Patient position apparatus and method

A patient position apparatus includes a plurality of sensing conductors and a control module operatively coupled to the sensing conductors. The sensing conductors are arranged along a substantially planar surface. The sensing conductors provide sensing information in response to a patient being within proximity of the sensing conductors. The control module selectively adjusts fluid pressure of at least one inflatable cell in response to the sensing information.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to mattresses designed for use with patients, and more particularly, to mattresses designed for use with patients and that include inflatable cells which can be selectively inflated or deflated.

BACKGROUND

Both patients and patient service providers benefit from products that provide features that increase therapeutic effectiveness, provide additional benefits, provide greater patient comfort and/or reduce patient cost. Part of the patient care services provided by patient service providers includes the administering of certain therapies while a patient is in bed. Such therapies include those that are directly related to the damage caused to the skin of a patient due to long periods of time spent in bed. For example, moving the patients, while in bed, can help prevent, as well as cure, bed sores (decubitus ulcers). In addition, reducing the pressure that the bed exerts on the patient's skin can also help prevent, or cure, bed sores. This can be achieved by providing an inflatable mattress where the weight of a patient can be distributed over a wider area and therefore the pressure on the patient's skin can be greatly reduced, as compared with the pressures exerted by conventional mattresses. However, different patients have different body masses and/or physical characteristics and therefore require different fluid pressures in order to keep the patient elevated above the harder surface of the bed.

As such, it is desirable to strike a balance between having enough fluid pressure in the inflatable mattress to keep the patient elevated above the harder surface of the bed while not having too much pressure so that the inflatable mattress itself becomes too firm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one example, a patient position apparatus includes a plurality of sensing conductors and a control module operatively coupled to the sensing conductors. The sensing conductors are arranged along a substantially planar surface. The sensing conductors provide sensing information in response to a patient being within proximity of the sensing conductors. The control module selectively adjusts fluid pressure of at least one inflatable cell in response to the sensing information. A related method is also disclosed.

The apparatus and method provide, among other advantages, a maintained predetermined position between a patient and the patient position apparatus, which is desirable for, inter alia, preventing and curing bedsores. In addition, the patient position apparatus and method can determine a position of the patient along the planar surface of the patient support apparatus, which can be used to alert personnel when the patient is positioned in an undesirable area (e.g. an edge of the patient support apparatus). Furthermore, the patient position apparatus and method can selectively adjust fluid pressure of inflatable cells of the patient support apparatus in order to roll the patient from an undesirable area (e.g. an edge of the patient support apparatus) to a desirable area (e.g. center of the patient support apparatus). Other advantages will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In one example, the control module determines a distance between the patient and the plurality of sensing conductors based on the sensing information. In one example, the control module determines a relationship between the distance and the sensing information. In one example, the control module determines the relationship by inflating the at least one inflatable cell to a first inflation level and determining a first sensing value based on the sensing information at the first inflation level. The control module then subsequently inflates the at least one inflatable cell to a second inflation level and determines a second sensing value based on the sensing information at the second inflation level.

In one example, the control module increases the fluid pressure when the distance is less than a predetermined distance and decreases the fluid pressure when the distance is greater than the predetermined distance.

In one example, the control module determines a position of the patient along the substantially planar surface. In one example, the control module provides alarm information when the position of the patient is substantially along an edge of the substantially planar surface. In one example, the at least one inflatable cell includes a first and second inflatable chamber. The control module concurrently increases fluid pressure in the first chamber and decreases fluid pressure in the second chamber when the position of the patient is substantially along an edge of the substantially planar surface.

In one example, a patient support apparatus includes the at least one inflatable cell, the plurality of sensing conductors, and the control module.

As used herein, the term “module” can include an electronic circuit, one or more processors (e.g., shared, dedicated, or group of processors such as but not limited to microprocessors, DSPs, or central processing units) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits, an ASIC, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an exemplary bed10includes a support structure12, such as a frame, a patient support apparatus14, such as a mattress, that is supported by the support structure12and a fluid distribution support surface product16. Although the patient support apparatus14is included in a bed in this example, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the patient support apparatus14can be used in other structures such as a chair, a wheelchair, or other suitable structure. In this example, the fluid distribution support surface product16serves as a type of inflatable top cover for a patient. As shown, the fluid distribution support surface product16has a planar surface18adapted to substantially cover the patient support apparatus14. Also in this example, the bed includes side safety panels20and end safety panels as known in the art and also includes a therapy control module21. The therapy control module21is operative to control percussion therapy via communication path22and/or other desirable therapies such as rotational therapy for example. Although the communication path22is a wired connection in this example, the communication path22can be a wireless connection or any other suitable connection.

