Patent Description:
Hospital bed and other patient static air and dynamic air supports are known. Typically, such patient supports are used to provide a support surface for patients or other individuals for treatment, recuperation, or rest and prevention of skin breakdown. It is desirable to provide an improved patient support for off-loading the patient in the prone position including bony prominences. In many instances, proper use of patient positioners is dependent upon caregiver training in the proper use of patient positioners, which can be inconsistent across hospitals and other facilities. Improvements are thus desired.

<CIT> relates to an external immobilizer for cancer treatment with a plurality of inflatable bladders and a plurality of inflating means that may selectively and independently inflate the bladders in order to fix a patient in a desired position and compensate for patient movement during external beam radiotherapy. The inflating means are controlled by a computer.

The present disclosure relates to a system for body support and off-loading as defined in claim <NUM>. In many instances, it is optimal to barely elevate the body from the surface of the bed. In the prone position, the body is laying face forward towards the support surface. In other examples, the body may be lying face up away from the support surface. The system provides a support including a first ultra low pressure plenum and a positioner. In some examples, the positioner is positioned below the ultra low pressure plenum in order to adjust and control the amount of gas displaced therein. In other examples, the system provides a first ultra low pressure plenum, a second ultra low pressure plenum, and a positioner. Each of the ultra low pressure plenums can include one or more air chambers. Each air chamber is filled at a predetermined low pressure for distributing pressure along the length of the ultra low pressure plenum, but not providing significant elevation of a received body part by itself.

A cover can be received over the one or more ultra low plenums. The cover can include a retaining member for receiving the positioner. The cover can include a temperature regulating material for keeping the received body part in an optimal range of skin temperature to keep comfortable longer. A phase change material can be used for adjusting the temperature of the system to adapt to temperature changes of the body.

In some embodiments, the positioner includes a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate material with sufficient size and shape to displace an amount of air in the support to offload pressure being from a received body part, such as, but not limited to, bony prominences of which contact a surface when the body is positioned in a prone position and when the body is turned to other positions. The surface area of the positioner provides greater positive air displacement in the ultra low pressure plenum(s) than would occur from the body part of the patient by itself. In one embodiment, the positioner can have a greater width than the patient. In other embodiments, the positioner is sized and shaped to that of a small pillow. The positioner provides three dimensional movement. Preferably, the positioner has little or no flow characteristics unless an outside force is applied other than gravity. The positioner can displace and contour three dimensionally as though it was fluid while not having flow characteristics that would result in migration of the medium under the force of gravity. The positioner can provide three dimensional contouring. The positioner can be shaped as a pad.

The first ultra low pressure plenum includes a lower bladder section having a smaller width dimension than an upper bladder section. The air chambers of the lower bladder section and the upper bladder section being in air communication with one another. Air is communicated within the upper bladder section and lower bladder section through air displacement. The patient body size and size and corresponding surface area of the positioner control the amount of air which is displaced evenly against the walls of the first ultra low pressure plenum. A second ultra low pressure plenum is placed under the first ultra low pressure plenum. Alternatively, the second ultra low pressure plenum can be placed on top of the first ultra low pressure plenum. The second ultra low pressure plenum can have a size and shape identical or substantially similar to the upper bladder section of the first ultra low pressure plenum. The positioner is placed beneath or on top of both the first ultra low pressure plenum and the second ultra low pressure plenum or at other positions of the first ultra low pressure plenum and the second low pressure plenum or in combination one or more additional positioners. It has been found particularly useful to position the positioner below the lowest plenum, i.e., between the plenum and the support surface/hospital bed. The positioner displaces air in one or both the first ultra low pressure plenum and the second ultra low pressure plenum to off-load the body. The positioner can be positioned at one of outer walls of the first ultra low pressure plenum to push air away from the outer wall, thereby aiding in turning of a patient.

For example, the support can be used to allow a patient to be supported in the prone or supine position for off-loading the body from the collar bone to the knees to aid in treating advanced respiratory distress.

The combination of the first and second ultra low pressure plenums and positioner, including a fluidized medium, creates sufficient support of the received body part while responding to normal patient movement. The first and second ultra low pressure plenums can be low profile. This can mean that one or both plenums have a height of about only about <NUM> to about <NUM> (one to about three inches) above the support surface. The system including the first and second ultra low pressure plenums can be positioned underneath the sheets of a bed, such as a hospital bed. Alternatively, the system including the first and second ultra low pressure plenums can be placed above the sheets for aiding in patient turning and repositioning.

