Patent Description:
The present disclosure discloses one or more of the following features alone or in any combination. The present invention is defined in the appended claims, by a dynamic person support system according to claim <NUM>, and dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lateral rotation actuator may include an electromechanical device configured to drive lateral rotation of the independently rotatable support planes. Alternatively or additionally, the lateral rotation actuator may include a plurality of inflatable bladders supporting the independently rotatable support planes and an air supply operably coupled to the inflatable bladders.

The control unit is configured to compute the maximum supine position duration as a function of an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) value of the monitored human subject. The control unit is configured to compute the maximum supine position duration based on a first apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) value and a second AHI value. The first AHI value is determined while the human subject is in a supine position and the second AHI value is determined while the human subject is in a non-supine position.

In some embodiments, the dynamic person support system may include a sensor in communication with the control unit. The control unit may be configured to receive a sensed value from the sensor and determine the maximum supine position duration based on the sensed value. The sensed value may be indicative of an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of the monitored human subject. Alternatively or additionally, the sensed value may be indicative of a sleep state of the monitored human subject. The control unit may be configured to adjust the maximum supine position duration in response to the sensed value. Optionally, the control unit may be configured to increase the maximum supine position duration in response to the sensed value being below a threshold value. Further optionally, the control unit may be configured to decrease the maximum supine position duration in response to the sensed value being above a second threshold value.

A dynamic person support system may include a person support surface that may have a pair of laterally spaced support segments. At least one of the support segments may include a lateral rotation apparatus. The lateral rotation apparatus may have a plurality of independently rotatable longitudinally arranged support planes and a lateral rotation actuator that may be operably coupled to one or more of the support planes. A first occupant sensor may be coupled to the support segment comprising the lateral rotation apparatus. A second occupant sensor may be coupled to the other support segment. A control unit may include a processor and a non-transitory machine readable storage medium that may have a dynamic therapy routine. The dynamic therapy routine may include instructions executable by the processor to cause the control unit to control the operation of the lateral rotation apparatus by: with the first occupant sensor, detecting a state of a first human subject on the support segment comprising the lateral rotation apparatus; with the second occupant sensor, detecting a state of a second human subject on the other support segment; and in response to the detected state of the first human subject and the detected state of the second human subject, controlling the lateral rotation actuator of the lateral rotation apparatus.

In some embodiments, the lateral rotation actuator may include an electromechanical device configured to drive lateral rotation of the independently rotatable support planes. Alternatively or additionally, the lateral rotation actuator may include a plurality of inflatable bladders supporting the independently rotatable support planes and an air supply operably coupled to the inflatable bladders. The second occupant sensor may be configured to detect a sleep state of the second human subject and the control unit may be configured to delay operation of the lateral rotation actuator until the second human subject is detected as being asleep.

In some embodiments, the first occupant sensor may be configured to detect a position of the first human subject relative to the support segment comprising the lateral rotation apparatus and the control unit may be configured to delay operation of the lateral rotation actuator if the detected position of the first human subject is not substantially on the support segment comprising the lateral rotation apparatus. If desired, the control unit may be configured to control the lateral rotation apparatus based on a combination of criteria including at least one criterion relating to the first human subject and at least one criterion relating to the second human subject. The control unit maybe configured to delay operation of the actuator until both the first human subject and the second human subject are detected as being asleep.

A lateral rotation apparatus may include a person support surface that may have head, torso and leg segments each of which may have an independently rotatable person support plane. A lateral rotation actuator may be operable to rotate the head segment to a head tilt angle in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees relative to a horizontal support plane and to rotate the torso segment to a torso tilt angle that is within a range of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees less than the head tilt angle.

In some embodiments, the lateral rotation actuator may include a plurality of inflatable bladders, and each person support plane may be supported by an inflatable bladder. Alternatively or additionally, the lateral rotation actuator may include an electromechanical device. The lateral rotation actuator may be operable to rotate the torso segment to a torso tilt angle in the range of about zero to about <NUM> degrees. The lateral rotation actuator may be operable to rotate the head segment to a head tilt angle in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. The lateral rotation actuator may be operable to rotate the torso segment to a torso tilt angle in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. The lateral rotation actuator may be operable to rotate the leg segment to a leg tilt angle in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. The lateral rotation apparatus may include a control unit that may control inflation of the bladders to maintain a differential between the head tilt angle and the torso tilt angle. For example, the differential may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. The torso segment may be longitudinally longer than the head segment and the leg segment may be longitudinally longer than the torso segment. For example, the head segment may have a longitudinal length of about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches), the torso segment may have a longitudinal length of about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches), and the leg segment may have a longitudinal length of about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches).

