PATIENT SUPPORT SURFACES

Multiple varieties of patient support surfaces (10) are presented with a common modular assembly primarily including a perimeter chassis and integrated upper support element. Perimeter bolsters (14) provide relatively firmer support and facilitate safer transfers and better sitting at the edge of the bed. Pressure redistribution air cylinders (36, 38, 40, 42), turned either longitudinally or laterally, are captured by shaped, slotted inner bolsters (68, 70) and underside arches (88, 90, 92, 94) of an integral foam topper (24). Each foam topper (24) integrally incorporated may include a sloping heel pressure relief section for redistributing load to relatively more pressure-tolerant lower legs and calves. An external valving arrangement for a static non-powered embodiment permits practice of a "recharging" technique using an air pump (118) and self-calibrated valve (124), to return the air pressure in static air cylinders (36, 38, 40, 42) to their original manufactured specifications.