Personal support system including personal support surface with integrated

Abstract

A personal support system includes a personal support surface. The personal support surface may include a blower component and a surface base layer. The personal support surface may further include a steering assist airbag layer, a work buffer layer, and a support buffer layer located between the first and second side bolsters of the surface base layer, a foot airbag layer located immediately adjacent the surface base layer, and a microclimate management (MCM) layer, wherein the blower component may be configured to supply air to the MCM layer. The top encapsulation portion of the individual support surface may be removably coupled to the bottom encapsulation portion of the individual support surface to enclose these components included within the individual support surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 972,353, filed February 10, 2020, entitled “Personal Support System Including Personal Support Surface with Integrated Blower for Microclimate Management,” the entire contents of which, including the drawings, are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to personal support systems including personal support surfaces, and more specifically, to personal support systems including personal support surfaces having integrated blowers for microclimate management. Background Technology

[0004] Overall, the healthcare industry is seeking medical devices that improve the quality of care for patients, reduce their length of hospital stays, decrease readmissions, eliminate preventable falls, and prevent complications such as hospital-acquired infections, muscle atrophy, and stress injuries, while simultaneously reducing mortality. Furthermore, the healthcare industry is seeking medical devices that protect its healthcare workforce (e.g., devices that reduce the likelihood of work-related musculoskeletal injuries).

[0005] The aspects of this disclosure include a personal support surface that incorporates a combination of features that enhance the prevention of pressure injury in subjects, improve subject turn assist, enhance the prevention of ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) in subjects, improve the cleaning and disinfection of the personal support surface, and enhance the use of fluoroscopic imaging. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the first aspect A1, the personal support system includes a personal support surface comprising: i) a top encapsulation portion and a bottom encapsulation portion; ii) a blower component; iii) a surface base layer including a proximal end, a distal end, a first side cushion, and a second side cushion, wherein the surface base layer extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end; iv) a steering assist airbag layer; v) a support cushion layer, wherein the steering assist airbag layer and the support cushion layer are located between the first side cushion and the second side cushion of the surface base layer; vi) a foot airbag layer located adjacent to the surface base layer; and vii) a microclimate management (MCM) layer located above the surface base layer, the steering assist airbag layer, the support cushion layer, and the foot airbag layer, wherein the blower component is fluidly coupled to the MCM layer to supply air from the blower component to the MCM layer, wherein the top encapsulation portion is detachably coupled to the bottom encapsulation portion to encapsulate the blower component, the surface base layer, the steering assist airbag layer, the support cushion layer, the foot airbag layer, and the MCM layer within the personal support surface.

[0007] The second aspect A2 includes the system of the first aspect A1, wherein the personal support surface further includes: a working cushion layer located between a first side pad and a second side pad of the surface base layer, wherein an MCM layer is located above the working cushion layer, and wherein a top encapsulation portion is detachably connected to a bottom encapsulation portion, thereby further encapsulating the working cushion layer within the personal support surface.

[0008] The third aspect A3 includes a system comprising either the first aspect A1 or the second aspect A2, wherein the supporting buffer layer comprises a plurality of air tubes oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the plurality of air tubes is cylindrical.

[0009] The fourth aspect A4 includes the system of the third aspect A3, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes a housing that keeps the MCM layer in contact with the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0010] The fifth aspect A5 includes the system of the third aspect A3, wherein the foot airbag layer includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of foot airbags oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, in the inflated state, the plurality of foot airbags are arranged to achieve a first height at the distal end of the foot airbag layer and a second height at the proximal end of the foot airbag layer, such that the foot airbag layer tilts downward from the distal end to the proximal end to reduce the pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0011] The sixth aspect A6 includes a system comprising the first aspect A1 or the second aspect A2, wherein the support buffer layer includes a plurality of air tubes oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first portion of the plurality of air tubes is cylindrical, and wherein the second portion of the plurality of air tubes is shaped to conform to the contour of the surface base layer.

[0012] The seventh aspect A7 includes the system of the sixth aspect A6, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes a housing that keeps the MCM layer in contact with the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0013] The eighth aspect A8 includes the system of the sixth aspect A6, wherein the foot airbag layer includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of foot airbags oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, in the inflated state, the plurality of foot airbag layers are arranged to achieve a first height at the distal end of the foot airbag layer and a second height at the proximal end of the foot airbag layer, such that the foot airbag layer slopes downward from the distal end to the proximal end to reduce pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0014] The ninth aspect A9 includes a system comprising the first aspect A1 or the second aspect A2, wherein the blower component comprises: a blower housing that houses a blower that generates a continuous airflow for the MCM layer; one or more fluid inlets coupled to the blower housing, wherein the one or more fluid inlets are located on a personal support surface to abut against one or more gaps defined on one or more personal support devices; and one or more fluid supply pipes, wherein a first end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the blower housing and a second end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the MCM layer.

[0015] The tenth aspect A10 includes the system of the ninth aspect A9, which also includes one or more blowers that connect the second end of each fluid supply tube to the MCM layer.

[0016] The eleventh aspect A11 includes the system of the ninth aspect A9, wherein the blower component includes a first fluid supply pipe and a second fluid supply pipe, and wherein the blower housing is located at the proximal portion of the personal support surface, the first fluid supply pipe travels along a first side pad of the surface base layer, and the second fluid supply pipe travels along a second side pad of the surface base layer to define a radiolucent window in the distal portion of the personal support surface for use in a fluoroscopic procedure.

[0017] The twelfth aspect A12 includes the system of the ninth aspect A9, wherein the MCM layer includes an inner MCM sheet defining a seat MCM portion, wherein the seat MCM portion corresponds to a seat area of ​​one or more personal support devices, wherein an array of holes is defined in the seat MCM portion to uniformly distribute a continuous airflow over the entire surface of the seat MCM portion.

[0018] The thirteenth aspect A13 includes the system of the twelfth aspect A12, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a foot MCM portion corresponding to the foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, wherein the foot MCM portion includes a pad that is relatively softer than the pad associated with the seat MCM portion, in order to reduce pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0019] The fourteenth aspect A14 includes the system of the twelfth aspect A12, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a head MCM portion corresponding to a head area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein the seat MCM portion and the head MCM portion of the MCM layer are configured such that air flows continuously from the seat MCM portion through the head MCM portion to a vent defined in a distal portion of the MCM layer.

[0020] The fifteenth aspect A15 includes a system comprising the first aspect A1 or the second aspect A2, wherein a sleeve is defined on the surface of the top encapsulation portion, wherein the sleeve is positioned to correspond to at least one of a head area, seat area or foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, wherein the sleeve is used to place a medical device under a subject located on the personal support surface.

[0021] The sixteenth aspect A16 includes a system of either the first aspect A1 or the second aspect A2, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes one or more fluid baffles that extend on one or more interlocking devices, thereby making the individual support surface one of a fluid-resistant or fluid-proof element.

[0022] In aspect 17 A17, the personal support system includes a personal support surface comprising: i) a top encapsulation portion and a bottom encapsulation portion; ii) a microclimate management (MCM) air source; iii) a surface base layer including a proximal end, a distal end, a first side cushion, and a second side cushion, wherein the surface base layer extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end; iv) a plurality of personal support surface layers positioned between the first and second side cushions of the surface base layer; v) a foot airbag layer located adjacent to the surface base layer; and vi) an MCM layer located above the surface base layer, the plurality of personal support surface layers, and the foot airbag layer, wherein the MCM air source is fluidly coupled to the MCM layer to supply air to the MCM layer, and wherein the top encapsulation portion is detachably connected to the bottom encapsulation portion to encapsulate the MCM air source, the surface base layer, the plurality of personal support surface layers, the foot airbag layer, and the MCM layer within the personal support surface.

[0023] The eighteenth aspect A18 includes the system of the seventeenth aspect A17, wherein the plurality of personal support surface layers include one or more of a steering assist airbag layer, a support buffer layer, a working buffer layer, a jolt vibration airbag layer, and an advanced joint motion airbag layer.

[0024] Nineteenth aspect A19 includes the system of Seventeenth aspect A17, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes a housing that keeps the MCM layer in contact with the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0025] The twentieth aspect A20 includes the system of the seventeenth aspect A17, the eighteenth aspect A18, or the nineteenth aspect A19, wherein the foot airbag layer includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of foot airbags oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, in the inflated state, the plurality of foot airbags are arranged to achieve a first height at the distal end of the foot airbag layer and a second height at the proximal end of the foot airbag layer, such that the foot airbag layer tilts downward from the distal end to the proximal end to reduce the pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0026] The twenty-first aspect A21 includes the system of the seventeenth aspect A17, the eighteenth aspect A18, or the nineteenth aspect A19, wherein the MCM air source includes a blower component comprising: a blower housing that houses a blower for generating a continuous airflow for the MCM layer; one or more fluid inlets coupled to the blower housing, wherein the one or more fluid inlets are located on a personal support surface to engage with one or more gaps defined on one or more personal support devices; and one or more fluid supply pipes, wherein a first end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the blower housing and a second end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the MCM layer.

[0027] The twenty-second aspect A22 includes the system of the twenty-first aspect A21, wherein the blower component includes a first fluid supply pipe and a second fluid supply pipe, and wherein the blower housing is located at the proximal portion of the personal support surface, the first fluid supply pipe travels along a first side pad of the surface base layer, and the second fluid supply pipe travels along a second side pad of the surface base layer to define a radiolucent window in the distal portion of the personal support surface for use in a fluoroscopic procedure.

[0028] The twenty-third aspect A23 includes the system of the seventeenth aspect A17, the eighteenth aspect A18, or the nineteenth aspect A19, wherein the MCM layer includes an inner MCM sheet defining a seat MCM portion, wherein the seat MCM portion corresponds to a seat area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein an array of holes is defined in the seat MCM portion to uniformly distribute a continuous airflow over the entire surface of the seat MCM portion.

[0029] The twenty-fourth aspect A24 includes the system of the twenty-third aspect A23, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a foot MCM portion corresponding to the foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, wherein the foot MCM portion includes a pad that is relatively softer than the pad associated with the seat MCM portion to reduce pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0030] The twenty-fifth aspect A25 includes the system of the twenty-third aspect A23, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a head MCM portion corresponding to the head area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein the seat MCM portion and the head MCM portion of the MCM layer are configured such that air flows continuously from the seat MCM portion through the head MCM portion to a vent defined in the distal portion of the MCM layer.

[0031] The twenty-sixth aspect A26 includes the system of the seventeenth aspect A17, the eighteenth aspect A18, or the nineteenth aspect A19, wherein a sleeve is defined on the surface of the top encapsulation portion, wherein the sleeve is positioned to correspond to at least one of the head area, seat area, or foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein the sleeve is usable for placing a medical device under a subject located on the personal support surface.

[0032] The twenty-seventh aspect A27 includes the system of the seventeenth aspect A17, the eighteenth aspect A18, or the nineteenth aspect A19, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes one or more fluid baffles that extend on one or more interlocking devices, such that the personal support surface is one of a fluid-resistant or fluid-proof element.

[0033] In aspect 28 A28, the personal support system includes a personal support device and a personal support surface, comprising: i) a top encapsulation portion and a bottom encapsulation portion; ii) a microclimate management (MCM) air source; iii) a surface base layer including a proximal end, a distal end, a first side cushion, and a second side cushion, wherein the surface base layer extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end; iv) a plurality of personal support surface layers located between the first side cushion and the second side cushion of the surface base layer; v) a foot airbag layer located near the surface base layer; vi) an MCM layer located above the surface base layer, the plurality of personal support surface layers, and the foot airbag layer, wherein the MCM air source is fluidly connected to the MCM layer such that air is supplied to the MCM layer by the MCM air source.

[0034] A29 includes the system of A28, wherein the plurality of individual support surface layers include one or more of a steering assist airbag layer, a support cushioning layer, a working cushioning layer, a jolt vibration airbag layer, and an advanced joint motion airbag layer.

[0035] The thirtieth aspect A30 includes a system comprising the twenty-eighth aspect A28 or the twenty-ninth aspect A29, wherein the foot airbag layer includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of foot airbags oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, in an inflated state, the plurality of foot airbags are arranged to achieve a first height at the distal end of the foot airbag layer and a second height at the proximal end of the foot airbag layer, such that the foot airbag layer tilts downward from the distal end to the proximal end to reduce the pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0036] The thirty-first aspect A31 includes the systems of the twenty-eighth aspect A28 or the twenty-ninth aspect A29, wherein the personal support device includes a standard personal support device, an advanced joint movement personal support device, or a chair egress personal support device.

[0037] The thirty-second aspect A32 includes the system of the thirty-first aspect A31, wherein the MCM air source includes a blower component comprising: a blower housing housing a blower for generating a continuous airflow for the MCM layer; one or more fluid inlets coupled to the blower housing, wherein the one or more fluid inlets are located on a personal support surface to abut against one or more gaps defined on the personal support device; and one or more fluid supply pipes, wherein a first end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the blower housing and a second end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the MCM layer.

[0038] The thirty-third aspect A33 includes the system of the thirty-second aspect A32, which further includes one or more blowers that connect the second end of each fluid supply tube to the MCM layer.

[0039] The thirty-fourth aspect A34 includes the system of the thirty-second aspect A32, wherein the blower component includes a first fluid supply pipe and a second fluid supply pipe, and wherein the blower housing is located at the proximal portion of the personal support surface, the first fluid supply pipe travels along a first side pad of the surface base layer, and the second fluid supply pipe travels along a second side pad of the surface base layer to define a radiolucent window in the distal portion of the personal support surface for use in a fluoroscopic procedure.

[0040] The thirty-fifth aspect A35 includes the system of the thirty-second aspect A32, wherein the MCM layer includes an inner MCM sheet defining a seat MCM portion, wherein the seat MCM portion corresponds to the seat area of ​​the personal support device, and wherein an array of holes is defined in the seat MCM portion to uniformly distribute a continuous airflow over the entire surface of the seat MCM portion.

[0041] The thirty-sixth aspect A36 includes the system of the thirty-fifth aspect A35, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a foot MCM portion corresponding to the foot area of ​​the personal support device, wherein the foot MCM portion includes a pad that is relatively softer than the pad associated with the seat MCM portion in order to reduce pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0042] The thirty-seventh aspect A37 includes the system of the thirty-fifth aspect A35, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a foot MCM portion corresponding to the foot area of ​​the personal support device, and wherein the seat MCM portion and the foot MCM portion of the MCM layer are configured such that air flows continuously from the seat MCM portion through the foot MCM portion to a vent defined in the proximal portion of the MCM layer.

[0043] The thirty-eighth aspect A38 includes the system of the thirty-first aspect A31, wherein the personal support surface further includes a top encapsulation portion, wherein a sleeve is defined on the surface of the top encapsulation portion, wherein the sleeve is positioned to correspond to at least one of a head area, a seat area, or a foot area of ​​the personal support device, and wherein the sleeve is usable for placing a medical device under a subject located on the personal support surface.

[0044] The thirty-ninth aspect A39 includes a system of the twenty-eighth aspect A28 or the twenty-ninth aspect A29, wherein the personal support surface further includes a top encapsulation portion, the top encapsulation portion including one or more fluid baffles extending on one or more interlocking devices, such that the personal support surface is one of a fluid-resistant or fluid-proof element.

[0045] The fourth aspect A40 includes a system of the twenty-eighth aspect A28 or the twenty-ninth aspect A29, wherein the personal support surface further includes a top encapsulation portion, the top encapsulation portion including a housing that keeps the MCM layer in contact with the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0046] In aspect 41 A41, the personal support surface includes: i) a microclimate management (MCM) air source; ii) a surface base layer including a proximal end, a distal end, a first side cushion, and a second side cushion, wherein the surface base layer extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end; iii) a plurality of personal support surface layers located between the first side cushion and the second side cushion of the surface base layer; iv) a foot airbag layer located adjacent to the surface base layer; and v) an MCM layer located above the surface base layer, the plurality of personal support surface layers, and the foot airbag layer, wherein the MCM air source is fluidly coupled to the MCM layer such that air is supplied to the MCM layer from the MCM air source.

[0047] Aspect 42 includes the personal support surface of aspect 41, wherein the plurality of personal support surface layers include one or more of a steering assist airbag layer, a support cushion layer, a working cushion layer, a shock-absorbing airbag layer, and an advanced joint motion airbag layer.

[0048] A43 includes the personal support surface of A41 or A42, and also includes a top encapsulation portion, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes a housing that keeps the MCM layer in contact with the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0049] A44 includes a personal support surface of either A41 or A42, wherein the foot airbag layer includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of foot airbags oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, in an inflated state, the plurality of foot airbags are arranged to achieve a first height at the distal end of the foot airbag layer and a second height at the proximal end of the foot airbag layer, such that the foot airbag layer slopes downward from the distal end to the proximal end to reduce pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0050] A45 aspect includes a personal support surface of either A41 aspect or A42 aspect, wherein the MCM air source includes a blower component comprising: a blower housing that houses a blower for generating a continuous airflow for the MCM layer; one or more fluid inlets coupled to the blower housing, wherein the one or more fluid inlets are located on the personal support surface to engage with one or more gaps defined on one or more personal support devices; and one or more fluid supply pipes, wherein a first end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the blower housing and a second end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the MCM layer.

[0051] Aspect 46 A46 includes the personal support surface of aspect 45 A45, wherein the blower component includes a first fluid supply pipe and a second fluid supply pipe, and wherein the blower housing is located at the proximal portion of the personal support surface, the first fluid supply pipe travels along a first side pad of the surface base layer, and the second fluid supply pipe travels along a second side pad of the surface base layer to define a radiolucent window in the distal portion of the personal support surface for use in a fluoroscopic procedure.

[0052] Aspect 47 includes the personal support surface of aspect 41 A41 or aspect 42 A42, wherein the MCM layer includes an inner MCM sheet defining a seat MCM portion, wherein the seat MCM portion corresponds to a seat area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein an array of holes is defined in the seat MCM portion to uniformly distribute a continuous airflow over the entire surface of the seat MCM portion.

[0053] Aspect 48 includes the personal support surface of aspect 47 A47, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a foot MCM portion corresponding to the foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, wherein the foot MCM portion includes a pad that is relatively softer than the pad associated with the seat MCM portion to reduce pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0054] A49 includes the personal support surface of A47, wherein the inner MCM sheet further defines a head MCM portion corresponding to a head area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein the seat MCM portion and the head MCM portion of the MCM layer are configured such that air flows continuously from the seat MCM portion through the head MCM portion to a vent defined in the distal portion of the MCM layer.

[0055] The fiftieth aspect A50 includes a personal support surface of the forty-first aspect A41 or the forty-second aspect A42, and also includes a top encapsulation portion, wherein a sleeve is defined on the surface of the top encapsulation portion, wherein the sleeve is positioned to correspond to at least one of a head area, a seat area or a foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein the sleeve is usable for placing a medical device under a subject located on the personal support surface.

[0056] The fifty-first aspect A51 includes a personal support system of the first aspect A1, the second aspect A2, the seventeenth aspect A17, the eighteenth aspect A18, or the nineteenth aspect A19, wherein the top encapsulation includes a first part of an MCM interlocking device, the MCM layer includes a second part of an MCM interlocking device, and the first and second parts of the MCM interlocking device are connectable to keep the MCM layer in contact with the surface of the top encapsulation.

[0057] The 52nd aspect A52 includes a personal support system of the 28th aspect A28 or the 29th aspect A29, wherein the personal support system further includes a top encapsulation portion comprising a first portion of an MCM interlocking device, and wherein the MCM layer includes a second portion of the MCM interlocking device, the first and second portions of the MCM interlocking device being connectable to maintain contact between the MCM layer and the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0058] A53 aspect includes a personal support surface of either A41 aspect or A42 aspect, further comprising a top encapsulation portion including a first portion of an MCM interlocking device, wherein the MCM layer includes a second portion of the MCM interlocking device, the first and second portions of the MCM interlocking device being connectable to maintain contact between the MCM layer and the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0059] The 54th aspect A54 includes a personal support system of either the first aspect A1 or the second aspect A2, wherein the personal support surface further comprises a housing that houses at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for periodically inflating and deflating at least one of the air tubes of the support buffer layer or the foot airbags of the foot airbag layer, thereby providing one or more of alternating low-pressure therapy and continuous low-pressure therapy.

[0060] A55 includes personal support systems of A17, A18, A19, A28, or A29, wherein a plurality of personal support surface layers include support cushioning layers, and wherein the personal support surface further includes a housing that houses at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for periodically inflating and deflating at least one of the air tubes of the support cushioning layers or the foot airbags of the foot airbag layers, thereby providing one or more of alternating low-pressure therapy and continuous low-pressure therapy.

[0061] Aspect 56 includes a personal support surface of aspect 41 A41 or aspect 42 A42, wherein a plurality of personal support surface layers include a support cushioning layer, and wherein the personal support surface further includes a housing that houses at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for periodically inflating and deflating at least one of the air tubes of the support cushioning layer or the foot airbags of the foot airbag layer, thereby providing one or more of alternating low-pressure therapy and continuous low-pressure therapy.

[0062] Aspect 57 A57 includes the personal support system of aspect 2 A2, wherein the personal support surface further includes a housing that houses at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for controlling at least one of a steering airbag of the steering assist airbag layer or a working buffer airbag of the working buffer layer, thereby providing one or more of steering assist therapy and continuous lateral rotation therapy.

[0063] A58 includes a personal support system of A17, A18, A19, A28, or A29, wherein a plurality of personal support surface layers include a steering assist airbag layer and a working buffer layer, and wherein the personal support surface further includes a housing that houses at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for controlling at least one of the steering airbags of the steering assist airbag layer or the working buffer airbags of the working buffer layer, thereby providing one or more of steering assist therapy and continuous lateral rotation therapy.

[0064] A59 includes a personal support surface of A41 or A42, wherein a plurality of personal support surface layers include a steering assist airbag layer and a working buffer layer, and wherein the personal support surface further includes a housing that houses at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for controlling at least one of the steering airbag of the steering assist airbag layer or the working buffer airbag of the working buffer layer, thereby providing one or more of steering assist therapy and continuous lateral rotation therapy.

[0065] Sixtieth aspect A60 includes a personal support system of either the first aspect A1 or the second aspect A2, wherein the personal support surface further includes a percussion vibration airbag layer and a housing, the housing housing at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for controlling the percussion vibration airbag layer, thereby providing percussion vibration therapy.

[0066] The sixty-first aspect A61 includes the personal support system of the seventeenth aspect A17, the eighteenth aspect A18, the nineteenth aspect A19, the twenty-eighth aspect A28, or the twenty-ninth aspect A29, wherein a plurality of personal support surface layers include a percussion vibration airbag layer, and wherein the personal support surface further includes a shell that houses at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for controlling the percussion vibration airbag layer, thereby providing percussion vibration therapy.

[0067] Aspect 62 includes a personal support surface of aspect 41 or aspect 42, wherein a plurality of personal support surface layers include a percussion vibration airbag layer, and wherein the personal support surface further includes a housing that houses at least one of a pneumatic air control box or an electro-air control box for controlling the percussion vibration airbag layer, thereby providing percussion vibration therapy.

[0068] In aspect 63 A63, a personal support system includes a personal support surface comprising: a surface base layer including a proximal end, a distal end, a first side cushion, and a second side cushion, wherein the surface base layer extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends; and a foot airbag layer located adjacent to the surface base layer, the foot airbag layer including one or more tubular airbags disposed in a system-perpendicular direction between one or more raft layers and a substrate, the one or more tubular airbags being configured to define one or more pores between the one or more raft layers and the substrate.

[0069] Aspect 64 A64 includes the system of Aspect 63 A63, wherein the personal support surface further includes: a top encapsulation portion and a bottom encapsulation portion; a blower component; a steering assist airbag layer; a support cushion layer, wherein the steering assist airbag layer and the support cushion layer are located between a first side pad and a second side pad of the surface base layer; and a microclimate management (MCM) layer located above the surface base layer, the steering assist airbag layer, the support cushion layer and the foot airbag layer, wherein the blower component is fluidly connected to the MCM layer to supply air to the MCM layer, wherein the top encapsulation portion is detachably connected to the bottom encapsulation portion to encapsulate the blower component, the surface base layer, the steering assist airbag layer, the support cushion layer, the foot airbag layer and the MCM layer within the personal support surface.

[0070] Aspect 65 A65 includes the system of Aspect 64 A64, wherein the personal support surface further includes: a working cushion layer located between a first side pad and a second side pad of the surface base layer, wherein an MCM layer is located above the working cushion layer, and wherein a top encapsulation portion is detachably connected to a bottom encapsulation portion, thereby further encapsulating the working cushion layer within the personal support surface.

[0071] Aspect 66 includes the system of aspect 64 A64 or aspect 65 A65, wherein the support buffer layer includes a plurality of air tubes oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first portion of the plurality of air tubes is cylindrical, and wherein the second portion of the plurality of air tubes is shaped to conform to the contour of the surface base layer.

[0072] Aspect 67 A67 includes the system of aspect 66 A66, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes a housing that keeps the MCM layer in contact with the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0073] Aspect 68 includes the system of Aspect 64 or A65, wherein the blower component comprises: a blower housing that houses a blower that generates a continuous airflow for the MCM layer; one or more fluid inlets coupled to the blower housing, wherein the one or more fluid inlets are located on a personal support surface to abut with one or more gaps defined on one or more personal support devices; and one or more fluid supply pipes, wherein a first end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the blower housing and a second end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the MCM layer.

[0074] Aspect 69 A69 includes the system of aspect 68 A68, which further includes one or more blowers that connect the second end of each fluid supply tube to the MCM layer.

