Patent Publication Number: US-8966689-B2

Title: Multi-zone fluid chamber and mattress system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The subject matter of this application is related to McGuire et al., U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/728,094, entitled “MULTI-ZONE AIR CHAMBER AND MATTRESS SYSTEM,” filed on Nov. 19, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Beds comprising mattresses formed from fluid-inflatable bladders, such as air-inflatable bladders, can allow a user to adjust the pressure in the bladders, which can adjust the perceived firmness of the mattress for the user to a level of individual comfort. In beds designed for two users, such as queen-sized or king-sized beds, each side of the bed can be provided with its own inflatable bladder or set of inflatable bladders and controls to allow each user to separately adjust their own side of the bed to their preferred individual comfort level. 
     Beds can also be designed to be movable or adjustable to positions other than a traditional flat, horizontal support surface. For example, the bed can include one or more articulable sections that can be raised and lowered, for example to adjust a position of the user&#39;s head and upper torso or to adjust a position of the user&#39;s legs, or both. Adjustable beds with fluid-inflatable mattresses can provide challenges in maintaining a user&#39;s preferred firmness level due to the interaction between the user and the inflatable bladders or between the inflatable bladders and the articulable sections, or both. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to a sleep system, and in particular a support surface assembly that can be used as part of a sleep system. The sleep system can allow users to select one or more positions of the bed by controlling adjustment of one or more articulable sections of the bed. The support surface assembly can comprise one or more configurations of a set of inflatable bladders that is configured to improve consistency and performance of the inflatable mattress during articulation of the one or more articulable sections, or during a user position change (e.g., the user changing position during sleep), or both. 
     The present disclosure describes a support surface assembly comprising a support surface and a multi-zone chamber including a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder, the first and second bladders forming the support surface, wherein the first bladder and the second bladder are substantially free to move with respect to one another. 
     The present disclosure also describes a support surface assembly comprising a support surface, a multi-zone chamber including a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder, the first and second bladders forming the support surface, and a flexible joint between the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder, the flexible joint comprises one or more releasable fasteners connecting the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder. 
     The present disclosure further describes a support surface assembly comprising a support surface, a multi-zone chamber including a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder, the first and second bladders forming the support surface, a fluid inlet tube connected to the first inflatable bladder, and a fluid communication conduit between the first and second inflatable bladders coupling the first and second inflatable bladders in series fluid communication. 
     The present disclosure also describes a support surface assembly comprising a support surface and a multi-zone chamber including an array of a plurality of inflatable bladders arranged in series from a head to a foot of the support surface, wherein the plurality of inflatable bladders form the support surface, and wherein each of the plurality of inflatable bladders has substantially the same dimensions. 
     These and other examples and features of the present systems and methods will be set forth in part in the following Detailed Description. This Summary is intended to provide an overview of the present subject matter, and is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation. The Detailed Description below is included to provide further information about the present systems and methods. 
     These and other examples and features of the present systems and methods will be set forth in part in the following Detailed Description. This Summary is intended to provide an overview of the present subject matter, and is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation. The Detailed Description below is included to provide further information about the present systems and methods. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example sleep system including an adjustable bed for two occupants. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example support surface assembly comprising a plurality of inflatable bladders that can be used in the example sleep system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the example support surface assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view taken along the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a conceptual perspective view of a first example of a support surface assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a conceptual perspective view of a second example of a support surface assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a flexible joint including a releaseable mechanical connection between a pair of inflatable bladders. 
         FIG. 8  is a conceptual perspective view of a third example of a support surface assembly. 
         FIG. 9  shows a close-up cross-sectional view of an integral conduit between the inflatable bladders of the third example support surface assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a conceptual perspective view of a fourth example of a support surface assembly. 
         FIG. 11  is a conceptual perspective view of a fifth example of a support surface assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is a conceptual perspective view of a sixth example of a support surface assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is a conceptual perspective view of a seventh example of a support surface assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a conceptual perspective view of an eighth example of a support surface assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a conceptual perspective view of a ninth example of a support surface assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure describes a sleep system including an adjustable bed. This disclosure also describes a support surface assembly that can be used in an adjustable bed. The support surface assembly can comprise one or more configurations of a set of inflatable bladders configured to improve consistency and performance of the inflatable mattress during articulation of the one or more articulable sections, or during a user position change (e.g., the user changing position during sleep), or both. For example, the inflatable bladder configuration can minimize a change in pressure within the inflatable bladders, and thus a change in firmness experienced by the user, when an articulable section of the bed is moved from one position to another. The inflatable bladder configuration can also avoid other inconsistencies, such as sagging of an inflatable bladder or involuntary shifting of a user to a side of their respective sleep area (sometimes referred to as “roll to the middle”) when the mattress is at a low pressure. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an example sleep system  10 . The sleep system  10  can include a bed  12  that is configured and intended to be used by one or more occupants. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the bed  12  is designed to be used be two occupants, a first occupant  14  and a second occupant  16 . In such a configuration, the bed  12  can include one or more mattresses  18 A,  18 B (collectively referred to as “mattress  18 ” or “mattresses  18 ”) supported by a frame  19 . The occupants  14 ,  16  can be supported by the one or more mattresses  18 . The bed  12  can include a first sleep area  20  for the first occupant  14  and a second sleep area  22  for the second occupant  16 . In the case of a bed designed for a single occupant, a single mattress can be used. The one or more mattresses  18  can comprise a pair of mattresses  18 A,  18 B, with a first mattress  18 A making up the first sleep area  20  and a second mattress  18 B making up the second sleep area  22 . 
     Each of the sleep areas  20 ,  22  can be movable or articulable between a plurality of positions to provide the occupants  14 ,  16  with the ability to select a preferred position for comfort of for a particular purpose. Each sleep area  20 ,  22  can include one or more articulable sections. In an example, the first sleep area  20  can include a first head section  24  that can be raised and lowered to adjust a position of the head or upper torso, or both, of the first occupant  14  and a first leg section  26  that can be raised and lowered to adjust a position of the legs or lower torso, or both, of the first occupant  14 . Similarly, the second sleep area  22  can include a second head section  28  that can be raised and lowered to adjust a position of the head or upper torso, or both, of the second occupant  16  and a second leg section  30  that can be raised and lowered to adjust a position of the legs or lower torso, or both, of the second occupant  16 . 