In some embodiments, the therapy control module21can include a programmable fluid supply source23such as a programmable air loss pump as known in the art or other suitable fluid pump known in the art. The programmable fluid supply23provides low pressure fluid (e.g., air or other suitable fluid) through one or more tubes24to the fluid distribution support surface product16. The programmable fluid supply source23need not be programmable and may be any suitable pump or other fluid supply source as desired. By way of example only, such a fluid supply source may be of a type sold by Kap Medical, Inc. located in Corona, Calif., USA, or any other suitable air supply source.

As shown, the fluid distribution support surface product16includes an accelerometer26operatively coupled to the planar surface18. In one embodiment, the accelerometer26can be any known accelerometer capable of measuring acceleration in three dimensions. In other embodiments, the accelerometer26can be capable of measuring acceleration in one or two dimensions rather than three dimensions. The accelerometer26is operative to measure frequency and/or intensity information of vibrations provided during percussion therapy. The accelerometer26can provide the frequency and/or intensity information to the control module21via a wired connection27as shown or via any other suitable interface such as a wireless connection for example. The frequency and intensity information can then be used by the therapy control module21to selectively adjust the frequency and/or intensity of the percussion therapy. In some embodiments, the accelerometer26can be placed directly on the patient via sticky pads as known in the art or by other suitable known methods. In addition, the accelerometer26can determine a three-dimensional position (or other dimensional position) of the fluid distribution support surface product16.

Referring now toFIG. 2, an exemplary diagram of the patient support apparatus14is depicted. The patient support apparatus14includes a plurality of inflatable cells200and a plurality of sonic percussion therapy assemblies201within a frame202. The inflatable cells200can be any suitable fluid resistant material known in the art. In this example, the patient support apparatus14includes four sonic percussion therapy assemblies201although more or less sonic percussion therapy assemblies201can be included. The sonic percussion therapy assemblies201in this example are arranged to provide percussion therapy to the upper chest, lower back, thigh, and calf of a patient. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to arrange one or more sonic percussion therapy assemblies201within the patient support apparatus14in order to provide percussion therapy to other locations of the patient.

The frame202includes a frame base204that extends throughout the open area between the frame202. As shown, the frame202, which in this embodiment is an inflatable frame, contains a plurality of inflatable cells200. The inflatable cells200and sonic percussion therapy assemblies201rest upon the frame base204. As shown, the top of the inflatable cells200and sonic percussion therapy assemblies201are not attached to the frame202, nor are such tops restricted. The fluid distribution support surface product16is placed over what are shown here as exposed inflatable cushion cells200and sonic percussion therapy assemblies201such that the skin of the patient does not contact the inflatable cells200or sonic percussion therapy assemblies201. The plurality of inflatable cells200inflate and deflate in response to the operation of the therapy control module21.

Referring now toFIG. 3, in one embodiment, each of the sonic percussion therapy assemblies201includes a first inflatable cell structure300, a second inflatable cell structure302, and a sonic percussion structure304. The first and second inflatable cell structures300,302can be made of any suitable fluid resistant material known in the art. As shown, the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302are vertically stacked. In addition, the second inflatable cell structure302is beneath the first inflatable cell structure300. The sonic percussion structure304is attached to the first inflatable cell structure300and the second inflatable cell structure302and disposed between the first inflatable cell structure300and second inflatable cell structure302.

In this embodiment, the first inflatable cell structure300and the second inflatable cell structure302are operative to move the sonic percussion structure304in response to fluid pressure received via tubes24. For example, the first inflatable cell structure300can inflate while the second inflatable cell structure302concurrently deflates and vice versa. In addition, the sonic percussion structure304is operative to provide a sonic percussive waveform in response to frequency information, intensity information, and/or other suitable information received via communication path22.