In some embodiments, the person support surface may include a support material having a density and the head tilt angle may be a function of the density of the support material. Alternatively or additionally, the torso tilt angle may be a function of the density of the support material.

Technologies for laterally rotating a support surface as a treatment or therapy for sleep apnea and/or other disorders are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. These and other similar technologies can be applied to circumstances in which multiple persons utilize a common sleep surface. These technologies can be improved by controlling a common support surface based on inputs from both the apnea sufferer and a second individual positioned on the common support surface. Alternatively or in addition, these technologies can be improved by controlling the support surface based on a maximum allowable supine sleep position duration. For example, whereas current approaches may strive to eliminate all supine sleep activities in order to reduce a person's apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to below a threshold value), the control methods disclosed herein, which manage a dynamic sleep surface to a specified maximum supine sleep position duration value, can be applied to achieve that same goal with less aggressive therapy.

Referring now to <FIG>, a person support system <NUM> includes a person support surface <NUM>, a lateral rotation apparatus <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>. A number of occupant sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are in communication with the control unit <NUM> (e.g., by wired, wireless, optical, or other signal communication mechanism). The illustrative person support surface <NUM> includes a pair of laterally spaced support segments <NUM>, <NUM>, although other embodiments may only include a single support segment (e.g., support segment <NUM>). At least one of the support segments <NUM>, <NUM> is configured as or includes a lateral rotation apparatus <NUM>. As described in more detail below, the illustrative lateral rotation apparatus <NUM> includes a number of different support sections, including independently rotatable longitudinally arranged support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and lateral rotation sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The lateral rotation sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be embodied as, for example, a non-inflatable support material, such as foam, or as inflatable bladders, or as a combination of a non-inflatable support material and bladders. <FIG> and 13A-13D, described below, show illustrative embodiments of a person support surface <NUM> and lateral rotation sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The lateral rotation sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> by linkages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and one or more lateral rotation actuators <NUM>. The lateral rotation actuators <NUM> drive lateral rotation of the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The operation of the lateral rotation actuators <NUM> is dynamically controlled by the control unit <NUM>, as described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the lateral rotation actuators <NUM> are powered (e.g., electronic or electromechanical) devices, such as electric motors or linear actuators, and the linkages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include, e.g., drive arms or output shafts. In other embodiments, the support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> each include one or more inflatable bladders, which support the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively; the actuator <NUM> is an air supply unit, and the linkages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are pneumatic couplings including, e.g., air supply lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In "air bladder" embodiments, the bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are selectively inflated and deflated by the air supply <NUM> via the pneumatic couplings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The inflation and deflation of the bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is dynamically controlled by the control unit <NUM> operating the air supply <NUM> to supply air to or extract air from the bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, as the case may be, in response to inputs from the occupant sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. The air supply <NUM> delivers air to the bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> via one or more supply lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The air supply <NUM> may be embodied as, e.g., a blower, a compressor, or a vacuum/blower. Any suitable configuration of air supply lines and valves may be used. For example, multiple air supply lines may be connected to a valve manifold, in some embodiments. The valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be electronically controlled, e.g., by the control unit <NUM>, in some embodiments. The actuator(s) can be configured to operate slowly and quietly, in order to minimize disruption to any occupant on the bed. For instance, the actuator <NUM>'s rate of change may be controlled by algorithms taking inputs from one or more of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> or other sensors.

Illustratively, the support segment <NUM> is embodied as a support section having a single support plane <NUM>. In other embodiments, the support segment <NUM> may include multiple different support planes. For example, the support segment <NUM> may be embodied in a similar fashion to the support segment <NUM> and may include another lateral rotation apparatus or another type of therapy device.

In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> is operably coupled to the support segment <NUM> by a coupler <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> is operably coupled to the support segment <NUM> by a coupler <NUM>. Each or either of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to a surface of the support segment <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, embedded in the respective support segment <NUM>, <NUM>, or mounted to a frame or deck that supports the support segment <NUM>, <NUM>, (e.g., a frame or deck that is similar or analogous to the frame <NUM> or the deck <NUM> shown in <FIG>). As such, the couplers <NUM>, <NUM> may be embodied as, for example, screws, rivets, stitching, brackets, adhesive, or other suitable fasteners. Alternatively, one or more of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may simply rest on a frame or deck surface, within a pocket or enclosure of the support segment <NUM>, <NUM>, etc. Still further, each or any of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be in communication with the control unit <NUM> but not directly coupled to the support surface <NUM>. For instance, any of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be embodied in a mobile or wearable computing device, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, smart jewellery (e.g., a smart bracelet), smart glasses, or as a wearable sensor, such as a smart textile, a "clip-on" sensor, or a body-worn sensor (e.g.,. an electrode). As such, each or any of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be associated with a person using the support surface <NUM> (e.g., person <NUM> or person), rather than being directly associated with the support surface <NUM> or a section thereof. In these embodiments, the links <NUM>, <NUM> may represent logical associations of sensors <NUM>, <NUM> with persons carrying the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, rather than physical connections with the support surface <NUM>. For example, a sensor identifier may be associated with a person by a user identifier (user ID), and the data identifying persons and associated sensors may be stored in memory of the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> or another device (e.g., in an electronic file, mapping table, or database). Thus, when a sensor <NUM>, <NUM> communicates state indicators <NUM>, <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>, the sensor communications may include the sensed information as well as the user ID of the person with whom the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> is associated.