Gripping handles can be provided on either edge of the first ultra low pressure plenum to aid in movement of the first ultra low pressure plenum when a patient supported by the first ultra low pressure plenum. In this embodiment, the gripping handles can be placed over the sheet and unweighted to allow the patient to be moved for turning and repositioning of the patient. In one embodiment, the gripping handles are holes in the cover. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping handles are placed under the sheet and have a high coefficient of friction to prevent movement of the ultra low pressure plenum.

There is provided a support system for a body part, as defined in claim <NUM>, comprising: a plenum including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient, the plenum comprising: a series of markings indicating to a caregiver proper use of the plenum. The markings comprise anatomical markings of a pelvis and vertebral column. In combination or in a different example, the markings may comprise guiding lines extending in lateral and longitudinal directions. The plenum comprises a main body and a lower extension, and the markings comprise tail markings illustrating how to tuck the lower extension underneath the main body. In combination or in a different example, the markings comprise an instructional pictogram containing one or more images illustrating proper use of the support system.

The system may also have a plurality of handles, with every other handle being a different color. There may be long gripping handles and shorter handles. It is possible to provide a positioner location marking positioned on a surface-facing side of the plenum. In combination or in a different example, there is provided a positioner adapted to be received beneath the plenum, wherein the positioner displaces said gas within the plenum.

The plenum may comprise an upper bladder and an extension bladder with the extension bladder has a smaller width diameter than the upper bladder. A bottom surface of the plenum may have a lower coefficient of friction than an upper surface. In combination or in a different example, the support system may be provided with a cover having a size to fit over the plenum, the cover including an extension adapted to be received over the extension bladder, an upper surface of the extension including a portion formed of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than other areas of the cover. The cover may include a plurality of handles attached adjacent edges of a rear surface of the cover.

In examples not forming part of the invention, there may also be provided a method of supporting a body part comprising the steps of: providing a patient support plenum comprising a main body and an extension, the plenum comprising (i) a series of markings indicating to a caregiver proper use of the plenum, (ii) a plurality of color-coded handles, and (iii) tail markings on the extension; reviewing the markings in order to determine appropriate patient positioning; positioning a patient on the support system using the markings as a guide; and (a) gripping handles for movement of the patient, (b) gripping handles for tucking the extension underneath the main body, or (c) both. In this method, the extension may have an upper surface with a higher coefficient of friction than a lower surface of the extension. It is also possible to position a positioner underneath the main body to displace gas within the plenum.

The invention will be more fully described by reference to the following drawings.

Reference will now be made in greater detail to the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

<FIG> illustrate system for support of a body part of a patient turning and repositioning of the patient with simultaneous offloading of the bony prominences <NUM> in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The patient support system described herein may include a combination of plenums and positioners, in various combinations. A single low pressure plenum may be provided, or more than one plenum may be used in combination. A single positioner may be provided, or more than one positioner many be used in combination. First ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> is configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and/ or hips of a patient. For example, first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can have a width W1 of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and a height H1 of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Alternatively, width W1 can be a width of a bed, such as a hospital bed. As annotated by <FIG>, first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> is formed of upper bladder <NUM> and lower bladder <NUM>. First upper bladder <NUM> can have a width W2 and height H2. Lower bladder <NUM> has a smaller width dimension W3 and height dimension H3 than upper bladder <NUM>. Air pressure within upper bladder <NUM> and lower bladder <NUM> is reduced sufficiently for distributing pressure within first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>, but is not providing support of the received body part by itself. Upper bladder section <NUM> extends between edges 13b and 13d. In a specific example, the width between the edges 13b and 13d may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In an even more specific example, the width may be about <NUM>-<NUM>, or even more particularly, <NUM>. Lower bladder section <NUM> extends between edges 15b and 15d. In a specific example, the width between the edges 15b and 15d may be about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In an even more specific example, the width may be about <NUM>-<NUM>, or even more particularly, <NUM>. Sizes in between these ranges are also considered within the scope of this disclosure. These dimensions are provided for perspective and description purposes only, and are not intended to be limiting.

