The present invention is a bed for relieving bed sores and other contact related discomfort while lying in bed, which provides a solution to the problem of contact or pressure related discomfort or injury while lying in bed especially if bedridden for a significant amount of time. The core components of the invention are a first support layer and a second support layer with a first opening defined vertically in the first support layer and the second support layer and at least one second opening defined horizontally through the first support layer. Generally speaking, the components are configured as follows: The second support layer is above and fixed to the first support layer, first opening, and the at least one second opening allow air flow to the back or other exposed body part of a person laying on the bed.

A customizable cushioning device for supporting an anatomical region of a patient can include a main body. The main body can have an intact base and a plurality of removable pillars. The plurality of removable pillars can be disposed on the intact base. The main body can include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can have a first flexibility. The second portion can have a second flexibility. The first flexibility is different from the second flexibility.

This disclosure provides a patient support for supporting a patient. The patient support comprises a lattice of cells each having a base, a top disposed opposite the base, and one or more buckling elements having a thickness and extending from the base to the top to form a column.

This disclosure provides a patient support for supporting a patient. The patient support comprises a lattice of cells each having a base, a top disposed opposite the base, and one or more buckling elements having a thickness and extending from the base to the top to form a column.

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 supporting system is provided for a patient in a prone position, especially for patients that are intubated and/or mechanically ventilated. The supporting arrangement ensures proper posture of the patient so as to prevent damages caused by prolonged lying in the prone position. The arrangement includes a kit of separate modules (10 - 40, 50sx, 50dx - 90sx, 90dx) for containing, pushing, supporting, and unloading distinct body segments of the patient’s body. The modules are freely positionable and orientable with respect to one another on an external supporting surface, such as a mattress. The supporting arrangement provides for a sub-arrangement intended for supporting the patient’s head and comprises modules for the head (10 -40) which make it possible to effectively support the user’s head in a neutral position as well as in a position turned to the side.

An automatically adjusting comfort method includes measuring pressure applied by a user via a pressure-sensor array, determining a pressure profile based on measurements from the pressure-sensor array, comparing the pressure profile to a first limit, determining a cumulative pressure profile over a predetermined duration, comparing the cumulative pressure profile to a second limit, and adjusting one or more of a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile for increased comfort of the user when the pressure profile exceeds the first limit or the second limit. An automatically adjusting comfort system includes a pressure-sensor array communicatively coupled to a controller for determining a cumulative pressure profile over time, and a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile to increase a user's comfort, wherein the controller automatically adjusts one or more of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms based on the cumulative pressure profile.

An evaluation system including a hardware system for collecting real-time data for evaluating sleeping comfort performance of a bedding system is disclosed. The hardware system includes a thermal and moisture comfort measurement system, a thermal and moisture comfort control system, a biomechanical comfort control system, and a biomechanical comfort measurement system. The evaluation system also includes a computational system having a processor and a tactile database, and a portable device. The computational system is configured to receive and process the real-time data from the hardware system, and is communicatively connected to the portable device for transmitting real-time data for evaluating the bedding system and adjusting the hardware system. A mobile application executable on the portable device is configured to collect subjective opinion of the sleeper using questionnaires, and the processor is configured to perform combined analysis of the subjective opinion and the real-time data of the bedding system.

A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel of two foam layers, and having an inserted thermoelectric string is incorporated into a seat cushion, planting pot, and battery thermal manager. Several enhancements to the string and the panel improve its durability, visual appeal, and tactile appeal over the prior art.

A multi-purpose system for a bed is disclosed. The system may include a number of vertically movable lifting members that are parallel and spaced-apart elongated parts transversally connected to the bed. Furthermore a mattress assembly that has spaced-apart transversal accommodating spaces thereon that are sized to receive the corresponding movable lifting members therein, and an actuating mechanism coupled with the movable lifting members to vertically move the lifting members between a lowered position and a raised position.