In some embodiments, the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302can be standard inflatable cells as known in the art. In other embodiments, the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302can each include a diagonal seal306,308, respectively. When the first inflatable cell structure300includes the diagonal seal306two separate inflatable cells are formed310,312as shown. Similarly, when the second label cell structure302includes the diagonal seal308two separate inflatable cells314,316are formed as shown. As such, the therapy control module21can selectively inflate and deflate the inflatable cells310,312,314,316in order to raise, lower, and/or rotate the planar surface18of the patient support apparatus14and the sonic percussion structure304. For example, in order to rotate the sonic percussion structure304, the therapy control module21can concurrently raise a first portion320and lower a second portion322of the sonic percussion structure304by selectively inflating and deflating the inflatable cells310,312,314,316. An example of an inflatable cell structure that includes a diagonal seal separating two separate inflatable cells is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,711, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a cutaway view of the sonic percussion therapy assembly201is depicted. In this example, the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302are standard inflatable cells and do not include the diagonal seal306,308. The sonic percussion structure304includes a base structure400that is substantially the same length as the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302. The base structure400can be made of any suitable material such as foam for example. The base structure400is operatively coupled to one or more sonic percussion speakers402. The sonic percussion speakers402can be any suitable speaker capable providing sonic percussive waveforms and/or vibrations such as, for example, speakers sold by D2RM Corporation of Gardenia, Calif. having a part number 8002-01. In addition, the sonic percussion speakers402should be capable of providing a sonic percussive waveform having a frequency that is independent from the intensity of the waveform.

The sonic percussion speakers402provide a percussive waveform in response to frequency, intensity, and/or other suitable control information received via communication path22. In one example, the frequency and/or intensity of the sonic percussive waveform can be controlled via a pulse width modulated signal. For example, in order to increase intensity of the sonic percussive waveform, a duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal can be adjusted so that the speaker is on more often than in a previous duty cycle.

The therapy control module21controls the frequency, intensity, and/or duration of the percussive waveform in order to provide percussion therapy to the patient. The frequency, intensity, and/or duration of the percussive waveform can each be controlled independently by the therapy control module21via the communication path22. As such, the therapy control module21can adjust the frequency, intensity, and/or duration of the percussive waveform to a unique setting for each individual patient. This is desirable because each patient may respond better to percussive waveforms at different frequencies and/or intensities based on their particular body mass and/or other physical characteristics.

In some embodiments, the control module21can automatically adjust the frequency, intensity, and/or duration of the percussive waveform in response to feedback information received from the accelerometer26. In addition, each sonic percussion speaker402can be individually controlled so that one side of the patient can receive sonic percussion therapy while the other side does not receive sonic percussion therapy. This may be desirable, for example, when a user wishes to provide sonic percussion and or vibration therapy to one lung of a patient and not the other lung.

In some embodiments, a temperature sensor403can be operatively coupled to the speaker402to monitor operating temperature of the speaker402. The operating temperature of the speaker402can be provided to the control module21via the communication path22. The control module21can selectively disable the speaker402based on the operating temperature in order to prevent the speaker402from overheating.

The sonic percussion structure304can also include an additional top portion404in order to enclose the sonic percussion speaker402if desired. The top portion404can be made of any suitable material such as foam for example. In addition, the sonic percussion structure304can be attached to the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302, in any suitable manner. In this example, the sonic percussion structure304is disposed within a sheath406that is attached to the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302. In this example, the sheath406includes a zipper408so the sonic percussion structure304can be easily inserted into and removed from the sheath406.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, alternative embodiments of the sonic percussion therapy assembly201are depicted. In these examples, the sonic percussion therapy assembly201includes an inflatable cell structure500attached to the sonic percussion structure304. The inflatable cell structure500can be made of any suitable fluid resistant material known in the art. In addition, as with the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302ofFIG. 3, the inflatable cell structure500can include a single inflatable cell600as shown inFIG. 6or two inflatable cells502,504separated by a diagonal seal506as shown inFIG. 5. In addition, in some embodiments, the sonic percussion structure304can be attached to a base structure700as shown inFIG. 7. The base structure700can be made of any suitable material such as foam for example. As such, the sonic percussion structure304remains stationary during sonic percussion therapy in the embodiment shown inFIG. 7.

Referring now toFIG. 8, exemplary cutaway side views of the patient support apparatus14are generally identified at800and802. The patient support apparatus14includes a plurality of the sonic percussion therapy assemblies201. In this example, the patient support apparatus14includes four sonic percussion therapy assemblies201although more or less sonic percussion therapy assemblies201can be included. The sonic percussion therapy assemblies201in this example are arranged to provide percussion therapy to the upper chest, lower back, thigh, and calf of the patient804. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to arrange one more sonic percussion therapy assemblies201within the patient support apparatus14in order to provide percussion therapy to other locations of the patient802.