Each or any of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be embodied as a single sensor or an array or combination of multiple sensors (e.g., a pressure map). The sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be of the same type or of different types. The sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may each be embodied as any suitable type of device that is capable of sensing an indicator of a state of a person positioned on the person support surface <NUM>, and may include, e.g., a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, an inclinometer, a physiological or vital signs sensor, a microphone or other sound detector, a sleep sensor (e.g., any type of sensor that can detect an indicator of a person's sleep, including any of the foregoing), an array of any of the foregoing types of sensors, or any combination of any of the foregoing types of sensors and/or others sensors.

In operation, the sensor <NUM> detects state information about a person <NUM> situated on the support segment <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> detects state information about a person <NUM> situated on the support segment <NUM> (illustratively, with head supported by a pillow <NUM>), over a fixed or variable time interval. Each of the respective person <NUM> and person <NUM> state information may include, for example, an indication of: whether the person is awake or asleep, the particular stage of the person's sleep (e.g., rapid eye movement (REM) phase or not), the person's position relative to the support segment <NUM> or <NUM> (e.g., in order for the control unit <NUM> to determine whether the person in a proper position for a therapy to be performed), the person's activity level, one or more physiological parameters of the person (e.g., blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiration rate, etc.) and/or other person state indicators. The system <NUM> can be programmed to automatically disable or terminate the rotation (e.g., apnea therapy) if the system <NUM> detects an adverse condition. Alternatively or in addition, the system <NUM> can terminate or suspend the rotation (e.g., apnea therapy) by a manual override (such as a switch).

The control unit <NUM> receives person1 state indicators <NUM> from time to time from the sensor <NUM>, and receives person2 state indicators <NUM> from time to time from the sensor <NUM>, by way of suitable communication links <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, described below. The control unit <NUM> includes electrical circuitry and/or computer components, as shown in <FIG>, which are configured as a dynamic therapy system <NUM>. Aspects of the dynamic therapy system <NUM> may be embodied in a similar fashion to the computer system shown in <FIG>, described below.

The illustrative dynamic therapy system <NUM> includes a multi-occupant control module <NUM> and a supine position control module <NUM>. The modules <NUM>, <NUM> may each be embodied as computer hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The multioccupant control module <NUM> causes the control unit <NUM> to read and analyze the person1 state indicator <NUM> and the person2 state indicator <NUM>, execute control algorithms, and issue lateral rotation apparatus control signals <NUM> from time to time based on a combination of the person1 and person2 state indicators <NUM>, <NUM>. The supine position control module <NUM> causes the control unit <NUM> to read and analyze at least the person1 state indicator <NUM>, execute control algorithms, and issue lateral rotation apparatus control signals <NUM> from time to time based on at least the person1 state indicator <NUM> in combination with maximum supine position duration information stored in e.g., a memory accessible by the control unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> transmits the lateral rotation apparatus control signals <NUM> to the actuator <NUM> via a communication link <NUM>, to activate or deactivate the actuator <NUM>. For example, the control signals <NUM> may cause a motor to drive mechanical elements (e.g., linkages <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to rotate a support section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or may cause an air supply to increase or decrease a supply of air to one or more of the bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in response to the lateral rotation apparatus control signals <NUM>. For example, the control signals <NUM> may cause one or more of the actuator(s) <NUM> to turn on or off, increase or decrease a power level, or supply positive or negative pressure to one or more of the support sections or bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Features of the multi-occupant control module <NUM> and the supine position control module <NUM> are described in more detail below, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively.

In <FIG>, the person support surface <NUM> is shown in a state in which the lateral rotation apparatus <NUM> of the support segment <NUM> is activated to place the person <NUM> in a nonsupine position on the support segment <NUM>. At the same time, the support segment <NUM> remains in a flat position, allowing the person <NUM> to remain in a supine position. The position of the person <NUM> in <FIG> is considered "non-supine" in that while the person <NUM> is laying on his back, the head, torso, and legs are rotated at different angles, so that the person <NUM> is not laying flat.