[0075] The 70th aspect A70 includes the system of the 68th aspect A68, wherein the blower component includes a first fluid supply pipe and a second fluid supply pipe, and wherein the blower housing is located at the proximal portion of the personal support surface, the first fluid supply pipe travels along a first side pad of the surface base layer, and the second fluid supply pipe travels along a second side pad of the surface base layer to define a radiolucent window in the distal portion of the personal support surface for use in a fluoroscopic procedure.

[0076] The seventy-first aspect A71 includes the system of the sixty-eighth aspect A68, wherein the MCM layer includes an inner MCM sheet defining a seat MCM portion, wherein the seat MCM portion corresponds to a seat area of ​​one or more personal support devices, wherein an array of holes is defined in the seat MCM portion to uniformly distribute a continuous airflow over the entire surface of the seat MCM portion.

[0077] The seventy-second aspect A72 includes the system of the seventy-first aspect A71, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a head MCM portion corresponding to the head area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein the seat MCM portion and the head MCM portion of the MCM layer are configured such that air flows continuously from the seat MCM portion through the head MCM portion to a vent defined in the distal portion of the MCM layer.

[0078] The 73rd aspect A73 includes the system of the 64th aspect A64 or the 65th aspect A65, wherein a sleeve is defined on the surface of the top encapsulation portion, wherein the sleeve is positioned to correspond to at least one of the head area, seat area or foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, wherein the sleeve can be used to place a medical device under a subject located on the surface of the personal support.

[0079] The 74th aspect A74 includes a system comprising the 64th aspect A64 or the 65th aspect A65, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes one or more fluid baffles extending on one or more interlocking devices, thereby making the individual support surface one of a fluid-resistant or fluid-proof element.

[0080] In aspect 75 A75, the personal support surface includes a microclimate management (MCM) air source; a surface base layer including a proximal end, a distal end, a first side cushion, and a second side cushion, wherein the surface base layer extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end; a plurality of personal support surface layers located between the first and second side cushions of the surface base layer; a foot airbag layer located near the surface base layer, the foot airbag layer including one or more tubular airbags disposed vertically between one or more raft layers and a substrate, the one or more tubular airbags being configured to define one or more pores between the one or more raft layers and the substrate; and an MCM layer located above the surface base layer, the plurality of personal support surface layers, and the foot airbag layer, wherein the MCM air source is fluidly coupled to the MCM layer such that air is supplied to the MCM layer from the MCM air source.

[0081] Aspect 76 A76 includes the personal support surface of aspect 75 A75, wherein the plurality of personal support surface layers include one or more of a steering assist airbag layer, a support cushion layer, a working cushion layer, a shock-absorbing airbag layer, and an advanced joint motion airbag layer.

[0082] The 77th aspect A77 includes the personal support surface of the 75th aspect A75 or the 76th aspect 76, and also includes a top encapsulation portion, wherein the top encapsulation portion includes a housing that keeps the MCM layer in contact with the surface of the top encapsulation portion.

[0083] Aspect 78 includes a personal support surface of aspect 75, A75, or aspect 76, wherein the MCM air source includes a blower component comprising: a blower housing housing a blower for generating a continuous airflow for the MCM layer; one or more fluid inlets coupled to the blower housing, wherein the one or more fluid inlets are located on the personal support surface to abut against one or more gaps defined on one or more personal support devices; and one or more fluid supply pipes, wherein a first end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the blower housing and a second end of each fluid supply pipe is coupled to the MCM layer.

[0084] Aspect 79 A79 includes a personal support surface of aspect 78 A78, wherein a blower component includes a first fluid supply pipe and a second fluid supply pipe, and wherein the blower housing is located at the proximal portion of the personal support surface, the first fluid supply pipe travels along a first side pad of the surface base layer, and the second fluid supply pipe travels along a second side pad of the surface base layer to define a radiolucent window in the distal portion of the personal support surface for use in a fluoroscopic procedure.

[0085] The 80th aspect A80 includes a personal support surface of the 75th aspect A75 or the 76th aspect 76, wherein the MCM layer includes an inner MCM sheet defining a seat MCM portion, wherein the seat MCM portion corresponds to a seat area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein an array of holes is defined in the seat MCM portion to uniformly distribute a continuous airflow over the entire surface of the seat MCM portion.

[0086] Eighty-one aspect A81 includes the personal support surface of eighty aspect A80, wherein the internal MCM sheet further defines a foot MCM portion corresponding to the foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, wherein the foot MCM portion includes a pad that is relatively softer than the pad associated with the seat MCM portion to reduce pressure on the subject's heel interface.

[0087] The eighty-second aspect A82 includes the personal support surface of the eightieth aspect A80, wherein the inner MCM sheet further defines a head MCM portion corresponding to the head area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein the seat MCM portion and the head MCM portion of the MCM layer are configured such that air flows continuously from the seat MCM portion through the head MCM portion to a vent defined in the distal portion of the MCM layer.

[0088] Aspect 83 includes a personal support surface of aspect 75 or aspect 76, and further includes a top encapsulation portion, wherein a sleeve is defined on the surface of the top encapsulation portion, wherein the sleeve is positioned to correspond to at least one of a head area, seat area or foot area of ​​one or more personal support devices, and wherein the sleeve is available for placing a medical device under a subject located on the personal support surface.

[0089] Other features and advantages of the aspects described herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and will be apparent in part to those skilled in the art from the description, or will be recognized by practicing the aspects described herein (including the detailed description following the claims and the accompanying drawings).

[0090] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various aspects and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the aspects and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the aspects described herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0091] The embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments will be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein the same structures are indicated by the same reference numerals, and wherein:

[0092] Figure 1 An exemplary personal support system according to one or more aspects of this disclosure is depicted, which includes a personal support device having a personal support surface positioned thereon;

[0093] Figure 2 The illustration depicts one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating the control module associated with the personal support surface of the personal support device;

[0094] Figure 3 The illustration depicts one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A block diagram of an illustrative treatment or support surface control module associated with a personal support surface of a personal support device;

[0095] Figure 4 Depicting one or more aspects according to this disclosure Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the various illustrative internal components of a personal support surface, on which the personal support device can be positioned on the platform portion of the personal support surface;

[0096] Figure 5 Depicting one or more aspects according to this disclosure Figure 4 An illustrative exploded view of the microclimate management (MCM) layer;

[0097] Figure 6 Depicting one or more aspects according to this disclosure Figure 5 A top view of the MCM layer;

[0098] Figure 7A A first illustrative personal support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of axis AA;

[0099] Figure 7B The first human support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of axis BB;

[0100] Figure 7C The first human support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 7AA cross-sectional view of axis BB, wherein the steering assist airbag in the right side of the subject's head in the steering assist airbag layer is inflated and the working buffer airbag in the right side of the subject's head in the working buffer layer is overinflated.

[0101] Figure 8A A second illustrative personal support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of axis AA;

[0102] Figure 8B A second person support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the axis CC;

[0103] Figure 8C A second person support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the axis CC, in which the steering assist airbag in the right side of the subject's head is inflated;

[0104] Figure 9A A third illustrative personal support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of axis AA;

[0105] Figure 9B A third-person support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the axis DD;

[0106] Figure 9C A third-person support surface is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the axis EE;

[0107] Figure 9D A third-person support surface 904 is depicted along one or more aspects of this disclosure. Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the axis FF;

[0108] Figure 10A An illustrative blower component is depicted according to one or more aspects of this disclosure;

[0109] Figure 10B Depicting one or more aspects according to this disclosure Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the proximal portion of the surface base layer;

[0110] Figure 10C Depicting one or more aspects according to this disclosure Figure 4 Another perspective view of the proximal portion of the surface base layer;

[0111] Figure 11A A perspective view of an illustrative personal support surface according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is depicted, the personal support surface including a fluid inlet located on the bottom side of the personal support surface and a fluid inlet located on the side side of the personal support surface;

[0112] Figure 11B Depicting one or more aspects according to this disclosure Figure 11A Another three-dimensional view of the illustrative individual support surface;

[0113] Figure 12A Depicting one or more aspects according to this disclosure Figure 5 A top view of the MCM layer, showing the fluid flow path into, through, and out of the individual support surface;

[0114] Figure 12B Depicting one or more aspects according to this disclosure Figure 12A A side view of the MCM layer, showing the fluid flow path into, through, and out of the individual support surface;

[0115] Figure 13A An exploded perspective view of an illustrative foot airbag layer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is depicted.

[0116] Figure 13B A perspective view depicting an illustrative foot airbag layer with the upper raft layer removed, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0117] Figure 13C One or more embodiments illustrated and described herein are depicted. Figure 13B A perspective view of the illustrative foot airbag layer with an outer shell positioned above the lower raft layer. Detailed Implementation

[0118] Depending on various aspects, a personal support system may include a personal support surface and a personal support device. The personal support surface of this disclosure may include stacked internal layers, such as a surface base layer, multiple personal support surface layers located within the surface base layer (e.g., a steering assist airbag layer, a working cushion layer, a support cushion layer, a percussion shock airbag, an advanced joint movement airbag, etc.), a foot airbag layer, and a microclimate management (MCM) layer. In particular, the MCM layer of this disclosure may be fluidly coupled to an integrated MCM air source and may direct cooling fluid to the seat portion of the personal support surface to reduce the risk of pressure injury to the subject. Such an MCM layer can help resist or mitigate skin tissue breakage (e.g., by receiving and expelling airflow that acts as a radiator to keep the subject's skin cool, thereby reducing the metabolic demands on the skin tissue and thus reducing the likelihood of pressure injury; by presenting sweat evaporation at the interface between the personal support surface and the subject's skin during heat transfer from the subject's skin, thereby reducing moisture at the skin / surface interface and thus reducing skin tissue breakage). Additionally, the MCM air source of this disclosure may be positioned and / or arranged within the personal support surface to enable extended fluoroscopic procedures. Furthermore, the foot airbag layer of this disclosure can define a gradually tilting angle to reduce heel pressure and further reduce the risk of pressure injury in subjects. These aspects, their benefits, and other combinable features of the personal support surface are described more fully herein.

[0119] Personal support devices may include standard personal support devices, advanced articulation personal support devices, and / or chair exit personal support devices (e.g., available from Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (Batesville, IN)). Advanced articulation personal support devices can support progressively advancing stages of subject activity, including the breathing stage (e.g., maintaining optimal head of bed (HOB) angle according to each ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) protocol, avoiding pulmonary complications through continuous lateral rotation therapy (CLRT), and improving respiratory efficiency through percussion and vibration (P&V) therapy, etc.), the tilting stage (e.g., maintaining optimal HOB angle according to each VAP protocol, providing orthostatic adjustment through an 18° reverse Trendelenburg tilt table, etc.), and the sitting stage (e.g., facilitating gas exchange through partial chair positioning, allowing lung expansion through chair exit positioning, preventing subject movement, and minimizing repositioning positions through a positioning system responsive to the HOB angle, etc.). Chair-outlet personal support devices can support progressively increasing stages of subject activity, including the standing stage (e.g., establishing subject strength through the chair-outlet position, providing partial weight-bearing through a sit-to-stand lift system, etc.) and the mobility stage (e.g., facilitating the alighting command through the chair-outlet position and / or a sit-to-stand lift system, etc.). Standard personal support devices may or may not support the above features and / or may include additional devices (e.g., a "topper" surface for resisting or mitigating skin tissue rupture).

[0120] In this regard, aspects of this disclosure include personal support surfaces comprising combinations of components that realize a variety of features and functions, such that the personal support surfaces are interchangeable and / or compatible with such personal support devices (e.g., standard personal support devices, advanced joint movement personal support devices, chair exit personal support devices, etc.). Thus, each personal support surface can allow multiple different personal support devices to support a wide range of therapies (i.e., CLRT, P&V, CLP, ALP, etc.) while improving additional therapies including microclimate management (MCM). As described herein, each personal support surface can be configured for use in intensive care unit (ICU) facilities, environments, and / or platforms. Each personal support surface described herein can also include different widths (e.g., from approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm) wide to approximately 40 inches (101.6 cm) wide).

[0121] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 An illustrative personal support system 100 is depicted according to various aspects described herein, comprising a personal support device 102 having a personal support surface 104 positioned thereon. (See attached image.) Figure 1As shown, the personal support surface 104 may include a top encapsulation portion 106 coupled to a bottom encapsulation portion 108. The coupled top encapsulation portion 106 and bottom encapsulation portion 108 define an internal cavity to accommodate the various internal components described herein. The personal support surface 104 may define a head area 106A, a seat area 106B, and a foot area 106C. In some aspects, the top encapsulation portion 106 may be securely coupled to the bottom encapsulation portion 108 via an interlocking device 110 extending around the periphery of the personal support surface 104. In these aspects, a first portion of the interlocking device 110 may be attached to the top encapsulation portion 106, while a second portion of the interlocking device 110 may be attached to the bottom encapsulation portion 108. One of the first and second portions of the interlocking device 110 may include an interlocking device actuator (e.g., a zipper pull, slider, etc.). In other aspects, the interlocking device 110 may extend around a portion of the periphery of the personal support surface 104. In some aspects, the interlocking device 110 may be a zipper and / or the like, or it may be a permanent connection (e.g., thermoplastic welding). Depending on various aspects, the top encapsulation portion 106 and the bottom encapsulation portion 108 may be defined by fluid-resistant and / or anti-fluid materials. In some aspects, the top encapsulation portion 106 and / or the bottom encapsulation portion 108 may be defined by two layers of fabric. Reference Figure 1 All seams (e.g., corners, edges, etc.) of the top encapsulation portion 106 and the bottom encapsulation portion 108 may be welded (e.g., thermoplastic welding) together or bound instead of being sewn (e.g., to prevent fluid from entering holes / points). Furthermore, as... Figure 1As shown, the personal support surface 104 may include a fluid-resistant interlocking device 110. Specifically, the top encapsulation portion 106 may include a fluid baffle 112 having a first edge 114 and a second edge 116, the first edge 114 being permanently engaged near the interlocking device 110, and the second edge 116 extending above and / or beyond the interlocking device 110. Therefore, any fluid flowing on and / or above the top encapsulation portion 106 will not penetrate into the top encapsulation portion 106 and will flow down the personal support surface 104 via the fluid baffle 112 without engaging with the interlocking device 110. Depending on various aspects, the personal support surface 104 is fluid-resistant and / or anti-fluid for cleaning and / or disinfection purposes (e.g., so that no contaminants can reach the interior of the personal support surface 104). Depending on various aspects, the top encapsulation portion 106 and / or the bottom encapsulation portion 108 may be removable and / or replaceable. Therefore, if it is necessary to replace the top encapsulation portion 106 and / or the bottom encapsulation portion 108 (e.g., after every "Y" years of use, due to holes and damage, due to exposure to pathogens, bodily fluids, etc.), it can be removed by separating (e.g., unzipping) the first part of the interlocking device 110 and the second part of the interlocking device 110, so that the replacement top encapsulation portion 106 and / or the replacement bottom encapsulation portion 108 can be installed by respectively connecting (e.g., zipping up) the corresponding first part and / or second part of the interlocking device 110 with the retained / new second part and / or first part of the interlocking device 110.

[0122] Still referencing Figure 1 The top encapsulation portion 106 may also include a sleeve interlocking device 118 (e.g., a zipper, etc.) for access to a sleeve 120 (e.g., an X-ray sleeve) coupled to the top encapsulation portion 106. In various aspects, the sleeve 120 may be defined on the bottom surface and / or inner surface of the top encapsulation portion 106. In one aspect, the outer edge of the top surface of the sleeve 120 may be coupled (e.g., thermoplastic welded) to the bottom surface of the top encapsulation portion 106. In another aspect, the sleeve 120 has a first side (e.g., along...) Figure 1 The outer edge and / or second side (e.g., along the -X direction of the coordinate axis) of the coordinate system. Figure 1 The outer edge of the coordinate axis (in the +X direction) can be connected to the first inner side of the top encapsulation portion 106 (e.g., along the +X direction). Figure 1 (the -X direction of the mid-coordinate axis) and / or the second inner side (e.g., along the mid-coordinate axis) and / or along the second inner side (e.g., along the mid-coordinate axis) Figure 1 (The +X direction of the coordinate axis). In this aspect, a hole may be defined between the top surface of the sleeve 120 and the bottom surface of the top encapsulation portion 106. In some aspects, as described herein, the MCM layer 450 may be inserted into the hole before being attached to the top encapsulation portion 106 (e.g., Figure 9AIn this context, the top encapsulation portion 106 may also include an MCM interlocking device 630 attached to the inner surface (e.g., inner bottom surface, inner side surface, etc.) of the top encapsulation portion 106. Figure 8A and 9A In, for example, the first part 629 of the zipper) (e.g., Figure 8A and 9A The MCM layer 450 may include an MCM interlocking device 630. Figure 8A and 9A The top surface of the MCM layer 450 is connected to the top encapsulation portion 106 (e.g., Figure 9A The second part 628 (e.g., connected to the inner bottom surface of the ) Figure 6 , 8A (and 9A). Furthermore, in these respects, the inserted MCM layer 450 can provide comfort to the subject when performing medical procedures using the sleeve 120. (As...) Figure 1 As shown, the sleeve interlock device 118 can be opened to insert, slide, and / or place medical devices and / or medical equipment (e.g., X-ray cassettes, etc.) below the subject located on the personal support surface 104. Figure 1 As shown, the sleeve 120 can extend across the entire width of the personal support surface 104 to maximize the area of ​​the personal support surface 104 where a subject can be placed during medical procedures (e.g., X-rays). The sleeve 120 allows medical devices, medical equipment, etc., to be used on portions of the personal support surface 104 without exposing any internal components of the personal support surface 104 (e.g., as described herein). For example, in the aspect where the sleeve is respectively coupled (e.g., thermoplastic welded) to the first and second inner sides of the top encapsulation portion 106 on the first and second sides, the medical device, medical equipment, etc., can be accessed through the second side (e.g., along the second inner side). Figure 1 The first interlocking device (e.g., sleeve interlocking device 118) on the +X direction of the coordinate axis and / or the second side (e.g., along the +X direction of the coordinate axis) ... Figure 1 Insertion and / or removal of the second interlocking device on the -X direction (not shown) of the coordinate axis does not expose any internal components of the personal support surface 104 (e.g., the sleeve 120 defines an opening through which medical devices, medical apparatuses, etc., can pass). Furthermore, after use of the medical device, medical apparatus, etc., the inner surface of the sleeve 120 can be cleaned and / or disinfected without exposing any internal components of the personal support surface 104. Therefore, for cleaning and / or disinfection purposes, the personal support surface 104 is fluid-resistant and / or anti-fluid (e.g., so that no contaminants can reach the interior of the personal support surface 104). In general, as Figure 1The depicted sleeve 120 can also prevent and / or minimize subject movement (e.g., less risk of injury to the subject and / or caregivers), and minimize interference and / or blockage in the image (e.g., X-ray image) caused by various components as described herein within the personal support surface 104. The top encapsulation portion 106 may also include a sleeve fluid baffle 122 having a first edge permanently coupled adjacent to the sleeve interlocking device 118 and a second edge extending above and / or beyond the sleeve interlocking device 118. Therefore, any fluid flowing on and / or above the top encapsulation portion 106 will not penetrate the top encapsulation portion 106 and will flow down the personal support surface 104 through the sleeve fluid baffle 122 without connection to the sleeve interlocking device 118. Figure 1 Sleeve 120 can be positioned to correspond to the head area 106A of the personal support surface 104. According to other aspects, sleeve 120 can similarly be positioned to correspond to the seat area 106B and / or foot area 106C of the personal support surface 104. In yet another aspect, sleeve 120 can extend in any width and / or any length of the personal support surface 104. In some aspects, sleeve interlocking device 118 can include two interlocking device actuators (e.g., zipper flaps / slider) to open access to sleeve 120 at a desired location and reduce exposure of the inner surface of sleeve 120. In some aspects, sleeve interlocking device 118 as described herein and / or its corresponding sleeve fluid baffle 122 can be located on a first side of the personal support surface 104 (e.g., on...). Figure 1 (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis), the second side (e.g., in) Figure 1 In the +X direction of the coordinate axis), the distal side (e.g., in Figure 1 (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) and / or the proximal side (e.g., in) Figure 1 (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis) (e.g., to enter the sleeve 120 from either side of the personal support surface 104). According to another aspect, the sleeve 120 may be defined on the top surface of the top encapsulation portion 106 (e.g., in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 1 (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). In these aspects, the material defining the sleeve 120 may be coated such that the sleeve 120 is fluid-resistant and / or fluid-proof.

[0123] Figure 2 The diagram schematically depicts the relationship between the various aspects described in this article and... Figure 1 A block diagram of the illustrative control module associated with the personal support surface 104 of the personal support device 102. (Refer to...) Figure 2The personal support surface 104 of this disclosure allows multiple support layers and therapeutic devices to be driven by at least one external fluid (e.g., air) source, and the microclimate management layer is driven by a fluid (e.g., air) source integrated within the personal support surface 104. (See reference...) Figure 2 As described herein, the personal support surface 104 may include a surface base layer 210, a steering assist airbag layer 220, a working cushion layer 230, a support cushion layer 240, an MCM layer 250, and / or a foot airbag layer 260. In some aspects, the personal support surface 104 may also include one or more percussion vibration airbags 241 and / or advanced joint movement (AA) airbags 221 (both indicated by dashed lines as optional). A sequential compression device 261 for venous compression therapy of a subject is also provided.

[0124] Multiple separate treatment / treatment and surface control modules are provided for interconnecting various treatment / treatment devices and surface layers to the personal support device 102. Figure 1 The communication network associated with its onboard air handling unit 262. Specifically, aspects of this disclosure include a foot airbag control module 264, a pressure ulcer prevention control module 266, and a pressure ulcer treatment control module 268. Additional modules include a lung rotation control module 270, a sequential compression device air control module 272, and a lung percussion and vibration control module 274. An auxiliary air vent control module 276 is also provided. The air vent control module 276 can provide auxiliary air output for manually filling the auxiliary airbag system for positioning, safety barriers, clinical treatment (such as burn contractures), and other purposes. In some aspects, the air vent control module 276 can provide auxiliary air output to the advanced arthrokinetic (AA) airbag 221. See also... Figure 2 It should be understood that each control module may be included in or located in Figure 2 Within the range of the personal support surface 104 depicted herein (e.g., pneumatic aspects such as a pneumatic air control box in the first housing 711, 811, 911 as described herein, electrical aspects such as an electro-air control box in the second housing 713, 813, 913, pneumatic and / or electrical aspects in optional housings 473, 973, etc.).

[0125] Each module is designed to physically and functionally connect various airbags and therapeutic devices to the communication network of the personal support device 102 via the surface device module 278, and to an air handling unit 262 that can be controlled by the air supply module 280. The air supply module 280 can be coupled to the communication network (e.g., point-to-point). Air supply electronics 282 can be connected to the air supply module 280 for control-based... Figure 2 The network command control air handling unit 262 and switching valve 284 of various surfaces and treatment modules are shown.

[0126] Air handling unit 262 can supply air under pressure to switching valve 284 on supply line 286. Air handling unit 262 can also apply vacuum to switching valve 284 via supply line 288. The output port of switching valve 284 is connected to connector block 290. Connector block 290 can supply air and vacuum supply lines (not shown) to... Figure 2 Each surface control module and processing control module is shown in block 292. It should be understood that dual control lines for air and vacuum can be supplied to... Figure 2 Each surface control and treatment control module. This dual control allows each module to simultaneously apply pressure and vacuum to different areas of the airbag or treatment device.

[0127] The surface instrument module 278, which is also connected to the communication network, is electrically connected to each surface control module and processing control module, such as... Figure 2 As shown in box 294. This network connection allows all modules to receive input commands from other network modules and / or output information to other network modules via the communication network.

[0128] Still refer to Figure 2 The personal support surface 104 of this disclosure may include an integrated MCM air source 296 (e.g., Figure 10A(Blower component 902). Depending on various aspects, the integrated MCM air source 296 may include an MCM control module 297, MCM airflow electronics 298, and / or an MCM air manifold and / or valve 299 to control the airflow and / or pressure through the MCM layer 250 in a manner similar to other control modules described herein (e.g., control modules 264-276). As an air source integrated within the personal support surface 104, the MCM air source 296 may direct high-flow, low-pressure air to a desired portion of the personal support surface 104 (e.g., MCM layer 250) without relying on an external air source and / or drawing from an external air source (e.g., an air source associated with the personal support device 102). Depending on the aspects described herein, the external air source may include a blower (not shown, e.g., for use in percussion vibration therapy) coupled to the frame of the personal support device 102, and / or a pump (not shown, e.g., for use in the subject support, steering assist, and CLRT functions described herein). Therefore, the integrated MCM air source 296 of this disclosure further enables interchangeability between multiple personal support devices without requiring customization for each individual support device. Furthermore, the integrated MCM air source 296 of this disclosure reduces and / or eliminates the drawbacks introduced by external air sources. Depending on the aspects, the integrated MCM air source 296 provides an MCM-dedicated air source. Specifically, the MCM control module 297 of this disclosure can optimize the flow rate at the desired contact surface pressure, thereby maximizing skin cooling. This is an improvement over personal support surfaces with access to external air sources that are designed to provide air for other functions, such as the P&V, steering assist, CLRT, ALP, CLP, etc. described herein.

[0129] Figure 3 The diagram schematically depicts the relationship between the various aspects described in this article and... Figure 1 A block diagram of an illustrative treatment or support surface control module 300 associated with the personal support surface 104 of the personal support device 102. It should be understood that details of the foot airbag control module 264, pressure ulcer prevention control module 266, pressure ulcer treatment control module 268, lung rotation control module 270, SCD air control module 272, lung percussion and vibration control module 274, airway control module 276, and / or MCM module 297 may include those related to... Figure 3 The treatment or support surface control module 300 shown has the same and / or similar structural components.

