Bed system

Abstract

Bed systems (10, 100, 200) comprising a mattress (12) defining an opening (18) positioned between a first end (14) and a second end (16) thereof, and a support assembly (19) associated with the opening (18). The support assembly comprises pillows (20a, 20b) and a suspension system (22) associated with the pillows (20a, 20b). The pillows (20a, 20b) are configured to substantially fill the horizontal range of the opening (18) and at least partially fill the vertical range, and to support a portion of the user's body located above the opening. The suspension system (22) is configured to respond to forces applied to the pillows (20a, 20b) by a portion of the user's body located above the opening (18). The pillows (20a, 20b) are of adjustable height to facilitate adjustment of the range over which they fill the vertical range of the opening (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority based on Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023 / 902331 filed on July 21, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to bed systems. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bed system for reducing pain and discomfort experienced during pregnancy.

Background Art

[0003] Beds of various designs and configurations for providing a comfortable and healthy rest or sleep environment for pregnant women have a long history of development.

[0004] During pregnancy, women experience increased sensations of pain. Seeking comfort and a sense of security is of paramount importance for the health of both the baby and the mother. Pain and discomfort can be multifactorial, and are often exacerbated as women are unable to find a comfortable resting position on conventional mattresses. Pregnancy is a dynamic process, and the individual resting postures and positions that provide an optimal level of comfort for a woman can change from day to day. Accordingly, there is a need for a bed configurable to accommodate the different needs of women at various stages of pregnancy.

[0005] In the past, this has led to the development of many types of mattresses provided with a centrally located cavity appropriately positioned to accommodate an enlarged abdomen. Early generations of adjustable beds include features to accommodate changes in abdominal size and orientation over time.

[0006] However, suboptimal spinal alignment in women can result from their sleeping position on existing beds. This suboptimal spinal alignment can create an uncomfortable and unhealthy resting or sleeping environment for women and / or babies. Furthermore, existing beds do not provide dynamic support while women move during rest or sleep, thereby contributing to suboptimal spinal alignment and an unhealthy and uncomfortable resting or sleeping environment.

[0007] Nothing included herein regarding documents, operations, materials, devices, articles, etc. shall be deemed to constitute any recognition that any or all of these matters formed part of the foundation of the prior art or were common knowledge in the art relating to this disclosure, as if they existed prior to the priority date of each of the attached claims. [Overview of the project]

[0008] In aspects of this disclosure, a bed system, A mattress having a first end and a second end, wherein the mattress defines an opening positioned between the first end and the second end, A support assembly associated with the opening, the support assembly is A pillow configured to substantially fill the horizontal range of an opening and at least partially fill the vertical range, and to support a portion of the user's body located above the opening, wherein the pillow is of an adjustable height to facilitate adjustment of the extent to which the pillow fills the vertical range of the opening, A bed system is provided, comprising a suspension system associated with a pillow, configured to respond to a force applied to the pillow by a part of the user's body located above the opening.

[0009] The suspension system may include webbing. The suspension system may include a frame, and the webbing is supported by the frame. The suspension system may include one or more flexible and / or elastic suspension members extending between the pillow and the mattress, or between the pillow and the base of the bed system supporting the mattress.

[0010] The suspension system may be an elastic suspension system that reflexively responds to the force applied to the pillow by a part of the user's body located above the opening. The elastic suspension system may comprise an elastically deformable material. The elastic suspension system may comprise a layer of elastically deformable foam.

[0011] The pillow may have an adjustable firmness. The pillow may be inflatable or may have an inflatable portion to facilitate adjustment of the pillow's height and / or firmness. The inflation pressure of the pillow or inflatable portion may be controllable via an inflation control device. The inflatable portion may comprise an upper head portion and a lower neck portion. The pillow may comprise a non-inflatable portion that is located above the inflatable portion and supported by the inflatable portion. The non-inflatable portion may comprise cushioning material. The non-inflatable portion may be wedge-shaped, with the depth at one end being greater than the depth at the other end. In some embodiments, the non-inflatable portion is irremovably connected to the inflatable portion, such as by becoming integrated with the inflatable portion, and in other embodiments, the non-inflatable portion is irremovably connected to the inflatable portion.