Gripping handles <NUM> can be provided on either edge 22a, 22b to aid in movement of first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> over surface <NUM>. Gripping handles <NUM> can be placed over a sheet of a bed and unweighted to allow the patient to be moved. In an alternative embodiment, gripping handles <NUM> are placed under the sheet and have a high coefficient of friction to prevent movement of first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>.

Positioner <NUM> can include bladder <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Bladder <NUM> is filled with fluidized material <NUM> which can retain its shape after sculpting. The flowability or lubricity of fluidized material <NUM> can be increased by adding a lubricant or by the removal of air from the interstitial spaces or both. The preferred medium of fluidized material <NUM> is a particulate material that has been modified in such a way that it acts like a fluid. Fluidized material <NUM> refers to a compound or composition which can be sculpted and retain its shape and has no memory or substantially no memory. The no memory or substantially no memory feature enables bladder <NUM> to increase in height and maintain support of a body part. Fluidized material <NUM> is made of a viscosity that will allow it to contour but not collapse under the weight of the body part.

At sea level, the normal interstitial air pressure would exceed about <NUM> millibars of mercury. This increases or decreases marginally as altitude varies. Depending on the nature of the particulate fluidized material <NUM>, the pressure can be lowered below about <NUM> millibars to about <NUM> millibars, preferably, <NUM> millibars to about <NUM> millibars, while still maintaining the necessary flow characteristics of the product.

Fluidized material <NUM> can include compressible and non-compressible beads, such as polyethylene or polystyrene (PS) beads, expanded polyethylene (PE), crosslinked expanded polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) pellets, closed cell foams, microspheres, encapsulated phase changing materials (PCM). The beads can be hard shelled or flexible. In one embodiment, the beads are flexible and air can be evacuated from the beads. In one embodiment, hard beads can be mixed with flexible beads in which air can be evacuated from the flexible beads. In an alternative embodiment, fluidized material <NUM> can a porous foam substance including pockets of interstitial air. In one embodiment, fluidized material <NUM> can be a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam can be open or closed cell and cut into small shapes such as spheres or blocks. For example, a sphere of polyurethane foam can have a size of <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM> inches) in diameter. For example, a block of polyurethane foam can be a <NUM>,5x2,5x2,<NUM> (<NUM>×<NUM>×<NUM> inch) block.

Suitable examples of fluidized material <NUM> can be formed of a mixture of microspheres and lubricant. The microspheres can include hollow or gas-filled structural bubbles (typically of glass or plastic) with an average diameter of less than <NUM> microns. The composition flows and stresses in response to a deforming pressure exerted on it and the composition ceases to flow and stress when the deforming pressure is terminated. For example, fluidized material <NUM> can be formed of a product referred to as Floam™. A flowable compound comprising lubricated microspheres, including the compound itself, formulations for making the compound, methods for making the compound, products made from the compound and methods for making products from the compound are defined by <CIT>, <CIT>,<CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT> and<CIT>.

For example, bladder <NUM> can be formed of a flexible plastic, such as urethane. Upon removal of gas from fluidized material <NUM>, bladder <NUM> flows concurrent with the flow of fluidized material <NUM> such that bladder <NUM> moves with movement of fluidized material <NUM>. For example, the gas can be air, helium, hydrogen or nitrogen. Optionally, gas can communicate throughout the whole bladder for allowing maximum contouring and functional displacement of both the gas and the fluidized chamber thereby providing maximum contouring to a desired body part. In a specific example, the dimensions of the bladder <NUM> may range from about <NUM> × about <NUM> to about <NUM> × about <NUM>. Sizes in between these ranges are also considered within the scope of this disclosure. These dimensions are provided for perspective and description purposes only, and are not intended to be limiting.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>. Second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> is formed of bladder <NUM>. Second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can have a width W4 and a height H4 that is identical or substantially similar to height H2 and width W2 of upper bladder <NUM> of the first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>.

Second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can be placed under first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the second ultra low pressure plenum can be placed on top of the first ultra low pressure plenum. Positioner <NUM> is placed beneath both the first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>. Positioner <NUM> displaces air in both the first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>. Lower surface <NUM> of positioner <NUM> can be formed of a high friction material for preventing movement of positioner <NUM>.