     Each articulable section  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  can include a joint at one end that allows for pivoting movement of the articulable section  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  relative to other portions of the bed  12 . For example, the first head section  24  can include a pivoting joint  25  that allows for pivoting articulation of the first head section  24 . Similarly, the first leg section  26  can include a pivoting joint  27 , the second head section  28  can include a pivoting joint  29 , and the second leg section  30  can include a pivoting joint  31 . 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 1 , the first sleep area  20  is in a first configuration while the second sleep area  22  is in a second configuration. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first sleep area  20  is in a flat configuration with the first head section  24  and the first leg section  26  being in a horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation, and the second sleep area  22  includes at least one articulable section  28 ,  30  in an articulated position relative to the other section. The example configuration of the second sleep area  22  in  FIG. 1  includes the second head section  28  being elevated relative to the horizontal position. 
     The sleep system  10  can also include a pair of user controlling devices  32 ,  34  to allow each occupant  14 ,  16  to control the articulation of his or her respective sleep area  20 ,  22 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sleep system  10  can include a first user controlling device  32 , e.g., a first handheld remote control  32 , that has been programmed to control operation of the first sleep area  20 , and a second user control device  34 , e.g., a second handheld remote control  34 , that has been programmed to control operation of the second sleep area  22 . The first occupant  14  can use the first remote control  32  to control operation of the first sleep area  20 , upon which the first occupant  14  is sleeping, and the second occupant  16  can use the second remote control  34  to control operation of the second sleep area  22  upon which the second occupant  16  is sleeping. 
     The sleep system  10  can further include an articulation system  40  for controlling articulation of the articulable sections  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 . The articulation system  40  can include a set of articulating motors, with each articulable section being articulated by one or more of the motors. For example, a first head motor  42  can be configured to articulate the first head section  24  of the first sleep area  20 . A first leg motor  44  can be configured to articulate the first leg section  26  of the first sleep area  20 . A second head motor  46  can be configured to articulate the second head section  28  of the second sleep area  22 . And, a second leg motor  48  can be configured to articulate the second leg section  30  of the second sleep area  22 . Examples of motors that can be used for the articulating motors  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  include, but are not limited to, bed articulating motors manufactured by Leggett &amp; Platt, Inc., Carthage, Mo., USA. 
     The articulation system  40  can also include one or more controllers, such as a control box that includes the electronics and hardware for providing instructions to the articulating motors  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 .  FIG. 1  shows the articulation system  40  including a single, common controller  50  that is configured to control each of the sleep areas  20 ,  22 , e.g., each of the articulating motors  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 . The articulation system  40  can also include more than a single common controller. For example, each sleep area  20 ,  22  can have its own controller, such as a first controller corresponding to the first sleep area  20  and configured to control the articulating motors  42  and  44  and a second controller corresponding to the second sleep area  22  and configured to control the articulating motors  46  and  48 . 
     Each remote control  32 ,  34  can be in communication with the one or more controllers  50 , such as via a wireless communication link  52 ,  54 . The remote controls  32 ,  34  can send movement control signals to the controller  50  via the communication links  52 ,  54 . A “movement control signal,” as used herein, can refer to a signal or plurality of signals sent from a remote control  32 ,  34  to the controller  50  corresponding to a particular movement or position of one or more of the articulable sections  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 . A movement control signal can include one or more instructions for the direction of movement of a particular articulable section  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , e.g., the direction of movement of a corresponding articulating motor  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , a speed for the movement of a particular articulable section  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  or of a particular articulating motor  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , or an overall position of the corresponding sleep area  20 ,  22  being controlled by the remote control  32 ,  34 , such as a preset position. 
     The controller  50  can send one or more motor control signals to the articulating motors  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  corresponding to a desired motion of the articulating motors  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 . A “motor control signal,” as used herein, can refer to a signal or plurality of signals sent from a controller, such as the controller  50 , to one or more articulating motors  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  corresponding to a particular movement or position of one or more articulable sections  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 . A motor control signal or signals can comprise an instruction for one or both of the direction that the articulating motor  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  should articulate and the speed that the articulating motor  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  should travel. In an example, a plurality of communication cables  56  can carry the motor control signals from the controller  50  to the articulating motors  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , e.g., with each cable  56  corresponding to a particular motor  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 . 
     Examples of adjustable beds that are similar to the articulable sleep areas described in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, Sleep Number Split King or Split Queen beds, sold by Select Comfort Corp., Minneapolis, Minn., or the Queen Split, California King Split, or Eastern King Split mattresses sold by Comfortaire Corp., Greenville, S.C. Other sizes of split-type articulating mattress, other than queen and king size mattresses, can be used without varying from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Although  FIG. 1  is shown and described as including one or more articulable sleep areas, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the articulable sleep areas  20 ,  22  of  FIG. 1  are merely meant to be a non-limited example. Rather, the sleep systems of the present disclosure can also include non-articulating, or standard type sleep areas. 
       FIGS. 2-4  show an example support surface assembly  60  that can be used in the example sleep system  10  of  FIG. 1 . For example, the support surface assembly  60  can form a part of either of the mattresses  18 A,  18 B of the bed  12 . In an example, each sleep area  20 ,  22  can comprise a separate support surface assembly  60 , and the pair of support surface assemblies  60  can be joined together to form a substantially uniform and substantially continuous support surface. An example of structures and methods for joining a pair of support surface assemblies  60  in a side-by-side arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,865,988, issued on Jan. 11, 2011, assigned to the assignee of this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety 
     The support surface assembly  60  can comprise a plurality of inflatable bladders  62 A,  62 B,  62 C (collectively “inflatable bladder  62 ” or “inflatable bladders  62 ”), such as one or more fluid-inflatable bladders  62 , for example one or more air-inflatable bladders  62 . The inflatable bladders  62  can be arranged in a manner to form a support surface  64 . The support surface  64  can be a sleep surface upon which an occupant  14 ,  16  can be supported, or the support surface  64  can support For example, a top surface  66 A of a first inflatable bladder  62 A, a top surface  66 B of a second inflatable bladder  62 B, and a top surface  66 C of a third inflatable bladder  62 C can be arranged in an end-to-end manner so as to form a continuous or substantially continuous support surface  64 . In the example of  FIGS. 2-4 , the support surface assembly  60  includes three inflatable bladders  62 A,  62 B,  62 C. However, the support surface assembly  60  can include fewer or more inflatable bladders  62 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a support surface assembly can include two inflatable bladders, or, as shown in  FIG. 15 , can include as many as six or more inflatable bladders. 
