion of the outer stringer extending between the top panel and the bottom panel is at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the top panel and the bottom panel when the mattress body is inflated; and an inner stringer positioned between the central longitudinal axis and the outer stringer and having a superior edge coupled to the top panel and an inferior edge coupled to the bottom panel such that a portion of the inner stringer extending between the top panel and the bottom panel is at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the top panel and the bottom panel when the mattress body is inflated.

A patient positioning system includes a patient support device and a positioning apparatus including a body comprising a front end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, and a ramped surface between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, a tail extending from the front end of the body, the tail comprising an elongated piece of material, and a directional guide material coupled to or integrated with the ramped surface and configured to interface with the patient support device, wherein the directional guide material inhibits relative movement in a first direction between the patient support device and the positioning apparatus more than relative movement in a second direction between the patient support device and the positioning apparatus.

In one respect, the invention of the present application is a patient transfer device having an inflatable air mattress and a fixedly-attached sling sheet. In another respect, the invention is a method of indexing an inflatable air mattress and a sling sheet together before fixedly joining them together in order to create an improved patient transfer device.

A mattress structure including a base, an air bag structure and a fluid driving device is provided. The air bag structure is disposed on the base. The air bag structure includes a plurality of independent sub air bag structures. A plurality of supporting structures are disposed in each of the sub air bag structures. The fluid driving device is connected to the sub air bag structures so as so inject fluid to the sub air bag structures selectively. When the fluid driving device injects the fluid to at least one of the sub air bag structures so as to make the at least one of the sub air bag structures expand, each of the supporting structure is connected to two opposite surfaces of the expanded sub air bag structure.