The patient support apparatus14generally identified at800illustrates the patient support apparatus14when the patient804is not receiving sonic percussion therapy treatment. As shown, the sonic percussion structure304is retracted (e.g. lowered) and not providing sonic percussion therapy to the patient804. In some embodiments, the sonic percussion structure304is retracted within the frame base204. Although the sonic percussion therapy assembly201in this example includes the first inflatable cell structure300, the sonic percussion therapy assembly201does not need to include the first inflatable cell structure300as noted above with reference toFIGS. 5,6, and7.

The patient support apparatus14generally unidentified at802illustrates a patient support apparatus14when the patient802is receiving sonic percussion therapy treatment. As shown in this example, the sonic percussion structure304is extended (e.g. raised) toward the patient802and provides a sonic percussive waveform to the patient802. As previously noted, the sonic percussion therapy assembly201can include the first inflatable cell structure300or, if desired, need not include the first inflatable cell structure300.

Referring now toFIG. 9, an exemplary functional block diagram of the therapy control module21is depicted. The therapy control module21includes a sonic percussion control module900and position control module902. The sonic percussion control module900independently controls frequency and intensity of the sonic percussion structure304. The position control module902selectively raises and lowers the sonic percussion structure304with respect to the planar surface18.

The therapy control module21can also include a user interface908so that a user can interact with the therapy control module21via user control information905in order to provide therapy in the form of percussion, vibration, and/or rotational therapy. The user interface1908can also provide feedback information906received from the accelerometer26to a user via a display904. The feedback information906can include, among other things, frequency, intensity, therapy duration, position of the planar surface18, and/or any other suitable information. In addition, the user interface1908and the therapy control module21can be included in one unit if desired.

In addition, the sonic percussion control module900and the position control module902can receive the feedback information906in order to automatically adjust the sonic percussion therapy and/or rotational therapy provided by the patient support apparatus14. For example, the sonic percussion control module900and sonic position control module902can each include a suitable feedback control module (not shown) such as, for example, a PI, a PD, a PID, and/or any other suitable feedback control module in order to adjust the sonic percussion therapy and/or rotational therapy to a desired therapy setting.

The sonic percussion control module900is operatively coupled to the sonic percussion structure1304. The sonic percussion control module900controls the frequency, intensity, and/or duration of the sonic percussion therapy. As previously noted, the sonic percussion control module900can adjust the frequency independent of adjusting the intensity of the sonic percussion therapy. As such, the sonic percussion control module900can provide sonic percussion therapy that is customized to a particular patient.

Furthermore, the sonic percussion control module900can control each of the sonic percussion speakers402independently. In this manner the sonic percussion control module900can selectively provide sonic percussion therapy to particular areas of the patient804. For example, the sonic percussion control module900can provide sonic percussion therapy to a left lung of the patient804without providing sonic percussion therapy to a right lung of the patient804.

The programmable fluid supply source23can include one or more fluid supply pumps907. Each of the fluid supply pumps907are in fluid communication with a respective inflatable cell structure908. For example, when the sonic percussion therapy assemblies201include the first and second inflatable cell structures300,302, a first of the fluid supply pumps907is in fluid communication with the first inflatable cell structure300and a second of the fluid supply pumps907is in fluid communication with the second inflatable cell structure302. As such, the position control module902can control the programmable fluid supply source23to inflate the first inflatable cell structure300and concurrently deflate the second inflatable cell structure302or vice versa. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the fluid supply pumps907can be in fluid communication with any other suitable cell structure desired to be inflated and/or deflated.

Referring now toFIG. 10, exemplary steps that can be taken by the control module21in order to provide percussion therapy are generally identified at1000. The process starts in step1002when a user desires to provide sonic percussion therapy to a patient. In step1004, the control module21raises the sonic percussion structure304with respect to a patient surface (e.g. the planar surface18). In step1006, the control module independently controls the frequency and intensity of the sonic percussion structure304. The process ends in step1008. As previously noted, the sonic percussion structure304can be lowered with respect to the patient surface (e.g. the planar surface18) when sonic percussion therapy is not being provided.