[0012] The stabilizing device may extend at least partially around the lower part of the pillow in order to stabilize the lower part of the pillow.

[0013] The bed system may further comprise a base, and the mattress and support assembly may be supported by the base. The base may comprise a platform for supporting the mattress member, and the platform, and thus the mattress member, may be reconfigurable between multiple configurations. The bed system may comprise actuators for reconfiguring the platform between multiple configurations. The actuators may be pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanically driven. The actuators may be controlled via a platform control device.

[0014] The mattress may have a recessed portion defined at a first end. The headrest may be positioned on the recessed portion. A portion of the mattress at the first end may be removable in order to define the recessed portion.

[0015] The elastic cover may extend to cover the upper edge of the mattress opening.

[0016] Furthermore, this specification discloses a method of using the bed system described in paragraph

[0008] above, or any embodiment thereof described in paragraphs

[0009] to

[0015] above, the method of which includes adjusting the height of the pillow by optionally changing the range of inflation of the inflatable portion of the pillow in order to adjust the range in which the pillow fills the vertical range of the opening.

[0017] In another aspect of this disclosure, a bed system, base, A non-inflatable mattress that can be placed on a base, the mattress having a first end and a second end, and the mattress defining an opening positioned between the first end and the second end, A support assembly associated with the opening, the support assembly is A bed system is provided, comprising a pillow configured to substantially fill an opening and support a portion of the user's body located above the opening.

[0018] The bed system described in the preceding paragraph may be combined with any of the features of the bed system described in paragraphs

[0008] to

[0015] above.

[0019] Throughout the present specification, it is to be understood that the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", means the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, and does not imply the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bed system. [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded view of the bed system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bed system shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. [Figure 3B] 3B is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 3A enclosed by circle E. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a suspension system for the bed system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3B. [Figure 5A] 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable pillow for the bed system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3B. [Figure 5B] is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an adjustable pillow for the bed system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3B. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bed system. [Figure 7] 7 is an exploded view of the bed system shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bed system shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. [Figure 9]A perspective view of another embodiment of the bed system is shown. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the bed system. [Figure 11] Figures 9 and 10 show cross-sectional views of the bed system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 indicates a bed system 10 comprising a mattress 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16 on the opposite side, the mattress member 12 defining an opening 18 positioned between the first end 14 and the second end 16. A support assembly 19 is associated with the opening 18 of the mattress 12. The support assembly 19 comprises a pillow having portions 20a, 20b and a suspension system 22 configured to respond to forces applied to the pillow by a portion of the user's body located over the opening 18 of the mattress 12. For example, the suspension system 22 is configured to elastically respond to and / or dampen forces applied to the pillows 20a, 20b while the user moves on the mattress 12 during rest or sleep.

[0022] Figures 1 to 3B show one exemplary embodiment of the bed system 10. The bed system 10 comprises a base 24 that supports a mattress 12 and a support assembly 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 24 comprises a frame having two pairs of legs 26, each of which is connected by a cross member 28, and each cross member 28 is connected by a pair of spaced chassis members 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 26, cross members 28, and chassis members 30 are formed from metal, welded together, and / or can be fastened using, for example, screws and / or bolts. In other embodiments, the bed system 10 may omit the base 24 and instead be used with the user's existing bed base or placed directly on the user's floor for use.

[0023] The base 24 further comprises a platform 32 for supporting the mattress 12. The platform 32, and by extension the mattress 12, is reconfigurable between a plurality of configurations, for example, a configuration that allows the user to raise their head and / or feet. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 32 comprises a plurality of panels 31 arranged in an end-to-end configuration and pivotably or hingedly rotatably relative to each other, in order to facilitate the reconfiguration of the platform 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 31 have different lengths; however, in other embodiments, the panels 31 may be the same length. The panels 31 may be formed from wood, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material.