Bladder <NUM> is preferably filled with fluidized particulate material <NUM> with sufficient size and shape to displace an amount of gas in ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> to offload pressure from the received body part, such as the bony prominences of the collar bone, rib cage and iliac crest when the body is in the prone position adjacent system <NUM>. In other examples, the system offloads bony prominences of head, shoulder blades, elbows, heels, pelvis, or other bony portions of a patient's anatomy. Bladder <NUM> provides micro-contouring because fluidized material <NUM> can respond three-dimensionally. Alternatively, bladder <NUM> is formed of any contouring medium, such as foam or gel which is sufficient to displace air within first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>.

For example, the pressure in ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can be below <NUM> Pa (<NUM> of water). It will be appreciated that all equivalents such as mm Hg and PSI can be used for measuring the pressure within ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>.

The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can be below about <NUM> Pa (<NUM> of water) if no positioner <NUM> is used or if an area of less than about <NUM>% of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> are covered by positioner <NUM>. The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can be below about <NUM> Pa (<NUM> of water) if an area of between about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> is covered by positioner <NUM>. The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can be below about <NUM> Pa (<NUM> of water) if an area of greater than about <NUM>% of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> are covered by positioner <NUM>.

Bottom surface <NUM> of first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> or second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can be formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction to be used to move a patient on surface <NUM> underneath first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> or second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>. A suitable material having a low coefficient of friction is nylon or rip stop nylon material. Upper surface <NUM> of first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> or second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can be formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction. A suitable material having a high coefficient of friction is a rubberized or non-skid material.

An additional positioner <NUM> can be placed over lower bladder <NUM> of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> to displace gas from lower bladder <NUM> to upper bladder <NUM> in the direction of arrows A<NUM>, as shown in <FIG> or at various locations on first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> or second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>. When a patient is recumbent on first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> gas will be displaced in upper bladder <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>. towards outer edges 13a for providing support adjacent to edges 13b and 13d thereby providing support of edges 13b and 13d of upper bladder <NUM> of the patient within edges 13b and 13d and to the edges of bladder <NUM> for lifting a patient from surface <NUM>.

In one embodiment, positioner <NUM> can be positioned at one of edges 13b and 13d to push air away from respective edges 13b and 13d thereby aiding in turning of a patient towards the opposite edge, as shown in <FIG>. For example, if the patient is to be turned towards edge 13d, positioner <NUM> can be placed at edge 13b for displacing gas behind the patient to towards edge 13b of upper bladder <NUM>, thereby pneumatically assisting in turning of the patient to face edge 13d.

System <NUM> including ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> is functional whether positioner <NUM> is placed on top of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> or beneath ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate system for support of a body part of a patient turning and repositioning of the patient with simultaneous offloading of the bony prominences <NUM> in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. System <NUM> includes first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second low pressure plenum <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. First ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> is configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and/or hips of a patient. First ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can include upper bladder <NUM> and extension bladder <NUM>. Extension bladder <NUM> extends from upper bladder <NUM>. Extension bladder <NUM> and upper bladder <NUM> can be integral to one another. Air pressure within upper bladder <NUM> and extension bladder <NUM> is reduced sufficiently for distributing pressure within first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>, but is not providing support of the received body part by itself. Second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> is formed of bladder <NUM>. Second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> can be placed under first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>. Dimples <NUM> can be formed in first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and dimples <NUM> can be formed in second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>. Dimples <NUM> and dimples <NUM> can be aligned with one another.

Cover <NUM> can be placed around first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and second ultra low pressure plenum, as shown in <FIG>. Cover <NUM> can be formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction. A suitable material having a low coefficient of friction is nylon or rip stop nylon material. Extension <NUM> of cover <NUM> receives extension bladder <NUM>.

