Patient support apparatus having an air cell grid and associated method

摘要

An apparatus ( 10 ) for supporting a patient during a medical procedure includes a bead bag ( 18 ) that is filled with compressible beads ( 20 ) and that forms a lower layer of the apparatus ( 10 ). The apparatus ( 10 ) also includes a layer of foam material ( 30 ) that is located above the bead bag and an air cell grid ( 36 ) that has a plurality of inflatable air cells ( 38 ). The air cell grid ( 36 ) forms an upper layer of the apparatus ( 10 ) and provides a soft surface upon which the patient lies. The bead bag ( 18 ), when subjected to a vacuum, becomes rigid for supporting the air cell grid ( 36 ) against the patient for helping to maximize a surface area of contact between the patient and the apparatus ( 10 ).