Air-powered low interface pressure support surface

• Main Authors: RABURN RICHARD W, BENEDICT JOSEPH, WESTON RUSSELL J, TOTTON WANDA J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 20.11.2007
• Subjects: BEDS; CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; COFFEE MILLS; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; FUNERAL DEVICES; FURNITURE; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; SOFAS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL; TRANSPORT OR ACCOMODATION FOR PATIENTS

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.