[0130] Reference Figure 3Air handling unit 262 can be directly connected to connector block 290 via both air pressure supply line 302 and vacuum supply line 304. In some respects, as discussed herein, lines 302 and 304 from air handling unit 262 can be connected to switching valve 284, and only a single pressure / vacuum line can be connected to, for example... Figure 2 Connector block 290 is shown.

[0131] Still as Figure 3 As shown, connector block 290 can be connected to the personal support device 102 ( Figure 1 The module connector 306 is located on the module connector. In particular, the connector block 290 can be connected to the module connector 306 via a pressure supply line 308 and a vacuum supply line 310. It should be understood that, in some respects, a single supply line for both pressure and vacuum can also be used.

[0132] The modular connector 306 can also be coupled to one of the surface or treatment devices 312 via a pressure supply tube 314, a vacuum supply tube 316, and / or a sensor supply tube 318. Depending on the specific surface or treatment device, multiple pressure, vacuum, and / or sensor tubes may be connected between the modular connector 306 and the surface or treatment device 312. For example, each individual air zone of the surface or treatment device may have its own pressure, vacuum, and / or sensor tube. However, for illustrative purposes, only one set of supply tubes will be discussed.

[0133] The personal support device 102 may also include an electrical connector 320, which is connected via a suitable cable 322 to the surface instrument module 278 of the personal support device 102's communication network. Figure 3 The treatment or support surface control module 300 shown is designed to facilitate connection of the treatment or support surface control module 300 to the personal support device 102. It can be configured within the personal support device 102. Figure 2 Each of the surface and treatment options shown provides a pneumatic connector (e.g., module connector 306) and a connector such as an electrical connector 320 provided for each surface and treatment device. The treatment or support surface control module 300 can be easily installed by connecting the module connector 306 on the personal support device 102 to a mating connector 324 on the treatment or support surface control module 300. Furthermore, a mating electrical connector 326 can be provided on the treatment or support surface control module 300 for connection to the electrical connector 320 on the personal support device 102. Figure 1 The configuration of the treatment or support surface control module 300 allows for a simple "slide-in" connection for mounting the treatment or support surface control module 300 and activating the surface of the treatment device 312.

[0134] The air pressure input from the pneumatic connector 324 can be connected to the electrically controlled valve 328 via line 330. The output of valve 328 can be connected to the pressure output port 332 via line 334. The pressure output port 332 can be connected to the surface or treatment device 312 via pressure supply line 314.

[0135] Vacuum supply tubing 310 from connector block 290 can be connected to electrically controlled valve 336 via tubing 338 from treatment or support surface control module 300. The output of valve 336 can be connected to vacuum port 340 of mating connector 324 via tubing 342. Vacuum port 340 can be connected to surface or treatment device 312 via vacuum supply tubing 316. Electrically controlled valves 328 and 336 can be controlled by output signals from control circuitry 348 of control or treatment surface control module 300 via tubing 344 and 346, respectively. Control circuitry 348 may include a microprocessor or other controller for selectively opening and closing valves 328 and 336 to control surface or treatment device 312.

[0136] It should be understood that several valves may be used for each surface or processing device. For example, the support buffer layer 240 may have multiple different air zones that are independently controlled. In this case, separate pressure, vacuum, and / or sensor lines may be connected to each zone. Electrically controlled valves may be provided for each pressure and / or vacuum line in each zone to provide independent control for each zone.

[0137] The treatment or support surface control module 300 may also include a pressure sensor 350 (e.g., a pressure transducer). The pressure sensor 350 can be coupled to a sensor supply line 318 via a conduit 352. The pressure sensor 350 can generate an output signal indicating the pressure in a specific area of ​​the surface or treatment device 312. This output signal from the pressure sensor 350 can be coupled to a control circuitry 348 via a conduit 354.

[0138] The control circuit 348 can also be connected to the electrical connector 326 via a suitable connection 356 to connect the control circuit 348 of the treatment or support surface control module 300 to the surface instrument module 278. Therefore, the control circuit 348 can receive commands from other modules connected to the communication network. The control circuit 348 can also output information related to a specific surface or treatment device 312 to the communication network. Specifically, a graphical interactive display (...) Figure 1 The user interface 124 can be connected to a communication network to send command signals to multiple air therapy devices to control their operation. A graphical interactive display may include a display for user (e.g., subject, caregiver, etc.) input. Each control module ( Figure 2Display commands can be transmitted to the display associated with the corresponding air therapy device. Display commands from each control module can provide the display with a menu-driven list of options, allowing the user to select / enter control options for multiple air therapy devices.

[0139] This document describes multiple personal support surfaces comprising various internal components and / or combinations and sub-combinations of functions. It should be understood at the outset that this disclosure is not intended to limit itself to any specifically described personal support surface and / or any combination or sub-combination of internal components and / or functions. Therefore, it is contemplated that the personal support surfaces of this disclosure may include all, some, or any subset of the internal components and / or functions described herein.

[0140] Figure 4 Depicting the various aspects described herein Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of various illustrative internal component combinations of a personal support surface 104, which can be positioned on the platform portion 400 of a personal support device 102 (e.g., an advanced joint movement personal support device). See also... Figure 4 The individual internal components of the support surface 104 (e.g., typically made of...) Figure 4 The area enclosed by the dotted line (in the diagram) may include a surface base layer 410, a steering assist airbag layer 420, a working buffer layer 430, support buffer layers 440A and 440B, a microclimate management (MCM) layer 450, and / or a foot airbag layer 460. In one aspect, such as Figure 4 As shown, the personal support surface 104 may include a surface base layer 410, a steering assist airbag layer 420, a support cushioning layer 440B, a microclimate management (MCM) layer 450, and a foot airbag layer 460 (see also, for example...). Figures 8A-8C On the other hand, in Figure 4 In this context, the personal support surface 104 may include a surface base layer 410, a steering assist airbag layer 420, a working buffer layer 430, a support buffer layer 440A, a microclimate management (MCM) layer 450, and a foot airbag layer 460 (see also, for example...). Figures 7A-7C In these respects, as described herein, each component may be “internal” relative to the top encapsulation portion 106 and the bottom encapsulation portion 108. That is, the component may be accommodated in a cavity that connects the top encapsulation portion 106 and the bottom encapsulation portion to the interlocking device 110 as described herein. Figure 1 (This is a combination that defines the relationship between the two elements.)

[0141] Figure 4 The platform portion 400 includes: a head area 401, a seat area 403, a thigh area 405, and / or a foot area 407. For example... Figure 4As shown, since the platform portion 400 is associated with an advanced joint movement personal support device, the head area 401, seat area 403, thigh area 405 and / or foot area 407 can be hinged relative to each other.

[0142] Figure 4 The surface base layer 410 may include a base base 412 (e.g., a foam such as thigh foam), a right-side cushion 414 for the subject (e.g., in...). Figure 4 The first lateral pillow in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) and the subject's left side pillow 416 (e.g., in Figure 4 The second side pad in the +X direction of the coordinate axis). The surface base layer 410 can be near the proximal end (e.g., in the...). Figure 4 (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis) and far end (e.g., in) Figure 4 (between the -Z axis) along the coordinate axes Figure 4 The depicted axis AA extends longitudinally. The base base 412 may include one or more separable portions 413A, 413B corresponding to gaps between adjacent portions of the platform portion 400 (e.g., gap 409A between the head area 401 and the seat area 403, gap 409B between the seat area 403 and the thigh area 405, etc.). Figure 4 The surface base layer 410 can be located at the distal end of the head region 401 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis depicted in the figure) and the proximal end of the thigh region 405 (e.g., Figure 4 Extending between the +Z axes of the depicted coordinate system. Depending on various aspects, the surface base layer 410 may alternatively be referred to herein as a crib (e.g., if made of foam, a foam bed, etc.) because it can constrain and / or provide a structure to support the various internal components of the personal support surface 104 described herein. Depending on various aspects, a first housing 411, a second housing 413, and a third housing 470 may be defined within the surface base layer 410. As described herein, these housings may accommodate various air source components (e.g., air valves, air manifolds, air control panels, blowers, etc.).

[0143] As in Figure 4 As depicted, the steering assist airbag layer 420 can be positioned above the base base 412 of the surface base layer 410 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 The steering assist airbag layer 420 may be located between the subject's right side cushion 414 and the subject's left side cushion 416 on the surface base layer 410 (e.g., to limit lateral movement and / or lateral inflation of the steering assist airbag layer 420). In some aspects, the steering assist airbag layer 420 may include a plane parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis AA (e.g., in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 4Multiple steering airbags 422 (e.g., neck collar steering airbags, etc.) oriented in the YZ plane of the coordinate axes. In some aspects, each of the multiple steering airbags 422 may be defined by an impermeable heavy-duty fabric coated with polyurethane. Depending on various aspects, each of the multiple steering airbags 422 may minimize its volume for a given inflation height (e.g., Figure 7C and Figure 8C For example, the airbag recess 780), and can be controlled via a high-flow valve to increase and / or improve the steering angle and reduce inflation and / or deflation time. Figure 4 As depicted, the steering assist airbag layer 420 may include a head area steering airbag region 425A and a seat area steering airbag region 425B. The head area steering airbag region 425A may include a region on the right side of the subject's head 424A and a region on the left side of the subject's head 424C. Similarly, the seat area steering airbag region 425B may include a region on the right side of the subject's seat 424B and a region on the left side of the subject's seat 424D. Figure 4 As shown, it is positioned on the first side of a plane (e.g., the YZ plane). Figure 4 The subject's head right side region 424A and subject seat right side region 424B (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) can rotate and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the left side of the subject. Similarly, the second side (e.g., on the plane, in the YZ plane) is positioned on the plane (e.g., in the YZ plane). Figure 4 The left side region 424C of the subject's head and the left side region 424D of the subject's seat (in the +X direction of the coordinate axis) can rotate and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the right of the subject. In some aspects, the right side region 424A of the subject's head, the right side region 424B of the subject's seat, the left side region 424C of the subject's head, and the left side region 424D of the subject's seat each include a single steering airbag. According to other aspects, the right side region 424A of the subject's head, the right side region 424B of the subject's seat, the left side region 424C of the subject's head, and the left side region 424D of the subject's seat each include multiple steering airbags. The right side region 424A of the subject's head, the right side region 424B of the subject's seat, the left side region 424C of the subject's head, and the left side region 424D of the subject's seat can each be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) via supply tubes 426A, 426B, 426C, 426D, etc. In a similar manner, depending on other aspects, each steering airbag in the right side region 424A of the subject's head, the right side region 424B of the subject's seat, the left side region 424C of the subject's head, and the left side region 424D of the subject's seat can be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) via independent supply tubes not shown. Depending on various aspects, in order to turn and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the left of the subject, the control module ( Figure 2The lung rotation control module 270 can inflate the right side region 424A of the subject's head and the right side region 424B of the subject's seat. Similarly, in order to rotate and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the right of the subject, the control module can inflate the left side region 424C of the subject's head and the left side region 424D of the subject's seat.

[0144] Figure 4 The working buffer layer 430 can be positioned above the steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 The working cushion layer 430 may be located between the subject's right-side cushion 414 and the subject's left-side cushion 416 on the surface base layer 410 (e.g., to limit lateral movement and / or lateral expansion of the working cushion layer 430). In some aspects, the working cushion layer 430 may include a plurality of working cushion airbags 432 parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis AA (e.g., in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 4 Orientation of the YZ plane (coordinate axes), such as Figure 4 As shown. In some aspects, each of the multiple working cushioning airbags 432 may be defined by an impermeable heavy-duty fabric coated with polyurethane. Figure 4 As depicted, the working buffer layer 430 may include a head area working buffer region 435A and a seat area working buffer region 435B. The head area working buffer region 435A may include a right side region 434A and a left side region 434C of the subject's head. Similarly, the seat area working buffer region 435B may include a right side region 434B and a left side region 434D of the subject's seat. Figure 4 As shown, it is positioned on the first side of a plane (e.g., the YZ plane). Figure 4 The subject's head right side region 434A and subject seat right side region 434B (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) can assist in rotating and / or rolling the subject toward and / or to the left side of the subject. Similarly, the second side located on the plane (e.g., the YZ plane) (e.g., in the...) Figure 4The left side region 434C of the subject's head and the left side region 434D of the subject's seat (in the +X direction of the coordinate axis) can assist in rotating and / or rolling the subject toward and / or to the right side of the subject. In some aspects, the right side region 434A of the subject's head, the right side region 434B of the subject's seat, the left side region 434C of the subject's head, and the left side region 434D of the subject's seat each include a single working cushioning airbag. According to other aspects, the right side region 434A of the subject's head, the right side region 434B of the subject's seat, the left side region 434C of the subject's head, and the left side region 434D of the subject's seat each include multiple working cushioning airbags. The right side region 434A of the subject's head, the right side region 434B of the subject's seat, the left side region 434C of the subject's head, and the left side region 434D of the subject's seat can all be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) via supply tubes 436A, 436B, 436C, 436D, etc. In a similar manner, depending on other aspects, each working cushioning airbag in the right head region 434A, the right seat region 434B, the left head region 434C, and the left seat region 434D can be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) via a separate supply tube not shown. Depending on the aspects described herein, each working cushioning airbag in the right head region 434A, the right seat region 434B, the left head region 434C, and the left seat region 434D can maintain a predetermined or default inflation level. Depending on the aspects, the control module ( Figure 2 The lung rotation control module 270 can monitor a predetermined or default inflation level. According to the aspects described herein, in order to assist in rotating and / or rolling the subject toward and / or to the left side of the subject, the control module can cause deflation of the left side region 434C of the subject's head and the left side region 434D of the subject's seat (e.g., ventilation within the personal support surface 104 and ultimately from a fluid outlet (e.g., ...). Figure 12AThe fluid outlet 1124 flows out, while inflating the right side region 434A of the subject's head and the right side region 434B of the subject's seat (e.g., from a predetermined or default inflation level). According to an aspect of this disclosure, the deflation of the left side region 434C of the subject's head and the left side region 434D of the subject's seat, combined with the inflation of the right side region 434A of the subject's head and the right side region 434B of the subject's seat (e.g., in conjunction with the inflation of the right side region 424A of the subject's head and the right side region 424B of the subject's seat under the steering assist airbag layer 420 located below the working buffer layer 430), can achieve an increased subject steering angle relative to the individual support plane (e.g., close to approximately 30 degrees) without the need for a rotatable platform portion 400 (e.g., about axis AA) and / or an individual support surface having a steering assist airbag layer 420 located above the working buffer layer 430. Similarly, to assist in rotating and / or rolling the subject toward and / or to the right side of the subject, the control module can cause the right side region 434A of the subject's head and the right side region 434B of the subject's seat to vent (e.g., vent within the personal support surface 104 and ultimately from the fluid outlet (e.g. Figure 12A The fluid outlet 1124 flows out, while simultaneously inflating the left side region 434C of the subject's head and the left side region 434D of the subject's seat (e.g., at a predetermined or default inflation level). According to an aspect of this disclosure, the deflation of the right side region 434A of the subject's head and the right side region 434B of the subject's seat, combined with the inflation of the left side region 434C of the subject's head and the left side region 434D of the subject's seat (e.g., in conjunction with the inflation of the left side region 424C of the subject's head and the left side region 424D of the subject's seat under the steering assist airbag layer 420 located below the working buffer layer 430), can achieve an increased subject steering angle relative to the individual support plane (e.g., approaching and / or greater than about 30 degrees) without the need for a rotatable platform portion 400 (e.g., about axis AA) and / or the individual support surface having a steering assist airbag layer 420 located above the working buffer layer 430.

[0145] Still refer to Figure 4 On one hand, the support buffer layer 440A can be positioned above the working buffer layer 430 and the steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis) (see Figures 7A-7C On the other hand, the support buffer layer 440B may be positioned above the working buffer layer 430 and the steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). On another front, the buffer layer 440B may be positioned above the steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., in...). Figure 4(in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis) (see example) Figures 8A-8C ).

[0146] like Figure 4 As shown, the support buffer layer 440A may include a plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis AA, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Figure 4 As shown, and briefly referenced. Figure 7A The plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 may be cylindrical and / or uniform in shape. In some aspects, each of the plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 may be defined by an impermeable heavy-duty fabric coated with polyurethane. In some aspects, the plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 may be connected in one or more regions (e.g., head area support cushioning region 444A, seat area support cushioning region 444B, etc.), wherein each region may be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated, respectively via supply tubes 446A, 446B, etc.). Depending on various aspects, an air tube in any sub-combination of every plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 may be associated with a region. Similarly, depending on other aspects, each of the plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 may be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated). Figure 4 As shown, in some aspects, multiple adjacent air ducts 442 (e.g., including head area support buffer region 444A, seat area support buffer region 444B, etc.) may not be enclosed within a cover (e.g., a cover 448 similar to support buffer layer 440B). In other aspects, multiple adjacent air ducts 442 may be enclosed within a cover (e.g., a cover shaped to maintain the positional relationship between multiple adjacent air ducts 442).

[0147] Similar to that described herein, the support liner buffer layer 440B may include a plurality of adjacent air tubes 443 oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis AA (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown by the dashed line in the image), as Figure 4 As shown. However, multiple adjacent air tubes 443 may be enclosed within a cover 448 (e.g., the cover 448 is shaped to maintain the positional relationship between the multiple adjacent air tubes 443). In other aspects, the multiple adjacent air tubes 443 may not be enclosed within a cover 448. Furthermore, see reference... Figure 4 ,according to Figure 8A and Figure 8BThe plurality of adjacent air tubes 443 supporting the buffer layer 440B may include one or more air tube shapes. On one hand, one or more of the adjacent air tubes 443 may be cylindrical and / or uniformly shaped, and one or more of the adjacent air tubes 443 may not be cylindrical and / or uniformly shaped (e.g., more than one set of air tubes). Briefly referring to 8A, for example, located at or near the distal end of the buffer layer 440B (e.g., in...). Figure 8A One or more air tubes 840A (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) may be cylindrical and / or uniform in shape, and are located in the proximal portion of the supporting buffer layer 440B (e.g., in...). Figure 8A One or more air tubes 840B on the +Z direction of the coordinate axis may not be cylindrical and / or uniform in shape (see [reference]). Figure 4 and 8B As shown, for example, a T-shaped profile, to suit the context of this paper. Figure 8B The outline described in the text; see also the outline described in the text. Figure 4 and 8A For example, the profile of the foot air bladder 462A is similar to that of the foot air bladder layer 460 described herein. In some aspects, each of the plurality of adjacent air tubes 443 may be defined by an impermeable heavy-duty fabric coated with polyurethane. In some aspects, the plurality of adjacent air tubes 443 may be connected in one or more regions (e.g., head area support cushioning region 445A, seat area support cushioning region 445B, etc.), wherein each region may be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) (e.g., via supply tubes 447A, 447B, etc., respectively). Depending on various aspects, an air tube in any sub-combination of every plurality of adjacent air tubes 443 may be associated with a region. In a similar manner, depending on other aspects, each of the plurality of adjacent air tubes 443 may be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated).

[0148] Figure 4 The microclimate management (MCM) layer 450 can be positioned above the supporting buffer layers 440A, 440B (e.g., in...). Figure 4 (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). In some aspects, the MCM layer 450 may be located between the subject's right side cushion 414 and the subject's left side cushion 416 of the surface base layer 410. In other aspects, the MCM layer 450 may be positioned above and / or cover the surface base layer 410 as described herein (e.g., including the subject's right side cushion 414 and the subject's left side cushion 416), the steering assist airbag layer 420, the working cushion layer 430, the support cushion layers 440A, 440B and / or the foot airbag layer 460 (e.g., in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 4 (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis).

[0149] According to aspects of this disclosure, the risk of pressure injury in a subject can be reduced by controlling the microclimate (e.g., parameters such as temperature) immediately adjacent to the subject's body. In particular, the risk of pressure injury can be reduced by cooling vulnerable areas of the subject's body. Aspects of this disclosure include an MCM layer 450 as described herein, aimed at and / or focused on controlling the personal support surface 104 (…). Figure 1 The microclimate of the seat area 106B is such that the MCM layer 450 can reduce the risk of pressure injury in the area corresponding to the seat area 106B. More specifically, aspects of this disclosure utilize an air source integrated within the personal support surface 104 itself. Figures 10A-10C For example, high-flow, low-pressure blowers can be used to provide targeted and / or focused microclimate management for seating area 106B. More details about MCM layer 450 are available at [link to MCM layer 450]. Figures 7A-7C , Figures 8A-8C , Figure 12A and Figure 12B As described in the text.

[0150] The foot airbag layer 460 may include a first group of foot airbags 462A, 462B, 462C and a second group of foot airbags 464A, 464B, 464C. Similar to the above, the first group of foot airbags 462A, 462B, 462C and the second group of foot airbags 464A, 464B, 464C may be oriented laterally to the longitudinal axis AA, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The first group of foot airbags 462A, 462B, 462C can be oriented to inflate and / or contract vertically (e.g., in...). Figure 4 (in the +Y and / or -Y directions of the coordinate axes), the second set of foot airbags 464A, 464B, 464C can be oriented to inflate and / or contract horizontally (e.g., in the +Y and / or -Y directions of the coordinate axes). Figure 4 (in the +Z and / or -Z directions of the coordinate axes). Depending on various aspects, the foot airbag layer 460 may include only a first set of foot airbags 462A, 462B, 462C or a second set of foot airbags 464A, 464B, 464C. Further as Figure 4 As shown, the first group of foot airbags 462A, 462B, 462C and / or the second group of foot airbags 464A, 464B, 464C can be in the inflated state at the distal end of the foot airbag layer 460 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) and the proximal end (e.g., in) Figure 4 Above the foot area 407 of the platform portion 400 between the coordinate axes (in the +Z direction) (e.g., on Figure 4 The first height "H1" is achieved (in the Y direction of the coordinate axis). In some aspects, such as... Figure 4As shown, the first height "H1" can be a uniform height between the distal and proximal ends of the foot airbag layer 460. Depending on other aspects, as described more fully herein (e.g., see...), Figure 7A and Figure 8A The foot airbag layer 460 may include a non-uniform height between its distal and proximal ends (e.g., between a first height “H1” at the distal end and a second height “H2” at the proximal end of the foot airbag layer 460). Similarly, each airbag in the first set of foot airbags 462A, 462B, 462C and the second set of foot airbags 464A, 464B, 464C may be defined by an impermeable heavy-duty fabric coated with polyurethane. Still referring to… Figure 4 In some aspects, the first group of foot air bladders 462A, 462B, 462C and / or the second group of foot air bladders 464A, 464B, 464C may be connected in one or more regions (e.g., distal foot region 468A, central foot region 468B, proximal foot region 468C, etc.), wherein each region may be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) via supply tubes 466A, 466B, 466C, etc. Similarly, according to other aspects, each foot air bladder in the first group of foot air bladders 462A, 462B, 462C and the second group of foot air bladders 464A, 464B, 464C may be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated). In some aspects, the housing 473 may be defined within the foot air bladder layer 460 (e.g., optionally depicted as dashed lines). In one aspect, housing 473 may be located at the center of foot airbag layer 460 (e.g., vertically, laterally, and / or longitudinally). Such housing 473 may accommodate various air source components as described herein (e.g., air valves, air manifolds, air control panels, blowers, etc.) (in addition to and / or replacing the first housing 411, second housing 413, and / or third housing 470 of surface base layer 410). In one aspect, for example, as described herein, housing 473 may accommodate an alternating air manifold (not shown, e.g., an air manifold independent of or dependent on (e.g., downstream of) the first housing 411) and an alternating air control panel (not shown, e.g., controlling the alternating air manifold) providing continuous low pressure (CLP) and / or alternating low pressure (APL) functionality. In another aspect, for example, as described herein, housing 473 may accommodate components including a blower and a blower control panel (e.g., an air control panel independent of or dependent on (e.g., attached to) the second housing 413) to provide cooling fluid to MCM layer 450. In yet another aspect, for example, housing 733 may accommodate a blower that does not have a separate blower control panel (e.g., a blower controlled by the air control panel of the second housing 413).

[0151] Now for reference Figures 13A-13C Other embodiments of the foot airbag layer 460 are described. For example... Figures 13A-13C As shown, the foot airbag layer 460 may include, for example, one or more upper raft layers 1310 (e.g., a first upper raft layer 1312 and a second upper raft layer 1314), one or more lower raft layers 1320, one or more side cushions 1330 (e.g., a first side cushion 1332 and a second side cushion 1334) and / or one or more tubular airbags 1350 disposed on the support substrate 1340. The first upper raft layer 1312 may include one or more first upper grid bed base airbags 1316, and the second upper raft layer 1314 may include one or more second upper grid bed base airbags 1318. The one or more lower raft layers 1320 may include one or more lower grid bed base airbags 1322. The one or more tubular airbags 1350 generally include one or more first tubular airbags 1352 connected to each other by a hinge 1356. As described in more detail herein, one or more tubular airbags 1350 may also include those disposed below one or more first tubular airbags 1352 (e.g., in...). Figures 13A-13C One or more second tubular airbags 1354 in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis, and can also be connected to each other by a hinge 1356.

