Patent Publication Number: US-2022218544-A1

Title: Single port lateral transfer device and rotational positioning device combination

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/624,538, filed on Dec. 19, 2019, entitled “SINGLE PORT LATERAL TRANSFER DEVICE AND ROTATIONAL POSITIONING DEVICE COMBINATION,” (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,285,063), which is a National Stage Application, filed under 35 U.S.C. 371, of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/046688, filed on Aug. 14, 2018, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/545,059, filed Aug. 14, 2017, and entitled “SINGLE PORT LATERAL TRANSFER DEVICE AND ROTATIONAL POSITIONING DEVICE COMBINATION,” the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Immobility and prolonged confinement present both psychological and physically evident pathological problems to patients, ranging from malaise, depression, feelings of helplessness and loss of motivation on the one hand to decubitus ulcers, loss of local circulation and unsanitary dermatologic insult from waste products, or edema of extremities and gangrene on the other. Not only are patients affected by these conditions but so too are the caregivers and clinicians who must lift, turn, wash, change bedding and clothes, arrange for food, treat, and dispose of waste. Such operations often require that attendants have a high level of strength and skill to move and reposition the patient, regardless of the patient&#39;s size or weight. 
     Patient handling mattresses are known in the art which include at least two flexible material sheets, that together define a plenum chamber, with at least one sheet being perforated with small pinholes over at least a central surface area, and which open up directly to the interior of the plenum chamber. Such prior art mattresses are used by arranging the perforated sheet so that it faces an underlying fixed, generally planar support surface, such as a floor or table. When the mattress is charged with pressurized air, the escape of air under pressure through the pinholes acts initially to jack a load placed upon the mattress above the perforated flexible sheet, and thereby creates an air bearing of relatively small height between the underlying fixed, generally planar support surface and the perforated flexible sheet. Current patient handling mattresses provide support for patients, but do not provide rotational or turning support. 
     SUMMARY 
     In various embodiments, an inflatable transfer mattress is disclosed. The inflatable transfer mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel having a perimeter sealingly coupled to a perimeter of the top panel to define an internal volume therebetween, a first wedge pocket coupled to an outer surface of the top panel, and a first inflatable wedge. The internal volume is configured to receive an air flow therein. The first inflatable wedge is sized and configured to be inserted into the first wedge pocket and is configured to be transitioned from a deflated state to an inflated state. The first inflatable wedge is configured to rotate a patient to a predetermined angle with respect to the top panel in the inflated state. 
     In various embodiments, an inflatable transfer mattress is disclosed. The inflatable transfer mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel having a perimeter sealingly coupled to a perimeter of the top panel to define an internal volume therebetween, a first wedge pocket coupled to an outer surface of the top panel, and a first inflatable wedge. The internal volume is configured to receive an air flow therein. The bottom panel defines a plurality of holes configured to provide air flow from the internal volume to an area located between the bottom panel and a surface. The first inflatable wedge is sized and configured to be inserted into the first wedge pocket and is configured to be transitioned from a deflated state to an inflated state. The first inflatable wedge is configured to rotate a patient to a first predetermined angle with respect to the top panel in the inflated state. A first airflow path extends from a first valve to a first opening formed in the first inflatable wedge. 
