PRESSURE REDUCING PATIENT SUPPORT STRUCTURES

摘要

A support structure for a patient such as a mattress or mattress overlay comprises at least one air-tight chamber defined by an outer fabric. The chamber is provided with a first zone for supporting the major part of a patient's body and a second zone for supporting a part susceptible to pressure induced tissue damage. A first foam material is provided in the first zone and a second foam material is provided in the second zone. The upper surface of the first foam material is attached to the inner surface of the outer fabric. At least part of the upper surface of the second foam material is unattached to the inner surface of the outer fabric and defines and inflatable region. The inflatable region is inflated by transfer of air from the first zone by the action of a patient's weight on the first zone.