[0152] The individual air bladders of the foot air bladder layer 460 can have any shape and / or size. For example, some of the various air bladders can generally be tubular (e.g., having a circular or elliptical cross-section). Furthermore, the individual air bladders of the foot air bladder layer 4460 can be configured specifically. For example, as... Figure 13A As described, one or more first tubular airbags 1352 and / or one or more second tubular airbags 1354 can be configured in a rhomboid shape relative to each other via a hinge 1356, wherein one or more first tubular airbags 1352 and / or one or more second tubular airbags 1354 are positioned to define rhomboid apertures 1360. However, other configurations of one or more first tubular airbags 1352 and / or one or more second tubular airbags 1354 are also contemplated, including but not limited to triangular configurations forming one or more triangular apertures, quadrilateral configurations forming one or more quadrilateral apertures, etc. For example, as... Figures 13B-13C As shown, an alternative configuration of one or more tubular airbags 1350' results in the formation of a first void 1360a (e.g., a triangular pore) and a second void 1360b (e.g., a trapezoidal pore) by the arrangement of one or more first tubular airbags 1352 and / or one or more second tubular airbags 1354. These voids 1360a, 1360b may have similar shapes and / or sizes, or they may have different shapes and / or sizes. Furthermore, this disclosure does not limit the location of the voids 1360a, 1360b.

[0153] Still generally refer to Figures 13A-13C In some embodiments, the foot airbag layer 460 may be configured such that the side cushions 1330 are disposed on either side of one or more tubular airbags 1350. For example, a first side cushion 1332 may be disposed on one side of one or more tubular airbags 1350 (e.g., a first side), while a second side cushion 1334 may be disposed on the opposite side of one or more tubular airbags 1350 relative to the first side (e.g., a second side). In some embodiments, the side cushions 1330 may be secured to another component (e.g., a support substrate 1340). In some embodiments, the side cushions 1330 may be secured in place by the sidewall 1342 of the support substrate 1340.

[0154] In some embodiments, an upper raft layer 1310 (e.g., a first upper raft layer 1312 and a second upper raft layer 1314) is disposed above one or more lower raft layers 1320 and / or one or more tubular airbags 1350 (e.g., in...). Figures 13A-13C (in the coordinate axis + Y direction). However, other arrangements are envisioned, including but not limited to those located below one or more lower raft layers 1320 and / or one or more tubular airbags 1350 (e.g., in the coordinate axis + Y direction). Figure 4 (in the Y-axis direction of the coordinate axis). One or more lower raft layers 1320 are generally located distal to one or more tubular airbags 1350 (e.g., in the...). Figures 13A-13C (in the Z-axis direction of the coordinate axis), and / or positioned proximally relative to one or more tubular air bladders (e.g., in the direction of the coordinate axis -Z), and / or positioned at the proximal end ...). Figures 13A-13C(in the coordinate axis +Z direction). In some embodiments, one or more raft layers (e.g., upper raft layer 1310 and lower raft layer 1320) may extend any distance. In some embodiments, one or more raft layers (e.g., upper raft layer 1310 and lower raft layer 1320) may be fluidly coupled to respective blowers and configured such that the raft layer defines multiple zones (e.g., the raft layer may be a two-zone buffer grid bed base). For example, in one illustrative embodiment, the foot airbag layer 460 may include one or more tubular airbags 1350 sandwiched between two regional support buffer bed bases (e.g., upper raft layer 1320) and support substrate 1340 in the system vertical direction (e.g., +Y / -Y direction), sandwiched between side pads 1332, 1334 sandwiched between the two regional support buffer bed bases and support substrate 1340 in the system lateral direction (e.g., -X / +X direction), and positioned near the lower raft layer 1320 sandwiched between the two regional support buffer bed bases and support substrate 1340 (e.g., in the +Z direction). In some embodiments, various other components (e.g., but not limited to housing 1370 including ALP valves, PCBs, and / or blowers) may also be disposed between the layers (e.g., between upper raft layer 1310 and lower raft layer 1320).

[0155] It should be understood that, relative to Figures 13A-13C The various components of the foot airbag layer 460 described herein can be integrated with the components described herein. Figure 4 The aforementioned one or more components. Furthermore, relative to... Figure 4 The foot airbag layer 460 discussed in this paper can also be compared with any component, feature, etc. Figures 13A-13C The various components and features discussed are combined.

[0156] Figure 5 The various aspects described in this disclosure are as follows. Figure 4 An exploded stereoscopic view of the illustrative microclimate management (MCM) layer 450. As described herein, the MCM layer 450 may be located within the personal support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The MCM layer 450 is located above various internal components of the personal support surface 104, including, for example, the surface base layer 410, steering assist airbag layer 420, working cushion layer 430, support cushion layers 440A, 440B, foot airbag layer 460, various housings, etc., as described herein. According to various aspects of this disclosure, the MCM layer 450 can cool and / or dry the subject's skin, which is near and / or in contact with the top encapsulation portion 106 of the personal support surface 104.

[0157] Reference Figure 5MCM layer 450 may be defined by a stack of MCM sheets 500. Specifically, MCM layer 450 may include a top MCM sheet 502, an inner MCM sheet 504, and a bottom MCM sheet 506. The top MCM sheet 502 may include a gasket material comprising a fire barrier (e.g., from Cleveland, Ohio). The Sherwin-Williams, Inc., et al.). In some respects, the gasket material of the top MCM sheet 502 can be made of a coated breathable material (e.g., Wilmington, Delaware). As defined by A&AT LLC, this is intended to promote cooling and / or drying of the subject's skin. The internal MCM sheet 504 may include, for example, a foot MCM portion 508, a seat MCM portion 510, and a head MCM portion 512. (See reference...) Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The dimensions of the foot MCM portion 508 may correspond to the foot area 106C of the personal support surface 104, the dimensions of the seat MCM portion 510 may correspond to the seat area 106B of the personal support surface 104, and the dimensions of the head MCM portion 512 may correspond to the head area 106A of the personal support surface 104. According to various aspects described herein, each of the foot MCM portion 508, seat MCM portion 510, and head MCM portion 512 of the internal MCM sheet 504 may include a padding material. In some aspects, the padding material of the foot MCM portion 508, seat MCM portion 510, and / or head MCM portion 512 may be defined by materials such as synthetic thermoplastic fiber web materials, three-dimensional engineered materials, serrated fiber layer materials, molded thermoplastic spacer matrix materials, etc. In other aspects, the padding material may be a monofilament pad (e.g., provided by Pressless, Saxony, Germany; Eastex Products, Inc., Holbrook, Massachusetts, etc.). In another aspect, the gasket material can optimize airflow and / or interfacial pressure within the MCM layer 450. For some aspects, see brief references. Figure 12B The seat MCM portion 510 may include an upper portion 510A (in Figure 12B (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis) and the lower part 510B (e.g., in Figure 12B (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis). In these respects, one portion (e.g., lower portion 510B) may include a gasket material, while another portion (e.g., upper portion 510A) may include a breathable fabric. Now refer to Figure 5The foot MCM portion 508 may include a pad that is softer than the firmer head MCM portion 512 and / or seat MCM portion 510. In these respects, the relatively soft pad at the foot MCM portion 508 can reduce pressure on the subject's heel interface. In some respects, as described herein, the relatively soft pad at the foot MCM portion 508 may be compatible with foot airbag layers 460, 760, 860, 960 (e.g., Figure 4 , Figure 7A , Figure 8A and Figure 9A (This should be used in conjunction with other methods to further reduce pressure on the heel interface of the subjects. See reference...) Figure 5 An array of holes 514 may be defined in and / or through the seat MCM portion 510 to distribute cooling air on the surface of the seat MCM portion 510. In some aspects, an array of holes 514 may be defined in and / or through at least one of the upper portion 510A or lower portion 510B of the seat MCM portion 510. According to other aspects, a plurality of channels (not shown) may be defined in and / or through the seat MCM portion 510, the channels extending from a first side of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., on...). Figure 5 (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) and the second side (e.g., in) Figure 5 The seat MCM section 510 (in the +X direction of the coordinate axis) or traverses it between the coordinate axes. Depending on other aspects, the padding material of the seat MCM section 510 (e.g., and the head MCM section 512 and / or foot MCM section 508) may be a breathable fabric (e.g., instead of an array of holes 514 and / or multiple channels, and / or other than these). The array of holes 514, multiple lateral channels, and / or breathable fabric may be an improvement to an MCM system that includes a single inlet that focuses cooling fluid (e.g., air) on a specific area (e.g., a central area with reduced lateral performance) rather than (e.g., uniformly) distributing the cooling fluid over a certain area (e.g., centrally and laterally).

[0158] In some aspects, the bottom MCM sheet 506 may include a gasket material. In other aspects, the bottom MCM sheet 506 may be defined by a material such as open-weave nylon. Depending on the aspect, a vent 520 may be defined in the bottom MCM sheet 506 (see also, for example...). Figure 12B ).

[0159] like Figure 5As shown, depending on various aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 can be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 (e.g., by sewing, gluing, etc.) to surround the inner MCM sheet 504. According to some aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 can be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 around the periphery of both the top MCM sheet 502 and the bottom MCM sheet 506.

[0160] In some respects, a top MCM sheet 502 located between the foot MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510 may be securely attached to a bottom MCM sheet 506 to define a physical (e.g., fluid-tight) separation between the foot MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 12B (Dashed lines are optional). Furthermore, in these respects, the seat MCM portion 510 may be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 around its periphery (e.g., to define a channel for fluid inflow into the seat MCM portion 510 on the side of the bottom MCM sheet 506). On the first side 513A, second side 513B, and third side 513C of the head MCM portion 512, the head MCM portion 512 may be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506, while on the fourth side 513D, it may be loosely attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 (see...). Figure 12B This is to define a channel for distal fluid flow through the head MCM portion 512. Therefore, in these aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 may not be fixedly attached to the seat MCM portion 510 and / or the head MCM portion 512 between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512. In these aspects, fluid can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512 on the side of the top MCM sheet 502, but cannot flow between the head MCM portion 512 and / or the seat MCM portion 510 and the foot MCM portion 508 on the side of the top MCM sheet 502. In these aspects, fluid flow is impeded by the foot MCM portion 508, and is directed from the seat MCM portion 510 to the head MCM portion 512 towards the distal end of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in...). Figure 5 (Guided in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) (e.g., towards vent 520).

[0161] According to other aspects, each of the foot MCM portion 508, the seat MCM portion 510, and the head MCM portion 512 can be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 (e.g., by stitching, bonding, etc.). In these aspects, the periphery of each of the foot MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510 can be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 (e.g., to define a physical fluid-tight separation between the foot MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510 and / or to define a channel on the bottom MCM sheet 506 side for fluid inflow into the seat MCM portion 510). The head MCM portion 512 can be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 on a first side 513A, a second side 513B, and a third side 513C of the head MCM portion 512 (e.g., to define a channel for distal fluid flow through the head MCM portion 512). The top MCM sheet 502 can then be securely attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 to surround the inner MCM sheet 504. In these aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 can be securely attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 around the periphery of the top MCM sheet 502 and the bottom MCM sheet 506 as described herein. In some aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 can be further securely attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 between the footwell MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510 to define a physical (e.g., fluid-tight) separation between the footwell MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 12B (Dash lines are optional). Therefore, in these aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 may not be fixedly attached to the seat MCM portion 510 and / or the head MCM portion 512 between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512. In these aspects, fluid can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512 on the side of the top MCM sheet 502, but cannot flow between the head MCM portion 512 and / or the seat MCM portion 510 and the foot MCM portion 508 on the side of the top MCM sheet 502. In these aspects, fluid flow is impeded by the foot MCM portion 508, and is directed from the seat MCM portion 510 to the head MCM portion 512 towards the distal end of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in...). Figure 5 (Guided in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) (e.g., towards vent 520).

[0162] In other respects, the top MCM sheet 502 may not be located between the foot MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510. Figure 12BThe dashed lines depict optional features, such as the separation of the seat MCM portion 510 and foot MCM portion 508 without a physically fluid seal defined on the top MCM sheet 502 side, and / or the seat MCM portion 510 and head MCM portion being fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506. Furthermore, in these aspects, the seat MCM portion 510 may be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 around its periphery (e.g., to define a channel for fluid inflow into the seat MCM portion 510 on the bottom MCM sheet 506 side). Therefore, in these aspects, on the top MCM sheet 502 side, fluid can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512 and / or foot MCM portion 508 (see...). Figure 12B The fluid flows between (the flow arrows are depicted as dashed lines). In these respects, the flow of fluid is not obstructed by the foot MCM section 508, and the fluid can ultimately flow to the distal end of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., to the vent 520) (e.g., in...). Figure 5 (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis). These aspects can realize the benefits of at least partial fluid flow in the foot MCM section 508 (and associated MCM benefits) Figure 12B (The flow arrows are depicted as dashed lines). Therefore, the MCM layer 450 of this disclosure can achieve relatively low fluid flow in the foot MCM portion 508, relatively high fluid flow in the seat MCM portion 510, and relatively moderate or high fluid flow in the head MCM portion 512.

[0163] Based on the various aspects described herein, the seat MCM portion 510 can function as the seat MCM area 622 (e.g., Figure 6 Cooling air is distributed within the seat MCM portion 510 (e.g., through an array of holes 514) to cool and / or dry the subject's skin, which is in close proximity to and / or in contact with the personal support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The seat area 106B of the top encapsulation portion 106 of the personal support surface 104 contacts and / or corresponds to the seat MCM portion 510 of the MCM layer 450. Further, as described herein, cooling air may be distributed to at least one of the head MCM portion 512 and / or the foot MCM portion 508 to cool and / or dry the subject's skin, which respectively approaches and / or contacts the head area 106A and / or foot area 106C of the top encapsulation portion 106 of the personal support surface 104.

[0164] Still in Figure 5In this disclosure, the inner MCM sheet 504 is depicted as a separate foot MCM portion 508, a seat MCM portion 510, and a head MCM portion 512. According to another aspect of this disclosure (not shown), the inner MCM sheet 504 may include a single piece of padding material. In these aspects, an array of holes 514 may be defined in and / or through the single piece of inner MCM sheet 504. Further, in these aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 may be fixedly attached (e.g., by stitching, bonding, etc.) to the bottom MCM sheet 506 to surround the inner MCM sheet 504. In some aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 may be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 around the periphery of both the top MCM sheet 502 and the bottom MCM sheet 506. In some aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 may be further fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 to define a personal support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The foot area 106C is sized for the foot MCM portion 508, and defines a physical (e.g., fluid-tight) separation between the foot MCM portion 508 and the remainder of the inner MCM sheet 504 (see [reference]). Figure 12B (Optional, depicted with dashed lines). Furthermore, in these aspects, the remainder of the inner MCM sheet 504 may be securely attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 to define a corresponding personal support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The seat MCM portion 510 is sized for the seat area 106B (e.g., a channel for fluid inflow into the seat MCM portion 510 is defined on the bottom MCM sheet 506 side via the periphery of the seat MCM portion 510), and defines a corresponding personal support device 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The head MCM portion 512 is sized for the head region 106A of the head MCM portion 512 (e.g., a channel for distal fluid flow through the head MCM portion 512 is defined by the first side 513A, second side 513B, and third side 513C of the head MCM portion 512). Therefore, the top MCM sheet 502 may not be fixedly attached to the seat MCM portion 510 and / or the head MCM portion 512 between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512, and fluid can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512 on the top MCM sheet 502 side, rather than between the head MCM portion 512 and / or the seat MCM portion 510 and the foot MCM 508 on the top MCM sheet 502 side. In these aspects, fluid flow is impeded by the foot MCM portion 508, and the flow from the seat MCM portion 510 to the head MCM portion 512 is directed toward the distal end of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in…). Figure 5(Guided in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) (e.g., towards vent 520).

[0165] According to other aspects, the individual inner MCM sheet 504 can be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 (e.g., by stitching, gluing, etc.). In these aspects, the inner MCM sheet 504 can be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 to define a support surface 104 corresponding to the individual (e.g., Figure 1 ) foot area 106C (e.g., Figure 4 The foot MCM portion 508, which is sized and designed (e.g., via the periphery of the foot MCM portion 508), defines a support surface 104 corresponding to the individual support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The seat MCM portion 510 (e.g., via the periphery of the seat MCM portion 510) is sized for the seat area 106B and defines a corresponding personal support device 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The head MCM portion 512, sized for the head region 106A (e.g., via first side 513A, second side 513B, and third side 513C of the head MCM portion 512), defines a physical separation between the foot MCM portion 508, the seat MCM portion 510, and the head MCM portion 512 on the side of the bottom MCM sheet 506. The top MCM sheet 502 can then be securely attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 to surround the inner MCM sheet 504. In these respects, as described in the text, the top MCM sheet 502 can be securely attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 around the periphery of both the top MCM sheet 502 and the bottom MCM sheet 506. In some aspects, the top MCM sheet 502 may be further fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 between the foot MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510 to define a physical (e.g., fluid-tight) separation between the foot MCM portion 508 and the remainder of the inner MCM sheet 504 on the top MCM sheet 502 side. Thus, in these aspects, on the top MCM sheet 502 side, the top MCM sheet 502 is not fixedly attached to the seat MCM portion 510 and / or the head MCM portion 512 between the seat MCM portion 510 and / or the head MCM portion 512. In this way, fluid can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512 on the top MCM sheet 502 side, but not between the head MCM portion 512 and / or the seat MCM portion 510 and the foot MCM portion 508 on the top MCM sheet 502 side. In these aspects, fluid flow is impeded by the foot MCM portion 508, and from the seat MCM portion 510 to the head MCM portion 512, it is directed toward the distal end of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in...). Figure 5(Guided in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) (e.g., towards vent 520).

[0166] In other respects, the top MCM sheet 502 may not be located between the foot MCM portion 508 and the seat MCM portion 510. Figure 12B The dashed lines depict optional features, such as the separation of the seat MCM portion 510 and foot MCM portion 508 without a physically fluid seal defined on the top MCM sheet 502 side, and / or the seat MCM portion 510 and head MCM portion, fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506. Further, in these aspects, the inner MCM sheet 504 may be fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 around the periphery of the seat MCM portion 510 (e.g., to define a channel for fluid inflow into the seat MCM portion 510 on the bottom MCM sheet 506 side). Thus, in these aspects, on the top MCM sheet 502 side, fluid can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512 and / or foot MCM portion 508 (see...). Figure 12B The fluid flows between (the flow arrows are depicted as dashed lines). In these respects, the flow of fluid is not obstructed by the foot MCM section 508, and the fluid can ultimately flow to the distal end of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., to the vent 520) (e.g., in...). Figure 5 (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis). These aspects can realize the benefits of at least partial fluid flow in the foot MCM section 508 (and associated MCM benefits) Figure 12B (The flow arrows are depicted as dashed lines). Therefore, the MCM layer 450 of this disclosure can achieve relatively low fluid flow in the foot MCM portion 508, relatively high fluid flow in the seat MCM portion 510, and relatively moderate or high fluid flow in the head MCM portion 512.

[0167] Based on the aspects described herein, the seat MCM portion 510 can function as the seat MCM area 622 (e.g., Figure 6 To distribute cooling air (e.g., through an array of holes 514) within the seat MCM portion 510 to cool and / or dry the subject's skin, which is in close proximity to and / or in contact with the personal support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The seat area 106B of the top encapsulation portion 106 of the personal support surface 104 contacts and / or corresponds to the seat MCM portion 510 of the MCM layer 450. Further, as described herein, cooling air may be distributed to at least one of the head MCM portion 512 and / or the foot MCM portion 508 to cool and / or dry the subject's skin, which respectively approaches and / or contacts the head area 106A and / or foot area 106C of the top encapsulation portion 106 of the personal support surface 104.

[0168] Figure 6 Depicting the various aspects described in this article Figure 5 A top view of the MCM layer 450. Specifically, Figure 6 A top MCM sheet 502 is shown fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 and / or an inner MCM sheet 504 is fixedly attached to the bottom MCM sheet 506 (as shown in relation to...). Figure 5 As described, this defines the foot MCM portion 508, the seat MCM portion 510, and the head MCM portion 512. Depending on the aspects, such fastening accessories may include peripheral stitches 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616, etc., and a first stitch 618 and a second stitch 620. Further, as relative to... Figure 5 The first stitch 618 can physically (e.g., fluid-tightly) separate the defined seat MCM portion 510 and the defined foot MCM portion 512 on the bottom MCM sheet 506 side, rather than physically (e.g., fluid-tightly) separating the defined seat MCM portion 510 and the defined foot MCM portion 512 on the top MCM sheet 502 side (see [link to original text]). Figure 12B (Described by dashed lines), and the second stitch 620 can physically (e.g., fluid-tightly) separate the defined seat MCM portion 510 and the defined head MCM portion 512 on the bottom MCM sheet 506 side rather than on the top MCM sheet 502 side (see...). Figure 12B According to the various aspects described herein, the seat MCM portion 510 may serve as a seat MCM region 622 to distribute cooling air (e.g., through an array of holes 514) within the seat MCM portion 510 to cool and / or dry the subject's skin, which is in close proximity to and / or in contact with the personal support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The seat area 106B of the top encapsulation portion 106 of the personal support surface 104 contacts and / or corresponds to the seat MCM portion 510 of the MCM layer 450. Further, as described herein, cooling air may be distributed to at least one of the head MCM portion 512 and / or foot MCM portion 508 to cool and / or dry the subject's skin, which respectively approaches and / or contacts the head area 106A and / or foot area 106C of the top encapsulation portion 106 of the personal support surface 104. Again, as... Figure 6 As shown, in some aspects, the second part 628 of the MCM interlocking device 630 ( Figure 8A and 9AThe top MCM sheet 502 and the bottom MCM sheet 506 can be attached around their peripheries (e.g., to securely attach the top MCM sheet 502 to the bottom MCM sheet 506). As described herein, the second portion 628 of the MCM interlocking device 630 can attach the MCM layer 450 to the first portion 629 attached to the inner surface of the top encapsulation portion 106. Figure 8A and 9A ).

[0169] Still refer to Figure 6 The bottom MCM sheet 506 may have a length "L1" and a width "W1". Depending on various aspects, the length "L1" and the width "W1" may correspond to the individual support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The external dimensions of the personal support surface 104. In some respects, the personal support surface 104 may be a standard version approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm) wide. In other respects, the personal support surface 104 may be a wide version approximately 40 inches (101.6 cm) wide. Further references Figure 6 In some respects, the top MCM sheet 502 may have a length "L2" shorter than the length "L1" of the bottom MCM sheet 506 and a width "W2" equal to that of the bottom MCM sheet 506. Furthermore, the centerline 624 associated with the array of holes 514 may be positioned at a distance "D1" from the first end 626 of the bottom MCM sheet 506. This distance "D1" may correspond to the distance from the individual support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The target distance related to the seat area 106B of the top enclosure portion 106 of the ) is. Accordingly, according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 It should be understood that any “X” MCM portion of the internal MCM sheet 504 can be physically separated, as described herein, to create “X” MCM regions to distribute and / or concentrate cooling air within the “X” MCM portion to cool and / or dry the subject’s skin, which is in close proximity to and / or in contact with the personal support surface 104 (e.g., Figure 1 The top encapsulation portion 106 has an "X" region that contacts and / or corresponds to the "X" MCM portion of the MCM layer 450. Therefore, any "X" portion of the top encapsulation portion 106 can similarly address the problem of any subject area susceptible to pressure injury.

[0170] The first person supports the surface – including the work cushioning pad. Figure 7A A first illustrative personal support surface 704 is depicted along the various aspects described herein. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of axis AA.

[0171] Reference Figure 7ASimilar to that described herein, the first person support surface 704 may include a top encapsulation portion 106, which is connected to the bottom encapsulation portion 108 via an interlocking device 110 (e.g., a zipper, etc.). Figure 7A As shown, the first human support surface 704 can accommodate various internal components, including a surface base layer 410 (e.g., a foam crib), a steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., shown in a deflated state), a working cushion layer 430, a support cushion layer 440A, and an MCM layer 450, as described herein. As described herein (e.g., Figure 12A and Figure 12B The first person support surface 704 may further accommodate a blower (e.g., pneumatic) housing 770 for supplying air to the MCM layer 450. Furthermore, the first person support surface 704 may accommodate the first person support surface 704 located at a first lateral angle (e.g., in...). Figure 7A The first outer casing 711 (not shown, in conjunction with) the coordinate axes in the -Z and +X directions) Figure 4 (Similar to the first outer shell 411) and located in the second transverse corner (e.g., in Figure 7A A second housing 713 (in the -Z and -X directions of the coordinate axes), and vice versa. Depending on various aspects, a first housing 711 (e.g., a pneumatic air control box) and a second housing 713 (e.g., an electrical air control box) may be defined within a surface base layer 410. In some aspects, the first housing 711 may house air valves and / or air manifolds, while the second housing 713 may house an air control panel. In these aspects, as described herein, the air control panel of the second housing 713 may be configured to control the air valves and / or air manifolds of the first housing 711 to distribute air (e.g., air from an external air source) to multiple air ducts and / or airbags (e.g., for steering assist, CLRT, P&V, etc.). Positioning the first housing 711 at a first lateral angle and the second housing 713 at a second lateral angle may further define a ray-transparent window, as discussed elsewhere herein, located above the housings that are otherwise centered, wherein the centered housing houses the air valves, air manifolds, and / or air control panel.