Relative dimensions of the person support surface <NUM> are also shown in <FIG>. The support segment <NUM> has a width W1, and the support segment <NUM> has a width W2. The widths W1, W2 may be the same or different. The width W is greater than either the width W1 or the width W2, and may equal the sum of W1 plus W2. The person support surface <NUM> has a length L, which is greater than either of W1 and W2 and typically greater than the width W. Illustratively, both of the support segments <NUM>, <NUM> have the same length L, but may have different lengths, in other embodiments. It should be noted that the support segments <NUM>, <NUM> can be subcomponents of the same support surface (e.g., a double bed, with one mattress having two lateral sides), such that both person <NUM> and person <NUM> are on the same surface), or the support segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be separate surfaces (e.g., two mattresses supported by a common support frame). Each or either of the support segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be equipped with a lateral rotation apparatus <NUM>. For example, both persons <NUM> and <NUM> could be apnea sufferers and thus both sides of the person support surface <NUM> would be equipped with a lateral rotation apparatus <NUM>. In such embodiments, the operation of both of the lateral rotation apparatuses can be coordinated by the control unit <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the person support surface <NUM> is shown in a configuration in which a lateral rotation apparatus <NUM> is part of the support segment <NUM>. As such, either or both support segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured with a lateral rotation apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lateral rotation apparatus <NUM> includes support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and support sections (e.g., foam and/or bladders) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The illustrative lateral rotation apparatus <NUM> is analogous to the lateral rotation apparatus <NUM>. As such the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be embodied in a similar manner as the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be embodied in a similar manner as the support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, described above. In other embodiments, the components of the person support surface <NUM> and more particularly, the lateral rotation apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, may include other components and/or other configurations of the same components. For instance, portions of the person support surface <NUM>, and more generally the person support system <NUM>, may include one or more of the features shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The illustrative lateral rotation apparatus <NUM> includes a support surface comprising head, torso and leg segments each having an independently rotatable person support plane <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; and corresponding support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, which support each person support plane. The support sections <NUM>, <NUM><NUM> may be embodied as different subsections of a common support surface or as separate support surfaces. Further, the support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> need not be independent from one another. For example, the support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may share a common layer, with one or more additional layers above or below the support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the ranges of lateral tilt angles that the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can assume are as follows. The actuator <NUM> may be operable to rotate the support plane <NUM> (e.g., head segment) to a head tilt angle in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees relative to a horizontal support plane; and the actuator <NUM> may be operable to rotate to rotate the support plane <NUM> (e.g., torso segment) to a torso tilt angle that is within a range of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees less than the head tilt angle. The support section <NUM> may be configured to rotate the support plane <NUM> (e.g., torso segment) to a torso tilt angle in the range of about zero to about <NUM> degrees. The support section <NUM> may be configured to rotate the support plane <NUM> (e.g., head segment) to a head tilt angle in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. The support section <NUM> may be configured to rotate the support plane <NUM> (e.g., torso segment) to a torso tilt angle in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. The support section <NUM> may be inflatable to rotate the support plane <NUM> (e.g., leg segment) to a leg tilt angle in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the lateral rotation apparatus <NUM> is configured to position/rotate all of the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the same angle (e.g., all of the support planes <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM> rotated to an angle of about <NUM> degrees). In some embodiments, the head, torso, and/or leg tilt angles may be computed in order to allow for indentation of the support surface <NUM> underneath body parts such as shoulders, arms and hips (e.g., so that the patient's shoulder, arm, or hip can rest comfortably underneath the body).

The control unit <NUM> (e.g., a bed or mattress controller) may control inflation of the bladder <NUM> and the bladder <NUM> to maintain a differential between the head tilt angle and the torso tilt angle that is in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. In other words, the control unit <NUM> may coordinate lateral rotation (e.g., lateral tilt) angle changes of the support planes <NUM>, <NUM> so that the differential between the two angles does not exceed a desired amount.

In some embodiments, the support plane <NUM> (e.g., torso segment) may be longitudinally longer than the support plane <NUM> (e.g., head segment), and the support plane <NUM> (e.g., leg segment) may be longitudinally longer than the support plane <NUM> (e.g., torso segment). For example, the support plane <NUM> (e.g., head segment) may have a longitudinal length in the range of about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches); the support plane <NUM> (e.g., the torso segment) may have a longitudinal length in the range of about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches); and the support plane <NUM> (e.g., the leg segment) may have a longitudinal length in the range of about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches).