[0024] The platform 32 defines an opening 33 aligned with the opening 18 of the mattress 12 and is connected to the frame of the base 24 via one or more actuators 36. The actuators 36 facilitate the reconfiguration of the platform 32 between its multiple configurations. The actuators 36 are connected to a platform control device (not shown) that is operable by a user to control the reconfiguration of the platform 32. The platform control device may be operable via a platform control panel (not shown) or via a remote control device (not shown). The actuators 36 may comprise one or more pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical actuators, such as a mechanical scissor-lift device. In other embodiments, the actuators 36 may be omitted, and the platform 32 may be manually reconfigured between its multiple configurations.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mattress 12 may be supported on the platform 32 without any mounting means, so that the mattress 12 can slide on the platform 32. In other embodiments, the mattress 12 is attached to the platform 32 using, for example, adhesive or fasteners. In other embodiments, the platform 32 may be omitted from the bed system 10, and the mattress 12 may instead be attached to the base 24 or a non-reconfigurable platform.

[0026] In some embodiments, mattress 12 may be a foam mattress comprising polyurethane foam or memory foam, optionally layered with a latex layer; in other embodiments, mattress 12 may be a latex mattress. In some embodiments, the foam or latex mattress may have uniform hardness and density, or it may have stepped hardness and density. Stepped changes in hardness and density may be provided as vertical or horizontal stepped changes across mattress 12. In other embodiments, mattress 12 may comprise a combination of foam or latex and a fluid such as water or air. For example, in some embodiments, mattress 12 may include a fluid core surrounded by a buffer layer of foam or latex; in other embodiments, mattress 12 may include a foam or latex core surrounded by pockets of water or air. In some embodiments, mattress 12 may be inflatable.

[0027] The mattress 12 has one or more removable parts 38 at its first end 14 to define a recessed portion 40. The recessed portion 40 accommodates a headrest (not shown) so that the height of the headrest is comfortable for the user and reduces the risk of injury to the user's neck or spine.

[0028] As best shown in Figure 4, the suspension system 22 comprises webbing 42 and a frame 44 that supports the webbing 42. The frame 44 is welded to or attached to the chassis member 30 of the base 24 using fasteners.

[0029] The webbing 42 comprises elastically deformable ribbons 46 arranged in a grid pattern. In other embodiments, the ribbons 46 may be arranged in a single direction.

[0030] The ribbon 46 may be attached to the frame 44 using fasteners, adhesives, or wound around the frame 44 to attach the ribbon 46 to the frame 44 via friction engagement. One or both ends of one or more ribbons 46 may be adjustable to increase or decrease the tension of one or more ribbons 46. The increase or decrease in the tension of one or more ribbons 46 may be provided by adjustment devices disposed at one or both ends of one or more ribbons 46.

[0031] In other embodiments, the suspension system 22 may be in the form of an inflatable buffer having either an adjustable or non-adjustable inflation pressure, or a foam insert having either an adjustable or non-adjustable hardness and density.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiments, the pillows 20a and 20b are adjustable. Specifically, the pillow portion 20a is inflatable, and the height and / or firmness of the pillow, particularly the head portion at the top of the pillow portion 20a, are adjustable by adjusting the inflation pressure of the pillow portion 20a. The bed system 10 further includes an inflation control device 48 connected to the pillow portion 20a, such that the inflation pressure of the pillow 20a is controllable via the inflation control device 48. The control device 48 comprises an air pump 50 that is in fluid communication with the pillow portion 20a via a fluid conduit 52. The air pump 50 is operable to introduce air into the pillow portion 20a to inflate it and to remove air from the pillow portion 20a to deflate it. In some embodiments, the air pump 50 is connected to a control panel (not shown) that allows a user to control the inflation pressure of the pillow portion 20a. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the air pump 50 may be operable via a remote control device (not shown). In some embodiments, the control panel and platform control panel discussed above are provided as a single panel, or the remote control device also allows the user to control the platform 32 in the manner discussed above.

[0033] The pillow portion 20b is detachably positioned on the pillow portion 20a. The pillow portion 20b may be removed by the user from the pillow portion 20a, for example, to provide more freedom of movement during sleep or rest. In other embodiments, the pillow portion 20b may be attached to the pillow portion 20a to increase resistance to the user's movement. In other embodiments, the pillow portion 20b may be omitted, as the user may sleep or rest directly on the pillow portion 20a.