[0172] According to some aspects, the first person supporting the surface 704 may also include Figure 4 The foot airbag layer is 460. However, in other aspects, such as... Figure 7A The depicted first person support surface 704 may include a foot airbag layer 760. The foot airbag layer 760 may include a plurality of foot airbags 762. In one aspect, the plurality of foot airbags 762 may each be oriented to inflate and / or deflate vertically (e.g., in...). Figure 7A(In the +Y and / or –Y directions of the coordinate axes). On the other hand, the multiple foot airbags 762 can each be oriented to inflate and / or contract horizontally (e.g., in...). Figure 7A (in the +Z and / or -Z directions of the coordinate axes). In other aspects, the plurality of foot airbags 762 may alternate between airbags oriented to expand and / or contract vertically and airbags oriented to expand and / or contract horizontally. In some aspects, as discussed more fully herein, the plurality of foot airbags 762 may be positioned above the foot support layer 964 (optionally shown in dashed lines) (e.g., in...). Figure 7A (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis) Figure 9A In, for example, to minimize the amount of air required for the multiple foot airbags 762 to function as described herein. Still as Figure 7A As shown, multiple foot airbags 762 can be arranged in an inflated state at the distal end of the foot airbag layer 760 (e.g., in...). Figure 7A A first height "H1" is achieved at the coordinate axis (in the -Z direction) relative to the inner surface 764 of the bottom enclosure portion 108 or the foot support layer 964 (e.g., in the -Z direction). Figure 7A (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis), and at the proximal end of the bottom airbag layer 760 (e.g., in Figure 7A A second height "H2" is achieved at the coordinate axis (in the +Z direction) relative to the inner surface 764 of the bottom enclosure portion 108 or the foot support layer 964 (e.g., in the +Z direction). Figure 7A (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Depending on various aspects, the first height "H1" may be greater than the second height "H2", such that the foot airbag layer 760 gradually slopes downward from the distal end to the proximal end. This gradual (e.g., downward) slope can be defined by a series of foot airbags 762 with varying heights (e.g., a series of tall airbags, a series of medium airbags, a series of short airbags, etc.) (e.g., gradually shortening, stepped, etc.). According to aspects of this disclosure, by transferring pressure from under the subject's heel to under the subject's calf (e.g., tissue on the subject's calf is less likely to rupture and / or cause pressure damage compared to the skin on the subject's heel), the gradual slope can improve or reduce the subject's heel interface pressure.

[0173] Still as Figure 7AAs shown, depending on various aspects, the top encapsulation portion 106 may further define a housing 766 that holds the MCM layer 450 (e.g., optionally shown in dashed lines). Depending on various aspects, the housing 766 may include a bag, sleeve, etc. (e.g., above the surface base layer 410, steering assist airbag layer 420, working cushion layer 430, and / or support cushion layers 440A, 440B as described above) that holds the MCM layer 450 in contact with the bottom inner surface 768 of the top encapsulation portion 106. Depending on various aspects, the housing 766 may include interlocking devices (not shown, e.g., zippers) that make the MCM layer 450 removable. In some aspects, the MCM layer 450 of the first-person support surface 704 may be replaced periodically (e.g., every "Y" months of use) or as needed (e.g., due to holes, damage, contamination, etc.). The housing 766 disclosed herein can assist in the removal of an existing MCM layer 450 and / or the insertion of a replacement MCM layer 450 (e.g., without interfering with other internal components of the first-person support surface 704). Depending on various aspects, the interlocking device can be positioned around the periphery of the housing 766. In some aspects, it can be located at the bottom of the housing 766 (e.g., at...). Figure 7A The coordinate axis in the -Y direction defines the air supply component for connection to the MCM layer 450 (see, for example, Figure 12A and 12B For example, one or more air supply holes (not shown) of the subject's right-side blower 1114 and / or the subject's left-side blower 1116. In some aspects, the sleeve 120 (e.g., with...) Figure 1 and Figure 9A (Similar) can be defined on the bottom surface of the housing 766 (e.g., in) Figure 7A (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis).

[0174] Figure 7B The first human support surface 704 is depicted along the various aspects described herein. Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of axis BB. (See diagram below.) Figure 7A As shown, the first person support surface 704 may include a top encapsulation portion 106 connected to the bottom encapsulation portion 108 via an interlocking device 110 (e.g., a zipper, etc.), and the first person support surface 704 may accommodate various internal components, including a surface base layer 410 (e.g., a foam crib), a steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., shown in a deflated state), a working cushion layer 430, a support cushion layer 440A, and an MCM layer 450. Further, in various aspects, the top encapsulation portion 106 may further define a housing 766 (e.g., shown in dashed lines as an option) that holds the MCM layer 450.

[0175] Still refer to Figure 7BThe surface base layer 410 can constrain the lateral movement of various internal components of the first person supporting the surface 704 (e.g., in...). Figure 7B (in the +X and -X directions of the coordinate axes). Specifically, refer to... Figure 7B A first void 772 may be defined in the surface base layer 410 to limit lateral movement and / or lateral expansion of the steering assist airbag layer 420 and / or the working cushion layer 430. Depending on the aspects, this may be achieved by the inward-facing surface of the right-side cushion 714 of the subject (e.g., in...). Figure 7B (in the +X direction of the coordinate axis) and the inward-facing surface of the subject's left side pillow 716 (e.g., in the...) Figure 7B The first gap 772 is defined in the -X direction of the coordinate axis. Therefore, the surface base layer 410 can allow the airbag of the steering assist airbag layer 420 and / or the cushion of the working buffer layer 430 to expand effectively.

[0176] Still as Figure 7B As shown, the surface base layer 410 can be further used as one or more supply pipes ( Figure 4 For example, conduits for 426A, 426B, 426C, 426D, 436A, 436B, 436C, 436D, 446A, 446B, 447A, 447B, 466A, 466B, 466C, etc., which supply fluid (e.g., air) to the various layers described herein (e.g., 420, 430, 440A, 760, etc.), and one or more supply pipes (e.g., see [link to other pipes]). Figures 10A-10C , Figure 12A and Figure 12B This supplies fluid (e.g., air) to the MCM layer 450 as described herein. Specifically, refer to... Figure 7B A subject right channel 774 may be defined in the subject right side cushion 714, and a subject left channel 776 may be defined in the subject left side cushion 716 of the surface base layer 410, to serve as conduits for one or more supply tubes as described herein. According to other aspects of this disclosure, the gaps between the individual airbags (e.g., a plurality of steering airbags 422, a plurality of working cushion airbags 432, and / or a plurality of adjacent air tubes 442, 443) may serve as conduits and / or conduits for one or more supply tubes as described herein.

[0177] Figure 7C The first human support surface 704 is depicted along the various aspects described herein. Figure 7AA cross-sectional view of axis BB, wherein the steering assist airbag in the right-side head region 424A of the steering assist airbag layer 420 is inflated, while the working buffer airbag in the right-side head region 434A of the working buffer layer 430 is overinflated. As described herein, such an arrangement can be used to turn and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the left of the subject. Figure 7C As shown, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the steering assist airbag in the right side region 424A of the subject's head may be wedge-shaped. The working airbag in the right side region 434A of the subject's head may also be wedge-shaped. In these aspects, the steering assist airbag and / or the working airbag may include one or more longitudinal airbag recesses 780 (e.g., gaps, instead of circular, unrestrained airbags) to minimize the volume of fluid (e.g., air) required for the steering assist airbag to inflate and / or for the working airbag to overinflate. Reference Figure 7C As shown, the steering assist airbag in the left side region 424C of the subject's head of the steering assist airbag layer 420 is in a deflated state (e.g., to ventilate within the first personal support surface 704), and the working buffer airbag in the left side region 434C of the subject's head of the working buffer layer 430 is in its default inflated state (e.g., reaching its default or predetermined inflation level) or in a deflated state (e.g., to ventilate within the first personal support surface 704). Figure 7C As shown, the support cushioning layer 440A, the MCM layer 450, and the top encapsulation portion 106 are flexible to define the left side toward the first person support surface 704 (e.g., in...). Figure 7C The surface is tilted in the +X direction of the coordinate axis to rotate and / or roll the subject to the left side.

[0178] according to Figure 7C It should be understood that, similar to that described herein, the steering assist airbag in the left side region 424C of the subject's head of the steering assist airbag layer 420 can be inflated, and the working cushioning airbag in the left side region 434C of the subject's head of the working cushioning layer 430 can be overinflated. This arrangement can be used to turn and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the right side. According to... Figure 7C According to various aspects of this disclosure, the steering assist airbag in the left side region 424C of the subject's head may be wedge-shaped. The working airbag in the left side region 434C of the subject's head may also be wedge-shaped. In these aspects, the steering assist airbag and / or the working airbag may similarly include one or more longitudinal airbag recesses (not shown, e.g., gaps, instead of circular, unrestrained airbags) to minimize the volume of fluid (e.g., air) that inflates the steering assist airbag and / or overinflates the working airbag, respectively. Further according to Figure 7CThe steering assist airbag in the right-side region 424A of the subject's head of the steering assist airbag layer 420 can be in a deflated state (e.g., to ventilate within the first person support surface 704), and the working cushion airbag in the right-side region 434A of the subject's head of the working cushion layer 430 can be in its default inflated state (e.g., reaching its default or predetermined inflation level) or in a deflated state (e.g., to ventilate within the first person support surface 704). In these aspects, the support cushion layer 440A, the MCM layer 450, and the top encapsulation portion 106 are similarly configured to curve to define the right side toward the first person support surface 704 (e.g., within the first person support surface 704). Figure 7C The surface is tilted in the -X direction of the coordinate axis to rotate and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the right of the subject.

[0179] Second personal support surface – standard cushioning pad

[0180] Figure 8A A second illustrative personal support surface 804 is depicted along various aspects described herein. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of axis AA. (Refer to...) Figure 8A Similar to that described herein, the second person support surface 804 may include a top encapsulation portion 106, which is connected to the bottom encapsulation portion 108 via an interlocking device 110 (e.g., a zipper, etc.). See also... Figure 8A The second personal support surface 804 can accommodate various internal components, including a surface base layer 410 (e.g., a foam crib), a steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., shown in a deflated state), a support cushioning layer 440B, and an MCM layer 450, as described herein. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The second personal support surface 804 may further accommodate a blower (e.g., pneumatic) housing 870 that supplies air to the MCM layer 450. Furthermore, the second personal support surface 804 may accommodate a second personal support surface 804 located at a first lateral angle (e.g., in...). Figure 8A The first outer casing 811 (not shown, in the -Z and +X directions of the coordinate axes) is the first outer casing 811 (without showing). Figure 4 (Similar to the first outer shell 411) and located in the second transverse corner (e.g., in Figure 8AA second housing 813 (in the -Z and -X directions of the coordinate axes), and vice versa for both housings. Depending on various aspects, a first housing 811 (e.g., a pneumatic air control box) and a second housing 813 (e.g., an electrical air control box) may be defined within a surface base layer 410. In some aspects, the first housing 811 may house air valves and / or air manifolds, while the second housing 813 may house an air control panel. In these aspects, as described herein, the air control panel of the second housing 813 may be configured to control the air valves and / or air manifolds of the first housing 811 to distribute air (e.g., air from an external air source) to multiple air ducts and / or airbags (e.g., for steering assist, CLRT, P&V, etc.). Positioning the first housing 811 at a first lateral angle and the second housing 813 at a second lateral angle may further define a ray-transparent window, as discussed elsewhere herein, located above the housings that are otherwise centered, wherein the centered housing houses the air valves, air manifolds, and / or air control panel.

[0181] Depending on some aspects, the second person supporting the 804 surface may also include Figure 4 The foot airbag layer is 460. However, in other aspects, such as... Figure 8A The depicted second person support surface 804 may include a foot airbag layer 860. The foot airbag layer 860 may include a plurality of foot airbags 862. In one aspect, each of the plurality of foot airbags 862 may be oriented to inflate and / or contract vertically (e.g., in...). Figure 8A (In the +Y and / or –Y directions of the coordinate axes). On the other hand, each of the plurality of foot airbags 862 can be oriented to inflate and / or contract horizontally (e.g., in...). Figure 8A (in the +Z and / or -Z directions of the coordinate axes). In other aspects, the plurality of foot airbags 862 may alternate between airbags oriented to inflate and / or contract vertically and airbags oriented to inflate and / or contract horizontally. In some aspects, as discussed more fully herein, the plurality of foot airbags 862 may be positioned above the foot support layer 964 (optionally shown in dashed lines) (e.g., in...). Figure 7A (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis) Figure 9A In, for example, to minimize the amount of air required for multiple foot airbags 862 to function as described herein.

[0182] Still refer to Figure 8A Multiple foot airbags 862 can be arranged in the inflated state at the distal end of the foot airbag layer 860 (e.g., in...). Figure 8A A first height "H1" is achieved at the coordinate axis (in the -Z direction) relative to the inner surface 864 of the bottom enclosure portion 108 or the foot support layer 964 (e.g., in the -Z direction). Figure 8A(in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis), and at the proximal end of the bottom airbag portion 860 (e.g., in Figure 7A A second height "H2" is achieved at the coordinate axis (in the +Z direction) relative to the inner surface 864 of the bottom enclosure portion 108 or the foot support layer 964 (e.g., in the +Z direction). Figure 8A (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Depending on various aspects, the first height "H1" may be greater than the second height "H2", such that the foot airbag layer 860 gradually slopes downward from the distal end to the proximal end. This gradual (e.g., downward) slope can be defined by multiple foot airbags 862 with varying heights (e.g., gradually shortening, stepped, etc.). According to aspects of this disclosure, by transferring pressure from under the subject's heel to under the subject's calf (e.g., tissue on the subject's calf is less likely to rupture and / or cause pressure damage compared to the skin on the subject's heel), the gradual slope can improve or reduce the subject's heel interface pressure.

[0183] Still referencing Figure 8A Depending on various aspects, the MCM layer 450 itself may include at least a portion of the MCM interlocking device 630 (e.g., a zipper). Here, a first portion 629 of the MCM interlocking device 630 may be attached to the periphery of the inner surface of the top encapsulation portion 106 (e.g., positioned such that the MCM layer 450 is in contact with the bottom inner surface 868 of the top encapsulation portion 106), while a second portion 628 of the MCM interlocking device 630 may be attached to the periphery of the MCM layer 450 (see also...). Figure 6 Therefore, in these respects, the existing MCM layer 450 can be removed by separating (e.g., unzipping) the second portion 628 of the MCM interlocking device 630 and its first portion 629 attached to the top enclosure portion 106, while a replacement MCM layer 450 can be installed by connecting (e.g., zipping up) the second portion 628 of the MCM interlocking device 630 and its first portion 629 attached to the top enclosure portion 106. As described herein, the MCM layer 450 of the second human support surface 804 can be replaced periodically (e.g., every “X” months of use) or as needed (e.g., due to holes, damage, contamination, etc.). The MCM layer 450, including at least a portion of the interlocking device, can facilitate such replacement without interfering with other internal components of the second human support surface 804.

[0184] Figure 8B The second personal support surface 804, as described in this article, is depicted along various aspects. Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the axis CC. (See diagram below.) Figure 8AAs shown, the second person support surface 804 may include a top enclosure portion 106 connected to the bottom enclosure portion 108 via an interlocking device 110 (e.g., a zipper, etc.), and the second person support surface 804 may accommodate various internal components, including a surface base layer 410 (e.g., a foam crib), a steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., shown in a deflated state), a support cushion layer 440B, and an MCM layer 450. As described herein, the first portion 629 and the second portion 628 of the MCM interlocking device 630 may position and / or retain the MCM layer 450 in contact with the bottom inner surface 868 of the top enclosure portion 106.

[0185] Still refer to Figure 8B The surface base layer 410 can constrain the lateral movement of various internal components of the second-person support surface 804 (e.g., in...). Figure 8B (in the +X and -X directions of the coordinate axes). Specifically, refer to... Figure 8B A first void 872 can be defined in the surface base layer 410 to limit lateral movement and / or lateral expansion of the lower portion of the steering assist airbag layer 420 and / or working buffer layer 430 (e.g., in...). Figure 8B (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis). Depending on various aspects, it can be determined by the inward-facing surface of the right side of the pillow 814 (e.g., in the...). Figure 8B (in the +X direction of the coordinate axis) and the inward-facing surface of the subject's left side pillow 816 (e.g., in the...) Figure 8B The first gap 772 is defined in the -X direction of the coordinate axis. Therefore, the surface base layer 410 can allow effective expansion of the airbag of the steering assist airbag layer 420 and / or the lower part of the support buffer layer 440B.

[0186] Still as Figure 8B As shown, the surface base layer 410 can be further used as one or more supply pipes ( Figure 4 For example, conduits for 426A, 426B, 426C, 426D, 436A, 436B, 436C, 436D, 446A, 446B, 447A, 447B, 466A, 466B, 466C, etc., which supply fluid (e.g., air) to the various layers described herein (e.g., 420, 430, 440B, 860, etc.), and one or more supply pipes (see...). Figures 10A-10C , Figure 12A and Figure 12B This supplies fluid (e.g., air) to the MCM layer 450 as described herein. Specifically, refer to... Figure 8B The subject's right channel 874 can be defined in the subject's right side cushion 814, and the subject's left channel 876 can be defined in the subject's left side cushion 816 of the surface base layer 410, to serve as a conduit for one or more supply tubes as described herein.

[0187] Figure 8C The second personal support surface 804 is depicted along the various aspects described herein. Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the axis CC, wherein the steering assist airbag in the right-side region 424A of the subject's head of the steering assist airbag layer 420 is inflated. As described herein, such an arrangement can be used to turn and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the left of the subject. Figure 8C As shown, the steering assist airbag in the left side region 424C of the subject's head of the steering assist airbag layer 420 is in a deflated state (e.g., to provide ventilation within the second personal support surface 804). (See reference...) Figure 8C The support cushioning layer 440B, MCM layer 450, and top encapsulation portion 106 are bent to define the left side toward the second person support surface 804 (e.g., in...). Figure 8C The surface is tilted in the +X direction of the coordinate axis to rotate and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the left of the subject.

[0188] according to Figure 8C It should be understood that, similar to that described herein, the steering assist airbag in the left-side head region 424C of the steering assist airbag layer 420 can be inflated. Such an arrangement can be used to turn and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the right of the subject. Further according to... Figure 8C The steering assist airbag in the right-side region 424A of the subject's head of the steering assist airbag layer 420 can be in a deflated state (e.g., to ventilate within the second person support surface 804). In this respect, the support cushion layer 440B, the MCM layer 450, and the top encapsulation portion 106 are similarly curved to define the right side toward the second person support surface 804 (e.g., in...). Figure 8C A surface tilted in the -X direction of the coordinate axis to rotate and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the right of the subject.

[0189] Third-person support surface - alternating low-pressure characteristics

[0190] Figure 9A A third illustrative personal support surface 904 is depicted along the various aspects described herein. Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the central axis AA. (Refer to...) Figure 9A Similar to that described herein, the third-person support surface 904 may include a top encapsulation portion 106, which is connected to the bottom encapsulation portion 108 via an interlocking device 110 (e.g., a zipper, etc.). Figure 7A and 8A Similarly, Figure 9AThe third support surface 904 can accommodate various internal components, including a surface base layer 410 (e.g., a foam crib), a steering assist airbag layer 420, a working buffer layer 430, a support buffer layer 440C, and an MCM layer 450, as described herein. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The third support surface 904 can further accommodate a blower (e.g., pneumatic) housing 970, which supplies air to the MCM layer 450. Furthermore, with Figure 1 resemblance, Figure 9A The third person support surface 904 depicts a head region sleeve 120 (e.g., an X-ray sleeve) illustratively positioned between the support cushion layer 440C and the MCM layer 450. In these aspects, the MCM layer 450 can function to provide padding for the subject during use of the head region sleeve 120 (e.g., when an X-ray cassette is inserted into the head region sleeve 120). As described herein, before being coupled into the third person support surface 904 as described herein, the MCM layer 450 can be insertable into a hole defined between the top surface of the head region sleeve 120 and the bottom surface of the top encapsulation portion 106 (e.g., when the periphery of the first side of the head region sleeve 120 (e.g., at...)). Figure 9A The periphery of the coordinate axis in the -X direction and / or its second side (e.g., in the -X direction) and / or the second side of the coordinate axis ... Figure 9A The coordinate axes in the +X direction are respectively connected to the first inner side of the top encapsulation portion 106 (e.g., in the coordinate axis in the +X direction). Figure 9A (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) and / or the second inner side (e.g., in) Figure 9A (when in the +X direction of the coordinate axis). Here, it should be understood that the head region sleeve 120 can be similarly positioned at... Figure 7A The first person supporting the surface 704 neutralized / / Figure 8A The second person supports the surface 804.

[0191] Furthermore, such as Figure 9A As depicted, the steering assist airbag layer 420 may include a head area steering airbag region 425A and a seat area steering airbag region 425B; the working buffer layer 430 may include a head area working buffer region 435A and a seat area working buffer region 435B; and the support buffer layer 440C may include a head area support buffer region 444A and a seat area support buffer region 444B. According to various aspects described herein, this zoning may allow one or more personal support devices 102 (e.g., Figure 1 The third person support surface 904 is fully utilized on the advanced joint movement personal support device.

[0192] According to some aspects, Figure 9A The third person supporting surface 904 may also include Figure 4The foot airbag layer is 460. However, in other aspects, such as... Figure 9A The depicted third-person support surface 904 may include a foot airbag layer 960. The foot airbag layer 960 may be located above the foot support layer 964 (e.g., on...). Figure 9A Multiple foot airbags 962 (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 9A The thickness "t1" of the foot airbag layer 960, as depicted and described herein, can correspond to a combination of the support cushion layer 440C, the working cushion layer 430, the steering assist airbag layer 420, and the headrest base layer 915 or seat base layer 917. In some aspects, the foot support layer 964 can minimize the amount of air required for the multiple foot airbags 962 to function as described herein. In some aspects, the foot support layer 964 may include foot support airbags that remain in a default inflated state to fill the volume within the foot area 905C of the personal support surface 904. Therefore, the foot support layer 964 can be controlled (inflated and / or deflated) as needed (e.g., regarding changes in the position of the personal support device toward the chair outlet, etc.). Further, as Figure 9A As shown and as described herein, the foot substrate layer 919 can be positioned below the foot support layer 964 (e.g., in...). Figure 9A (in the –Y direction of the coordinate axis). Here, it should be understood that... Figure 7A The foot airbag layer 760 may similarly include, as described herein, positioned within the foot support layer 964 (in... Figure 7A Multiple foot airbags 762 (optionally depicted with dashed lines) are located above, and Figure 8A The foot airbag layer 860 may similarly include, as described herein, positioned within the foot support layer 964 (in... Figure 8A The multiple foot airbags 862 (optionally depicted in dashed lines) are located above the feet (e.g., to minimize the amount of air required for the multiple foot airbags 762 and 862 to function as described herein). In some aspects, such as Figure 9A The depicted foot support layer 964 is at the distal end (e.g., in...) Figure 9A (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) and the proximal end (e.g., in) Figure 9A The coordinate axes (in the +Z direction) can have a consistent height (e.g., HA = HB). Similarly, as Figure 7A and 8A The depicted foot support layer 964 can have a consistent height to maintain a gradually downward tilt as described herein (e.g., in the case of multiple foot airbags 762 and multiple foot airbags 862 respectively via...). Figure 7A and 8A The depicted gradually shortening and / or stepped height defines a gradually downward slope. However, according to some aspects, in order to achieve a gradually downward slope (e.g., in...), Figure 7A , 8A In (and / or 9A), the foot support layer 964 itself may be defined by a first height (e.g., HA) at its distal end and a second height (e.g., HB) at its proximal end (e.g., the first height HA is greater than the second height HB), while the plurality of foot airbags 762, 862, 962 may have a consistent height (e.g., Figure 7A and 8A In the middle, H1 = H2). In other aspects, the foot support layer 964 (e.g., HA > HB) and multiple foot airbags 762, 862, 962 (e.g., a series of gradually shortening and / or stepped heights) can achieve a gradually downward tilt.

[0193] Further as Figure 9A As shown, the head region 905A of the third person support surface 904 may include one or more housings. For example, a first housing 911 (not shown, with...) Figure 4 The first outer shell 411 (similar to) can be located in the first lateral angle (e.g., in Figure 9A (in the -Z and +X directions of the coordinate axes), while the second outer shell 913 can be located in the second lateral angle (e.g., in the coordinate axes of -Z and +X), Figure 9A (in the -Z and -X directions of the coordinate axes). Depending on various aspects, a first housing 911 and a second housing 913 may be defined within a surface base layer 410. In some aspects, the first housing 911 (e.g., a pneumatic air control box) may house air valves and / or air manifolds, while the second housing 913 (e.g., an electrical air control box) may house an air control panel. In these aspects, as described herein, the air control panel of the second housing 913 may be configured to control the air valves and / or air manifolds of the first housing 911 to distribute air (e.g., air from an external air source) to multiple air ducts and / or airbags (e.g., for steering assist, CLRT, P&V, etc.). Positioning the first housing 911 at a first lateral angle and the second housing 913 at a second lateral angle may further define a ray-transparent window, as discussed elsewhere herein, located above the housings that are otherwise centered, wherein the centered housing houses the air valves, air manifolds, and / or air control panel.