     Each inflatable bladder  62  can comprise a generally rectangular prism shape defined by a top wall  68 A,  68 B,  68 C (collectively “top wall  68 ” or “top walls  68 ”), a bottom wall  70 A,  70 B,  70 C (collectively “bottom wall  70 ” or “bottom walls  70 ”), side wall  72 A,  72 B,  72 C (collectively “side wall  72 ” or “side walls  72 ”) and side wall  74 A,  74 B,  74 C (collectively “side wall  74 ” or “side walls  74 ”), and end wall  76 A,  76 B,  76 C (collectively “end wall  76 ” or “end walls  76 ”) and end wall  78 A,  78 B,  78 C (collectively “end wall  78 ” or “end walls  78 ”). The inflatable bladders  62  can have substantially the same dimensions or can have different dimensions depending on the desired effect for the occupant  14 ,  16  lying on the support surface assembly  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the inflatable bladders  62  can be arranged in a series end-to-end arrangement, e.g., with the second end wall  78 A of the first inflatable bladder  62 A being adjacent to the first end wall  76 A of the second inflatable bladder  62 B, and the second end wall  78 B of the second inflatable bladder  62 B being adjacent to the first end wall  76 C of the third inflatable bladder  62 C. In this way, the inflatable bladder  62  can be arranged in a head-to-toe fashion, e.g., with the first inflatable bladder  62 A being adjacent to a head and upper torso of an occupant  14 ,  16 , the second inflatable bladder  62 B being adjacent to the trunk or lumbar area of an occupant  14 ,  16 , and the third inflatable bladder  62 C being adjacent to the legs of the occupant  14 ,  16 . 
     Each inflatable bladder  62  can include one or more baffles  80  within the cavity of the inflatable bladder  62 . Each baffle  80  can provide for structural support of the inflatable bladder  62  in which it is located. Each baffle  80  can also provide for a desired distribution of fluid within the inflatable bladder  62 . As shown best in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4 , each baffle  80  can extend generally vertically between a corresponding top wall  68  and a corresponding bottom wall  70 . 
     Each inflatable bladder  62  can include a plurality of baffles  80  generally equally spaced through the inflatable bladder  62 . The example inflatable bladders  62  shown in  FIG. 4  each include five baffles  80  generally equally longitudinally spaced (e.g., spaced in the direction of arrows  82  in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the support surface assembly  60  is configured so that each baffle  80  is arranged in a generally horizontal direction relative to the occupant  14 ,  16 , e.g., in a generally lateral direction as demonstrated by the arrows  84  in  FIG. 3 . In an example, each inflatable bladder  62  can include only generally horizontal or lateral baffles  80 , e.g., with substantially no longitudinal baffles. In such an example, the only generally longitudinally extending support members in each inflatable bladder  62  are the side walls  72 ,  74 , while each inflatable bladder  62  includes more laterally extending support members in the form of the end walls  76 ,  78  and the only laterally-extending baffles  80 . Having only laterally-extending baffles  80 , versus both laterally-extending and longitudinally-extending baffles, can have advantages, such as improved support, a more stable or more even support surface for various occupant positions, such as when an occupant lies close to the edge of the bed or close to the middle of the bed (the edge of an inflatable bladder  62 ). This benefit can be observed in both articulable and non-articulable sleep systems, including when the sleep surface is flat or substantially flat. In another example, each inflatable bladder  62  can have its primary support provided by horizontal or laterally extending baffles  80 , but can also include one or more longitudinal baffles  81  located proximate to a side wall  72 ,  72 , e.g., at a distance from the side wall  72 ,  74  of within about 20% of the width of the inflatable bladder  62 . 
     In an example, a thickness of each inflatable bladder  62 , and any baffles between or adjacent to the inflatable bladders  62 , can be from about 2.5 centimeters (cm) (about 1 inch) to about 25 cm (about 10 inches). The walls  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and baffles  80  of the inflatable bladders  62  can comprise any material that can be useful for an inflatable application, particularly with respect to fluid-inflatable bladders for sleep systems. Examples of materials that can be used for the inflatable bladders  62  include, but are not limited to, cotton rubber materials, nylon, polyvinylchloride, polyester, polyurethane, rayon vinyl, and combinations thereof. 
       FIGS. 5-15  show various examples of different features and configurations of support surface assemblies that can be used, for example, in the sleep system of  FIG. 1 . Each example support surface assembly includes two or more inflatable bladders, and each inflatable bladder in the examples of  FIGS. 5-15  can include features of the inflatable bladders  62  described above with respect to the support surface assembly  60  in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a conceptual perspective view of a first example support surface assembly  100 . The example support surface assembly  100  includes two inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B having different sizes. A first inflatable bladder  102 A can be positioned generally at a head end of the support surface assembly  100  such that the first inflatable bladder  102 A can support the head and upper torso of an occupant. The first inflatable bladder  102 A is, therefore, referred to herein as a “head bladder  102 A.” The second inflatable bladder  102 B can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the head bladder  102 A, e.g., at a foot end of the support surface assembly  100  such that the second inflatable bladder  102 B can support the feet, legs, and lumbar region of an occupant. The second inflatable bladder  102 B is, therefore, referred to herein as a “foot bladder  102 B.” 
     The head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B can be sized for a desired effect. In an example, the head bladder  102 A can be sized so that at certain pressures, such as low pressures within the bladder  102 A, the shifting of an occupant during sleep, or the shifting of the bladder  102 A during articulation, will not substantially affect the overall pressure in the head bladder  102 A. One factor that can determine the effect of shifting or articulation is the overall volume of the head bladder  102 A, which can be changed by changing the overall length of the head bladder  102 A. 
     In an example, the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B are sized so that the space between the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B, referred to herein as a break  104 , is positioned adjacent to a joint between articulable sections of a bed frame, such as, for example, the joint  25  of the first head section  24  or the joint  29  of the second head section  28  on the bed  12  of  FIG. 1 . In an example, the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B can be sized so that the break  104  is substantially aligned directly with the corresponding joint  25 ,  29 . 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 5 , the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B can be completely separate inflatable bladders such that the adjacent bladders  102 A,  102 B are substantially free to move with respect to one another, for example substantial freedom to move in one or more of a longitudinal direction, in a lateral direction, and in a vertical direction. The substantially free movement of the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B can allow for better positioning of the bladders  102 A,  102 B with respect to each other during movement of the bed or the occupant. The more free movement can provide for advantages such as better alignment of the occupants spine during sleep, particularly when the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B are inflated to higher pressures. The substantially free movement can also provide a more stable support surface, such as by dampening wave-like movement of the support surface assembly  100 . The substantially free movement can also provide for more cost-effective replacement or easier replacement of inflatable bladders  102 , or both. The substantially free inflatable bladders  102  can also have better aesthetics, e.g., can be more visually appealing. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B are discontinuous bladders  102 A,  102 B that are not connected together by a fastener or other fastening structure. However, the bladders  102 A,  102 B can, in theory, be connected by some kind of structure that is sufficiently long so that the structure does not substantially interfere with free movement of the head bladder  102 A with respect to the foot bladder  102 B, and vice versa. In such an arrangement, the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B can still be considered substantially free to move with respect to one another. In addition, the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B can be encased in a cover, such as a cloth mattress cover (not shown) that can provide some restriction to the movement of the bladders  102 A,  102 B but does not substantially interfere with the free relative movement described above. 
