In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer support system with a number of layers. Systems and methods of removing moisture vapor from an environment surrounding patient are disclosed that accomplish such removal.

A heat exchange structure for support surface includes a mattress portion consisting of air cells disposed side-by-side, a mattress cover, a heat dissipation air cushion disposed between the mattress portion and the mattress cover, an air charging line, and an air supply unit connected to the heat dissipation air cushion via the air charging line. The heat dissipation air cushion has air holes formed on its top surface. When air is supplied from the air supply unit into the heat dissipation air cushion, an air chamber in the heat dissipation air cushion is expanded to create an air-flowing space between the mattress portion and the mattress cover. The air supplied into the air chamber continuously escapes from the heat dissipation air cushion into the air-flowing space to form air streams, which flow through and finally out of the air-flowing space while carrying heat and moisture away from the mattress cover.

A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus.

An air cell including a strip body and a waterproof air-permeable cover is provided. The strip body has an air hole, a upper surface, and a side surface integrated with the upper surface. The upper surface is constituted by a air-permeable region and a airproof region. The side surface and the airproof region are made of airproof material, and the air-permeable region is constituted by a opening. The waterproof air-permeable cover is disposed at the strip body and covers the opening. When the air cell is in a use state due to air inflation through the air hole, part of gas in the strip body flows out of the air cell through the waterproof air-permeable cover. In addition, an air mattress and an air mattress system including the air cell is also provided.

A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members. The plurality of inflatable members may include a core including a resilient material. The patient support may be controlled with a first controller positioned within an envelope of the patient support. The patient support may include a detector to detect when an external controller is coupled to the patient support, the patient support being controlled by the second controller when the second controller is present.

A patient support system includes a scale system, an air system, and a lift system. The patient support system also includes a control system configured to graphically communicate information about the scale system, the air system, and the lift system to a user.

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.

An air inflatable mattress and mattress coverlet are provided for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores or bedsores). The mattress incorporates a user selectable static or alternating air powered support surface for more uniformly redistributing pressure exerted on a patient's skin. The mattress coverlet encompasses a low air loss feature independent of the mattress's user selectable air powered support surface. Such low air loss feature provides a patient contact surface exhibiting a high moisture vapor transfer ratio in conjunction with a forced air flow to aid in reducing the moisture and heat near the patient's body. Both the mattress and mattress coverlet are driven by an external control system which houses the user controls, as well as the necessary pumps, regulators, and valving.

A patient support includes a cover defining an interior region, an air permeable first layer located in the interior region, at least one air supply coupled to the first layer to provide air flow through the first layer, a support layer located beneath the air permeable first layer, a pressure sensing layer located underneath the support layer, and a controller coupled to the air supply and to the pressure sensing layer. The controller controls air flow through the first layer in response to a signal from the pressure sensing layer.

An air inflatable mattress and mattress coverlet are provided for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores or bedsores). The mattress incorporates a user selectable static or alternating air powered support surface for more uniformly redistributing pressure exerted on a patient's skin. The mattress coverlet encompasses a low air loss feature independent of the mattress's user selectable air powered support surface. Such low air loss feature provides a patient contact surface exhibiting a high moisture vapor transfer ratio in conjunction with a forced air flow to aid in reducing the moisture and heat near the patient's body. Both the mattress and mattress coverlet are driven by an external control system which houses the user controls, as well as the necessary pumps, regulators, and valving.