Portion <NUM> on upper surface <NUM> of extension <NUM> can be formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction. A suitable material having a high coefficient of friction is a rubberized or non-skid material. Portion <NUM> can be folded underneath rear surface <NUM> of upper bladder <NUM> to prevent movement of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Handles <NUM> can be provided adjacent either edge 322a, 322b of cover <NUM> to aid in movement. Handles <NUM> can be provided adjacent either edge 324a, 324b of extension <NUM> of cover <NUM> to aid in folding of extension <NUM> underneath rear surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate use of system for support of a body part of a user turning and repositioning of the user with simultaneous offloading of the bony prominences <NUM>. In <FIG>, system for support of a body part of a user turning and repositioning of the user with simultaneous offloading of the bony prominences <NUM> can be placed on bed <NUM>. System <NUM> can be moved to different positions on bed <NUM> using handles <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Positioner <NUM> can be placed within pocket <NUM> of cover <NUM> to retain positioner <NUM>. Positioner <NUM> can be placed over upper bladder <NUM> of first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> to displace gas in the direction of arrow A<NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. When a user is recumbent on first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> with their sacrum received on positioner <NUM>, gas will be displaced in upper bladder <NUM> in the direction of arrow A<NUM> towards outer edges 322a, 322b for providing support adjacent to edges 322a and 322b thereby providing support of the user within edges 322a and 322b and lifting user <NUM> from surface <NUM> of bed <NUM> and offloading the sacrum and trochanter of user <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and allow the body to be rotated over the support or bed. Additional positioners <NUM> can be placed in pocket <NUM> of cover <NUM> by lifting edge 322a to provide additional displacement of gas within upper bladder <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Extension <NUM> can be folded underneath rear surface <NUM> of upper bladder <NUM> to prevent movement of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In one embodiment, user <NUM> can be moved or turned by using handles <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, positioner <NUM> can be positioned behind a side of cover <NUM> to push gas away from edges 322a, thereby aiding in turning of a user towards the opposite edge, as shown in <FIG>. For example, if the patient is to be turned towards edge 322b, positioner <NUM> can be placed at edge 322a for displacing gas behind the patient to towards edge 322b of upper bladder <NUM>, thereby pneumatically assisting in turning of the patient to face edge 322b.

In one embodiment, positioner <NUM> can include ultra low pressure bladder <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The pressure within ultra low pressure bladder <NUM> is a range of less than about <NUM> Pa (<NUM> of water) to about <NUM> Pa (<NUM> of water) or a range of less than about <NUM> Pa (<NUM> of water) to about <NUM> Pa (<NUM> of water). It will be appreciated that all equivalents such as mm Hg and PSI can be used for measuring the pressure within ultra low pressure bladder <NUM>. In this embodiment, positioner <NUM> is formed with sufficient size and shape to displace an amount of gas in ultra low pressure bladder <NUM> to offload pressure from the received body part. Lower surface <NUM> of positioner <NUM> can be formed of a high friction material for preventing movement of positioner <NUM>. Positioner <NUM> can be placed on top of first ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and/or or second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> or beneath ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> and/or second ultra low pressure plenum <NUM>.

Positioner <NUM> can be placed over lower bladder <NUM> of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> to displace gas from lower bladder <NUM> to upper bladder <NUM> in the direction of arrows A<NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In one embodiment, positioner <NUM> can be used together with positioner <NUM>. Positioner <NUM> can be placed over lower bladder <NUM> of ultra low pressure plenum <NUM> positioner <NUM> can be positioned at one of edges 13b and 13d to push air away from respective edges 13b and 13d thereby aiding in turning of a patient towards the opposite edge, similar to positioner <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. For example, if the patient is to be turned towards edge 13d, positioner <NUM> can be placed at edge 13b for displacing gas behind the patient to towards edge 13b of upper bladder <NUM>, thereby pneumatically assisting in turning of the patient to face edge 13d.

Although it may be case that caregivers are well-trained in the use of patient offloading or turning and positioning systems, there are some instances in which such systems are improperly used due to uncertainty about the features and their intended use. Accordingly, one embodiment of this disclosure provides a series of markings <NUM> that may be positioned on various surfaces of an air plenum <NUM>. The air plenum <NUM> may have any features of the above-described plenums. It should also be understood that the disclosed markings <NUM> may be used on other patient support systems/air plenums with similar instructions for use.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown an air plenum <NUM> having side extensions <NUM> and a lower extension <NUM>. In use, the air plenum <NUM> is configured to be positioned on top of a hospital bed or other surface. Part or all of the side extensions <NUM> may hang down, adjacent to or alongside the hospital bed sides or other surface. The lower extension <NUM> will generally be positioned underneath a patient's leg or foot area, as illustrated by <FIG>. The air plenum <NUM> is provided with markings <NUM> that indicate to a caregiver proper patient positioning and/or proper use of the lower extension <NUM>.

