A wheelchair system includes a wheelchair including a plurality of force sensors including at least three force sensors. A rigid seat pan is placed in contact with each the plurality of force sensors at a different position on the rigid seat pan so that the rigid seat pan does not contact the frame and forces on the rigid seat pan are transferred to the plurality of force sensors. Each of the plurality of force sensors is in communicative connection with a processor system. A memory system is in communicative connection and an interface system is in connection with the processor system and a user interface system in communicative connection with the processor system. Instructions stored on the memory system are executable by the processor system to determine a value of a variable related to a distribution of force on the rigid seat pan over time.

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.

Apparatus and methods related to an underbody support for supporting a body of a being, such as during surgery to prevent contact pressure injuries. In certain embodiments, the underbody support may include one or more inflatable chambers enclosing a volume. At least one of the inflatable chambers may include one or more compression sensitive switches for monitoring the volume of the inflatable chamber, and the one or more compression sensitive switches may be located within the inflatable chamber. In some embodiments the one or more compression sensitive switches are sized to close when the said inflatable chamber is deflated to a desired residual volume.

A cover for covering a patient support apparatus cushion includes a top cover layer, a lower cover layer configured to join with the top cover layer for enclosing a cushion there between, and an ePTFE membrane between the top cover layer and the lower cover layer to form a liquid barrier between the top cover layer and the cushion. In one form, the ePTFE membrane is attached to the top cover layer. In another form, the ePTFE membrane is unattached to the top cover layer.

A fluid source comprises a connector assembly for connecting a fluid supply device to either a first therapy device or to a second therapy device. A controller automatically provides a first configuration of a user interface associated with a first therapy when a supply connector is operatively coupled to the first therapy device and provides a second configuration of the user interface associated with a second therapy, different than the first configuration, when the supply connector is operatively coupled to the second therapy device. A hanger assembly is provided to hang the fluid source on different support structures. The fluid source also comprises a housing with a watershed region to shed liquid away from the user interface.

A pressure injuries therapeutic support surface is illustrated. The surface comprises an integrated system designed for a concurrent physical and psychoneuroimmunological approach over a user, wherein the system comprises one or a plurality of independent fluid-filled main chambers, made of waterproof, flexible, extendable, and elastic material and at least two accessory chambers connected to each main chamber with at least with two free-flow conduits. The system is managed through a powered mechatronic array with its own hardware and software based on microcontrollers for the simultaneous operation of specific multidisciplinary devices.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for supporting a patient, for example, for preventing or ameliorating pressure injuries or supporting a resting posture of a patient. The system can include a first layer comprising a sheet having a sheet length, a sheet width, and a vertical center line extending along the longitudinal axis of the sheet; a second layer affixed to the first layer, and longitudinally aligned with the vertical center line; and means for securing the first layer to a mattress and tensioning the second layer. The first layer and the second layer form a plurality of pockets disposed over the vertical center line, each respective pocket comprising at least one opening and configured to receive a pressure redistributing insert or a repositioning insert.

There is described support structures for a bed, and various embodiments of a bed for use in a hospital. In an example, a support structure comprises a plurality of sections, each configured to support a respective part of a body, and a plurality of resilient members that extend in a longitudinal direction from an upper end of the support structure to a lower end of the support structure, wherein a shape and/or profile of the support structure is determined by a shape and/or profile of the resilient members.

There is described support structures for a bed, and various embodiments of a bed for use in a hospital. In an example, a support structure comprises a plurality of sections, each configured to support a respective part of a body, and a plurality of resilient members that extend in a longitudinal direction from an upper end of the support structure to a lower end of the support structure, wherein a shape and/or profile of the support structure is determined by a shape and/or profile of the resilient members.

A valve for an inflatable device includes a pocket configured to be located in a cavity of the inflatable device. The pocket includes an entrance opening to receive air from an air output. The pocket further includes a first layer of material having at least a first aperture, wherein the first aperture is positioned entirely within the first layer of material, a second layer of material having at least a second aperture in fluid communication with the first aperture, wherein the second aperture is positioned entirely within the second layer of material. The first aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with the entrance opening and the cavity such that airflow passes through the valve by flowing from the entrance opening into the pocket, and out of the pocket and into the cavity through at least one of the first aperture or the second aperture.