     The bladders  102 A,  102 B can be inflatable and deflatable in order to control the pressure within the bladders  102 A,  102 B, and thus to control the perceived firmness of the support surface assembly  100  as experienced by an occupant. In the case of fluid-inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B, a fluid inlet hose  106  can be connected to one of the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B. The fluid inlet hose  106  can be connected to an fluid filling source (not shown), such as an air pump for air inflatable bladders, that feeds pressurized fluid into the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B in order to inflate the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B and to provide the desired pressure, and therefore the desired firmness, for the occupant. 
     In an example, a valve  108  can be positioned either within the fluid inlet hose  106  or at a connection point for the fluid inlet hose  106  in order to control the flow of fluid through the fluid inlet hose  106  and into the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B. A corresponding bladder inlet valve  110  can be included on the head bladder  102 A to prevent fluid from escaping the head bladder  102 A if the fluid inlet hose  106  is disconnected from the head bladder  102 A. In another example, the fluid inlet hose  106  can be coupled directly to the inflatable bladder  102 . 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 5 , the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B are connected together in a series fluid communication arrangement. The term “series fluid communication,” as used herein, can refer to a plurality of fluid bladders, wherein only one of the plurality of fluid bladders are connected to an fluid filing source, such as an air pump for air-inflatable bladders, and each subsequent fluid bladder is connected to the previous fluid bladder with a connecting conduit, e.g., so that the fluid filling source for each subsequent fluid bladder is via the connecting conduit rather than a direct connection to the fluid filling source. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , only the head bladder  102 A is connected to a fluid filling source via the fluid inlet hose  106  and the foot bladder  102 B is connected to the head bladder  102 A via a connecting hose  112  that runs from the head bladder  102 A across the break  104  to the foot bladder  102 B. The only source of fluid into the foot bladder  102 B is fluid from the head bladder  102 A through the connecting hose  112 . 
     The connecting hose  112  can include a first valve  114 A on the head-bladder side of the connecting hose  112  and a second valve  114 B on the foot-bladder side of the connecting hose  112 . Each inflatable bladder  102 A,  102 B can include a corresponding bladder valve, such as a head-bladder outlet valve  116  and a foot-bladder inlet valve  118 , which can be included to prevent fluid from escaping from the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B when the connecting hose  112  is disconnected. In another example, the connecting hose  112  can be coupled directly to the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B. 
     The series fluid connection between the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B can provide a simpler design over parallel fluid connections, e.g., where the fluid filling source is connected directly to two or more of the fluid bladders, such as is shown in the examples of  FIGS. 10 ,  12 ,  13 , and  15 . Specifically, the occupant will only need to select a single pressure setting or firmness setting because the fluid filling source, e.g., an air pump for air-inflatable bladders, is only connected to the support surface assembly  100  at one point, to the head bladder  102 A via the fluid inlet hose  106 . The distribution of fluid between the head bladder  102 A and the foot bladder  102 B will occur naturally due to pressure differences between the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B as the inflatable bladders  102 A,  102 B are distorted by the occupant shifting position, such as when an occupant changes position during sleep (e.g., changes from side to back or from back to stomach, or vice versa) or when an occupant sits up on the bed, or articulation of the bed, or both. The series airflow connection can also allow the bed to auto-adjust to compensate for occupant shifting position, such as changing from a back position to a side position, without need to manual change the pressure setting. 
       FIG. 6  shows a conceptual perspective view of a second example support surface assembly  120 . Like the example support surface assembly  100  of  FIG. 5 , the example support surface assembly  120  of  FIG. 6  includes two inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B having different sizes. The first inflatable bladder  122 A can be positioned generally at a head end of the support surface assembly  120  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “head bladder  122 A.” The second inflatable bladder  122 B can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the head bladder  122 A, e.g., at a foot end of the support surface assembly  120  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “foot bladder  122 B.” 
     The primary difference between the support surface assembly  100  of  FIG. 5  and the support surface assembly  130  of  FIG. 6  is that the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B in  FIG. 6  are connected together at a flexible joint  124  located at a break  126  between the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B. In an example, the flexible joint  124  can be formed by a common sheet of material that spans across both the head bladder  122 A and the foot bladder  122 B. The flexible joint  124  can be on the top of the support surface assembly  120 , e.g., so that the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B can pivot generally upward at the flexible joint  124 , or the flexible joint  124  can be on the bottom of the support surface assembly  120 , e.g., so that the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B can pivot generally downward at the flexible joint  124 . The location of the flexible joint  124  can be selected to be on the top or on the bottom of the support surface assembly  120  depending on the desired ease of pivoting in a particular direction. For example, if the flexible joint  124  is to be located over an articulable joint in an articulable sleep system that articulates upward, such as the head section joints  25 ,  29  in the sleep system  10  of  FIG. 1 , than the flexible joint  124  can be located on the top of the support surface assembly  120 , e.g., to better permit one of the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B to pivot upward relative to the other. Similarly, if the flexible joint  124  is to be located over an articulable joint that articulates downward, such as leg section joints  27 ,  31  in the sleep system  10  of  FIG. 1 , then the flexible joint  124  can be located on the bottom of the support surface assembly  120 , e.g., to better permit one of the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B to pivot downward relative to the other. 
     The flexible joint  124  can limit the motion of the head bladder  122 A with respect to the foot bladder  122 B to a certain extent so that the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B are not substantially free to move with respect to one another, e.g., because the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B cannot substantially move longitudinally or laterally with respect to one another, but are free to pivot with respect to one another. 