Portions of the person support surface <NUM> may be made of a support material that has a density, such as a foam material. The head tilt angle may be configured as a function of the density of the support material. Either or both of the torso tilt angle and the leg tilt angle may also be configured as a function of the density of the support material. In other words, the head, torso and leg tilt angles may vary according to the density of the material used to build the person support surface <NUM> or person-supporting portions thereof.

Alternatively or in addition, the head, torso, and leg tilt angles may be configured as a function of an occupant's body weight and/or as a function of the morphology of the person's body interfacing with the person support surface <NUM>. Thus, the occupant's body weight can be an additional input for the calculation of the tilt angle. In addition, a sensor that measures the actual tilt angle of the person's body can be used in a closed-loop system to determine the optimum tilt angles for the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a simplified block diagram of an embodiment <NUM> of the person support system <NUM> is shown. The person support system <NUM> includes the lateral rotation control unit <NUM>, one or more communication links <NUM>, the air supply <NUM>, the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and one or more other devices <NUM>. While the illustrative embodiment <NUM> is shown as involving multiple components and devices, it should be understood that the person support system <NUM> may constitute a single device, alone or in combination with other devices. For example, the air supply <NUM> may be a component of the control unit <NUM>, a component of the person support surface <NUM>, or a separate component. Each or any of the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be in communication with one another via one or more of the communication links <NUM>.

In some embodiments, portions of the system <NUM> may be incorporated into other systems or computer applications. Such applications or systems may include, for example, commercial off the shelf (COTS) or custom-developed devices or systems. As used herein, "module" or "component" may refer to, among other things, any type of computer program or group of computer programs, whether implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof, and includes self-contained, vertical, and/or shrink-wrapped applications, distributed and cloud-based applications, and/or others.

The illustrative lateral rotation control unit <NUM> includes at least one processor <NUM> (e.g. a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, etc.), memory <NUM>, and an input/output (I/O) subsystem <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be embodied as any type of computing device capable of performing the functions described herein. Although not specifically shown, it should be understood that the I/O subsystem <NUM> can include, among other things, an I/O controller, a memory controller, and one or more I/O ports. The processor <NUM> and the I/O subsystem <NUM> are communicatively coupled to the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be embodied as any type of suitable computer memory device, including fixed and/or removable memory devices (e.g., volatile memory such as a form of random access memory or a combination of random access memory and read-only memory, such as memory cards, e.g., SD cards, memory sticks, hard drives, and/or others).

The I/O subsystem <NUM> is communicatively coupled to a number of hardware, firmware, and/or software components, including the multi-occupant control module <NUM> and the supine position control module <NUM>. The I/O subsystem <NUM> is also communicatively coupled to one or more data storage devices <NUM>, a communication subsystem <NUM>, and a user interface subsystem <NUM>. The user interface subsystem <NUM> may include, for example, hardware or software buttons or actuators, a keypad, a display device, visual cue illuminators, and/or others.

The data storage device <NUM> is embodied as one or more machine readable storage media and may include one or more hard drives or other suitable data storage devices (e.g., flash memory, memory cards, memory sticks, and/or others). In some embodiments, portions of the system <NUM> containing data or stored information, e.g., multi-occupant position data <NUM>, supine sleep limit data <NUM>, and/or other data, reside at least temporarily in the data storage device <NUM>. Portions of the system <NUM>, e.g., multi-occupant position data <NUM>, supine sleep limit data <NUM>, and/or other data, may be copied to the memory <NUM> during operation of the control unit <NUM>, for faster processing or other reasons.

The communication subsystem <NUM> communicatively couples the control unit <NUM> to one or more other devices, systems, or communication networks, e.g., a local area network, wide area network, personal cloud, enterprise cloud, public cloud, and/or the Internet, for example. Accordingly, the communication subsystem <NUM> may include a databus, datalink, one or more wired or wireless network interface software, firmware, or hardware, for example, as may be needed pursuant to the specifications and/or design of the particular embodiment of the control unit <NUM>. The system <NUM> may also access data on a personal mobile device, where such data is either stored in the device memory or through its connection to the Internet, cloud, or other communication network. For example, a WIFI-enabled device such as a body weight scale or fitness tracker can send measured body weight data to an app on the mobile device. Such body weight data can be transmitted wirelessly to and used by the control unit <NUM> to, e.g., calculate the tilt angles of the support planes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The other device(s) <NUM> may be embodied as any suitable type of computing device, electronic device, or electromechanical device capable of performing the functions described herein, such as any of the aforementioned types of devices or other electronic devices. For example, in some embodiments, a device <NUM> may operate a "back end" portion of the dynamic therapy system <NUM>, by performing data storage or other operations of the control unit <NUM>. In other embodiments, a device <NUM> may operate a "front end" portion of the dynamic therapy system <NUM>. For instance, a front end portion may be embodied as an "app" that runs on a personal mobile electronic device, which enables user input to the dynamic therapy system <NUM> and display of output produced by the dynamic therapy system <NUM>.