First, an anatomical diagram <NUM> is positioned in a central location on the air plenum <NUM>. The anatomical diagram <NUM> pictured is that of a patient's pelvis/sacrum area <NUM> and vertebral column <NUM>. For example, it is possible to provide the desired location of a patient's head or other anatomical reference point with respect to the plenum <NUM>. Although it is possible to use any color to indicate the anatomical diagram <NUM>, it has been found particularly useful to provide such diagrams/graphics in white. Because the spine, pelvis and sacrum are bone structures and naturally white in color, it is believed that this color association may subconsciously emphasize the relation between the patient positioning and the anatomical diagram <NUM>.

Markings <NUM> also include sacral guiding lines extending from the anatomical diagram <NUM> in the form of guiding lines or a grid extending in the lateral (x) and longitudinal (y) directions from the anatomical markings. The longitudinal (y) portion <NUM> of the grid can help align the entirety of the patient's spine body on the plenum <NUM>. The lateral (x) portion <NUM> of the grid, which actually functions as a lateral sacrum line, provides a lateral extension of the sacrum area. In a specific example, this line <NUM> may run around the product and serve as a support guide to ensure that the patient is properly placed--and that the proper position is maintained throughout the daily patient care. The lateral portion <NUM> may be marked more thickly than the perpendicularly-oriented longitudinal portion <NUM> because it is generally more visible when the patient is positioned upon the plenum <NUM>. Used either alone or in combination, these markings <NUM> can help align the patient on the plenum <NUM>. Although multiple options are illustrated, it is possible to provide only a single anatomical diagram <NUM> and/or only a single lateral marking <NUM> or longitudinal marking <NUM>.

The plenum <NUM> is also illustrated as having tail markings <NUM> on the lower extension <NUM>. In use, the lower extension may be folded underneath the main body <NUM> of the air plenum <NUM>. When the lower extension <NUM> is tucked underneath the plenum <NUM>, a "hump" of two air bladders is formed, which secures an improved offloading of the sacrum area of the patient. As described above, it is possible to provide the lower extension <NUM> as having a different coefficient of friction from the main body <NUM>. In a specific example, the upper surface <NUM> of the lower extension <NUM> may have a higher coefficient of friction than the upper surface of the main body <NUM> of the air plenum <NUM>. The result is that when the lower extension <NUM> is tucked underneath the plenum <NUM>, the higher coefficient of friction surface now faces the lower bed surface and can help stop sliding or skidding of the system <NUM> with respect to the bed surface. The lower extension thus acts as a "parking break" to keep the patient in position and thereby secure proper offloading of the patient. However, such folding or tucking of the lower extension <NUM> (also referred to as the "tail") may not be intuitive. Accordingly, markings may include a series of small upward arrows <NUM> that call for action. Markings may also include a series of lines in a pattern <NUM> that indicate the area to be folded. A boundary line <NUM> helps identify the location at which the tail <NUM> should be tucked. Although any color markings are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure, it has been found that providing tail markings <NUM> in red help call for action. They signal to the caregiver: "do not forget to tuck the tail. " The tail is optimally tucked in order for the patient to be properly positioned for offloading for optimal pressure ulcer protection, and also counteracts the patient sliding down in bed when the head of the bed is elevated. A side handle <NUM> is also provided on the lower extension <NUM>. Caregivers may grasp the side handle <NUM> in order to fold/tuck/move the lower extension <NUM> underneath the main body <NUM>. Again, although any color is possible, it has been found useful to provide the side handle <NUM> in red. As illustrated by the "tucking" pictogram shown and described below, it is also possible to tuck the side extensions <NUM> underneath the main body <NUM> using a similar method. The side extensions <NUM> may be tucked to adjust the air displacement in the plenum, and may be varied depending on the size of the patient.