     In various embodiments, a method is disclosed. The method includes positioning an inflatable transfer mattress on a first surface. The inflatable transfer mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel having a perimeter sealingly coupled to a perimeter of the top panel to define an internal volume configured to receive an airflow, a first wedge pocket coupled to an outer surface of the top panel, and a first inflatable wedge sized and configured to be inserted into the first wedge pocket. A patient is positioned on the inflatable transfer mattress and the first inflatable wedge is inflated from a deflated state to an inflated state. Inflation of the first inflatable wedge rotates the patient to a first predetermined angle with respect to the top panel in the inflated state. The first inflatable wedge is inflated by an inflation device coupled to a first airflow path including a first valve formed integrally with the top panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of an inflatable transfer mattress having a rotational positioning device formed integrally therewith, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the inflatable transfer mattress of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an inflatable wedge configured to be inserted within a wedge pocket defined by the inflatable transfer mattress of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side perspective view of the inflatable transfer mattress of  FIG. 1  having a plurality of inflatable wedges coupled thereto, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inflatable transfer mattress of  FIG. 4  taken along line A-A, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the inflatable transfer mattress of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of the inflatable transfer mattress of  FIG. 1  having a patient thereon, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of the inflatable transfer mattress of  FIG. 7  having a first inflatable wedge inflated to rotate a patient to a predetermined angle, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an inflation device having a first inflation hose and a second inflation hose, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an inflation device having a first inflation hose and a plurality of inflation nozzles, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a method of positioning and rotating a patient using the inflatable transfer mattress of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In this description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively coupled” is such an attachment, coupling, or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structure equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
       FIGS. 1-2  illustrate a top view of an inflatable transfer mattress  2  having a rotational positioning device  20  formed integrally therewith, in accordance with some embodiments. The inflatable transfer mattress  2  includes a top panel  6   a , a bottom panel  6   b , and a plurality of stringers  12  positioned between the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b . The inflatable transfer mattress  2  includes a proximal (or head) portion  10   a  and a distal (or foot) portion  10   b . The top panel  6   a  includes a head portion, a foot portion, and a peripheral edge. Likewise, the bottom panel  6   b  includes a head portion, a foot portion, and a peripheral edge, and is substantially similar in peripheral profile to top panel  6   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral edge of the top panel  6   a  is sealingly fastened to the peripheral edge of the bottom panel  6   b  to define an internal volume between the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b . The top panel  6   a  is coupled to the bottom panel  6   b  at a peripheral edge  8  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . In some embodiments, a perimeter band (not shown) is coupled between the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b . The perimeter band can include an elongate substantially rectangular strip, having a top edge and a bottom edge. In some embodiments, the perimeter  8  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2  is defined by a weld between the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b.    
     An inlet opening  14  is formed in a portion of the top panel  6   a  and/or the bottom panel  6   b . The inlet opening  14  is configured to receive an air supply hose  26  coupled to an inflation device (see  FIGS. 9-10 ) and transfer air flow from the inflation device to the internal volume defined between the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b . In some embodiments, the inlet opening  14  is a closeable opening that sealingly accepts the air supply hose  26 . The inlet opening  14  is sized and shaped so that the air supply hose  26  (or a nozzle  34  coupled thereto) may be inserted, with the inlet  14  being thereafter snapped shut or otherwise closed to hold the air supply hose  26  in place while inflatable transfer mattress  2  is being inflated. The inlet opening  14  may include a valve that is biased to be normally closed to prevent air from exiting the inlet  14  and opened when the air supply hose  26  is inserted into inlet opening  14 . Other arrangements known to those skilled in the art may be used to inflate inflatable transfer mattress  2 . In embodiments including a perimeter band, features identified as being formed on the top panel  6   a  and/or the bottom panel  6   b , such as, for example, the inlet opening  14 , may be located on the perimeter band. It will be recognized that any embodiment described herein may include a perimeter band and is within the scope of this disclosure and the claims. 
     The bottom panel  6   a  includes a plurality of holes  7  that are defined through the bottom panel&#39;s  6   a  thickness to allow air to escape in a controlled (e.g., predetermined) manner so as to allow inflatable transfer mattress  2  to be used as a transfer mattress. The air supplied to a transfer-capable embodiment of inflatable transfer mattress  2  (i.e., air transferred into the internal volume through inlet  14 ) escapes through the plurality of holes  7 , providing a weight-bearing cushion of air which functions as a lubricant to reduce friction and facilitate the sliding of inflatable transfer mattress  2  on a first surface  70   a , as well as, from a first surface  70   a  to a secondary transfer surface  70   b  (see  FIG. 7 ). The first surface  70   a  and/or the second surface  70   b  can include one or more of a bed, a stretcher, an operating table, an imaging table, and/or any other suitable surface. 
     The plurality of stringers  12  each comprise substantially rectangular sheets of nylon scrim or the like, and include a top edge  13   a  and a bottom edge  13   b . Stringers  12  may have differing or varying widths, depending upon their position within inflatable transfer mattress  2 . Each top edge  13   a  may be fastened longitudinally or transversely to a portion of the inner surface of top panel  6   a , and each bottom edge  13   b  may be fastened longitudinally or transversely to a portion of the inner surface of bottom panel  6   b . When stringers  12  are assembled in a transverse manner, they can have a narrow center section that causes at least top panel  6   a  to form a longitudinally oriented concave recess which helps to cradle a patient&#39;s legs when inflatable transfer mattress  2  is inflated with air. A similar concave recess is formed when stringers  12  are assembled in a longitudinal manner. 
