초록 ▼

A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of

A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The at least one bladder in which to reduce the pressure is selected based on a position of the patient's heels on the mattress relative to the visual indication of the location of each of the bladders.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A support surface apparatus adapted for supporting a patient and for providing pressure relief for heels of the patient, the support surface apparatus comprisinga mattress having a head end, a foot end, and at least two bladders located adjacent the foot end, the at least two bladders each adapte

1. A support surface apparatus adapted for supporting a patient and for providing pressure relief for heels of the patient, the support surface apparatus comprisinga mattress having a head end, a foot end, and at least two bladders located adjacent the foot end, the at least two bladders each adapted to include an internal pressure, and a pressure controller including means for reducing the pressure in at least one selected bladder independently from the remaining bladders to provide pressure relief for heels of a patient lying on the mattress when the heels are located above the at least one selected bladder.