[0034] The pillow portion 20b is generally shaped to complement the shape of the opening 18. In some embodiments, the pillow portion 20b has a smaller shape or contour than the opening 18 to provide the user with more freedom of movement while sleeping or resting. In other embodiments, the pillow portion 20b may be the same size as or larger than the opening 18 in order for the pillow portion 20b and the opening 18 to form an interlocking fit.

[0035] Configuring the pillows 20a, 20b to finish near the upper edge of the opening 18 provides enhanced support for the user, reduces the vertical distance the user's abdomen moves into the opening 18, and thus reduces the “fall effect” experienced by the user. The vertical range of the opening 18 can be substantially or completely filled by the pillows 20a, 20b so that the bed system 10 can be converted for use as a bed for a non-pregnant user after the user’s pregnancy has ended. In some embodiments, the pillows 20a, 20b may be different in size, shape, or contour from the opening 18 to provide varying freedom of movement for the user during sleep or rest. For example, the shape or contour of the pillow portion 20b may be oval, round, rectangular, or any other polygon. It will be understood that the bed system 10 may have multiple pillow portions 20b of different heights, shapes, and / or sizes for different stages of pregnancy or for use when the user is not pregnant.

[0036] The pillow portion 20b has a substantially flat upper surface 56 and an inclined lower surface 58 for evenly distributing the force applied by the user during sleep or rest. The inclined lower surface 58 extends from a first end 60 having a greater height to a second end 62 having a smaller height. Thus, the first end 60 provides more resistance to compressive or downward forces than the second end 62. This difference in resistance allows the heavier lower portion of a pregnant user's abdomen to be supported with a higher level of firmness than the lighter upper portion of a pregnant user's abdomen. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when supporting the user, the first end 60 of the pillow portion 20b compresses the corresponding end of the pillow portion 20a more than the second end 62 of the pillow portion 20b compresses the corresponding end of the pillow portion 20a, thereby making it easier for the first end 60 to provide greater resistance to compressive or downward forces than the second end 62. In other embodiments, both the upper surface 56 and the lower surface 58 of the pillow portion 20b may be substantially flat or inclined, and in other embodiments, the upper surface 56 may be inclined and the lower surface 58 may be substantially flat.

[0037] The pillow portion 20b is elastically deformable and may comprise memory foam to provide greater viscoelasticity or latex to provide greater elasticity. In other embodiments, the pillow portion 20b may instead comprise feathers or polyester instead of foam. The pillow portion 20b may have a uniform density and hardness in some embodiments, or a stepped density and hardness in other embodiments. The stepped changes in hardness and density may occur either vertically or horizontally along the pillow portion 20b.

[0038] The bed system 10 further comprises stabilizing members 64 that can be positioned around the pillow portion 20a to stabilize the pillow portion 20a. One or more suspension members 21 extend between the pillows 20a, 20b and the mattress 12, or between the pillows 20a, 20b and the frame of the base 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension member 21 is configured to receive the stabilizing member 64 on it. The stabilizing member 64 received on the suspension member 21 also provides additional support to the pillows 20a, 20b to prevent them from sliding due to the user's movements during sleep or rest. The stabilizing member 64 is attached directly or indirectly to the frame of the base 24 (for example, indirectly via the suspension system 22), or in some embodiments to the mattress 12 (for example, indirectly via the suspension member 21), for example by welding, bonding, or fasteners using hook and loop fasteners, screws, nails, or by stitching. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member 64 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the suspension member 21 is conformal and / or elastic and can replace or complement the suspension system 22.