     In some embodiments, the inflatable transfer mattress  2  includes one or more handles  44  configured to facilitate movement of the inflatable transfer mattress  2  from the first surface  70   a  to a second surface  70   b . Each of the handles  44  are positioned along a peripheral edge  8  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . The handles  44  can include any suitable woven and/or non-woven material coupled to the inflatable transfer mattress  2  and configured to sustain a predetermined force to allow sliding of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . In some embodiments, the handle  44  can be omitted and straps, eyelets, and/or other devices can be configured to allow handles or other transfer mechanism to be attached to and/or detached from the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . 
     In some embodiments, the inflatable transfer mattress  2  includes a rotational positioning device  20  coupled to and/or formed integrally therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational positioning device  20  includes a plurality of air flow paths  31   a ,  31   b  extending proximally from a distal end  10   b  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 , a plurality of ports  32   a - 32   f  formed in the top panel  6   a  and in fluid communication with one of the airflow paths  31   a ,  31   b , and a plurality of inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  (see  FIG. 4 ) configured to be releasably inserted and/or integrally formed within a plurality of wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  coupled to an outer surface of the top panel  6   a.    
       FIG. 3  illustrates an inflatable wedge  16  configured to be inserted into a selected one of the plurality of wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d , in accordance with some embodiments. The inflatable wedge  16  includes an inflatable bladder-like construction defined by a front, or angled, surface  33 , side surfaces  38   a ,  38   b , a rear, or straight, surface  40 , and a bottom surface  41 . Although embodiments are discussed herein having a wedge (or three-dimensional triangular) design, it will be appreciated that the inflatable wedge  16  can have any suitable shape, such as, for example, a cuboid shape, pillow shape, a circular shape, a cylindrical shape, etc. The surfaces  33 ,  38   a ,  38   b    40  define an internal pocket  42  configured to receive an air flow therein. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom surface  41  defines at least one opening  35   a ,  35   b  configured to be coupled to one of the air flow paths  31   a ,  31   b  defined in the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . For example, in some embodiments, each of the openings  35   a ,  35   b  are sized and configured to be coupled to a flexible and/or rigid tube  60   a ,  60   b  defining an air flow path  31   a ,  31   b . As another example, in some embodiments, the openings  35   a ,  35   b  may each include a tube (or other flow path) extending beyond the side surface  38   a ,  38   b  and configured to be inserted into ports  32   a - 32   f  formed in the top panel  6   a  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . As yet another example, in some embodiments, the openings  35   a ,  35   b  may be configured to align with ports  32   a - 32   f  formed in the top panel  6   a  of the inflatable mattress  2  such that air exiting the ports  32   a - 32   f  travels in a predetermined path into the openings  35   a ,  35   b . Airflow is transferred from a respective airflow path  31   a ,  31   b  to the inflatable wedge  16 . 
     The inflatable wedge  16  is configured to be transitioned from a deflated state (see inflatable wedges  16   c ,  16   d  at  FIG. 4 ) in which the inflatable wedge  16  is substantially flat to an inflated state (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) in which the front surface  33  defines a predetermined angle  46  with respect to the bottom surface  41 . The predetermined angle  46  can be any suitable angle, such as, for example, any angle in the range of 0-30°, 0-15°, 0-45°, and/or any other suitable range of angles. In some embodiments, the inflatable wedge  16  can be partially inflated to define a lesser angle than the predetermined angle  46 . For example, the inflatable wedge  16  can be inflated to define any angle in a range up to a maximum angle, such, as for example, any angle in the range of 0-30°, 0-15°, 0-45°, and/or any other suitable range of angles. 
       FIGS. 4-6  illustrate an embodiment of the inflatable transfer mattress  2  having a plurality of inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  coupled thereto, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the inflatable transfer mattress  2  includes a plurality of wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  coupled to and/or formed integrally with the top panel  6   a  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . Each of the plurality of wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  includes a first sidewall  52   a  and a second sidewall  52   b  coupled to a front wall  50  and to the top panel  6   a . Each of the wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  defines a shape complimentary to the shape of the inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   b  in an inflated state. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   b  have a wedge or triangular shape and the wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  include a complimentary triangular (or wedge) shape. Each of the wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  are configured to lay substantially flat when the inflatable wedges  16   c - 16   d  are in a deflated state. 
