Patent ID: 6684434
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
A mattress assembly for supporting a patient, the mattress assembly comprising a body support portion having a head end, a foot end, and a knee support portion located between the head end and the foot end under the patient's knees, the body support portion having two independently controllable air zones extending from the head end to the foot end, the two independently controllable air zones including a first unitary air zone extending from the head end to the knee support portion and a second air zone extending from the knee support portion to the foot end, and a control module coupled to the first and second air zones, the control module being configured to supply air to the first and second air zones to maintain the first air zone at a substantially constant first pressure from the head end to the knee support portion and to maintain the second air zone at a substantially constant second pressure from the knee support portion to the foot end, the second pressure being less than the first pressure to provide reduced pressure on a patient's calves and feet located on the second air zone.