[0194] Further as Figure 9A As shown, the third person support surface 904 may include an advanced joint motion airbag 903 (e.g., an advanced joint motion airbag layer). Depending on various aspects, the advanced joint motion airbag 903 may be positioned in conjunction with the advanced joint motion personal support device 102 ( Figure 4The platform portion 400 is abutted against the gap 409A. Specifically, the advanced articular motion airbag 903 may be positioned to abut (e.g., above) and / or inflate into one or more separable regions (e.g., separable portions 413A) of the surface base layer 410, with the surface base layer corresponding to the gap 409A of the platform portion 400. In some aspects, the advanced articular motion airbag 903 may be located proximally in the head region 705A (e.g., at the...). Figure 9A (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis). In other aspects, the advanced articulation airbag 903 can be located between the head area 905A and the seat area 905B. In these aspects, the advanced articulation airbag 903 can be located on the first side (e.g., in the...). Figure 9A The coordinate axis in the -X direction) and the second side (e.g., in Figure 9A The advanced joint motion airbag 903 may extend between the subject's right-side cushion 914 and the subject's left-side cushion 916 (e.g., in the +X direction of the coordinate axis) to fill the gap 409A. In some aspects, the advanced joint motion airbag 903 may extend between the subject's right-side cushion 914 and the subject's left-side cushion 916 (e.g., Figure 9B Depending on the aspects, when the third-person support surface 904 is in a flat position (e.g., when the gap 409A is minimized), the advanced joint movement airbag 903 can be deflated and / or partially inflated. In these aspects, such as Figure 9A As depicted, the advanced articulation airbag 903 may not engage with and / or inflate into the separable area 413A to fill any gap 409A. However, when the personal support surface 904 is repositioned (e.g., to a position raised toward the head area 905A, toward the chair exit position, etc.), the advanced articulation airbag 903 may progressively inflate to engage with and / or inflate into the progressively separating separable area 413A to fill the increased gap 409A. Filling such a gap 409A may be relevant to an advanced articulation personal support device (e.g., where the head area 401 and / or seat area 403 of the platform portion 400 may translate relative to each other during repositioning and the formation of the gap 409A). In some aspects, the bottom encapsulation portion 108 may define a release portion (not shown) into which the advanced articulation airbag 903 may inflate upon inflation. According to some aspects, the third personal support surface 904 may not include the advanced articulation airbag (e.g., when used with a standard personal support device).

[0195] Still referencing Figure 9A The head region 905A of the personal support surface 904 includes one or more impact vibration airbags 905 (e.g., an impact vibration airbag layer). Figure 9A As depicted, the one or more knock shock airbags 905 may be located between one or more air tubes in the supporting cushioning layer 440C (e.g., positioned in and / or near the subject's chest region). Figure 9AAbove and / or inside the gap (on the +Y side of the coordinate axis). The one or more tapping vibration airbags 905 may be configured to perform P&V therapy. Depending on various aspects, P&V therapy may include a tapping frequency of about 1 beat per second to about 5 beats per second and a vibration frequency of about 5 beats per second to about 25 beats per second for about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes. The tapping therapy and vibration therapy may be performed alone or together as sequential treatments. Each tapping vibration setting may operate at low, medium or high intensity. Depending on various aspects, the duration of P&V therapy may be limited if CLRT therapy is being performed simultaneously. In these aspects, simultaneous P&V and CLRT may result in an increase in the temperature of the individual support surface (e.g., thereby reducing the effectiveness of the MCM layer 450 as described herein). In one aspect, for example, for CLRT therapy of about “Y” minutes, P&V therapy may be limited to about “X” minutes. Depending on various aspects, air can be supplied to one or more impact-vibration airbags 905 from an air source (not shown, e.g., a compressor) located on the frame of the personal support device 102 (e.g., via one or more supply pipes coupled to the frame-based air source). According to aspects of this disclosure, air can be delivered to one or more impact-vibration airbags 905 via an vibration valve in the personal support surface.

[0196] like Figure 9A As described, the personal support surface 904 may also include an upper fire barrier 909A and a lower fire barrier 909B (e.g., described as optional, albeit with dashed lines). Figure 9A As shown, the upper fire barrier 909A can cover the MCM layer 450. The upper fire barrier 909A can include flexible, elastic, and / or breathable fire-resistant and / or fire-retardant materials (e.g., so as not to structurally inhibit the function of the various components enclosed therein). Similarly, the lower fire barrier 909B can cover the surface base layer 410, the steering assist airbag layer 420, the working buffer layer 430, the support buffer layer 440C, and / or the foot airbag layer 960, as well as other components including the headrest layer 915, the seat base layer 917, the footrest layer 919, the first housing 911, the second housing 913, the blower housing 970, the advanced joint movement airbag 903, the impact vibration airbag 905, etc. The lower fire barrier 909B can similarly include flexible, elastic, and / or breathable fire-resistant and / or fire-retardant materials (e.g., so as not to structurally inhibit the function of the various components enclosed therein).

[0197] Figure 9B The individual support surface 904 is depicted along the various aspects described in this article. Figure 9A Cross-sectional view of the central axis DD. (See diagram below.) Figure 9ADescribed, the third-person support surface 904 may include a top encapsulation portion 106 connected to the bottom encapsulation portion 108 via an interlocking device 110 (e.g., a zipper, etc.), and the third-person support surface 904 may accommodate various internal components including a surface base layer 410 (e.g., a foam crib), a steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., depicted in a deflated state), a working cushion layer 430, a support cushion layer 440C, and an MCM layer. Similar to those described herein, the first portion 629 and the second portion 628 of the MCM interlocking device 630 may position and / or retain the MCM layer 450 in contact with the bottom inner surface 968 of the top encapsulation portion 106.

[0198] and Figure 7B and Figure 8B Similarly, Figure 9B The surface base layer 410 can restrict the lateral movement of various internal components of the third-person supporting surface 904 (e.g., in...). Figure 9B (in the +X and –X directions of the coordinate axes). Specifically, refer to... Figure 9B A first void 972 may be defined in the surface base layer 410 to limit lateral movement and / or lateral expansion of the steering assist airbag layer 420 and / or the working cushion layer 430. Depending on the aspects, this may be achieved by the inward-facing surface of the right-side cushion 914 of the subject (e.g., in...). Figure 9B (in the +X direction of the coordinate axis) and the inward-facing surface of the subject's left side pillow 916 (e.g., in the...) Figure 9B The first gap 972 is defined in the -X direction of the coordinate axis. Therefore, the surface base layer 410 can allow efficient expansion of the airbag of the steering assist airbag layer 420 and / or the pad of the working buffer layer 430.

[0199] Still as Figure 9B As shown, the surface base layer 410 can be further used as one or more supply pipes ( Figure 4 For example, conduits for 426A, 426B, 426C, 426D, 436A, 436B, 436C, 436D, 446A, 446B, 447A, 447B, 466A, 466B, 466C, etc., which supply fluid (e.g., air) to the various layers described herein (e.g., 420, 430, 440C, 960, etc.), and one or more supply pipes (e.g., see [link to other pipes]). Figures 10A-10C , Figure 12A and Figure 12B This supplies fluid (e.g., air) to the MCM layer 450 as described herein. Specifically, refer to... Figure 9BA subject right channel 974 may be defined in the subject right side cushion 914, and a subject left channel 976 may be defined in the subject left side cushion 916 of the surface base layer 410, to serve as conduits for one or more supply tubes as described herein. According to other aspects of this disclosure, the gaps between the individual airbags (e.g., a plurality of steering airbags 422, a plurality of working cushion airbags 432, and / or a plurality of adjacent air tubes 442, 443) may serve as conduits and / or conduits for one or more supply tubes as described herein.

[0200] Given Figure 4 refer to Figure 9B Head area steering airbag area 425A (e.g., Figure 9A This could include the right side region 424A and the left side region 424C of the subject's head. Similarly, the head region working buffer area 435A could include the right side region 434A and the left side region 434C of the subject's head. Further consideration... Figure 9B The head substrate layer 915 may be positioned between the head region steering airbag region 425A and the head region working buffer region 435A. According to various aspects described herein, the head substrate layer 915 may include a fabric layer or a polymer layer. In some aspects, the head substrate layer 915 may include a coated, woven (e.g., tear-resistant), and / or non-elastic material. It should be understood here that the first person support surface 704 and / or the second person support surface 804 may similarly include the head substrate layer 915 as described herein.

[0201] In some aspects, such as Figure 9B As depicted, the head substrate layer 915 can be directed from the head region to the first side of the subject's right head region 424A of the airbag region 425A and the head region working buffer region 435A of the subject's right head region 434A (e.g., in...). Figure 9B (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) towards the head region, the second side of the subject's left head region 424C of the airbag region 425A and the head region working buffer region 435A of the subject's left head region 434C (e.g., in Figure 9B (Extending in the +X direction of the coordinate axis). According to various aspects of this disclosure, each of the right side region 424A and the left side region 424C of the subject's head of the head-turning airbag region 425A is connected to the bottom surface of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 9B (in the –Y direction of the coordinate axis). Similarly, according to various aspects of this disclosure, each of the right side region 434A and the left side region 434C of the subject's head in the head region working buffer region 435A is connected to the top surface of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the…). Figure 9B(in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). In these aspects, the head substrate layer 915 can function to keep the various regions (e.g., 424A, 424C, 434A and 434C) in place within the head region 905B of the individual support surface 904 (e.g., relative to other internal components, etc.).

[0202] In other respects, according to Figure 9B The head substrate layer 915 can be divided (the division is optional and shown by dashed lines). In these aspects, a first portion of the head substrate layer 915 can be located between the right side region 424A of the subject's head in the head region steering airbag region 425A and the right side region 434A of the subject's head in the head region working buffer region 435A. Here, the right side region 424A of the subject's head in the head region steering airbag region 425A can be attached to the bottom surface of the first portion of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis in FIG9), while the right side region 434A of the subject's head in the head region working buffer region 435A can be attached to the top surface of the first portion of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis in FIG9), while the right side region 434A of the subject's head in the head region working buffer region 435A can be attached to the top surface of the first portion of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis in FIG9). Figure 9B (In the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Similarly, the second portion of the head substrate layer 915 can be positioned between the left side region 424C of the subject's head in the head region steering airbag region 425A and the left side region 434C of the subject's head in the head region working buffer region 435A. Here, the left side region 424C of the subject's head in the head region steering airbag region 425A can be attached to the bottom surface of the second portion of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 9B (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis), while the left side region 434C of the subject's head in the head region working buffer region 435A can be connected to the top surface of the second part of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis), and the left side region 434C of the subject's head in the head region working buffer region 435A can be connected to the top surface of the second part of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g Figure 9B (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis).

[0203] In these aspects, the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in...) Figure 9B (Optionally depicted with a dashed line) can be on the first side (e.g., in) Figure 9B (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) and the second side (e.g., in) Figure 9B Extending upwards along the +X direction of the coordinate axis (e.g., in...) Figure 9B (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). In these aspects, multiple adjacent air tubes 442 of the head support buffer area 444A ( Figure 4 The first side of each of them (e.g., in) Figure 9B The coordinate axis (in the -X direction) can be connected to the head substrate layer 915 on the first side, while the multiple adjacent air tubes 442 of the head support buffer region 444A (in the -X direction) can be connected to the head substrate layer 915 on the first side, while the head support buffer region 444A has multiple adjacent air tubes 442 (in the -X direction) Figure 4 The second side of each of them (e.g., in) Figure 9BThe coordinate axis (in the +X direction) can be connected to the head substrate layer 915 on the second side, thereby keeping the head support buffer region 444A in place within the head region 905A of the third human support surface 904. Depending on various aspects, the first and second sides of each of the plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 may include fasteners that can be inserted into respective receiving holes (not shown), the receiving holes defining and positioning each of the plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 in the head substrate layer 915.

[0204] Figure 9C The third-person support surface 904 is depicted along the various aspects described herein. Figure 9A Cross-sectional view of the central axis EE. (See diagram below.) Figure 9A Described, the third-person support surface 904 may include a top enclosure 106 connected to the bottom enclosure 108 via an interlocking device 110 (e.g., a zipper, etc.), and the third-person support surface 904 may accommodate various internal components including a surface base layer 410 (e.g., a foam crib), a steering assist airbag layer 420 (e.g., depicted in a deflated state), a working cushion layer 430, a support cushion layer 440C, and an MCM layer. Figure 9B Similarly, as described above, the surface base layer 410 can restrict the lateral movement of the various internal components of the third-person support surface 904 (e.g., in...). Figure 9C (in the +X and -X directions of the coordinate axes), and can be used as one or more supply pipes (e.g., Figure 4 The conduits (e.g., 426A, 426B, 426C, 426D, 436A, 436B, 436C, 436D, 446A, 446B, 447A, 447B, 466A, 466B, 466C, etc.) supply fluid (e.g., air) to the various layers described herein (e.g., 420, 430, 440C, 960, etc.), and one or more supply pipes (e.g., see [link to other pipes]). Figures 10A-10C , Figure 12A and Figure 12B It supplies fluid (e.g., air) to the MCM layer 450 described herein.

[0205] according to Figure 4 refer to Figure 9C Seat area steering airbag area 425B (e.g., Figure 9A The subject seat may include a right-side area 424B and a left-side area 424D. Similarly, the seat area working buffer area 435B may include a right-side area 434B and a left-side area 434D. Further, as Figure 9CAs depicted herein, the seat substrate layer 917 may be positioned between the seat area steering airbag region 425B and the seat area working buffer region 435B. According to various aspects described herein, the seat substrate layer 917 may include a fabric layer or a polymer layer. In some aspects, the seat substrate layer 917 may include a coated, woven (e.g., tear-resistant), and / or non-elastic material. It should be understood here that the first person support surface 704 and / or the second person support surface 804 may similarly comprise the seat substrate layer 917 as described herein.

[0206] In some aspects, such as Figure 9C As depicted, the seat base plate layer 917 can be directed from the seat area to the first side of the subject seat right side region 424B of the airbag region 425B and the subject seat right side region 434B of the seat area working buffer region 435B (e.g., in...). Figure 9C (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) towards the second side of the subject's left seat region 424D of the airbag region 425B and the subject's left seat region 434D of the seat working buffer region 435B (e.g., in the...) Figure 9C (Extending in the +X direction of the coordinate axis). According to various aspects of this disclosure, each of the subject seat right side region 424B and subject seat left side region 424D of the seat area steering airbag region 425B is coupled to the bottom surface of the seat substrate layer 917 (e.g., in the...). Figure 9C (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis). Similarly, according to various aspects of this disclosure, each of the subject seat right side region 434B and subject seat left side region 434D of the seat area working buffer region 435B is coupled to the top surface of the seat substrate layer 917 (e.g., in the...). Figure 9C (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). In these aspects, the seat substrate layer 917 can function to keep the various regions (e.g., 424B, 424D, 434B and 434D) in place within the seat area 905B of the third person support surface 904 (e.g., relative to other internal components, etc.).

[0207] In other aspects, such as Figure 9C As shown, the seat substrate layer 917 can be divided (the division is shown in dashed lines as an option). In these aspects, a first portion of the seat substrate layer 917 can be positioned between the subject seat right side region 424B of the seat area steering airbag region 425B and the subject seat right side region 434B of the seat area working buffer region 435B. Here, the subject seat right side region 424B of the seat area steering airbag region 425B can be coupled to the bottom surface of the first portion of the seat substrate layer 915 (e.g., in...). Figure 9C(in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis), and the right side region 434B of the subject seat of the seat area working buffer region 435B can be connected to the top surface of the first part of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis), while the right side region 434B of the subject seat of the seat area working buffer region 435B can be connected to the top surface of the first part of the head substrate layer 915 (e.g., in the Figure 9C (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Similarly, the second portion of the seat substrate layer 917 can be positioned between the subject seat left side region 424D of the seat area steering airbag region 425B and the subject seat left side region 434D of the seat area working buffer region 435B. Here, the subject seat left side region 424D of the seat area steering airbag region 425B can be connected to the bottom surface of the second portion of the seat substrate layer 917 (e.g., in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 9C (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis), while the left side region 434D of the subject seat in the working buffer area 435B of the seat area can be connected to the top surface of the second part of the seat substrate layer 917 (e.g., in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis), and the left side region 434D of the subject seat in the working buffer area 435B of the seat area can be connected to the top surface of the second part of the seat substrate layer 917 (e.g Figure 9C (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis).

[0208] In these aspects, the seat substrate layer 917 (e.g., in Figure 9C (Optionally depicted with a dashed line) can be on the first side (e.g., in) Figure 9C (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) and the second side (e.g., in) Figure 9C Extending upwards along the +X direction of the coordinate axis (e.g., in...) Figure 9C (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). In these aspects, the seat area supports the buffer area 444B with multiple adjacent air tubes 442 ( Figure 4 The first side end of each of them (e.g., in) Figure 9C The coordinate axis (in the -X direction) can be connected to the seat base plate layer 917 on the first side, and multiple adjacent air pipes 442 of the seat area support buffer area 444B (in the -X direction) can be connected to the seat base plate layer 917 on the first side. Figure 4 The second side end of each of them (e.g., in) Figure 9C The coordinate axis (in the +X direction) can be connected to the seat base plate layer 917 on the second side, thereby keeping the seat area support buffer region 444B in place within the seat area 905B of the third person support surface 904. Depending on various aspects, the first and second side ends of each of the plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 may include fasteners that can be inserted into respective receiving holes (not shown), the receiving holes defining and positioning each of the plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 in the seat base plate layer 917.

[0209] refer to Figure 9B and Figure 9C And such as Figure 9A As shown, and similarly described in this article, the right side of the subject's head 424A is located in the head region turning airbag region 425A. Figure 9A ) and the right side area of ​​the subject's seat 424B in the seat area steering airbag area 425B ( Figure 9A The subject can be turned toward and / or rolled to the left side of the subject. Further, the head region is turned toward the left side of the subject's head region 424C of the airbag region 425A. Figure 9A ) and the left side area of ​​the subject's seat 424D (seat area steering airbag area 425B) and the steering airbag area 425B. Figure 9A The subject may be turned toward and / or rolled to the right of the subject.

[0210] refer to Figure 9B and Figure 9C And such as Figure 9A As shown, and similarly described in this paper, the right side region 434A of the subject's head is within the working buffer region 435A of the head area. Figure 9A ) and the right side area of ​​the subject's seat 434B (the working buffer area of ​​the seat area 435B) and the subject's seat working buffer area 435B. Figure 9A This can help to turn and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the left side of the subject. Further, as similarly described herein, the head region working buffer area 435A is located in the left side region 434C of the subject's head. Figure 9A ) and the left side area of ​​the subject's seat 434D (the working buffer area 435B of the seat area) and the left side area of ​​the subject's seat. Figure 9A This can help to turn and / or roll the subject toward and / or to the right of the subject.

[0211] Figure 9D The third-person support surface 904 is depicted along the various aspects described herein. Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the central axis FF. (See diagram below.) Figure 9A The described foot airbag layer 960 may include a positioning layer 964 above the foot support layer 964 (e.g., in...). Figure 9D Multiple foot airbags 962 (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). Further as... Figure 9D As shown, the foot substrate layer 919 can be positioned below the foot support layer 964 (e.g., in...). Figure 9D (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis). According to various aspects described herein, the footplate layer 919 may include a fabric layer or a polymer layer. In some aspects, the seat base layer 919 may include a coated, woven (e.g., tear-resistant), and / or non-elastic material. Here, it should be understood that the first person support surface 704 and / or the second person support surface 804 may similarly include the footplate layer 919 as described herein.

[0212] In these aspects, such as Figure 9D As depicted, the foot substrate layer 919 can be accessed from the first side of the foot support layer 964 (e.g., on...). Figure 9D (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) towards the second side of the foot support layer 964 (e.g., in) Figure 9D(Extending in the +X direction of the coordinate axis). According to various aspects of this disclosure, the foot support layer 964 can be coupled to the top surface of the foot substrate layer 919 (e.g., in the +X direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 9D (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). In these aspects, the foot substrate layer 919 can act to keep the foot support layer 964 in place within the foot region 905C of the third human support surface 904 (e.g., relative to other internal components, etc.).

[0213] In these aspects, the foot substrate layer 919 (e.g., in...) Figure 9D (Optionally depicted with a dashed line) can be on the first side (e.g., in) Figure 9D (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) and the second side (e.g., in) Figure 9D Extending upwards along the +X direction of the coordinate axis (e.g., in...) Figure 9D (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis). In these aspects, the first side end of each of the plurality of foot airbags 962 of the foot airbag layer 960 (e.g., in Figure 9D The second side end of each of the plurality of foot airbags 962 in the foot airbag layer 960 (e.g., in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) can be connected to the foot substrate layer 919 on the first side, and the ... Figure 9D The coordinate axis (in the +X direction) can be connected to the foot base plate layer 919 on the second side, thereby keeping the plurality of foot airbags 962 in place within the foot region 905C of the third human support surface 904. Depending on various aspects, the first and second side ends of each of the plurality of foot airbags 962 may include fasteners that can be inserted into respective receiving holes (not shown), the receiving holes defining and positioning each of the plurality of foot airbags 962 in the foot base plate layer 919.

[0214] like Figure 9D As depicted in the present disclosure, the foot area 905C of the third-person support surface 904 ( Figure 9A It can accommodate housing 973 (e.g., with) Figure 4Similar to housing 473 (shown in dashed lines as optional). Housing 973 may be positioned within the middle portion of foot area 905C (e.g., surrounded by a plurality of foot air bladders 962) (e.g., in the +Y and -Y directions, in the +Z and -Z directions, and / or in the +X and -X directions). In some aspects, as described herein, housing 973 (e.g., a pneumatic air control box, an electro-air control box, or a combination thereof) may house air valves, air manifolds, and / or air control panels to support continuous low pressure (CLP) and / or alternating low pressure (ALP) functions. In one aspect, for example, as described herein, housing 973 may house components including an alternating air manifold (not shown, e.g., an air manifold independent of or dependent on (e.g., downstream of) a first housing 911) and an alternating air control panel (not shown, e.g., which controls the distribution of air by the alternating air manifold) to provide CLP and / or ALP functions. Depending on other aspects, as discussed herein, the housing 973 of the foot area 905C may accommodate an air valve, air manifold, air control panel, and / or blower (e.g., with...). Figure 4 The first housing 411, second housing 413, and third housing 470 are similar to each other to distribute air to multiple air ducts, air bladders, and / or MCM layers 450. In another aspect, for example, as described in the text, housing 973 may house components including a blower and a blower control panel (e.g., independent of or dependent on (e.g., attached to) an air control panel of the second housing 913) to provide cooling fluid to the MCM layer 450. In another aspect, for example, housing 973 may house a blower without a separate blower control panel (e.g., a blower controlled by an air control panel of the second housing 913). Depending on the aspects discussed elsewhere herein, positioning such housing 973 in the foot area 905C may further define a relatively large ray-permeable window.

[0215] Refer again Figure 9A , and the supporting buffer layer 440A (e.g., Figure 4 Similarly, the support buffer layer 440C may include a plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis AA, such as Figure 4 As shown. Figure 9A As shown, the plurality of adjacent air tubes 442 of the support buffer layer 440C can be divided into the head area support buffer region 444A and the seat area support buffer region 444B. In some aspects, the head area support buffer region 444A and the seat area support buffer region 444B can be controlled independently (e.g., inflation and / or deflation). Figure 4(Through supply pipes 446A, 446B, etc.). In other aspects, each air pipe of the head area support buffer area 444A and each air pipe of the seat area support buffer area 444B can be controlled independently (e.g., inflating and / or deflating). For example, in some aspects, the head area support buffer area 444A may include a head air pipe 945C, which is controlled independently of each air pipe or group of air pipes of the head area support buffer area 444A (e.g., inflating and / or deflating). In yet another aspect, a group of air pipes of the head area support buffer area 444A can be controlled independently of one or more other groups of air pipes of the head area support buffer area 444A (e.g., inflating and deflating), while a group of air pipes of the seat area support buffer area 444B can be controlled independently of one or more other groups of air pipes of the seat area support buffer area 444B (e.g., inflating and deflating).

[0216] Furthermore, as Figure 9A As shown, with the foot airbag layer 460 (e.g., Figure 4 Similarly, the foot airbag layer 960 may include multiple foot airbags 962 oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis AA, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Multiple foot airbags 962 may be disposed in foot area 907. Similar to those described herein, the multiple foot airbags 962 in foot area 907 may be divided into one or more foot areas, and each foot area may be independently controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) (e.g., Figure 4 (Through supply pipes 466A, 466B, 466C, etc.). In other aspects, each of the multiple foot air bladders 962 can be controlled independently (e.g., inflated and / or deflated). In yet another aspect, a group of foot air bladders can be controlled independently of one or more other groups of foot air bladders (e.g., inflated and / or deflated).

[0217] Continuous and / or alternating low voltage function

[0218] Therefore, as Figure 9AAs shown, various aspects of this disclosure include a continuous low pressure (CLP) function. In these aspects, each air tube of the head area support buffer region 444A of the support buffer layer 440C, each air tube of the seat area support buffer region 444B of the support buffer layer 440C, and / or each foot air bladder of the foot area region 907 can be controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) to maintain continuous low pressure. According to various aspects, continuous low pressure can be a balancing pressure. In these aspects, the balancing pressure can be a pressure corresponding to the load of the subject, which optimally supports the subject while reducing pressure on the subject's body. According to various aspects, when the load changes relative to the head area support buffer region 444A, the seat area support buffer region 444B, and / or the foot area region 907 (e.g., the subject changes position, the personal support device itself changes position, etc.), this balancing pressure can be adjusted in each air tube and / or each foot air bladder, respectively. In some aspects, the pressure transducers associated with each air tube of the head support buffer area 444A, the pressure transducers associated with each air tube of the seat support buffer area 444B, the pressure transducers associated with each foot airbag of the foot area 907, and / or the personal support device 102 ( Figure 1 The subject's weight scale associated with the frame can detect such load changes, and the air control panel (e.g., the air control panel of the housing 973) can adjust arbitrary balancing pressure based on factors including the subject's weight, the position of the personal support device 102, etc. In some aspects, the head air tube 945C of the head area support buffer region 444A can (independently) maintain and / or adjust the balancing pressure to support the subject's head with minimal movement.

[0219] Furthermore, such as Figure 9A As shown, various aspects of this disclosure include an alternating low pressure (ALP) function. In these aspects, pressure redistribution can be achieved by deflating (e.g., fully or partially) and re-inflating (e.g., fully or partially) the alternating air tubes and / or foot air bladders, thereby relieving pressure on the subject's body. These aspects can further reduce the occurrence of pressure injuries. According to the aspects described herein, deflation and re-inflation can be performed periodically. Therefore, Figure 9A The third human support surface 904 is capable of providing not only lung therapies (e.g., CLRT and P&V as described in this article), but also CLP and ALP therapies outside of the MCM.