[0039] Two exemplary shapes and configurations of the suspension member 21 are shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The suspension member 21 in Figure 5A is smaller than that in Figure 5B, which provides a lighter structure; however, the suspension member 21 in Figure 5B provides a larger contact area with the stabilizing member 64, thereby enabling improved support. The ends 23 of the suspension member 21 can be connected to the mattress 12 or to the frame of the suspension system 22 or base 24. The magnitude of the support provided by the suspension member 21 can be adjusted by adjusting the tension of the suspension member 21 and / or by adjusting the surface area of ​​the suspension member 21 (for example, a larger suspension member 21, such as that shown in Figure 5B, may provide more support than a smaller suspension member 21, such as that shown in Figure 5A).

[0040] The stabilizing member 64 is in the form of a ring or collar having a contour that conforms to the shape of the opening 18, and is configured to surround the lower neck portion of the pillow portion 20a. The stabilizing member 64 suppresses bending and buckling of the lower neck portion of the pillow portion 20a, thereby increasing support for the user's spine.

[0041] The bed system 10 further comprises an external bed frame 68 having a head portion 70, a foot portion 72, and a pair of side portions 74, which are fastened together to a base 24 to form the external bed frame 68. In other embodiments, the head portion 70, the foot portion 72, and the pair of side portions 74 are welded together to the base 24 to form the external bed frame 68.

[0042] Figures 6-8 show alternative embodiments of bed system 100. Similar reference numerals refer to similar features discussed above with respect to bed system 10.

[0043] The bed system 100 includes an immovable platform 102 defining an opening 104, which is attached to the base 24 via welding or fasteners. The bed system 100 may be placed within or mounted within the user's existing bed frame, provided that the user's bed frame is sized and / or configured to accommodate the bed system 100. Thereafter, the bed system 100 provides a lighter structure with fewer moving parts than the bed system 10.

[0044] Figures 9 to 11 show alternative embodiments of bed system 200. Similar reference numerals refer to similar features discussed above with respect to bed system 10.

[0045] The bed system 200 includes an unadjustable platform 201, which is attached to the base 24 via welding or fasteners. In the bed system 200, the mattress 12 includes a mattress body 202 defining an opening 18, an upper mattress layer 204 that can be positioned on the mattress body 202 and defines a through-hole 206 having a contour that aligns with the opening 18, and a head support layer 208 that can be positioned on the mattress body 202 and adjacent to the upper mattress layer 204. The upper mattress layer 204 has a greater thickness than the head support layer 208 to provide the same effect as the recessed portion 40 of the bed systems 10, 100 described above. Similarly with respect to the bed system 100, the bed system 200 can be positioned or mounted within the user's existing bed frame, provided that the user's bed frame is sized and / or configured to accommodate the bed system 200. Thereafter, the bed system 200 provides a lighter structure with fewer moving parts than the bed system 10.

[0046] The suspension system 22 of the bed system 200 comprises an elastically deformable layer of material 210 instead of webbing 42. The elastically deformable layer of material 210 includes foam that suspends pillows 20a, 20b in the opening 18. The pillow portion 20a comprises a suspension platform or sheet 212 instead of the suspension member 21 described above to provide an increased contact area with both the mattress 12 and the suspension system 22.

[0047] Other embodiments of bed systems 10, 100, and 200 may omit the suspension system 22 and may include an inflatable or non-inflatable mattress 12 that can be placed on a bed base, having a pillow portion 20a and optionally a pillow portion 20b, which are receivable into the opening 18 of the mattress 12. Embodiments with a non-inflatable mattress may be more suitable as permanent fixtures in a user's home or medical environment, in contrast to bed systems with an inflatable mattress, as embodiments with an inflatable mattress may require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan. Therefore, embodiments with an inflatable mattress may be more suitable for temporary use than for long-term or permanent use. Embodiments of bed systems described in this paragraph can be combined with any suitable features from other embodiments of bed systems 10, 100, and 200 described above.

[0048] During use, the bed systems 10, 100, and 200 are either assembled by the user or received assembled. Pregnant users lie on the mattress 12 for side-lying or prone rest or sleep, such that the protruding portion of the pregnant user's abdomen aligns with the opening 18. During sleep or rest, the user may roll onto their side or prone, and vice versa. During this movement, the suspension system 22 and / or suspension members 21 suspend the pillows 20a and 20b in the opening 18 so that support for the user via the pillows 20a and 20b is maintained while the user is moving, but in response to the force applied by the user's movement, thereby giving the user a feeling of weightlessness. This may reduce the prevalence of the user waking up during sleep, provide increased comfort to the user during movement, and facilitate improved spinal alignment.