Referring now toFIG. 11, an exemplary diagram of the patient support apparatus14having a patient position apparatus1100is depicted. The patient position apparatus1100is disposed beneath inflatable cells1102as shown. As with the patient support apparatus14, the patient position apparatus1100can be included in various structures such as a bed, a chair, a wheelchair, or other suitable structures. The inflatable cells1102correspond with inflatable cells200,300,302, and/or500and form the substantially planar surface18. As will be discussed in more detail below, the patient position apparatus1100senses proximity of the patient804and selectively adjusts fluid pressure of the inflatable cells1102based thereon so that a predetermined distance (e.g. 4 inches) can be maintained between the patient804and the patient position apparatus1100. The patient position apparatus1100is also capable of determining a position (e.g. along the x and y axis) of the patient along the planar surface18of the patient support apparatus14.

Referring now toFIG. 12, an exemplary cutaway diagram of the patient position apparatus1110is depicted. The patient position apparatus1100includes a plurality of sensing conductors1200and one or more control modules1202operatively coupled to the sensing conductors1200. In one example, each control module1202can be operatively coupled to six sensing conductors1200that are spaced apart and dispersed longitudinally along the patient position apparatus1100on a support surface1203although more or less sensing conductors1200can be used if desired. In one example, the control module1202can be a PSoC microcontroller sold by Cypress Semiconductor located in San Jose, Calif. although other control modules that perform described functionality can be used.

In one embodiment, the sensing conductors1200have an elongated shape as shown. The sensing conductors1200can be any suitable conductive material such as a conductive wire, a conductive strip, conductive ink, a metal strip, or other suitable conductive material capable of having an elongated shape. The sensing conductors1200provide sensing information in response to the patient804being within proximity of the sensing conductors1200. More specifically, the sensing conductors1200provide the sensing information based on a capacitance between the sensing conductors1200and the patient804. For example, when the patient804is further from the sensing conductors1200, the capacitance is less than when the patient is closer to the sensing conductors1200. In some embodiments, the sensing conductors1200can provide the sensing information based on an inductance as known in the art.

The control module1202selectively adjusts fluid pressure of the inflatable cells1102in response to the sensing information. More specifically, the control module1202determines a distance between the patient804and the sensing conductors1200and selectively increases and decreases the fluid pressure of the inflatable cells1102in order to maintain a predetermined distance (e.g. 4 inches) between the patient804and the sensing conductors1200. As such, the control module1202increases the fluid pressure of the inflatable cells1102when the distance is less than the predetermined distance and decreases the fluid pressure of the inflatable cells1102when the distance is greater than the predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the control module1202determines the distance based on known distances and sensing information sampled at the known distances. For example, each patient804that is resting on the inflatable cells1102will likely have a different body mass and/or other physical characteristics. As such, the control module1202can determine a relationship between distance and capacitance for each patient804. The relationship can be determined by inflating the inflatable cells1102to a first inflation value and determining a first sensing value based on the sensing information. The control module1202can then subsequently adjust inflation of the inflatable cells1102to a second inflation value that is different from the first inflation value and then determine a second sensing value based on the sensing information.

For example, the first inflation value can be a maximum inflation value of the inflatable cells1102which would raise the patient804a first known distance above the sensing conductors1200and the second inflation value can be a minimum inflation value of the inflatable cells1102which would lower the patient804to a second known distance above the sensing conductors1200. The control module1202can then use the known distances and measured values to create a relationship between the measured values (e.g. measured capacitances) and the known distances and can interpolate between the measured values and known distances. If desired, the control module1202can also inflate the inflatable cells1102to other inflation values that correspond with other known distances.

In another embodiment, the control module1202inflates the inflatable cells1102(e.g. by increasing the fluid pressure) to a first inflation value (e.g. a maximum inflation value) and determines a first sensing value based on the sensing information. The first sensing value can be used as a baseline value. The control module1202can then subsequently reduce the fluid pressure of the inflatable cells1102and periodically determine a second sensing value based on the sensing information as the inflatable cells1102deflate and lower the patient804. Once the second sensing value transcends a first predetermined sensing value, the control module1202can subsequently increase the fluid pressure of the inflatable cells1102and can periodically determine a third sensing value based on the sensing information as the inflatable cells1102inflate and raise the patient804. Once the third sensing value transcends a second predetermined sensing value, the control module1202can decrease the fluid pressure until the sensing information transcends the first predetermined sensing value once again. The first and second predetermined sensing values can be determined empirically and can also be based on the baseline value.

