PATIENTENUNTERSTÜTZUNG

This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support (10) having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders (50). In one embodiment, the patient support a plurality of pressure sensors (136) positioned underneath the bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer (20) positioned above the vertical bladders. In still another embodiment, the parent support includes one or more filler portions (80, 84, 86, 90) that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations. In certain embodiments, a patient support having real time pressure control is provided. The patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a bladder including a plurality of upright cylindrical elements. The pressure within the bladder is controlled based on the pressure or force sensed by the plurality of sensors. In certain embodiments, a lack of patient movement monitor and method is provided. The monitor and method patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a patient support to determine movement of a patient. An alarm is activated when patient movement over time is determined to be lacking. The present invention also includes a pressure relief patient support (1010) for use in combination with a bed frame. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional fiber material (1302) positioned above a plurality of vertical air cells (50).