[0049] The reconfigurability of the mattress 12 via the platform 32 further enhances the user's comfort and safety during movement. The adjustable inflation pressure of the pillow portion 20a allows the user to adjust the height of the cavity formed by the opening 18 and the upper parts of the pillows 20a and 20b, enabling the bed systems 10, 100, and 200 to be used at all stages of the user's pregnancy. The stabilizing member 64 prevents excessive movement or sinking of the pillows 20a and 20b in the opening 18, thereby maintaining the user in a comfortable and safe position while moving during rest or sleep. Furthermore, the recessed portion 40 allows the user's spine to remain in a comfortable and safe position during rest or sleep.

[0050] It will be understood that any feature of the embodiments of bed systems 10, 100, and 200 disclosed herein may be combined with any other suitable feature of the embodiments of bed systems 10, 100, and 200 disclosed herein. It will be understood that bed systems 10, 100, and 200 may be provided as assembled products or as kits for assembly.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous variations and / or modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad general scope of this disclosure. Therefore, these embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects.

Claims

1. It is a bed system, A mattress having a first end and a second end, wherein the mattress defines an opening positioned between the first end and the second end, The support assembly is associated with the opening, and the support assembly is A pillow configured to substantially fill the horizontal range of the opening and at least partially fill the vertical range, and to support a portion of the user's body located above the opening, wherein the pillow is of an adjustable height to facilitate adjustment of the extent to which the pillow fills the vertical range of the opening, A bed system comprising: a suspension system associated with the pillow, configured to respond to a force applied to the pillow by a part of the user's body located above the opening;

2. The bed system according to claim 1, wherein the pillow has an inflatable portion to facilitate adjustment of the height of the pillow.

3. The bed system according to claim 2, further comprising an expansion control device for controlling the expansion pressure of the inflatable portion.

4. The bed system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the inflatable portion comprises an upper head portion and a lower neck portion.

5. The bed system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pillow comprises a non-inflatable portion.

6. The bed system according to claim 5, wherein the non-inflatable portion is located above and supported by the inflatable portion.

7. The bed system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the non-inflatable portion is provided with a cushioning material.

8. The bed system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the non-expandable portion is wedge-shaped, and the depth at one end is greater than the depth at the other end.

9. The bed system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a stabilizing device that extends at least partially around the lower portion of the pillow in order to stabilize the lower portion of the pillow.

10. The bed system according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the suspension system comprises at least one conforming or elastic suspension member extending between the pillow and the mattress, or between the pillow and the base of the bed system supporting the mattress.

11. The suspension system comprises webbing, as described in any one of the prior claims.

12. The bed system according to claim 11, wherein the suspension system is an elastic suspension system comprising an elastically deformable material.

13. The bed system according to claim 10 or 12, wherein the suspension system comprises a layer of elastically deformable foam.

14. The bed system according to any one of the prior claims, further comprising a base, wherein the mattress and the support assembly are supported by the base.

15. The bed system according to claim 14, wherein the base comprises a platform for supporting the mattress, and the platform, and by extension the mattress, is reconfigurable between a plurality of configurations.

16. The bed system according to claim 15, wherein the platform defines an opening aligned with the opening of the mattress, and the support assembly extends through the opening of the platform.

17. The bed system according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the mattress has a recessed portion defined at the first end.

18. The bed system according to claim 17, wherein a portion of the mattress at the first end is removable so as to define the recessed portion.

19. The bed system according to any one of the prior claims, further comprising an elastic cover extending to cover the upper end of the opening of the mattress.

20. The bed system according to any one of the prior claims, wherein the mattress is a non-inflatable mattress.

21. A method of using the bed system according to any one of the prior claims, comprising adjusting the height of the pillow by optionally changing the range of inflation of the inflatable portion of the pillow in order to adjust the range in which the pillow fills the vertical range of the opening.

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