A method and apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient allowing support at a controlled depth of depression.

摘要

The invention relates to a method and a support apparatus. BR/ This device for supporting a support element, in particular the body of a patient P, comprises a support device (12, 112) comprising at least one chamber (14, 114a, 114b, 114c) closed or controlled exhaust, flexible, inflatable under a predetermined predetermined inflation pressure; said chamber having an upper face (15, 115) for supporting the element to be supported, and a lower face (16, 116); means (18, 118) for controlling the inflation pressure of said chamber as a function of the driving distance in the support device of the element to be supported, comprising filling means (20, 120) or discharging (22, 122) a filling fluid; means (30, 130) for measuring the distance (D) separating the upper face of the chamber relative to the lower face and means for controlling (40) the means for controlling the pressure, characterized in that the means (18, 118) are provided for controlling the initial pressure at a predetermined distance (Dc) from a relatively low reference point of the upper face of the chamber with respect to the underside of the chamber. , and the control means (40) acting on the means for controlling the inflation pressure of said chamber to maintain, during the support, the distance (Dc) separating the upper face of the lower face of the chamber substantially constant . / P