     In some embodiments, each of the wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  defines an internal cavity  48  sized and configured to receive an inflatable wedge  16   a - 16   b  therein. Although two inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   b  are shown in an inflated state in  FIG. 4 , it will be appreciated that the inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  are inserted in a deflated state and subsequently inflated as described in greater detail herein. The inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  are positioned within the wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  such that one or more ports  32   a - 32   f  formed through the top panel  6   a  and positioned within an inner cavity  48  are aligned with openings  35   a ,  35   b  formed through a bottom surface  41  of the inflatable wedge  16   a - 16   d . In some embodiments, a portion of each of the flow paths  31   a ,  31   b , such as a portion of a first tube  60   a  defining a portion of the first flow path  31   a , may be inserted into the openings  35   a ,  35   b . After being positioned within the wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d , each of the plurality of inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  form a portion of a respective flow path  31   a ,  31   b  such that air flow along the respective flow path  31   a ,  31   b  inflates a set of the plurality of wedges  16   a - 16   d  formed integrally with the selected airflow path  31   a ,  31   b.    
     In some embodiments, a second air supply hose  27  (see  FIG. 1 ) is coupled to a valve  4   a ,  4   b  formed integrally with the top panel  6   a . Each of the valves  4   a ,  4   b  couple the air supply hose  27  (or a nozzle  36  of the air supply hose  27 ) to an airflow path  31   a ,  31   b  defined within the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . In the illustrated embodiments, each of the airflow paths  31   a ,  31   b  are positioned between the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b . When airflow is provided from the air supply hose  27 , air flows on a selected airflow path  31   a  and inflates a set of the plurality of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  coupled to the selected air flow path  31   a  (see  FIG. 4 ). The set of inflated inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  defines a rotational angle  46  with respect to the top panel  6   a  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . As discussed in greater detail below, the inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  rotate a patient positioned on the inflatable transfer mattress  2  from an initial (or flat) position to a rotational position at the rotational angle  46 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  form an integral part of an air flow path  31   a ,  31   b . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, a first airflow path  31   a  is defined by a first tube  60   a  (or flow portion) extending from a valve  4   a  to a first port  32   a  formed in the top panel  6   a . The first port  32   a  is located within an internal cavity  48  defined by a first wedge pocket  30   a . As used herein, the term tube refers to any enclosed passageway that allows air flow, such as, for example, passageways defined by a portion of the top panel  6   a  and/or the bottom panel  6   b , passageways defined by material coupled to the top panel  6   a  and/or the bottom panel  6   b  (such as nylon and/or plastic tubes) and/or any other suitable passageway. In some embodiments, the airflow path  31  is positioned within and isolated from the internal cavity defined by the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b.    
     A first inflatable wedge  16   a  is positioned within the first wedge pocket  30   a  such that a first opening  35   a  formed in a bottom surface  41  of the first inflatable wedge  16   a  is in fluid communication with the first port  32   a  formed in the top panel  6   a . Air flow provided from the air supply hose  27  flows through the first tube  60   a  and into the first inflatable wedge  16   a . The first inflatable wedge  16   a  is inflated by the air flow from the first port  32   a.    
     A second opening  35   b  formed in the bottom surface  41  of the inflatable wedge  16   a  is aligned with a second port  32   b  formed in the top panel  6   a . The second port  32   b  is coupled to and/or defines a portion of a second tube  60   b  extending from the second port  32   b  to a third port  32   c . As air flows into the inflatable wedge  16   a , a portion of the air is forced out of the second opening  35   b  in the bottom surface  41  and into the second port  32   b  in the top panel  6   a . The first airflow path  31   a  extends through the second tube  60   b  to the third port  32   c.    
     In some embodiments, a second inflatable wedge  16   b  is positioned within the second wedge pocket  30   b  such that a first opening  35   a  formed in the bottom surface  41  of the second inflatable wedge  16   b  is in fluid communication with the third port  32   c  formed in the top panel  6   a . Air flow provided through the second tube  60   b  flows from the third port  32   c  into the internal volume  42  of the second inflatable wedge  16   b  and inflates the second inflatable wedge  16   b.    