     In an example, the flexible joint  124  can be formed in a support surface  127  that is formed by the support surface assembly  120 . For example, the top walls (similar to the top walls  68  of the inflatable bladders  62  in  FIGS. 2-4 ) of the head bladder  122 A and the foot bladder  122 B can both be formed by a continuous sheet of material that spans across the entire length of the support surface assembly  120 . Alternatively, the continuous sheet of material can be coupled with the top wall of the head bladder  122 A and the top wall of the foot bladder  122 B. Such a continuous sheet of material can also be laid across the bottom walls of the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B to form the flexible joint  124  on a bottom side, rather than the top side of the support surface assembly  120 . 
     In an example, the flexible joint  124  can include one or more releasable fasteners  128  that can allow the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B to be disconnected and separated from one another if needed. For example, the releasable fastener  128  can comprise a zipper between the head bladder  122 A and the foot bladder  122 B.  FIG. 7  shows a close-up view of an example zipper  130  that can be used to connect the head bladder  122 A to the foot bladder  122 B. The head bladder  122 A can include a tongue  132 A of material that extends from the head bladder  122 A, for example as an extension of the top wall  134 A of the head bladder  122 A. The foot bladder  122 B can include a corresponding tongue  132 B of material that extends from foot bladder  122 B, for example as an extension of the top wall  134 B of the foot bladder  122 B. A corresponding side of tape  136 A,  136 B of the zipper  130  can be coupled to each tongue  132 A,  132 B. A corresponding set of zipper teeth  138 A,  138 B are coupled to each side of the tape  136 A,  136 B, and the zipper teeth  138 A,  138 B can be coupled together by the slider  140  being pushed or pulled along the zipper  130 . Releasable fasteners  128  other than a zipper can be used, such as releasable clips, releasable clamps, or releasable hooks and eyelets. 
     One or more releasable fasteners  128  coupling the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B can allow a damaged inflatable bladder to be uncoupled from an undamaged inflatable bladder to replace the damaged inflatable bladder without having to replace the entire support surface assembly, e.g., without having to replace the undamaged inflatable bladder. For example, if during use, the foot bladder  122 B becomes damaged, such as by being punctured or developing a leak, while the head bladder  122 A remains undamaged. The one or more releasable fasteners  128  can then be disengaged to uncouple the damaged foot bladder  122 B from the undamaged head bladder  122 A. The damaged foot bladder  122 B can then be removed without having to replace the undamaged head bladder  122 A. A replacement foot bladder  122 B can then be coupled to the undamaged head bladder  122 A with the one or more releasable fasteners  128 . 
     The example support surface assembly  120  of  FIG. 6  is otherwise substantially the same as the example support surface assembly  100  of  FIG. 5 . For example, the support surface assembly  120  also only comprises two inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B with a head bladder  122 A that is sized to be shorter in a longitudinal direction than the foot bladder  122 B. The support surface assembly  120  is connected to a fluid filling source, such as an air pump for air inflatable bladders, via a fluid inlet tube  142 . The inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B are connected in a series fluid connection with a connecting hose  144 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a conceptual perspective view of a third example support surface assembly  150 . The example support surface assembly  150  is substantially similar to the example support surface assembly  120  of  FIG. 6 . Like the example support surface assembly  120  of  FIG. 6 , the example support surface assembly  150  of  FIG. 8  includes two inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B having different sizes. The first inflatable bladder  152 A can be positioned generally at a head end of the support surface assembly  150  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “head bladder  152 A.” The second inflatable bladder  152 B can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the head bladder  152 A, e.g., at a foot end of the support surface assembly  150  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “foot bladder  152 B.” 
     Also like the example support surface assembly  120  of  FIG. 6 , the example support surface assembly  150  can include a series fluid communication between the head bladder  152 A and the foot bladder  152 B, e.g., where only one of the inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B is directly connected to an fluid filling source (such as the head bladder  152 A being connected to an fluid inlet hose  154 ) and the two inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B are connected together with a conduit that can allow fluid to flow between the inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 8 , the series fluid communication comprises an integral conduit  156  formed between the head bladder  152 A and the foot bladder  152 B in place of the connecting hose  112 ,  144  used in the support surface assemblies  100 ,  120  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The integral conduit  156  can be formed as a passageway through a block of material that is integral with one or more walls of each of the inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B. For example, the integral conduit  156  and one or more walls of each the inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B can be molded or otherwise formed at the same time to form a single, integral piece. Alternatively, the integral conduit  156  can be formed separate from the inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B, and can be aligned with corresponding openings in the inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B and then coupled to the inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B, such as via welding or with a sealing adhesive. 
       FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of the integral conduit  156  and its connection with the inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the integral conduit  156  can comprise one or more outer walls  158  surrounding a plenum  160 . The integral conduit  156  can be coupled to an end wall  162 A of the head bladder  152 A and an end wall  162 B of the foot bladder  152 B such that the plenum  160  is substantially aligned with a hole  164 A in the head bladder end wall  162 A and a hole  164 B in the foot bladder end wall  152 B. The integral conduit  156  can also be adjacent to, and in some examples coupled to, a flexible joint  166  at the break  168  between the head bladder  152 A and the foot bladder  152 B. For example, if the flexible joint  166  comprises a cloth or plastic sheet of material that spans the break  168 , the integral conduit  156  can be coupled to a bottom surface of the flexible joint  166 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a conceptual perspective view of a fourth example support surface assembly  170 . The example support surface assembly  170  is substantially similar to the example support surface assembly  100  of  FIG. 5 . Like the example support surface assembly  100 , the example support surface assembly  170  of  FIG. 10  includes two inflatable bladders  172 A,  172 B having different sizes. The first inflatable bladder  172 A can be positioned generally at a head end of the support surface assembly  170  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “head bladder  172 A.” The second inflatable bladder  172 B can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the head bladder  172 A, e.g., at a foot end of the support surface assembly  170  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “foot bladder  172 B.” 
     The primary different between the example support surface assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 5  and the support surface assembly  170  of  FIG. 10  is that the support surface assembly  170  comprises a parallel fluid communication to the inflatable bladders  172 A,  172 B rather than the series fluid communication shown in  FIG. 5 . The term “parallel fluid communication,” as used herein, can refer to at least two inflatable bladders being directly connected to an fluid filling source, rather than a single fluid bladder being directly connected to the fluid filling source and subsequent inflatable bladders being connected to an adjacent inflatable bladder for its fluid filling source. For example, in the support surface assembly  170  of  FIG. 10 , both the head bladder  172 A and the foot bladder  172 B are connected to fluid inlet hoses  174 A,  174 B. The two fluid inlet hoses  174 A,  174 B can be connected to a fluid filling source, such as an air pump for air-inflatable bladders. 
