The fluid manifold system includes one or more primary chambers and one or more secondary chambers. Each of the one or more secondary chambers contains a volume of fluid and is connected to an underlying primary chamber, which also contains a volume of fluid. Valves are provided, either distributed throughout the manifold to minimize flow restriction or collected into one or more discrete valve manifolds, which are removably connected to the primary and secondary chambers with flexible tubing or the like. Activating a single valve disconnects one or more of the secondary chambers from the associated primary chamber and connects the same one or more secondary chambers to an alternate primary chamber.

A patient support apparatus is provided with selective stiffening features. The patient support apparatus may include a support substrate defining a patient support surface. The support substrate may include a magnetorheological material providing selective reinforcement support of at least a portion of the patient support surface to redistribute pressure about a surface of a patient. The magnetorheological material may include a distribution of ferromagnetic particles disposed within a polymeric material and exhibits a shape conforming, variable stiffness in response to exposure to a magnetic field. A controller may be provided and configured to create a correlation of patient specific data with an optimal stiffness or inflection force deflection (IFD) of the patient support surface, and generate a strength of the magnetic field based on the correlation.

The present invention provides devices and system useful for transporting infants, minimizing vibrations, noise, and associated with transport. Devices of the invention include a head gear assembly, one or more body support rolls for elevating portions of the infants body, and a mattress system with a removable insert. The invention further provides methods of use associated with such devices, including methods of stabilizing a position of an infant, reducing shock or vibration to an infant during transportation, reducing shock, vibration, or noise exposure to an infant during transportation, reducing shock or vibration while providing elevation to specific portions of an infant during transportation, and reducing the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension to an infant during transportation.

The invention provides an overlay configured to substantially conform to a contoured surface. The overlay comprises at least a first layer having a rear surface on which a plurality of channels are located. Optionally, the overlay also comprises one or more removable contouring members, which are located between adjacent channels on the rear surface of the overlay.

The invention relates to a bed-sore prevention device that is modular and has universal integration capability, for effectively preventing bed-sores in patients through use of a mechanical means that may be fitted into a full spectrum of beds to support a multitude of resting positions for the patient. The lack of an assembly with boards disposed with a motor output and rails provides portability and offers solutions to proxy-health care providers, as well as care givers, with respect to fitting and unfitting the device onto any bed or lack of bed. Furthermore, the present invention solves the problem of limited resting positions with the use of mechanical means, as opposed to electro-mechanical means, for delivering or off-loading tension load onto the pliable support material. The use of a pliable support operably connected to mechanical means, with telescopic elongation thereof, results in a more precise control of a patient in a recumbent, supine, or prone position. Pronation of a patient, which may result in significant respiratory outcomes, may be supported by such device. In addition to supporting pronation, lift and rotation may be achieved by the rope and block-coupled support structureto the extent of achieving an intervening space between bed mattress and support structure. Additionally, the support structure may have additional apertures for the traversal of vital tubings and lines connected from the prone patient to a medical monitoring and therapeutic device. Moreover, tracks may be impressed on the support net, configured to house and guide the tubes and lines.

A sleep apparatus, such as a mattress, comprises a head support surface sized to support a person's head, and a torso support surface sized to support a person's torso. The head support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from a first side toward a second side of the mattress, and the torso support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side. In some embodiments, the lateral slope of the head support surface is at least about 15, the lateral slope of the head support surface is greater than the lateral slope of the torso support surface, and/or, the sleep apparatus slopes in the longitudinal direction as well.

A person support for supporting a person includes a first layer and a resilient second layer. The first layer has a surface topography with a first region with a curvature configured to correspond and generally conform, in an unloaded state, to the shape of a first portion of a person's body. The surface topography has a second region configured to correspond and generally conform, in an unloaded state, to the shape of a second portion of a person's body. The resilient second layer overlays the first layer and forms a person support surface.

CNH Donut is a pressure and pain relieving prosthesis, and sleep aid, to be used with a standard pillow, for persons suffering with Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronic helicis, (CNH) Invention is a novel assemblage, comprised of 2 contiguous foam strips, curved into a lachrymiform shape, covered in cylindrical nylon spandex, then affixed with a headstrap, allowing patients to sleep directly on the injured ear, to roll over, and sleep on their preferred side, without pain. Invention is lightweight, yet firm enough to support a head. The smaller size, and unique contiguous placement of thick foam bands, as opposed to stuffing or fill, creates CNH Donut's distinctive strength, and teardrop shaped inner circle, using the natural arc, and firm properties of the foam to best advantage.

Infant support devices and containment devices are described for use with premature and small-for-age infants, and in particular premature babies two kilograms or less, and even babies of one kilograms or less. The devices can be used separately or in combination (whereupon both support and containment are achieved together).

An apparatus for eliminating pressure and providing patient stability configured to be placed onto an operating room table or bed frame, or on top of another support surface on top of a bed frame. The apparatus includes a support surface that eliminates all pressure affecting the sacrum, coccyx and ischium, thereby preventing pressure ulcers affecting these anatomical sites. Additionally, the support surface substantially reduces pressures affecting the heels, thereby preventing the occurrence of pressure ulcers affecting the heels. Alternately, the support surface eliminates pressure affecting the heels, trochanter/hip and shoulder area, thereby preventing pressure ulcers affecting these anatomical sites. The support surface also provides patient stability. On an operating room table, the patient stability facilitates surgical effectiveness and safety. On a bed, the patient stability significantly reduces the need for healthcare workers to reposition or move patients up in bed, thereby significantly reducing the risks for back injuries for healthcare workers.