     In some embodiments, the second inflatable wedge  16   b  includes a second opening  35   b  extending through a bottom surface  41  thereof. The second hole  41  abuts the top panel  6   a  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . In some embodiments, a downward pressure is applied to the second inflatable wedge  16   b , for example, by the wedge pocket  30   b , such that the second opening  35   b  is at least partially sealed by contact with the top panel  6   a . In some embodiments, the second inflatable wedge  16   b  includes only the first opening  35   a . In some embodiments, after the first and second inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  are inflated, a nominal or predetermined airflow is maintained within the airflow path  31  to prevent deflation of the inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  due to air leakage from the openings  35   a ,  35   b  formed in the inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b . Although embodiments are illustrated herein including inflation of a first set of the plurality of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b , it will be appreciated that inflation of additional sets of the plurality of inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  is substantially similar and similar description is not repeated herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the inflatable transfer mattress  2  is configured to facilitate transfer of a patient  3  between a first surface  70   a  and a second surface  70   b . An air supply hose  26  is coupled to an inlet  14  in fluid communication with the internal volume defined between the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b . Air flows from the internal volume through a plurality of holes  7  formed in the bottom panel  6   b  to provide lubrication during transfer and deflation after transfer. Each of the handles  44  are positioned along a peripheral edge  8  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . The handles  44  can include any suitable woven and/or non-woven material coupled to the inflatable transfer mattress  2  and configured to sustain a predetermined force to allow sliding of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . In some embodiments, the handles  44  can be omitted and straps, eyelets, and/or other devices can be configured to allow handles or other transfer mechanism to be attached to and/or detached from the inflatable transfer mattress  1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, a first set of the inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  are inflated to rotate the patient  3  from a flat (or supine) position to a rotated position with respect to the top panel  6   a . The inflatable wedges  16   a - 16   d  are positioned within respective wedge pockets  30   a - 30   d  in a deflated state prior to a patient  3  being positioned on the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . After positioning the patient  3  on the inflatable transfer mattress  2 , an air supply hose  27  is coupled to a first inlet  4   a  to provide airflow to a selected airflow path  31   a . The airflow inflates a set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  in fluid communication with the respective airflow path  31 . The selected set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  are inflated to rotate the patient  3  to a predetermined rotational angle  46 . The predetermined rotation angle  46  can include any suitable angle configured to alleviate pressure on one or more sections of the patient  3 , such as, for example, the sacrum. The airflow is maintained by the air supply hose  27  for a predetermined time period. When the air supply is turned off (or the air supply hose  27  is removed), the inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  deflate through openings  35   a ,  35   b  formed in a bottom surface  41  and/or through the airflow path  31 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate various embodiments of inflation devices  29   a ,  29   b  configured to be coupled to the inflatable transfer mattress  2  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-8 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, a first inflation device  29   a  includes a first air hose  26  having a first diameter and a second air hose  27  having a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The first air hose  26  includes a first nozzle  34  sized and configured to couple the first air hose  26  to an inlet  14  to provide air flow from the inflation device  29   a  to the internal volume defined by the top panel  6   a  and the bottom panel  6   b . Airflow from the first air hose  26  inflates the inflatable transfer mattress  2  and provides a lubricating cushion of air between the bottom surface  6   b  and a first surface  70   a  and a second surface  70   b  during transfer. 
     In some embodiments, the second air hose  27  includes a second nozzle  36  sized and configured to be coupled to at least one of the valves  4   a ,  4   b  to provide airflow to a selected airflow path  31 . Airflow from the second air hose  27  is configured to inflate one or more inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  in fluid communication with and/or defining a portion of the airflow path  31 . In some embodiments, the inflation device  29   a  includes a plurality of buttons  28   a ,  28   b  configured to selectively provide air flow to the first air hose  26  and/or the second air hose  27 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, a second inflation device  29   b  includes a single (or first) air hose  26 . The air hose  26  includes a plurality of interchangeable nozzles  34   a - 34   c . Each of the nozzles  34   a - 34   c  includes a different taper and/or terminal diameter such that each nozzle  34   a - 34   c  is sized and configured to couple the air hose  26  to one of the valves  4   a ,  4   b , or the inlet  14 . In some embodiments, second inflation device  29   b  includes a plurality of buttons  28   a ,  28   b  configured to provide variable flow rates through the air supply hose  26  depending on the selected nozzle  34   a - 34   c  and/or the selected inflation target (i.e., airflow path  31  and/or the internal volume between top panel  6   a  and bottom panel  6   b ). Although specific embodiments are illustrated, it will be appreciated that any suitable inflation device can be used to inflate the inflatable transfer mattress  2  and/or the plurality of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b , and are within the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a method of  100  of positioning and rotating a patient  3  using an inflatable transfer mattress  2 , in accordance with some embodiments. At step  102 , an inflatable transfer mattress  2  is positioned on a first surface  70   a . The inflatable transfer mattress  2  is positioned such that a bottom layer  6   b  defining a plurality of holes  7  is in contact with the first surface  70   a . The inflatable transfer mattress  2  includes a rotational positioning device  20  formed integrally therewith. The first surface  70   a  can include any suitable surface, such as a bed, gurney, surgery table, imaging table, etc. 