     Each separate fluid inlet hose  174 A,  174 B can also be controlled separately in order to provide for independent control of the pressure, and thus the perceived firmness, of each inflatable bladder  172 A,  172 B. In an example, rather than providing for individual control of all the inflatable bladders  172 A,  172 B, the occupant can be allowed to set a pressure or perceived firmness of one of the inflatable bladders  172 , such as the head bladder  172 A, which in turn would set the pressure being applied by the filling source through the first inlet hose  174 A. The system can then be configured to automatically set the pressure or perceived firmness in the foot bladder  172 B to a preset pressure or perceived firmness relative to the selected pressure or firmness of the head bladder  172 A. The system could be configured in reverse as well, with the occupant selecting the pressure or perceived firmness in the foot bladder  172 B and the system automatically setting the pressure in the head bladder  172 A based on the selected pressure or perceived firmness for the foot bladder  172 B. 
     Each fluid inlet hose  174 A,  174 B can include a corresponding valve  176 A,  176 B to control or shut off fluid flow through the fluid inlet hoses  174 A,  174 B, and each inflatable bladder  172 A,  172 B can also include a corresponding bladder inlet valve  178 A,  178 B to prevent fluid from escaping an inflatable bladder  172 A,  172 B if a corresponding fluid inlet hose  174 A,  174 B is disconnected from the inflatable bladder  172 A,  172 B. 
     Like the support surface assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 5 , the example support surface assembly  170  of  FIG. 10  includes inflatable bladders  172 A,  172 B that are substantially free to move with respect to one another, e.g., that are separate, discontinuous bladders  172 A,  172 B similar to bladders  102 A,  102 B as described above with respect to  FIG. 5 . However, the inflatable bladders  172 A,  172 B can be configured similar to the inflatable bladders  122 A,  122 B of the support surface assembly  120  of  FIG. 6 , e.g., with a flexible joint between the inflatable bladders  172 A,  172 B and with the flexibly joined inflatable bladders  172 A,  172 B having a parallel fluid communication arrangement. 
       FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  8 , and  10  each show various combinations of features that can be included in a support surface assembly having two inflatable bladders. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown or described with respect to these figures. Rather, a person of ordinary skill in the art can pick and choose the appropriate combination of features that will best achieve a desired result. For example, a person of ordinary skill can choose between discontinuous or otherwise substantially free to move inflatable bladders (as in  FIGS. 5 and 10 ) and inflatable bladders joined by flexible joints (as in  FIGS. 6 and 8 ) and can choose between a series fluid connection (as in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  8 ) or a parallel fluid connection (as in  FIG. 10 ). 
       FIG. 11  shows a conceptual perspective view of a fifth example support surface assembly  180 . The example support surface assembly  180  includes three inflatable bladders  182 A,  182 B,  182 C, rather than the two inflatable bladders shown in the example support surface assemblies  100 ,  120 ,  150 , and  170  of FIGS.  5 - 10 . A first inflatable bladder  182 A can be positioned generally at a head end of the support surface assembly  180  such that the first inflatable bladder  182 A can support the head and upper torso of an occupant. The first inflatable bladder  182 A is, therefore, referred to herein as a “head bladder  182 A.” The second inflatable bladder  182 B can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the head bladder  182 A and the third inflatable bladder  182 C and can be sized so that the second inflatable bladder  182 B can support the lumbar region, trunk/waist, and upper legs of an occupant. The second inflatable bladder  182 B is, therefore, referred to herein as a “lumbar bladder  182 B.” The third inflatable bladder  182 C can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the lumbar bladder  182 B so that the third inflatable bladder can support the lower legs and feet of an occupant. The third inflatable bladder  182 C is, therefore, referred to herein as a “foot bladder  182 C.” 
     The head bladder  182 A, lumbar bladder  182 B, and the foot bladder  182 C can be sized for a desired effect. In an example, the head bladder  182 A can be sized so that at certain pressures, such as low pressures within the bladder  102 A, the shifting of an occupant during sleep, or the shifting of the bladder  182 A during articulation, will not substantially affect the overall pressure in the head bladder  182 A. One factor that can determine the effect of shifting or articulation is the overall volume of the head bladder  182 A, which can be changed by changing the overall length of the head bladder  182 A. 
     In an example, the head bladder  182 A, the lumbar bladder  182 B, and the foot bladder  182 C can be sized so that a break  184  between the head bladder  182 A and the lumbar bladder  182 B is positioned adjacent to a joint between articulable sections of a bed frame, such as, for example, the joint  25  of the first head section  24  or the joint  29  of the second head section  28  on the bed  12  of  FIG. 1 . Similarly, the head bladder  182 A, the lumbar bladder  182 B, and the foot bladder  182 C can be sized so that a break  186  between the lumbar bladder  182 B and the foot bladder  182 C is positioned adjacent to a joint between articulable sections of a bed frame, such as, for example, the joint  27  of the first leg section  26  or the joint  31  of the second leg section  30  on the bed  12  of  FIG. 1 . In an example, the head bladder  182 A, the foot bladder  182 B, and the foot bladder  182 C can be sized so that the break  104  is substantially aligned directly with the corresponding joint  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 . 
     Other than the number of inflatable bladders  182 A,  182 B,  182 C, the support surface assembly  180  is similar to the support surface assembly  120  described above with respect to  FIG. 6 . Specifically, the support surface assembly  180  comprises a series fluid connection among the inflatable bladders  182 A,  182 B,  182 C. An fluid filling source can be connected to only one of the inflatable bladders  182 A,  182 B,  182 C, in this case the head bladder  182 A via an fluid inlet hose  188 . The support surface assembly  180  can also include a first connecting hose  190  connecting the head bladder  182 A and the lumbar bladder  182 B and a second connecting hose  192  connecting the lumbar bladder  182 B and the foot bladder  182 C. 
     The support surface assembly  180  can also include flexible joints between adjacent inflatable bladders  182 A,  182 B,  182 C, similar to the flexible joint  124  of the support surface assembly  120  of  FIG. 6 . In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , the support surface assembly  180  can include a first flexible joint  194  connecting the head bladder  182 A and the lumbar bladder  182 B and a second flexible joint  196  connecting the lumbar bladder  182 B and the foot bladder  182 C. As with the flexible joint  124  in  FIG. 6 , each flexible joint  194 ,  196  can include a releasable fastener  198 , such as a zipper, to allow a damaged inflatable bladder to be removed and replaced without having to replace undamaged inflatable bladders. 