<FIG> also illustrates a series of gripping handles <NUM> extending along the main body <NUM>, visible from the edges. These gripping handles <NUM> are particularly useful for laterally turning the patient or for lateral transfer; i.e. transferring a patient from one bed or support to another. As described, it is possible to provide the lower surface of the air plenum <NUM> as having a low coefficient of friction that allows sliding of the system <NUM> with respect to a surface. <FIG> shows a bottom plan view of the patient support system <NUM>. This view illustrates that the handle system may actually include a series of longer gripping handles <NUM> along with interspersed shorter handles <NUM>. The shorter handles <NUM> are used to "boost" the patient; i.e. to move the patient (and the support) upwards or downwards in a bed or other support surface.

In a specific embodiment, the gripping handles <NUM> may be alternately colored. By replacing every other handle with a handle of a different color, it may be easier for caregivers to identify and grasp the corresponding handle on the assigned side in order to provide an evenly distributed weight lift and boosting the patient. The general goal is that the color difference between the handles provides the ability for caregivers to recognize and separate the handles when preparing and organizing the boosting grip. As mentioned hereinbefore, the shorter handles <NUM> are interspersed between the longer gripping handles <NUM>, and are used for boosting the patient. For example, when two caregivers are standing on opposite sides of a bed or other surface, and are preparing to boost a patient, the difference in color of the longer handles, i.e., black handles 532a, 532c, and gray handles 532b, 532d, facilitates grasping of the correct short handle <NUM> (not visible during boosting). This may ease communication between caregivers, and also prevents a skewed boosting, which may be harmful to the patient. The difference in color is intended to make it easier to verbally address interactions with the specific handle. In some instances, the side extensions <NUM> may be folded on top of the main body <NUM> in order to achieve greater maneuverability, as shown in <FIG>. In this example, caregivers are given access to a series of shorter handles <NUM>. In a specific example shown, shorter handles <NUM> may be positioned at a base area <NUM> of each of the longer gripping handles <NUM>. In another example, the shorter handles <NUM> may be positioned in between longer gripping handles <NUM>. These handles may also be alternately color-coded if desired. It should also be understood that alternate handle configurations are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure. The specific configuration has been found to be particularly useful and has thus been described in detail herein.

<FIG> also illustrates a positioner location marking <NUM>. This marking <NUM> can help show a caregiver where a positioner (as described above) or pillow may be positioned in order to help effectively position the patient. Although illustrated by this Figure as being positioned on the bottom surface of the system, it should be understood that this marking <NUM> may be positioned on the top surface, bottom surface, or on both surfaces.

<FIG> also illustrates a pictogram <NUM>. The pictogram <NUM> pictorially depicts suggested use of the patient support system. Pictogram <NUM> may be positioned anywhere on the support system as deemed appropriate. It has been found particularly helpful to position the pictogram <NUM> on one of the side extensions <NUM>. This placement allows access by a caregiver even when the patient is positioned on the patient support system, as illustrated by <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates various options that may be provided on the pictogram <NUM>. A first pictogram <NUM> illustrates appropriate steps for positioning a patient on the positioned system <NUM>. A second pictogram <NUM> illustrates appropriate steps for tucking the lower extension and/or sides of the plenum. A third pictogram <NUM> illustrates appropriate steps for turning and positioning of a patient. A fourth pictogram <NUM> illustrates appropriate steps for boosting a patient. A fifth pictogram <NUM> illustrates appropriate steps for lateral transfer of a patient. All of the shown and described pictograms <NUM> may be provided in a single location. In another example, the pictograms may be provided different locations on the air plenum <NUM>. It is generally envisioned that all pictograms will be provided, but it is possible to leave one or more pictograms out of the set.

The pictogram <NUM> may also feature a QR code <NUM> that may be scanned in order to provide the user with more information about the product and further use instructions. The QR code may link the user to the manufacturer website, to an instructional video, or to any other appropriate instructional source.

Claim 1:
A support system (<NUM>) for a body part comprising:
a plenum (<NUM>) including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient, the plenum (<NUM>) comprising: a series of markings (<NUM>) indicating to a caregiver proper use of the plenum (<NUM>), characterized in that the markings (<NUM>) comprise anatomical markings (<NUM>) of a pelvis and vertebral column, wherein the plenum comprises a main body (<NUM>) and a lower extension (<NUM>), and wherein the markings (<NUM>) comprise tail markings (<NUM>) illustrating how to tuck the lower extension (<NUM>) underneath the main body (<NUM>).