     At step  104 , a patient  3  is positioned on the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . At step  106 , the inflatable transfer mattress  2  is inflated by coupling a first air hose  26  of an inflation device  29   a ,  29   b  to an inlet  14  in fluid communication with an internal volume defined between the top layer  6   a  and the bottom layer  6   b  of the inflatable transfer mattress  2 . The air flow from the inflation device  29   a ,  29   b  is maintained during at least subsequent step  108  of the method  100 . 
     At step  108 , the inflatable transfer mattress  2  and the patient  3  are transferred from the first surface  70   a  to a second surface  70   b . The second surface  70   b  can include any suitable surface, such as a bed, gurney, surgery table, imaging table, etc. Air flows from the internal volume defined between the top layer  6   a  and the bottom layer  6   b  through the plurality of holes  7  formed in the bottom layer  6   b . The airflow through the plurality of holes  7  provides an air lubrication layer between the inflatable transfer mattress  2  and the first and second surfaces  70   a ,  70   b . In some embodiments, a transfer force is provided by one or more operators using the handles  44  to push and/or pull the inflatable transfer mattress  2  from the first surface  70   a  to the second surface  70   b    
     At step  110 , the air flow from the inflation device  29   a ,  29   b  is stopped and the inflatable transfer mattress  2  deflates. Deflation may occur due to airflow through the plurality of holes  7  and/or through a deflation valve (not shown). The rate of deflation caused by airflow through the plurality of holes  7  prevents injury to the patient  3  during deflation. 
     At step  112 , a second air supply hose  27  (and/or the first air supply hose  26  with a second nozzle  34   a - 34   c ) is coupled to a first valve  4   a  in fluid communication with a first airflow path  31 . The first airflow path  31   a  includes one or more tubes  60   a ,  60   b  and a first set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  in fluid communication. 
     At step  114 , airflow is provided from the second air supply hose  27  to the first airflow path  31  to inflate the first set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  on the airflow path  31 . The first set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  are inflated to define a predetermined angle  46  with respect to the top panel  6   a . Inflation of the first set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  rotates the patient  3  (or a first portion of the patient  3 ) to the predetermined rotation angle  46  defined by the first set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b . At step  116 , airflow from the inflation device  29   a ,  29   b  is stopped (or the second air supply hose  27  is removed) and the first set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b  are deflated. 
     At step  118 , the air supply hose  27  is coupled to a second valve  4   b  in signal communication with a second airflow path  31   b . The second airflow path  31   b  includes one or more tubes and a second set of inflatable wedges  16   c ,  16   d  in fluid communication. At step  120 , airflow is provided from the second air supply hose  27  to the second airflow path  31   b  to inflate the second set of inflatable wedges  16   c ,  16   d  on the airflow path  31   b . The second set of inflatable wedges  16   c ,  16   d  are inflated to define a predetermined angle  46  with respect to the top panel  6   a . Inflation of the second set of inflatable wedges  16   c ,  16   d  rotates the patient  3  (or a second portion of the patient  3 ) to the predetermined rotation angle  46  defined by the second set of inflatable wedges  16   c ,  16   d . In some embodiments, the predetermined angle  46  of the second set of inflatable wedges  16   c    16   d  is a mirror image (or opposite) the predetermined angle  46  defined by the first set of inflatable wedges  16   a ,  16   b . At step  122 , airflow from the inflation device  29   a ,  29   b  is stopped (or the second air supply hose  27  is removed) and the second set of inflatable wedges  16   c ,  16   d  are deflated. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art.