       FIG. 12  shows a conceptual perspective view of a sixth example support surface assembly  200 . Like the example support surface assembly  180  of  FIG. 11 , the example support surface assembly  200  includes three inflatable bladders  202 A,  202 B,  202 C. The first inflatable bladder  202 A can be positioned generally at a head end of the support surface assembly  200  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “head bladder  202 A.” The second inflatable bladder  202 B can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the head bladder  202 A and in a middle position of the support surface assembly  200  to support a lumbar region of an occupant and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “lumbar bladder  202 B.” The third inflatable bladder  202 C can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the lumbar bladder  202 B at a foot end of the support surface assembly  200  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “foot bladder  202 C.” 
     The support surface assembly  200  of  FIG. 12  is similar to the support surface assembly  170  of  FIG. 10 , with the only different being the number of inflatable bladders (e.g., two inflatable bladders  172 A,  172 B in  FIG. 10  and three inflatable bladders  202 A,  202 B,  202 C in  FIG. 12 ). For example, the support surface assembly  200  can include inflatable bladders  202 A,  202 B,  202 C that are substantially free to move with respect to one another, e.g., that are separate, discontinuous inflatable bladders  202 A,  202 B,  202 C similar to the discontinuous bladders  172 A,  172 B of  FIG. 10  and the bladders  102 A,  102 B of  FIG. 5 . The inflatable bladders  202 A,  202 B,  202 C can also comprise a parallel fluid connection, e.g., with a first fluid inlet hose  204 A connected to the head bladder  202 A, a second fluid inlet hose  204 B connected to the lumbar bladder  202 B, and a third fluid inlet hose  204 C connected to the foot bladder  202 C. Each separate fluid inlet hose  204 A,  204 B,  204 C can be controlled separately in order to provide for independent control of the pressure, and thus the perceived firmness, of each inflatable bladder  202 A,  202 B,  202 C. 
       FIG. 13  shows a conceptual perspective view of a seventh example support surface assembly  210 . Like the example support surface assembly  200  of  FIG. 12 , the example support surface assembly  210  also includes three inflatable bladders  212 A,  212 B,  212 C. The first inflatable bladder  212 A can be positioned generally at a head end of the support surface assembly  210  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “head bladder  212 A.” The second inflatable bladder  212 B can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the head bladder  212 A and in a middle position of the support surface assembly  210  to support a lumbar region of an occupant and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “lumbar bladder  212 B.” The third inflatable bladder  212 C can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the lumbar bladder  212 B at a foot end of the support surface assembly  210  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “foot bladder  212 C.” 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the support surface assembly  210  can include a first flexible joint  214  between the head bladder  212 A and the lumbar bladder  212 B and a second flexible joint  216  between the lumbar bladder  212 B and the foot bladder  212 C. Each flexible  214 ,  216  can include a releasable fastener  218 , such as a zipper, to allow a damaged inflatable bladder to be removed and replaced without having to replace undamaged inflatable bladders. 
     The support surface assembly  210  of  FIG. 13  can include an fluid connection arrangement that is a parallel fluid connection, in that it includes at least two inflatable bladders that are connected directly to an fluid filling source, but the fluid connection arrangement is slightly different from the parallel fluid connection arrangement shown in  FIG. 12  and other parallel fluid connections described above. Rather than each inflatable bladder  212 A,  212 B,  212 C being directly connected to the fluid filling source and independently controlled, the support surface assembly  210  includes two of the three inflatable bladders  212 A,  212 B,  212 C being connected together to the same fluid filling source, with the third inflatable bladder  212 A,  212 B,  212 C being connected independent of the other two. In the example shown in  FIG. 13 , the head bladder  212 A and the foot bladder  212 C are both connected to a common first fluid inlet hose or manifold  220 A that splits at a junction  222  into a first joint inlet  224 A that is connected to the head bladder  212 A and a second joint inlet  224 B that is connected to the foot bladder  212 C. A second fluid inlet hose  220 B is connected to the lumbar bladder  212 B. The arrangement of  FIG. 13  allows for simplified control because an occupant only has to select two pressures or perceived firmnesses rather than three, as with the support surface assembly  200  of  FIG. 12 . The occupant need only select a pressure or firmness setting for the head bladder  212 A and the foot bladder  212 C combination and a separate pressure or firmness setting for the lumbar bladder  212 B. The fluid connection arrangement of  FIG. 13  is referred to herein as a “modified parallel fluid connection.” 
     A modified parallel connection is not limited to the head bladder  212 A and foot bladder  212 C combination shown in  FIG. 13 . Rather, any combination of two of the bladders  212 A,  212 B,  212 C can be connected together and the other bladder  212 A,  212 B,  212 C being connected separately. Alternatively, all three bladders  212 A,  212 B,  212 C can be connected together, such as to a common manifold tube that is connected to the filling source. 
       FIG. 14  shows a conceptual perspective view of an eighth example support surface assembly  230  that is similar to the support surface assembly  150  shown in  FIG. 8 , but with three inflatable bladders  232 A,  232 B,  232 C rather than the two inflatable bladders  152 A,  152 B shown in  FIG. 8 . The first inflatable bladder  232 A can be positioned generally at a head end of the support surface assembly  230  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “head bladder  232 A.” The second inflatable bladder  232 B can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the head bladder  232 A and in a middle position of the support surface assembly  230  to support a lumbar region of an occupant and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “lumbar bladder  232 B.” The third inflatable bladder  232 C can be positioned longitudinally adjacent to the lumbar bladder  232 B at a foot end of the support surface assembly  230  and is, therefore, referred to herein as a “foot bladder  232 C.” 
     The support surface assembly  230  of  FIG. 14  is substantially similar to the support surface assembly  180  of  FIG. 11 , in that it includes flexible joints  234 ,  236  between adjacent inflatable bladders  232 A,  232 B,  232 C and includes a series fluid connection, with the only substantial difference being that the series fluid communication comprises integral conduits  238 ,  240  formed between the inflatable bladders  232 A,  232 B,  232 C in place of the connecting hoses  190 ,  192  used in the support surface assembly  180  of  FIG. 11 . A first integral conduit  238  can be formed between the head bladder  232 A and the lumbar bladder  232 B, and a second integral conduit  240  can be formed between the lumbar bladder  232 B and the foot bladder  232 C. Each integral conduit  238 ,  240  can be similar to the integral conduit  156  described above with respect to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
       FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13 , and  14  each show various combinations of features that can be implemented in a support surface assembly having three inflatable bladders. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown or described with respect to these figures. Rather, a person of ordinary skill in the art can pick and choose the appropriate combination of features that will best achieve a desired result. For example, a person of ordinary skill can choose between discontinuous or otherwise substantially free to move inflatable bladders (as in  FIG. 12 ) and inflatable bladders joined by flexible joints (as in  FIGS. 11 ,  13 , and  14 ) and can choose between a series fluid connection (as in  FIG. 11 ), a parallel fluid connection (as in  FIG. 12 ), or a modified parallel fluid connection (as in  FIG. 13 ). 