The control module1202can also determine a position (e.g. a latitudinal and longitudinal position) of the patient804along the planar surface18. In this example, the patient position apparatus1100includes a first of the one or more control modules1202at a first end1204(e.g. a patient foot end) and associated sensing conductors1200. As shown, the sensing conductors1200at the first end1204are arranged along a longitudinal axis of the patient position apparatus1100. In addition, the sensing conductors1200at the first end1202extend approximately half the length of the patient position apparatus1100. As such, the control module1202can determine whether the patient804is positioned proximate the first end1204and can also determine whether the patient804is positioned along a first edge1206, a second edge1208, or in between the first and second edges1206,1208. By using the plurality of sensing conductors1200, the control module1202can determine the position of the patient804based on the plurality of sensing information and can also interpolate between the sensing information readings by using a centroid type calculation as known in the art. As such, the control module1202can determine a substantially accurate position (i.e. an x. and y axis position) of the patient804along the planar surface18. Furthermore, as can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, increasing the number of sensing conductors1200and decreasing the spacing between the sensing conductors1200can increase granularity of the position determined by the control module1202.

Also, in this example, the patient position apparatus1100includes a second of the one or more control modules1202at a second end1210(e.g. a patient head end) and associated sensing conductors1200. As shown, the sensing conductors1200at the second end1210are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the patient position apparatus1100. In addition, the sensing conductors1200at the second end1210extend approximately half the length of the patient position apparatus1100. As such, the control module1202can determine whether the patient804is positioned proximate the second end1210and can also determine whether the patient804is positioned along the first edge1206, the second edge1208, or in between the first and second edges1206,1208.

As can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the sensing conductors1200can be arranged along the planar surface18in multiple different ways. For example, rather than longitudinally arranging the conducting sensors1200along the patient position apparatus1100, the conducting sensors1200can be arranged latitudinally along the patient position apparatus1100or both latitudinally and longitudinally along the patient position apparatus1100if desired.

In some cases it can be undesirable for a patient to be positioned along the first or second edge1206,1208of the patient support apparatus14. For example, if the patient804is positioned substantially along the first or second edge1206,1208, the patient804could be pinned between the side safety panel20and the edge1206,1208of the patient support apparatus14. In addition, it can be desirable for certain pulmonary patients to be positioned near the center of the patient support apparatus14rather than either edge1206,1208. As such, the control module1202can provide alarm information to the therapy control module21via the communication path22. When received by the therapy control module21, the alarm information can be used to notify a nurse or other personnel that the patient804is positioned substantially along one of the edges1206,1208.

In embodiments that include inflatable cells1102having a diagonal seal such as the inflatable cells300,302, or500shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, the control module1202can concurrently increase fluid pressure in a first chamber of the inflatable cell1102and decrease fluid pressure in a second chamber of the inflatable cell of1102in order to roll the patient804towards the center of the patient support apparatus14. For example, if the inflatable cell1102corresponds with the inflatable cell300inFIG. 3, the control module can concurrently increase fluid pressure of the inflatable chamber310and decrease fluid pressure of the inflatable chamber312or vice versa. In this manner, the patient804can be rolled from one of the edges1206,1208towards the center of the patient support apparatus14.

Although the control module1202is included in the patient position apparatus1100in this example, those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the functionality of the control module1202can be incorporated into the therapy control module21if desired.

Referring now toFIG. 13, exemplary steps that can be taken by the control module1202to maintain a predetermined distance between the patient804and the patient position apparatus1100are generally identified at1300. The process starts in step1302. In step1304, the sensing conductors1200provides sensing information in response to the patient804being within proximity of the sensing conductors1200. In step1306, the control module1202selectively adjusts fluid pressure of the inflatable cells1102in response to the sensing information. The process ends in step1308.

As noted above, among other advantages, the patient position apparatus and method maintain a predetermined position between a patient and the patient position apparatus, which is desirable for, inter alia, preventing and curing bedsores. In addition, the patient position apparatus and method can determine a position of the patient along the planar surface of the patient support apparatus, which can be used to alert personnel when the patient is positioned in an undesirable area (e.g. an edge of the patient support apparatus). Furthermore, the patient position apparatus and method can selectively adjust fluid pressure of inflatable cells of the patient support apparatus in order to roll the patient from an undesirable area (e.g. an edge of the patient support apparatus) to a desirable area (e.g. center of the patient support apparatus). Other advantages will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

While this disclosure includes particular examples, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims.