METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALTERNATING PRESSURE OF A LOW AIR LOSS PATIENT SUPPORT SYSTEM

摘要

Method and apparatus for preventing bed sores in a bedridden patient. A low air loss bed (10) is provided including a frame (12), a first set of substantially rectangular air bags (58) for supporting a patient thereon mounted transversely on the frame, and a second set of substantially rectangular air bags (58) for supporting a patient thereon mounted transversely on the frame, and all of the air bags are connected to a gas source. The configuration of the air bags (58) is such that when the first set of air bags (58) is inflated, the patient supported thereon is moved toward the first side of the frame (12) of the low air loss bed (10) and when the second set of air bags (58) is inflated while the first set of air bags (58) is deflated, the patient is moved toward the second side of the low air loss bed (10). The configuration of the air bags (58) also retains the patient on the top surface of the air bags when the patient is rolled in one direction or the other. The operator of the low air loss bed defines the pressures in individual air bags (58) corresponding to each of three positions to which the patient is rotated. The pressures are maintained by a feed back control system which actuates valves connecting the gas source to separate sets of air bags. The three positions to be sequentially attained thereby causing controlled oscillation of the patient from one side of the bed frame to the other. Because each rotation position corresponds to operator defined pressures, the oscillation is customized for individuals of different body weights.