       FIG. 15  shows a conceptual perspective view of a ninth example support surface assembly  250 . Like the previous support surface assemblies described above, the support surface assembly  250  of  FIG. 15  includes a plurality of inflatable bladders  252 A,  252 B,  252 C,  252 D,  252 E,  252 F (collectively referred to herein as “inflatable bladder  252 ” or “inflatable bladders  252 ”). The inflatable bladders  252  form a sleep surface  254  on top of the support surface assembly  250 . The inflatable bladders  252  are arranged in series in an array  256  from a head end  258  of the support surface  254  to a foot end  260  of the support surface  254 . The term “arranged in series in an array” or “an array arranged in series,” as used herein, can refer to the inflatable bladders  252  forming a continuous or semi-continuous support surface  254  of several relatively small inflatable bladders  252  that each form a relatively small percentage of the support surface  254 , as compared to the inflatable bladders  102 ,  122 ,  152 ,  172 ,  182 ,  202 ,  212 , and  232  described above with respect to  FIGS. 5-14 . For example, the inflatable bladders of  FIGS. 5-14  each include at least one of the inflatable bladders forming a substantial percentage of their respective support surfaces, such as at least about 30% of the length of the support surface to at least about 50% of the length of the support surface, or more. In contrast, all of the inflatables bladder  252  of the array  256  in  FIG. 15  each take up 25% or less of the length of the support surface, such as 20% or less of the length of the support surface, for example about 16.67% or less of the length of the support surface, about 15% or less of the length of the support surface, about 14.29% or less of the length of the support surface, about 12.5% or less of the length of the support surface, about 11.1% or less of the length of the support surface, about 10% or less of the length of the support surface, about 9.1% or less of the length of the support surface, about 8.33% or less of the length of the support surface, about 7.7% or less of the length of the support surface, about 7.1% or less of the length of the support surface, about 6.67% or less of the length of the support surface, about 6.25% or less of the length of the support surface, about 5.8% or less of the length of the support surface, about 5.55% or less of the length of the support surface, about 5.26% or less of the length of the support surface, or about 5% or less of the length of the support surface. 
     The relatively small inflatable bladders  252  of the array  256  in  FIG. 15  can provide for more freedom to control the overall operation of the support surface assembly  250  compared to the relatively larger inflatable bladders  102 ,  122 ,  152 ,  172 ,  182 ,  202 ,  212 , and  232  of  FIGS. 5-14 . In particular, the relatively smaller-sized inflatable bladders  252  can provide for more optimized response to an occupant&#39;s shifting while sleeping (e.g., less variation on the pressure or perceived firmness of the support surface assembly  250 ). The relatively smaller-sized inflatable bladders  252  can also provide for more optimized response to articulation of the bed, e.g., as described above with respect to the sleep system  10  of  FIG. 1 . The relatively smaller-sized inflatable bladders  252  can also provide for better control over the location of breaks between inflatable bladders  252 , which can allow for more precise placement of the breaks, such as to provide better support or spinal alignment for the occupant or to better align the breaks with joints in an articulable bed frame. The relatively smaller-sized inflatable bladders  252  can also provide for a “higher resolution” for the positioning of the supports of the inflatable bladders  252  to provide more control for where a particular support point or points will be located for the occupant. The higher resolution can also allow the occupant greater control over their own comfort by providing more positions on his or her body that can have the pressure or perceived firmness adjusted, if the support surface assembly  250  comprises independent control of the pressure or perceived firmness in each inflatable bladder  252 . 
     The support surface assembly  250  is shown as comprising a parallel fluid connection. As noted above, a parallel fluid connection can include two or more, and in some examples all of the inflatable bladders  252  being connected to an fluid filling source, such as an air pump for air inflatable bladders, such as via a plurality of fluid inlet hoses  264 A,  264 B,  264 C,  264 D,  264 E,  264 F (collectively “fluid inlet hose  264 ” or “fluid inlet hoses  264 ”), with each fluid inlet hose  264  being connected to a corresponding inflatable bladder  252 . In the example shown in  FIG. 15 , a common manifold tube  262  can be connected to the fluid filling source, and the manifold tube  262  can split into the fluid inlet hoses  264 A,  264 B,  264 C,  264 D,  264 E,  264 F fed into each of the inflatable bladders  252 A,  252 B,  252 C,  252 D,  252 E,  252 F. In an example, the flow or fluid through each fluid inlet hose  264  can be controlled in order to control the pressure supplied to each inflatable bladder  252  or to control the perceived firmness of each inflatable bladder  252 . The fluid connection arrangement of the support surface assembly  250  can also be a series fluid connection, similar to  FIG. 11 , or a modified parallel fluid connection, similar to that shown in  FIG. 13 . The fluid connection arrangement could also comprise a combination of two or more of a series fluid connection, a parallel fluid connection, or a modified parallel fluid connection, e.g., with a first set of the inflatable bladders  252  having a first type of fluid connection arrangement, such as a series fluid connection, and a second set of the inflatable bladders  252  having a second fluid connection arrangement, such as a parallel fluid connection. 
     In an example, each inflatable bladder  252  of the array  256  has substantially the same dimensions such that the array  256  is an array of substantially identical inflatable bladders  252  arranged in a series or end-to-end arrangement. The use of inflatable bladders  252  with substantially the same dimensions can allow for easy removal of inflatable bladders  252  (e.g., to modify the size of the support surface  254  provided by the support surface assembly  250 ), or to remove and replace damaged inflatable bladders  252 , e.g., if the inflatable bladders  252  are either discontinuous and separate inflatable bladders  252 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , or if the inflatable bladders  252  are connected by one or more releasable fasteners, such as the releasable fasteners described above. 
     The above Detailed Description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more elements thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Also, various features or elements can be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter can lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. 
     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented, at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods or method steps as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods or method steps can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like. 
     The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.