[0220] like Figure 9A As shown, the head area support buffer region 444A may include a first set of alternating air tubes 945A (e.g., in...). Figure 9A Marked as "1" in the middle), the second set of alternating air tubes 945B (in Figure 9AThe first set of alternating air tubes 945A (marked as "2") and the head air tube 945C. In this aspect, the first set of alternating air tubes 945A can be controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated) independently of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B and / or the head air tube 945C. In some aspects, the head air tube 945C of the head zone support buffer area 444A can simply maintain and / or adjust the balanced pressure to support the subject's head with minimal movement. However, under ALP, the first set of alternating air tubes 945A can be periodically deflated at least partially (e.g., to ventilate within the third person support surface 904 and / or via valve-controlled deflation) to redistribute a portion of the pressure of the subject's body in the head zone support buffer area 444A from the first set of alternating air tubes 945A to the second set of alternating air tubes 945B. The second set of alternating air tubes 945B can be inflated before and / or during the deflation of the first set of alternating air tubes 945A. Similarly, under ALP, the second set of alternating air tubes 945B can be periodically at least partially deflated (e.g., to ventilate within the third person support surface 904 and / or via valve-controlled deflation) to redistribute a portion of the pressure of the subject's body in the head support buffer area 444A from the second set of alternating air tubes 945B to the first set of alternating air tubes 945A. The first set of alternating air tubes 945A can be inflated before and / or during the deflation of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B.

[0221] As an example, the first set of alternating air tubes 945A and the second set of alternating air tubes 945B can be controlled in stages. In a first stage, each air tube of the first set of alternating air tubes 945A can be deflated to a lower pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein), while each air tube of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B can be inflated to a higher pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein). In some aspects, the lower pressure can be near zero pressure, near atmospheric pressure, etc., while the higher pressure can be higher than the equilibrium pressure by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%-20%). The duration of the first stage can be a first defined time period (e.g., "R" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum value "S" minutes, etc.). As an example, the first defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Continuing with this example, in a second stage, each air tube of the first set of alternating air tubes 945A can be inflated to the equilibrium pressure, while each air tube of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B can be deflated to the equilibrium pressure. Therefore, each air tube of the first set of alternating air tubes 945A and each air tube of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B will achieve the same equilibrium pressure. The duration of the second phase can be a second defined time period (e.g., "T" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum value "U" minutes, etc.). As an example, the second defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Continuing this example further, in the third phase, each air tube of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B can be deflated to a lower pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein), while each air tube of the first set of alternating air tubes 945A can be inflated to a higher pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein). In some aspects, the low pressure can be near zero pressure, near atmospheric pressure, etc., while the high pressure can be higher than the equilibrium pressure by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%-20%). The duration of the third phase can be a third defined time period (e.g., "V" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum value "W" minutes, etc.). As an example, the third defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Therefore, in some aspects, the pressure in each air tube of the head region support buffer area 444A can alternate from high or low pressure (e.g., ALP) to a balanced pressure, or from a balanced pressure to high or low pressure. In other aspects, the pressure in each air tube of the head region support buffer area 444A can alternate from high pressure (e.g., ALP) to low pressure without a balanced pressure stage, or from low pressure to high pressure without a balanced pressure stage.

[0222] Similarly, such as Figure 9A As shown, the seat area support buffer region 444B may include a first set of alternating air ducts 947A (e.g., in...). Figure 9A The middle is marked "1") and the second set of alternating air tubes 947B (e.g., in Figure 9A(marked as "2" in the original text). In this aspect, the first set of alternating air tubes 947A can be controlled independently of the second set of alternating air tubes 947B (e.g., inflating and / or deflating). Thus, under ALP, the first set of alternating air tubes 947A can be periodically at least partially deflated (e.g., to ventilate within the third person support surface 904 and / or via valve-controlled deflation) to redistribute a portion of the pressure of the subject's body in the seat area support buffer region 444B from the first set of alternating air tubes 947A to the second set of alternating air tubes 947B. The second set of alternating air tubes 947B can be inflated before and / or during the deflating of the first set of alternating air tubes 947A. Similarly, under ALP, the second set of alternating air tubes 947B can be periodically at least partially deflated (e.g., to ventilate within the third person support surface 904 and / or via valve-controlled deflation) to redistribute some of the pressure of the subject's body in the seat area support buffer zone 444B from the second set of alternating air tubes 947B to the first set of alternating air tubes 947A. The first set of alternating air tubes 947A can be inflated before and / or during the deflation of the second set of alternating air tubes 947B.

[0223] As an example, the first set of alternating air tubes 947A and the second set of alternating air tubes 947B can be controlled in stages. In a first stage, each air tube of the first set of alternating air tubes 947A can be deflated to a lower pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein), while each air tube of the second set of alternating air tubes 947B can be inflated to a higher pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein). In some aspects, the lower pressure can be near zero pressure, near atmospheric pressure, etc., while the higher pressure can be higher than the equilibrium pressure by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%-20%). The duration of the first stage can be a first defined time period (e.g., "R" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum value "S" minutes, etc.). As an example, the first defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Continuing with this example, in a second stage, each air tube of the first set of alternating air tubes 947A can be inflated to the equilibrium pressure, while each air tube of the second set of alternating air tubes 947B can be deflated to the equilibrium pressure. Therefore, each air tube of the first set of alternating air tubes 947A and each air tube of the second set of alternating air tubes 947B will achieve the same equilibrium pressure. The duration of the second phase can be a second defined time period (e.g., "T" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum value "U" minutes, etc.). As an example, the second defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Continuing this example further, in the third phase, each air tube of the second set of alternating air tubes 947B can be deflated to a lower pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein), while each air tube of the first set of alternating air tubes 947A can be inflated to a higher pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein). In some aspects, the low pressure can be near zero pressure, near atmospheric pressure, etc., while the high pressure can be higher than the equilibrium pressure by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%-20%). The duration of the third phase can be a third defined time period (e.g., "V" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum value "W" minutes, etc.). As an example, the third defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Therefore, in some aspects, the pressure in each air tube of the seat area support buffer region 444B can alternate from high or low pressure (e.g., ALP) to a balanced pressure, or from a balanced pressure to high or low pressure. In other aspects, the pressure in each air tube of the seat area support buffer region 444B can alternate from high pressure (e.g., ALP) to low pressure without going through a balanced pressure stage, or from low pressure to high pressure without going through a balanced pressure stage.

[0224] Similarly, such as Figure 9A As shown, the foot area 907 may include a first set of alternating foot airbags 949A (e.g., in...). Figure 9A The middle is marked "1") and the second set of alternating foot airbags 949B (e.g., in Figure 9A(Marked as "2" in the original text). In this aspect, the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A can be controlled independently of the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B (e.g., inflating and / or deflating). Thus, under ALP, the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A can be periodically at least partially deflated (e.g., to ventilate within the third person support surface 904 and / or via valve-controlled deflation) to redistribute a portion of the pressure of the subject's body in the foot area 907 from the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A to the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B. The second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B can be inflated before and / or during the deflation of the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A. Similarly, under ALP, the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B can periodically deflate at least partially (e.g., to ventilate within the third person support surface 904 and / or via valve-controlled deflation) to redistribute a portion of the pressure of the subject's body in the foot region 907 from the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B to the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A. The first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A can be inflated before and / or during the deflation of the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B. As an example, the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A and the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B can be controlled in stages. In a first stage, each air bladder of the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A can deflate to a lower pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein), while each air bladder of the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B can inflate to a higher pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein). In some respects, low pressure can be near zero pressure, near atmospheric pressure, etc., while high pressure can be higher than the equilibrium pressure by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%-20%). The duration of the first phase can be a first defined time period (e.g., "R" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum value "S" minutes, etc.).

[0225] As an example, the first defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Continuing this example, in the second phase, each air bladder of the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A can inflate to the equilibrium pressure, while each air bladder of the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B can deflate to the equilibrium pressure. Therefore, each air bladder of the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A and each air bladder of the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B will achieve the same equilibrium pressure. The duration of the second phase can be a second defined time period (e.g., "T" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum value "U" minutes, etc.). As an example, the second defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Further continuing this example, in the third phase, each air bladder of the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B can deflate to a lower pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein), while each air bladder of the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A can inflate to a higher pressure (e.g., relative to the equilibrium pressure described herein). In some aspects, the low pressure can be near zero pressure, near atmospheric pressure, etc., while the high pressure can be higher than the equilibrium pressure by a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%-20%). The duration of the third stage can be a third defined time period (e.g., "V" minutes, up to a predetermined maximum "W" minutes, etc.). As an example, the third defined time period can be approximately 1.5 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Therefore, in some aspects, the pressure in each air bladder of the foot area 907 can alternate between high or low pressure (e.g., ALP) to the equilibrium pressure, or alternate between the equilibrium pressure and high or low pressure. In other aspects, the pressure in each air bladder of the foot area 907 can alternate between high pressure (e.g., ALP) to low pressure without a equilibrium pressure stage, or alternate between low pressure and high pressure without a equilibrium pressure stage.

[0226] Still referencing Figure 9AIn some aspects, the head area support buffer region 444A, the seat area support buffer region 444B, and / or the foot area region 907 may be associated with the same equilibrium pressure. In other aspects, each of the head area support buffer region 444A, the seat area support buffer region 444B, and / or the foot area region 907 may be associated with different equilibrium pressures. Therefore, the third personal support surface 904 of this disclosure is capable of isolating the ALP associated with the head area support buffer region 444A, the ALP associated with the seat area support buffer region 444B, and / or the ALP associated with the foot area region 907, thereby optimizing and / or customizing the pressure experienced by the subject's body. Furthermore, the ability to isolate the ALP associated with the head area support buffer region 444A, the ALP associated with the seat area support buffer region 444B, and / or the ALP associated with the foot area region 907 allows the third personal support surface 904 to maintain existing personal support surface functions (e.g., seat area deflation, seat area and / or foot area deflation when the chair is withdrawn, etc.). In other respects, the balancing pressure of each of the head area support buffer area 444A, the seat area support buffer area 444B, and / or the foot area area 907 can be achieved through the personal support device 102. Figure 1 User interface 124 ( Figure 1 (e.g., monitor) Manual selection / adjustment (e.g., to the subject's comfort level, increase and / or decrease the perceived balance pressure, etc.).

[0227] Based on various aspects, still refer to Figure 9A The first set of alternating air tubes 945A of the head area support buffer region 444A, the first set of alternating air tubes 947A of the seat area support buffer region 444B, and / or the first set of alternating foot airbags 949A of the foot area region 907 can be controlled simultaneously or sequentially (e.g., inflating and / or deflating). In one aspect, each of the first set of alternating air tubes 945A, 947A, and / or 949A (e.g., all in...) Figure 9AThe first alternating air tubes 945A, 947A, and / or 949A (marked "1") can be controlled simultaneously or substantially simultaneously (e.g., inflating and / or deflating). In one example, as described herein, each first alternating air tube 945A, 947A, and / or 949A can be controlled in stages (e.g., simultaneously or substantially simultaneously inflating and / or deflating). In another example, each first set of alternating air tubes 945A, 947A, and / or 949A can be controlled (e.g., simultaneously or substantially simultaneously inflating and / or deflating) to any predetermined pressure for any defined time period (e.g., "X" minutes, "Y" seconds, etc.). In yet another aspect, each first set of alternating air tubes 945A, 947A, and / or 949A can be controlled sequentially (e.g., inflating and / or deflating). In one example, the first set of alternating air tubes 945A of the head area support cushioning region 444A can be controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated to any predetermined pressure for any defined time period), followed by the first set of alternating air tubes 947A of the seat area support cushioning region 444B, and then the first set of alternating foot airbags 949A of the foot area region 907 can be controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated to any predetermined pressure for any defined time period). In these aspects, sequential activation can be performed at the distal end of the third person support surface 904 (e.g., at...). Figure 9A (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis) and the proximal end (e.g., in) Figure 9A The wave-like motion is simulated between the coordinate axes in the -Z direction. Here, it should be understood that the first set of alternating air tubes 945A of the head area support buffer area 444A, the first set of alternating air tubes 947A of the seat area support buffer area 444B, and / or the first set of alternating foot airbags 949A of the foot area area 907 can be activated in different sequences (e.g., with different wave-like motions).

[0228] Similarly, still refer to Figure 9A The second set of alternating air tubes 945B in the head area support and cushioning region 444A, the second set of alternating air tubes 947B in the seat area support and cushioning region 444B, and / or the second set of alternating foot airbags 949B in the foot area region 907 can be controlled simultaneously or sequentially (e.g., inflating and / or deflating). In one aspect, each of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B, 947B, and / or 949B (e.g., all in...) Figure 9AThe air tubes 945B, 947B, and / or 949B (marked "2") can be controlled simultaneously or substantially simultaneously (e.g., inflation and / or deflation). In one example, as described herein, each of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B, 947B, and / or 949B can be controlled in stages (e.g., inflation and / or deflation simultaneously or substantially simultaneously). In another example, each of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B, 947B, and / or 949B can be controlled (e.g., inflation and / or deflation simultaneously or substantially simultaneously) to any predetermined pressure for any defined time period (e.g., "X" minutes, "Y" seconds, etc.). In yet another aspect, each of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B, 947B, and / or 949B can be controlled sequentially (e.g., inflation and / or deflation). In one example, a second set of alternating air tubes 945B of the head area support cushioning region 444A can be controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated to any predetermined pressure for any defined time period), followed by a second set of alternating air tubes 947B of the seat area support cushioning region 444B, and then a second set of alternating foot airbags 949B of the foot area region 907 can be controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated to any predetermined pressure for any defined time period). In these aspects, sequential activation can be performed at the distal end of the third person support surface 904 (e.g., at...). Figure 9A (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis) and the proximal end (e.g., in) Figure 9A The wave-like motion is simulated between the coordinate axes in the -Z direction. Here, it should be understood that the second set of alternating air tubes 945B of the head area support buffer area 444A, the second set of alternating air tubes 947B of the seat area support buffer area 444B, and / or the second set of alternating foot airbags 949B of the foot area area 907 can be activated in different sequences (e.g., with different wave-like motions).

[0229] According to other aspects, each of the first set of alternating air tubes 945A, 947A and / or 949A can be controlled simultaneously or sequentially (e.g., inflation and / or deflation) (e.g., all in...). Figure 9A (marked as "1") and each of the second set of alternating air tubes 945B, 947B and / or 949B (e.g., all in Figure 9A(marked as "2" in the text). In one example, the first set of alternating air tubes 945A and the second set of alternating air tubes 945B of the head area support buffer region 444A, and / or the first set of alternating air tubes 947A and the second set of alternating air tubes 947B of the seat area support buffer region 444B, and / or the first set of alternating foot airbags 949A and the second set of alternating foot airbags 949B of the foot area region 907 can be controlled simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. In another example, the first set of alternating air tubes 945A can be controlled (e.g., inflated and / or deflated to any predetermined pressure for any defined time period), followed by the second set of alternating air tubes 945B, then the first set of alternating air tubes 947A, followed by the second set of alternating air tubes 947B, followed by the first set of alternating foot air bladders 949A, and then the second set of alternating foot air bladders 949B. In these aspects, sequential activation can be performed at the distal end of the third person support surface 904 (e.g., at...). Figure 9A (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis) and the proximal end (e.g., in) Figure 9A The wave-like motion is simulated between the -Z direction of the coordinate axis. Here, it should be understood that the first set of alternating air tubes 945A, 947A, and / or 949A can be started (e.g., together and / or separately) in different sequences (e.g., with different wave-like motions). Figure 9A Each group in the group marked "1"), and / or the second group of alternating air tubes 945B, 947B and / or 949B (e.g., all in Figure 9A Each group in (marked "2") is described herein. Such wave-like movements can produce a massage (e.g., soothing) effect on the subject, further reducing the risk of pressure injuries as described herein. In some aspects, various areas as described herein (e.g., Figure 4This wave-like motion is similarly generated. In one aspect, for example, the first outer shell 711, 811, 911 and / or the second outer shell 713, 813, 913 may be combined with the distal foot region 468A, central foot region 468B and proximal foot region 468C of the foot airbag layer 460 to control the head region support buffer region 444A and seat region support buffer region 444B of the support buffer layer 440A, thereby simulating this wave-like motion. In another aspect, for example, the first outer shell 711, 811, 911 and / or the second outer shell 713, 813, 913 may be combined with the foot airbag layer 460 (see...) Figure 4 The distal foot area 468A, central foot area 468B and proximal foot area 468C control the head area support buffer area 445A and seat area support buffer area 445B of the support buffer layer 440B, thereby simulating this wave-shaped movement.

[0230] like Figure 9A As shown, it should be understood that the head support buffer area 444A, the seat support buffer area 444B, and / or the foot area area 907 can be configured differently. For example, each of the head support buffer area 444A and the seat support buffer area 444B includes two or more air tube assemblies that function as described herein, while the foot area area 907 may include two or more airbag assemblies that function as described herein. Furthermore, the third person support surface 904 may further define areas (e.g., thigh area, waist area, etc.), wherein each area includes two or more air tube assemblies and / or airbag assemblies that function as described herein.

[0231] Figures 10A-10C A blower component 902 is depicted, which is configured to provide fluid (e.g., cooling air) to the MCM layer 450 of the first human support surface 704, the second human support surface 804, the third human support surface 904, etc., as described herein.

[0232] Figure 10A An illustrative blower component 902 according to various embodiments described herein is depicted. The blower component 902 may include blower housings 770, 870, 970 (…). Figure 7A , Figure 8A and Figure 9AThe blower housing 770, 870, 970 houses a blower (not shown) and includes one or more fluid inlets 901A, 901B and one or more fluid supply lines 906A, 906B. Depending on various aspects, the blower housings 770, 870, 970 may be custom-designed blower housings (e.g., housings including silencing foam and / or chambers constructed to reduce blower noise). According to some aspects, the blower housings 770, 870, 970 may include an air manifold defining one or more fluid supply lines 906A, 906B. In still other aspects, the blower housings 770, 870, 970 may include a blower control panel (e.g., an air control panel independent of or dependent on (e.g., attached to) a second housing 713, 813, 913) to control the blower (e.g., as described herein, to optimize flow rate). In some aspects, blower housings 770, 870, and 970 may not include a separate blower control panel (e.g., a blower controlled by an air control panel of a second housing 713, 813, or 913). In some aspects, blower housings 770, 870, and 970 may not include any air valves. According to various aspects of this disclosure, blower component 902 may be integrated into a first personal support surface 704, a second personal support surface 804, a third personal support surface 904, etc., thereby eliminating the need for an external fluid source (e.g., with personal support device 102). Figure 1 (Including associated air sources, air sources supporting P&V therapy, air sources supporting the pressure of each airbag, and air sources maintaining pressure in the support buffer layers 440A and 440B to reduce pressure at the subject interface, etc.)

[0233] According to aspects of this disclosure, the integrated blower component 902 reduces and / or eliminates defects introduced by external fluid sources. According to various aspects, the integrated blower component 902 provides a fluid source specifically designed to enhance MCM performance. In particular, the blower component 902 of this disclosure can optimize flow rates at desired interfacial pressures, thereby achieving maximized skin cooling and / or drying. This is an improvement over any existing personal support surface utilizing a fluid source (e.g., a blower, pump, compressor, etc.) located outside the personal support surface, which is preoccupied with providing fluid to other functions (e.g., P&V, steering assist, CLRT, CLP, ALP, etc.) and is not optimized for the MCM. Furthermore, the blower component 902 of this disclosure reduces and / or eliminates systematic reductions in flow rates (e.g., reduced friction due to the length of the supply pipe from an external fluid source, etc.) and / or pressure drops introduced by external fluid sources (e.g., pressure drops due to fittings and connections, etc.). Therefore, the integrated blower component of this disclosure can provide optimized flow rates and lower pressure drops.

[0234] According to the various aspects described herein, the blower component 902 may be positioned at the proximal portion of the seat area (e.g., seat area 905B) adjacent to the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904. Figure 9A The MCM layer 450 (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis) is located (e.g., near the subject's knee, minimizing blower noise at the subject's head for comfort). In one aspect, as described elsewhere herein, the blower component 902 may be positioned within the MCM layer 450 adjacent to the foot area 906. In some aspects, multiple blower components 902 may be integrated within the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904. For example, according to... Figure 10B The first blower component 902 can be integrated into the first side of the human support surfaces 704, 804, 904 (e.g., in...). Figure 10B On the -X direction of the coordinate axis), and the second blower component 902 can be integrated on the second side of the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904 (e.g., in ... Figure 10B In the +X direction of the coordinate axis, the first blower component 902 includes a fluid supply pipe 906A, and the second blower component 902 includes a fluid supply pipe 906B. According to an alternative aspect, the blower component 902 can be detached from the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904, and as described herein, the MCM layer 450 can be supplied with fluid from a dedicated external fluid source (e.g., a portable or auxiliary air source that can be mounted to the personal support device 102 and is capable of providing a continuous high flow rate and low pressure similar to and / or equal to that of the blower component 902) to operate as described herein. In these aspects, as described herein, the dedicated external fluid source can be coupled to one or more fluid inlets 901A, 901B (e.g., in the event of blower component 902 failure). Reference Figure 10A The fluid inlet 901A may include a fluid collector 923A connected to the blower housings 770, 870, and 970. The fluid collector 923A can collect fluid (e.g., air) over a predetermined surface area. Figure 10A As shown, the predetermined surface area can be defined by the shape (e.g., elliptical, etc.) and size of the fluid collector body 924A. Further as... Figure 10AAs shown, fluid collector 923A may define a fluid collector lip 934A. Similarly, fluid inlet 901B may include a fluid collector 923B coupled to blower housings 770, 870, 970, and fluid collector 923B may collect fluid (e.g., air) on a predetermined surface area defined by the shape (e.g., elliptical, etc.) and size of fluid collector body 924B. Furthermore, fluid collector 923B may similarly define a fluid collector lip 934B. According to various aspects of this disclosure, blower component 902 may include at least one fluid inlet (e.g., fluid inlet 901A or fluid inlet 901B). In these aspects, fluid collector 923A and / or fluid collector 923B are sized and / or configured to accommodate a predetermined, continuous MCM flow rate into MCM layer 450. Therefore, the blower component 902 can output a predetermined, continuous MCM flow to the MCM layer 450 to reduce the temperature and humidity at the subject interface (e.g., the top of the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904).

[0235] Figure 10B Depicting the various aspects described in this article Figure 4 The proximal portion of the surface base layer 410 (e.g., in) Figure 9B A three-dimensional view (e.g., corresponding to seat area 905B of the third person support surface 904) in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis. The surface base layer 410 as described herein can be used to integrate the blower component 902 into the first person support surface 704, the second person support surface 804, the third person support surface 904, etc., as described herein. Reference Figure 10B The proximal portion of the surface base layer 410 (e.g., in Figure 10B The blower housings 770, 870, and 970 can be accommodated in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis. Depending on various aspects, the blower housings 770, 870, and 970 can accommodate various valves, pressure sensors, and circuit boards, as well as a blower (not shown, e.g., a high-flow, low-pressure blower) that generates a pressure differential to draw in fluid (e.g., air) from at least one fluid inlet 901A and discharge fluid (e.g., air) through at least one fluid supply pipe 906A, 906B. A fluid inlet oral cavity 944A can be defined in the base base 412 (e.g., a thigh foam or other foam) and / or the subject's right-side cushion 714, 814, 914 of the surface base layer 410 to receive a fluid collector 923A, such that the fluid can be received through the underside of the first person support surface 704, the second person support surface 804, the third person support surface 904, etc. (e.g., on the underside of the first person support surface 704, the second person support surface 804, the third person support surface 904, etc.). Figure 10B Fluid (e.g., air) is drawn in along the -Y direction of the coordinate axis.

