A multi-function care bed is disclosed including a flatbed having a plurality of panels foldable between a first configuration in which the plurality of panels are adapted to support a person in a horizontal position, and a second configuration in which the plurality of panels are adapted to form a chair to support the person in a seated position. The multi-function care bed also includes a bed frame configured to support the person on a mattress, the bed frame being movable between a first position in which the bed frame substantially overlies the flatbed, and a second position in which the plurality of panels of the flatbed are exposed so as to allow transfer of the person between the bed frame and the flatbed. The multi-function care bed also includes a body movement system in which a group of arms lift, lower, roll, or massage the person.

A patient-support sling is at least partially disposable in a recessed area of the mattress, the sling being tiltably supported by a frame and carrying a waste receptacle. The sling has an aperture and at least one opening, the opening being larger in area than a bedsore. The sling is configured to enable selective relocation of the opening, thereby enabling an accommodation of bed sores for reducing incidence and severity thereof. The receptacle is removably attachable to the pelvic support member and disposable in part below the aperture for receiving eliminated waste of the user.

A patient-support sling is at least partially disposable in a recessed area of the mattress, the sling being tiltably supported by a frame and carrying a waste receptacle. The sling has an aperture and at least one opening, the opening being larger in area than a bedsore. The sling is configured to enable selective relocation of the opening, thereby enabling an accommodation of bed sores for reducing incidence and severity thereof. The receptacle is removably attachable to the pelvic support member and disposable in part below the aperture for receiving eliminated waste of the user.

A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

One embodiment of a method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support comprises the steps of A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D) comparing the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable comparison.

One embodiment of a method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support comprises the steps of A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D) comparing the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable comparison.

A microclimate system includes an air box, a disposable incontinence pad, and a mattress. The incontinence pad serves as an incontinent event detector. The disposable incontinence pad may be configured to conduct air along an interface of the disposable incontinence pad to withdraw heat and moisture from a patient and cools and dries the patient's skin in order to reduce the risk of bed sore formation. The mattress may include a microclimate management layer that provides conditioned air to withdraw heat and moisture from the disposable incontinence pad thereby keeping the patient's skin cool and dry in order to reduce the risk of bed sore formation.

A microclimate system includes an air box, a disposable incontinence pad, and a mattress. The incontinence pad serves as an incontinent event detector. The disposable incontinence pad may be configured to conduct air along an interface of the disposable incontinence pad to withdraw heat and moisture from a patient and cools and dries the patient's skin in order to reduce the risk of bed sore formation. The mattress may include a microclimate management layer that provides conditioned air to withdraw heat and moisture from the disposable incontinence pad thereby keeping the patient's skin cool and dry in order to reduce the risk of bed sore formation.

A patient-support sling is at least partially disposable in a recessed area of the mattress, the sling being tiltably supported by a frame and carrying a waste receptacle. The sling has an aperture and at least one opening, the opening being larger in area than a bedsore. The sling is configured to enable selective relocation of the opening, thereby enabling an accommodation of bed sores for reducing incidence and severity thereof. The receptacle is removably attachable to the pelvic support member and disposable in part below the aperture for receiving eliminated waste of the user.

A patient-support sling is at least partially disposable in a recessed area of the mattress, the sling being tiltably supported by a frame and carrying a waste receptacle. The sling has an aperture and at least one opening, the opening being larger in area than a bedsore. The sling is configured to enable selective relocation of the opening, thereby enabling an accommodation of bed sores for reducing incidence and severity thereof. The receptacle is removably attachable to the pelvic support member and disposable in part below the aperture for receiving eliminated waste of the user.