Patent ID: 7937239
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: A47C,A47G,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: providing a diagnostic mattress comprising an air mattress with a controller and an air pump, the controller being adapted to control the air pump to vary pressure within the air mattress, the air pump having a pressure sensor adapted to sense pressure within the air mattress, and the controller being adapted to activate the pressure sensor to measure pressure within the air mattress; positioning an individual on the diagnostic mattress; operating the controller to measure a pressure of the air mattress via the pressure sensor with the individual positioned on the diagnostic mattress; correlating the measured pressure of the individual positioned on the diagnostic mattress to a recommended support level associated with the individual; correlating the individual's recommended support level to a support characteristic of a plurality of mattresses having a fixed support structure in a way sufficient to allow the individual to select a fixed support structure support characteristic generally equal to the individual's recommended support level as determined from the diagnostic mattress.