[0236] Still refer to Figure 10BThe supply lumen 908 may be further defined in the base base 412 of the surface base layer 410 (e.g., in the seating area 905B of the third person support surface 904). According to the aspects described herein, various supply tubes ( Figure 4 For example, 426A, 426B, 426C, 426D, 436A, 436B, 436C, 436D, 446A, 446B, 447A, 447B, 466A, 466B, 466C, etc., such as polyethylene hoses, etc.) can be guided through the subject's right channel 774, 874, 974 (e.g., defined in the subject's right side cushion 714, 814, 914) and / or the subject's left channel 776, 876, 976 (e.g., defined in the subject's left side cushion 716, 816, 916), and reach an external fluid source (e.g., with the personal support device 102) via the supply lumen 908. Figure 1 (Air source, etc. associated with the personal support device 102). Depending on the aspects, the external fluid source may include an air source associated with the personal support device 102. Figure 1 The associated blower, compressor, and / or pump (not shown) serve as a fluid source for various therapeutic levels achieved by the various personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904 as described herein. For example, a first-level therapy may not include CLRT therapy or P&V therapy, a second-level therapy may include pulmonary therapy which includes only CLRT therapy, a third-level therapy may include pulmonary+ therapy which includes both CLRT therapy and P&V therapy, etc. As another example, a first-level therapy may not include CLRT therapy or P&V therapy with or without CLP and / or ALP therapy, a second-level therapy may include pulmonary therapy which includes only CLRT therapy with or without CLP and / or ALP therapy, a third-level therapy may include pulmonary+ therapy which includes both CLRT therapy with or without CLP and / or ALP therapy and P&V therapy, etc. Clearly, each of the various therapeutic levels described herein can be provided on a standard (e.g., 36-inch (0.9144 m)) and / or wide (40-inch (1.016 m)) personal support surface. Similarly, according to the aspects described herein, the fluid supply tube 906A can be provided along a first side (e.g., on... Figure 10B The fluid supply tube 906B is guided along the second side (e.g., in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) through the subject's right channel 774, 874, 974, and the fluid supply tube 906B can be ... Figure 10BThe supply tube (in the +X direction of the coordinate axis) is guided through the subject's left channels 776, 876, and 976. This travel and / or guidance within the subject's right channels 774, 874, and 974, the subject's left channels 776, 876, and 976, and another portion of the base 412 minimizes and / or prevents the subject from perceiving the supply tube as described herein through the personal support surfaces 704, 804, and 904. Furthermore, by traveling and / or guiding such a supply tube to the first and second sides of the personal support surfaces 704, 804, and 904, and / or moving the blower housings 770, 870, and 970 proximally (e.g., in...), Figure 10B (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis), it can be located at the distal portion of the personal support surface 704, 804, 904 (e.g., in the coordinate axis). Figure 10B The coordinate axis in the -Z direction defines a relatively large ray-transmittable window of 920 (in the -Z direction). Figure 10B (Indicated by dashed lines) (e.g., extending distally between the subject's seat and / or lumbar region positioned on personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904 and the subject's head and / or neck). Therefore, the improved radiolucency window 920, due to less potential interference and / or image obstruction from within the component to the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904, improves the fluoroscopic procedure. For example, a relatively large radiolucency window 920 can be used with the personal support device 102 (e.g., Figure 1 Adjacent equipment (e.g., a C-arm, which carries the first part of the equipment above the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904 and on the platform section 400) Figure 4 The second part of the equipment carried below, including the first and / or second parts of the equipment (such as radiographic equipment, fluoroscopy equipment, etc.), creates an expanded and / or maximized area to be located / positioned on the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904. Therefore, a relatively large, radiopaque window 920 expands and / or maximizes the area on the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904 in which the subject can be placed in a supine position while fluoroscopy is performed on the subject. In these aspects, the platform portion 400 (e.g., Figure 4 The head area 401 and / or seat area 403 (e.g., which may include a thigh area 405) may comprise a radiation-permeable material that is transparent to X-rays (e.g., polycarbonate, such as...). (Available through SABIC Global Technologies, Netherlands), phenolic paper, etc.) defines a radiopaque portion, thereby allowing X-rays to pass through.

[0237] Still as Figure 10BAs shown, one or more mounting strips 946A, 946B can be mounted above the base base 412 of the surface base layer 410 (e.g., in...). Figure 10B (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis), and one or more mounting strips 946C can be mounted below them (e.g., in the coordinate axis). Figure 10B The mounting strips 946A, 946B, 946C (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis) are used to mount various internal components (e.g., blower component 902, various supply pipes, etc.) and / or to provide general rigidity for the overall structure of the individual support surfaces 704, 804, 904 (e.g., for movement between beds during cleaning, etc.). One or more mounting strips 946A, 946B, 946C may be defined by materials including polymers, metals, etc.

[0238] Figure 10C Depicting the various aspects described in this article Figure 4 The proximal portion of the surface base layer 410 (e.g., in) Figure 4 Another 3D view (on the +Z axis). For example... Figure 10C As shown, at least one fluid inlet may further include fluid inlet 901A and fluid inlet 901B. A fluid inlet 944B may be defined in the subject's right-side cushion 714, 814, 914 of the base base 412 (e.g., thigh foam, etc.) and / or surface base layer 410 to receive a fluid collector 923B, such that fluid (e.g., air) can pass through the first side of the first person support surface 704, the second person support surface 804, the third person support surface 904, etc. (e.g., on...). Figure 10C (It is sucked in in the -X direction of the coordinate axis).

[0239] Figure 11A A perspective view depicts a fourth illustrative personal support surface 1004, which includes a bottom side located on the fourth personal support surface 1004 (e.g., on...). Figure 11A The fluid inlet 901A (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis) and the first side of the fourth personal support surface 1004 (e.g., in the coordinate axis) are located on the Y direction. Figure 11A The fluid inlet 901B is located in the +X direction of the coordinate axis. (Refer to...) Figure 11A Fluid inlet 901A may include fluid collector 923A, as described herein, which protrudes outside the bottom encapsulation portion 108 on the underside of the fourth personal support surface 1004, and fluid inlet 901B may include fluid collector 923B, as described herein, which protrudes outside the bottom encapsulation portion 108 on the first side of the fourth personal support surface 1004. According to various aspects described herein, fluid inlet 901A may be located on the underside of the bottom encapsulation portion 108 (e.g., on...). Figure 11AThe hole is positioned and defined in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis so that the fluid collector 923A of the fluid inlet 901A can protrude to the outside of the fourth personal support surface 1004. Similarly, the first side of the bottom encapsulation portion 108 can be positioned (e.g., on the...) Figure 11A The orifice is positioned and defined in the +X direction of the coordinate axis so that the fluid collector 923B of the fluid inlet 901B can protrude to the outside of the fourth person support surface 1004. In some aspects, the orifice defining the fluid collector 923A may include an elastic material (not shown) that expands as the fluid collector 923A passes through the orifice for which it is positioned and defined, from the inside to the fourth person support surface 1004 and from the outside to the fourth person support surface 1004. After the fluid collector 923A passes through its orifice, the elastic material may be present in the fluid collector body 924A (e.g., ...). Figure 10A The surrounding area contracts. The elastic material and fluid collector lip 934A (e.g., Figure 10A The combination helps to keep the fourth personal support surface 1004 resistant to and / or prevent the flow of bodily fluids, liquids, etc., relative to the outer surfaces and / or above the top encapsulation portion 106 and / or bottom encapsulation portion 108 of the fourth personal support surface 1004. Similarly, the orifice defined for the fluid collector 923B may include an elastic material (not shown) that expands as the fluid collector 923B passes through the orifice that positions and defines the fluid collector 923B from the inside to the fourth personal support surface 1004 and from the outside of the fourth personal support surface 1004. After the fluid collector 923B passes through its orifice, the elastic material may be present in the fluid collector body 924B (e.g., Figure 10A The surrounding area contracts. The elastic material and fluid collector lip 934B (e.g., Figure 10A The combination can help keep the fourth personal support surface 1004 resistant to and / or prevent fluid flow (e.g., body fluids, liquids, etc.) from flowing on and / or above the outer surfaces of the top encapsulation portion 106 and / or the bottom encapsulation portion 108 of the fourth personal support surface 1004).

[0240] Still refer to Figure 11A Personal support device 102 (e.g., Figure 1 The platform portion 1000 may include multiple platform areas, including a first platform area 1002A, a second platform area 1002B, a third platform area 1002C, etc. Depending on various aspects, each of the multiple platform areas 1002A, 1002B, 1002C may be hinged relative to each other. Therefore, to accommodate joint movement, in adjacent platform areas (e.g., in…) Figure 11AMultiple lateral clearances may exist in the platform portion 1000 between the coordinate axes extending in the -X and +X directions (e.g., lateral clearance 1006A between the first platform region 1002A and the second platform region 1002B, lateral clearance 1006B between the second platform region 1002B and the third platform region 1002C, etc.). According to Figure 11A The present disclosure enables the efficient use of these lateral gaps 1006A, 1006B. More specifically, the fluid collector 923A (and thus the blower housings 770, 870, 970 connected thereto) can be located within the fourth person support surface 1004, such that one or more fluid inlet chambers 954A defined in the fluid collector 923A are aligned with a lateral gap (e.g., gap 1006A) among a plurality of lateral gaps in the platform portion 1000 to ensure an open airflow path. Figure 11A One or more fluid inlets 954B may be similarly defined in the fluid collector 923B. Similarly, the fluid collector 923B may be located within the fourth personal support surface 1004 such that one or more fluid inlets 954B defined in the fluid collector 923B are aligned with the side rails of the personal support device 102 (see...). Figure 1 Any air gap alignment defined in the specification is used to ensure an open fluid flow path.

[0241] Further reference Figure 11A Depending on various aspects, one or more personal support surface locators 1008 may protrude from the bottom encapsulation portion 108 of the fourth personal support surface 1004. In these aspects, each personal support surface locator 1008 may be configured and / or positioned to be received by a corresponding personal support surface locator receiver 1010 defined in the platform portion 1000 (e.g., Figure 11B In some aspects, one or more personal support surface locators 1008 can be mounted via mounting strips 946A, 946B, 946C. Figure 10B In other aspects, one or more personal support surface positioners 1008 may be mounted via housings (e.g., housings 411, 413, 470, 711, 713, 770, 811, 813, 870, 911, 913, 970, etc.) to minimize the need for mounting strips 946A, 946B, 946C, etc. According to various aspects of this disclosure, one or more personal support surface positioners 1008 may position a fourth personal support surface 1004 on the platform portion 1000 to align one or more fluid inlets 954A defined in the fluid collector 923A with gaps (e.g., lateral gaps 1006A) among a plurality of gaps in the platform portion 1000, and / or with gaps in one or more fluid inlets 954B defined in the fluid collector 923B with side rails.

[0242] Figure 11B Depicting the various aspects described in this article Figure 11A Another perspective view illustrating the fourth person supporting surface 1004. (See also...) Figure 11B As shown, the multiple platform regions, including the first platform region 1002A and the second platform region 1002B, can not only be hinged relative to each other, but also relative to other platform regions of the platform portion 1000 (e.g., the fourth platform region 1002D). Therefore, to accommodate joint movement, multiple longitudinal gaps (e.g., in...) can exist in the platform portion 1000 between adjacent platform regions. Figure 11B (Extending in the -Z and +Z directions of the coordinate axes) (e.g., the longitudinal gap 1006C between the second platform region 1002B and the fourth platform region 1002D, etc.). According to Figure 11B The present disclosure enables the efficient use of such longitudinal gaps (e.g., longitudinal gap 1006C). More specifically, the fluid collector 923A (and thus the blower housings 770, 870, 970 connected thereto) can be located within the fourth person support surface 1004, such that one or more fluid inlet chambers 954A defined in the fluid collector 923A are aligned with the longitudinal gaps (e.g., longitudinal gap 1006C) among a plurality of longitudinal gaps in the platform portion 1000 to ensure an open airflow path. Depending on the aspects, such as Figure 11B As shown, the fluid collector 923A (and thus the blower housings 770, 870, 970 connected thereto) can be located within the fourth person support surface 1004, such that it is positioned proximally (e.g., in...). Figure 11B The fluid inlet 954A is aligned with the lateral clearance (e.g., lateral clearance 1006A) of the platform portion 1000 in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis, and its distal positioning (e.g., in the...) Figure 11B The fluid inlet 954A (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) is aligned with the longitudinal gap (e.g., longitudinal gap 1006C) to ensure an open airflow path.

[0243] Figure 12A Depicting the various aspects described in this article Figure 5 A top view of the MCM layer 450 shows the fluid flow paths entering, passing through, and exiting the individual support surfaces 704, 804, and 904. This defined flow path can be an improvement on MCM systems that include a single inlet from which cooling air infiltrates the MCM layer. (Refer to...) Figure 12A Fluid (e.g., air) can be drawn through at least one of fluid inlet 901A and / or fluid inlet 901B by a blower (not shown, e.g., a high-flow, low-pressure blower) housed within blower housings 770, 870, and 970. Figures 10A-10C The fluid is drawn into the personal support surfaces 704, 804, and 904. In this respect, the fluid may flow out from the blower housings 770, 870, and 970 along one or more fluid flow paths.

[0244] According to various aspects, such as Figure 12A As shown, in the first fluid flow path, fluid can flow out of the blower housings 770, 870, and 970 and into the fluid supply pipe 906B guided along the left side of the subject's pillow 716, 816, and 916. In the first fluid flow path, fluid can flow out from the distal end of the fluid supply pipe 906B (e.g., in...). Figure 12A (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) and through the subject's left blow-through inlet 1106. Further, in the first fluid flow path, fluid can flow through the subject's left blow-through inlet 1106 and into the area positioned on the second side (e.g., in...). Figure 12A The subject's left side was exposed to the wind from the horn 1116 (in the +X direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 12A (Depicted with dashed lines). Similarly, such as Figure 12A As shown, in the second fluid flow path, fluid can flow from the blower housings 770, 870, 970 and into the fluid supply pipe 906A, which is guided along the right side of the subject's cushion 714, 814, 914. In the second fluid flow path, fluid can flow from the distal end of the fluid supply pipe 906A (e.g., at...). Figure 12A The fluid flows out in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis and flows through the subject's right blow-off horn inlet 1104. Further, in the second fluid flow path, the fluid can flow through the subject's right blow-off horn inlet 1104 and flow into the area located on the first side (e.g., in...). Figure 12A The subject's right side blowing on the horn 1114 (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) Figure 12A The middle part is shown in dashed lines, see also Figure 12B Depending on other aspects, vertical fabric and at least one transverse and / or longitudinal padding channel may lead to the seat MCM portion 510.

[0245] Still as Figure 12A As shown, fluid in the first fluid flow path can flow from the subject's left blow-off horn 1116, and fluid in the second fluid flow path can flow from the subject's right blow-off horn 1114 to the bottom MCM sheet 506 defined in and / or passing through the MCM layer 450 (e.g., Figure 5 The fluid is distributed across the entire surface of the seat MCM portion 510 by an array of holes 514 in the subject's right air horn 1114 and the subject's left air horn 1116, depending on the aspect, to the bottom MCM sheet 506 (e.g., Figure 12BThe bottom surface of ) (e.g., in Figure 12A (in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis). In some aspects, the mixed first fluid flow path and second fluid flow path may flow out from the array of holes 514 of the seat MCM portion 510 and flow into the distal portion of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in Figure 12A In the -Z direction of the coordinate axis (e.g., towards the head MCM portion 512). Here, as regarding Figure 5 The fluid discussed can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512 on the side of the top MCM sheet 502. According to... Figure 12A The mixed fluids can (e.g., in) Figure 12A (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) towards the MCM layer 450 (see Figure 12B For example, the bottom surface (e.g., in the bottom MCM sheet 506) defined in the bottom MCM sheet 506 Figure 12A The vent 1120 is defined distal to the flow in the coordinate axis (in the -Y direction). As discussed herein, in the head MCM section 512 (e.g., Figure 5 The fixing attachments on the first side 513A, the second side 513B, and the third side 513C can facilitate distal fluid flow across the top of the head MCM portion 512 (e.g., in...). Figure 12A The surface is located in the direction of the coordinate axis (+Y direction). Furthermore, a fixing attachment is missing at the fourth side surface 513D. Figure 5 This allows fluid to flow toward the vent 1120. In other aspects, the mixed first and second fluid flow paths can exit from the array of holes 514 in the seat MCM section 510 and simultaneously flow into the distal portion of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in...). Figure 12A In the -Z direction of the coordinate axis (e.g., towards the head MCM portion 512) and the proximal portion of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in the direction of the coordinate axis -Z .... Figure 12A In the -Z direction of the coordinate axis (e.g., towards the foot MCM section 508, see...) Figure 12B (The dashed lines representing fluid flow in the image). Here, as regarding... Figure 5 As discussed, on the side of the top MCM sheet 502, fluid can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512, and between the seat MCM portion 508 and the foot MCM portion 508. The mixed fluid can ultimately flow distal to the vent 1120 (e.g., in...). Figure 12A (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis). The mixed fluid can then flow out from the vent 1120 and into the housing 1130 defined by the top encapsulation portion 106 and the bottom encapsulation portion 108 (see Figure 12BThe mixed fluid can be discharged through one or more fluid outlets 1124A, 1124B, 1124C defined in the top encapsulation portion 106 and / or bottom encapsulation portion 108 of the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The fluid flows out of housing 1130. Depending on various aspects, each fluid outlet 1124A, 1124B, 1124C may include a corresponding fluid baffle 1126A, 1126B, 1126C, which has a permanent connection above each corresponding fluid outlet 1124A, 1124B, 1124C (e.g., at...). Figure 12B The first edge (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis) and the second edge extending above and / or outside each corresponding fluid outlet 1124A, 1124B, 1124C, such that the individual support surfaces 704, 804, 904 remain fluid resistant and / or anti-fluid.

[0246] Still refer to Figure 12A Depending on the aspects, the subject's right air horn 1114 and the subject's left air horn 1116 may be provided by a vertical fabric inlet (not shown) and / or on the first side of the seat MCM portion 510 of the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904 (e.g., in...). Figure 12A (in the -X direction of the coordinate axis) and the second side (e.g., in) Figure 12A At least one channel pad extending between the coordinate axes in the +X direction and / or on the proximal side of the seat MCM portion 510 of the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904 (e.g., in the +X direction of the coordinate axes) and / or on the proximal side of the personal support surfaces 704, 804, 904. Figure 12A (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis) and far side (e.g., in) Figure 12A At least one channel pad extending between the coordinate axes (in the -Z direction) is used to supply fluid (e.g., cooling air) from the fluid supply pipes 906A, 906B through various airbags (e.g., multiple steering airbags 422, multiple working cushion airbags 432 and / or multiple adjacent air pipes 442, 443 as described herein) to the seat MCM portion 510.

[0247] Figure 12B Depicting the various aspects described in this article Figure 12A A side view of the MCM layer 450 shows the fluid flow paths entering, passing through, and exiting the individual support surfaces 704, 804, and 904. (Refer to...) Figure 12B , combined Figure 12A Fluid (e.g., air) can be drawn into the personal support surfaces 704, 804, and 904 through fluid inlet 901A by a blower (not shown, e.g., a high-flow, low-pressure blower). See reference. Figure 12BIn the second fluid flow path, fluid can flow into the fluid supply tube 906A, which is guided along the right side of the subject's pillow 714, 814, 914. In the second fluid flow path, fluid can also flow out from the distal end of the fluid supply tube 906A (e.g., in…). Figure 12B (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) and through the subject's right airflow horn inlet 1104. Further, in the second fluid flow path, fluid can flow through the subject's right airflow horn inlet 1104 and enter the subject's right airflow horn 1114. According to various aspects described herein, the subject's right airflow horn 1114 may include a fabric subject's right airflow horn 1114. Figure 12B Similarly, the description of entering the subject's left side using the blower 1116 (e.g., Figure 12A The first fluid flow path.

[0248] Still refer to Figure 12B , combined Figure 12A The fluid in the second fluid flow path can flow from the subject's right blow horn 1114 into the space defined in and / or through the MCM layer 450. Figure 5 The fluid is distributed across the entire surface of the seat MCM portion 510 and / or the bottom MCM sheet 506 in an array of holes 514. Further integration Figure 12A In some aspects, the mixed first fluid flow path and the second fluid flow path can flow out from the array of holes 514 of the seat MCM section 510 and toward the MCM layer 450 (e.g., Figure 12B The bottom surface (e.g., in the bottom MCM sheet 506) is defined as being within the bottom MCM sheet. Figure 12A The vent 1120, defined in the -Y direction of the coordinate axis, flows into the distal portion of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in...). Figure 12B In the -Z direction of the coordinate axis. In other aspects, the mixed first and second fluid flow paths can flow out from the array of holes 514 of the seat MCM portion 510 and simultaneously flow into the distal portion of the MCM layer 450 (e.g., in...). Figure 12B The coordinate axis in the -Z direction (e.g., towards the head MCM portion 512) and the proximal portion of the MCM450 layer (e.g., in the coordinate axis in the -Z direction ... Figure 12B (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) (e.g., towards the foot MCM section 508, see...) Figure 12B (The dashed lines representing fluid flow in the image). Here, as regarding... Figure 5 As discussed, on the side of the top MCM sheet 502, fluid can flow between the seat MCM portion 510 and the head MCM portion 512, and between the seat MCM portion 508 and the foot MCM portion 508. The mixed fluid can ultimately flow distal to the vent 1120 (e.g., in...). Figure 12B(In the -Z direction of the coordinate axis). The mixed fluid can then flow out from the vent 1120 and into the housing 1130 defined by the top encapsulation portion 106 and the bottom encapsulation portion 108. The mixed fluid can then flow out of the housing 1130 through one or more fluid outlets 1124A, 1224B defined in the top encapsulation portion 106 and / or the bottom encapsulation portion 108 on the individual support surfaces 704, 804, 904. Figure 12B As depicted, each of one or more fluid outlets 1124A, 1124B may include a corresponding fluid baffle 1126A, 1126B, which has a fixed connection above each corresponding fluid outlet 1124A, 1124B (e.g., in...). Figure 12B The first edge (in the +Y direction of the coordinate axis) and the second edge extending above and / or outside each corresponding fluid outlet 1124A, 1124B, such that the individual support surfaces 704, 804, 904 remain fluid resistant and / or anti-fluid.

[0249] according to Figure 12A and Figure 12B The aspects of this disclosure include self-supporting personal support surfaces 704, 804, and 904 for the MCM, as well as externally supported therapies (e.g., CLRT, P&V, CLP, ALP, etc.). Therefore, the personal support surfaces 704, 804, and 904 described herein can support not only the MCM but also therapies including CLRT, P&V, CLP, ALP, etc. Adding a self-supporting MCM may provide beneficial results, including increased turning dwell time. For example, subjects using the personal support surfaces 704, 804, and 904 described herein under CLRT therapy can maintain a turning position for a relatively longer period (e.g., up to 2 hours, up to and / or between 2 and 4 hours, etc.) than before a relatively short period (e.g., approximately half an hour), as can be seen through the user interface 124 of the personal support device 102. Figure 1 (Option). The increased turnaround time allows the subject's lungs to remain in the lung position for a relatively long time, enabling the lungs to empty effectively. Furthermore, these aspects allow the subject to achieve longer periods of undisturbed rest while reducing the risk of pressure injury.

[0250] It should now be understood that the system described herein includes a personal support surface comprising a combination of components that realize various features and functions (e.g., steering assist, CLRT, P&V, CLP, ALP, MCM, etc.), thereby allowing the personal support surface to be interchangeable with and / or compatible with various personal support devices (e.g., standard personal support devices, advanced arthrokinetic personal support devices, chair exit personal support devices, etc.). Therefore, each personal support surface can allow multiple different personal support devices to support a wide range of therapies, while introducing additional therapies (including improved microclimate management (MCM)) through a blower integrated within the personal support surface itself, as well as a specific MCM layer and the flow path of cooling air through the personal support surface. The specific integration of the blower within the personal support surface can also improve other procedures, including fluoroscopy procedures.

[0251] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A personal support system, comprising: a personal support surface, comprising: a top enclosure portion and a bottom enclosure portion; a blower component; a surface base layer comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the surface base layer extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end; a turning assist air bladder layer and a support cushion layer; wherein the turning assist air bladder layer and the support cushion layer are positioned above the surface base layer; a foot air bladder layer positioned adjacent to the surface base layer, the foot air bladder layer comprising a plurality of tubular air bladders coupled to one another by articulating hinges and disposed between one or more raft layers and a base plate in a system vertical direction, the plurality of tubular air bladders disposed by the articulating hinges to define one or more apertures between the one or more raft layers and the base plate; and a microclimate management (MCM) layer positioned above the surface base layer, the turning assist air bladder layer, the support cushion layer, and the foot air bladder layer, wherein the blower component is fluidly coupled to the MCM layer such that air is supplied to the MCM layer by the blower component; wherein the top enclosure portion is detachably coupled to the bottom enclosure portion to enclose the blower component, the surface base layer, the turning assist air bladder layer, the support cushion layer, the foot air bladder layer, and the MCM layer within the personal support surface.

2. The personal support system of claim 1, wherein, the surface base layer further comprises a first side bolster and a second side bolster; and the personal support surface further comprises: a work cushion layer positioned between the first side bolster and the second side bolster of the surface base layer, wherein the MCM layer is positioned above the work cushion layer, and wherein the top enclosure portion is detachably coupled to the bottom enclosure portion to further enclose the work cushion layer within the personal support surface.

3. The personal support system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the support cushion layer comprises a plurality of air tubes oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the plurality of air tubes is cylindrical.

4. The personal support system of claim 3, wherein, the top enclosure portion comprises an outer shell that maintains the MCM layer in contact with a surface of the top enclosure portion.

5. The personal support system of claim 3, wherein, the foot air bladder layer comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of foot air bladders oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein in an inflated state, the plurality of foot air bladders are arranged to achieve a first height at the distal end of the foot air bladder layer and a second height at the proximal end of the foot air bladder layer such that the foot air bladder layer slopes downward from the distal end toward the proximal end to reduce a subject's heel interface pressure.

6. The personal support system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the support cushion layer comprises a plurality of air tubes oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein a first portion of the plurality of air tubes is cylindrical, and wherein a second portion of the plurality of air tubes is shaped to conform to a contour of the surface base layer.

7. The personal support system of claim 6, wherein, the top enclosure portion comprises an outer shell that maintains the MCM layer in contact with a surface of the top enclosure portion.

8. The personal support system of claim 6, wherein, The foot bladder layer includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of foot air bladders oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis, and wherein, in an inflated state, the plurality of foot air bladders are arranged to achieve a first height at the distal end of the foot bladder layer and a second height at the proximal end of the foot bladder layer, such that the foot bladder layer slopes downward from the distal end toward the proximal end to reduce a subject's heel interface pressure.

9. The personal support system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The blower component includes: a blower housing containing a blower that generates a continuous air flow for the MCM layer; one or more fluid inlets coupled to the blower housing, wherein the one or more fluid inlets are located on the personal support surface so as to interface with one or more gaps defined on one or more personal support devices; and one or more fluid supply tubes, wherein a first end of each of the fluid supply tubes is coupled to the blower housing and a second end of each of the fluid supply tubes is coupled to the MCM layer.

10. The personal support system of claim 9, wherein, Further included is one or more blow horn that couples the second end of each fluid supply tube to the MCM layer.

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