The system <NUM> may include other components, sub-components, and devices not illustrated in <FIG> for clarity of the description. In general, the components of the system <NUM> are communicatively coupled as shown in <FIG> by one or more communication links <NUM>, e.g., signal paths, which may be embodied as any type of wired, optical, or wireless signal paths capable of facilitating communication between the respective devices and components, including direct connections, public and/or private network connections (e.g., Ethernet, Internet, etc.), or a combination thereof, and including short range (e.g.,. Near Field Communication) and longer range (e.g., Wi-Fi or cellular) wireless communication links.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example of a method <NUM> executable by one or more components of the person support system <NUM> (e.g., by the multi-occupant control module <NUM> of the control unit <NUM>), is shown. The method <NUM> may be embodied as computerized programs, routines, logic and/or instructions, which may be embodied in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, of the system <NUM> and/or one or more other systems or devices in communication with the system <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> determines whether a "person <NUM>" (e.g., a person needing apnea therapy or another type of therapy provided by the lateral rotation apparatus <NUM>) is in position for the therapy to begin. To do this, the system <NUM> reads and analyzes data signals from an occupant sensor monitoring a portion of a person support surface that includes a lateral rotation apparatus (e.g., the support segment <NUM>). The system <NUM> may compare the sensed data values to known values indicative of various patient positions, which may be determined based on experimentation and test results. In doing so, the system <NUM> may query a database or access a lookup table (e.g., multi-occupant data <NUM>), and then perform a logical comparison of the current sensed value to one or more known values indicative of a person position relative to the support surface. For instance, the system <NUM> may determine from force sensor or pressure sensor readings that person <NUM> is laying down on the therapy-providing support segment. As another example, the system <NUM> may determine, based on one or more sensor inputs, that a substantial portion of person <NUM> is not positioned on the therapy-providing support segment. This may occur if person <NUM> is sitting on the edge of the person support surface or laying partially on the other lateral side of the person support surface (e.g., the support segment <NUM>). The specific parameters for determining whether person <NUM> is in a therapy enabling position may be selected according to the requirements of a particular design of the system <NUM>. If the system <NUM> does not detect that person <NUM> is in a therapy-enabling position, the system <NUM> remains in block <NUM>. If the system <NUM> detects that person <NUM> is in a therapy enabling position, the system <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> determines whether a "person <NUM>" is in a therapy enabling state. The specific parameters for determining whether person <NUM> is in a therapy enabling state may be selected according to the requirements of a particular design of the system <NUM>. For instance, the therapy enabling state may be defined as a sleep state, e.g., whether the person <NUM> is fully asleep, or in a REM state of sleep, or not yet asleep, or fully awake, or as an activity state, based on the person <NUM>'s level of motor activity in relation to the patient support surface. To determine whether person <NUM> is in a therapy-enabling state, the system <NUM> reads and analyzes data signals from an occupant sensor monitoring a portion of a person support surface that supports person <NUM> (e.g., the sensor <NUM>). The system <NUM> may compare the sensed data values to known values indicative of various therapy-enabling states, which may be determined based on experimentation and test results. In doing so, the system <NUM> may query a database or access a lookup table (e.g., supine sleep limit data <NUM>), and then perform a logical comparison of the current sensed value to one or more known values indicative of a desired therapy-enabling state. If the system <NUM> determines in block <NUM> that person <NUM> is not in a therapy-enabling state (e.g., person <NUM> is not yet asleep), the system <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>. If the system <NUM> determines in block <NUM> that person <NUM> is in a therapy enabling state (e.g., person <NUM> is in a deep sleep and is therefore unlikely to be bothered by the therapy), the system <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> controls the lateral rotation apparatus to a nontherapy state. To do this, the system <NUM> returns the therapy-providing segment of the person support surface (e.g., the support segment <NUM>) to a non-therapy position (e.g., a flat position), if the segment was, immediately prior to block <NUM>, in a therapy-providing position, or allows the therapy-providing segment to remain in the non-therapy position (if the segment was already in a non-therapy, e.g., flat, position). In other words, the system <NUM> delays the lateral rotation therapy for person <NUM> if person <NUM> is not detected as being in the desired therapy enabling state.

In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> controls the lateral rotation apparatus to a therapy state. To do this, the system <NUM> transitions the therapy-providing segment of the person support surface (e.g., the support segment <NUM>) to a therapy position (e.g., a progressive lateral tilt angle position), if the segment was, immediately prior to block <NUM>, in a non-therapy providing position, or allows the therapy-providing segment to remain in the therapy position (if the segment was already in a therapy, e.g., progressive lateral tilt, position). In other words, the system <NUM> initiates the lateral rotation therapy for person <NUM> if person <NUM> is detected as being in the desired therapy enabling state. Conversely, the system <NUM> terminates or suspends the lateral rotation therapy if either person <NUM> or person <NUM> is not in the desired state. For example, if person <NUM> wakes up or is detected as having a restless sleep, the system <NUM> may suspend the lateral rotation therapy in block <NUM>. Following block <NUM>, the method <NUM> may conclude or return to block <NUM>. To initiate or suspend lateral rotation therapy, the system <NUM> activates or deactivates the actuator(s) <NUM> by an appropriate amount or for an appropriate duration of time, in order to achieve the desired configuration of the person support surface. For example, the system <NUM> may turn a motor or an air supply on or off, adjust the power level, or adjust other operating parameters of the actuator <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example of a method <NUM> executable by one or more components of the person support system <NUM> (e.g., by the supine position control module <NUM> of the control unit <NUM>), is shown. The method <NUM> may be embodied as computerized programs, routines, logic and/or instructions, which may be embodied in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, of the system <NUM> and/or one or more other systems or devices in communication with the system <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> identifies one or more supine position evaluation parameters. The supine position evaluation parameters may be defined or selected according to the requirements of a particular design of the system <NUM>, and may include AHI, occupant position, occupant sleep state, and/or other parameters. In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> computes or determines data indicative of a maximum supine position duration. As used herein, "maximum supine position duration" may refer to, among other things, a maximum amount of time that a person (e.g., a person needing apnea therapy) should spend in the supine position, in order to minimize the risk of occurrence of an apnea event. To determine the maximum supine position duration, the system <NUM> may query a database or access a lookup table, or read sensed values from, e.g., sensor <NUM>, to obtain a data value indicating the maximum supine position duration based on demographic criteria or patient-specific criteria (such as the patient's AHI score, sleep state, or sleep position). For instance, a sensor <NUM> may be used to perform real-time (e.g., continuous) monitoring of AHI values (e.g., both supine and non-supine), and the system <NUM> can adjust the maximum supine position duration and/or tilt angle in response to changes in the AHI score as detected in real-time. According to the invention, the person's supine AHI and lateral AHI are used alone or in combination to calculate the maximum supine position duration (and optionally other data values used by the control unit <NUM>). In some embodiments, the supine position parameter(s) identified in block <NUM> may be used to determine or compute the maximum supine position duration in block <NUM>, either statically or dynamically. Following block <NUM>, the illustrative embodiment of system <NUM> enters a loop <NUM> in which the system <NUM> iteratively and dynamically monitors the supine position evaluation parameter(s) and adjusts the lateral rotation apparatus as needed to avoid the occupant's supine position evaluation parameter(s) falling outside an acceptable range (e.g., an AHI score greater than about <NUM>). As such, the system <NUM> may be configured to dynamically adjust the subject's supine position duration based on his or her current AHI score. According to the invention, the system <NUM> monitors the length of time that the occupant (e.g., person <NUM> of <FIG>) spends in the supine position over time, to prevent the length of time in the supine position exceeding the applicable maximum supine position duration. For instance, in the loop <NUM>, the system <NUM> may implement a fixed maximum supine position duration and simply track the amount of time the occupant spends in the supine position (e.g., by setting a timer) and compare the detected amount of time to the pre-determined maximum supine position duration value (which may be determined based on testing with a representative sample of subjects using the patient support surface in a number of different surface configurations). The system <NUM> can change the tilt position durations dynamically as well (e.g., as AHI rates change throughout a night of sleep, the amount of time spent in a tilt position can be dynamically adjusted).

In the illustrative embodiment, in block <NUM>, the system <NUM> determines whether the patient/occupant (e.g., person <NUM>) is in the supine position. To do this, the system <NUM> may read and analyze data signals from an occupant sensor (e.g., sensor <NUM>) and compare the sensed data values to known values indicative of various patient positions. Alternatively or in addition, the system <NUM> may determine the current state of the lateral rotation apparatus (e.g., by checking to see whether the bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are inflated or deflated, or by checking the current operational state of the actuator <NUM>, or by checking to see the current rotational angle of the support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, using, e.g., an angle sensor). If the system <NUM> does not detect that the patient/occupant is in a supine position, the system <NUM> remains in block <NUM>. If the system <NUM> detects that the patient/occupant is in the supine position, the system <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> begins monitoring the patient/occupant's supine position evaluation parameter (e.g., AHI, sleep state, or current supine position duration). In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> determines whether the monitored supine position evaluation parameter indicates that the patient/occupant's supine position duration equals or exceeds the maximum supine position duration. For example, the system <NUM> may compare the patient/occupant's AHI value to a threshold value or compare the current supine position duration to the maximum supine position duration determined in block <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, an algorithm may determine the minimum effective tilt angle to reduce AHI to below a threshold value in order to increase compliance by minimizing discomfort caused by a higher tilt angle. The system <NUM> remains in block <NUM> if the supine position duration does not exceed the maximum supine position duration value. If the supine position duration equals or exceeds the maximum supine position duration, the system <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> determines or computes the surface angle adjustments needed to transition the patient/occupant out of the supine position. To do this, the system <NUM> may query a database or access a lookup table that maps patient characteristics (such as gender, size, body weight, or AHI) to appropriate surface angles, for example.

In block <NUM>, the system <NUM> controls the lateral rotation apparatus to make the surface angle adjustments determined or computed in block <NUM>. To do this, the system <NUM> may activate or deactivate the actuator(s) <NUM> to rotate one or more of the support sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or inflate or deflate one or more of the bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, by an appropriate amount, to achieve the desired surface angles. It should be noted that the features of the method <NUM> and more generally, the supine position control module <NUM>, need not be used on a multi-occupant surface. Rather, the features of the method <NUM> and the supine position control module <NUM> are applicable to single-person support surfaces, such as those shown in <NUM>-<NUM> and 13A-13D, and can be used in connection with single-person support surfaces in the manner described above. Further, in multi-occupant embodiments, operation of the method <NUM> and/or the supine position control module <NUM> may be coordinated with the operation of the multi-occupant control module <NUM> and method <NUM>. For instance, the method <NUM> may be initiated as a result of the system <NUM> determining in block <NUM> of <FIG> that a person <NUM> is in a therapy-enabling state.

Referring now to <FIG>, an adverse event mitigation system <NUM> is shown. The illustrative adverse event mitigation system <NUM> is configured to help reduce the likelihood of an adverse event occurring and/or stop an adverse event in progress. In some contemplated embodiments, the adverse event mitigation system <NUM> may help reduce the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea occurring and/or may help stop an obstructive apnea event in progress. In other contemplated embodiments, the adverse event mitigation system <NUM> may help reduce the likelihood of other adverse events occurring and/or stop other adverse events in progress.

The adverse event mitigation system <NUM> includes a person support apparatus <NUM>, a person support surface <NUM> supported on the person support apparatus <NUM>, and a control system <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the person support apparatus <NUM> is a hospital bed frame and the person support surface <NUM> is supported thereon as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, the person support apparatus <NUM> can be a stretcher, an operating room table, or other person supporting structure (including a consumer-oriented device, such as a lounger or a recliner). The person support apparatus <NUM> includes a lower frame <NUM>, supports <NUM> or lift mechanisms <NUM> coupled to the lower frame <NUM>, and an upper frame <NUM> movably supported above the lower frame <NUM> by the supports <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The lift mechanisms <NUM> are configured to raise and lower the upper frame <NUM> with respect to the lower frame <NUM> and move the upper frame <NUM> between various orientations, such as Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg.

The upper frame <NUM> includes an upper frame base <NUM>, a deck <NUM> coupled to the upper frame base <NUM>, and a plurality of actuators <NUM> coupled to the upper frame base <NUM> and the deck <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The plurality of actuators <NUM> are configured to move at least a portion of the deck <NUM> along at least one of a longitudinal axis, which extends along the length of the upper frame <NUM>, and a lateral axis, which extends across the width of the upper frame <NUM>, between various articulated configurations with respect to the upper frame base <NUM>.

The person support surface <NUM> is configured to support a person thereon and move with the deck <NUM> between various configurations including a chair position, a horizontal position, and positions intermediate the horizontal and chair positions. In some embodiments, the person support surface <NUM> is a hospital bed mattress. In other embodiments, the person support surface <NUM> is a consumer mattress.

In some embodiments, one or more articulating sections of the deck <NUM> help move and/or maintain the various portions of the person support surface <NUM> at different lateral rotation angles (such as the angles α, β and γ shown in the embodiment of <FIG>) with respect to the reference plane RP1. In the illustrative embodiments, the person support surface <NUM> is a powered (e.g., dynamic) surface configured to receive fluid (e.g., air) from a fluid supply (e.g., the air supply <NUM>). The person support surface <NUM> has a mattress core that can be composed of a single type of material or a combination of materials and/or devices. In the illustrative embodiments, the mattress core includes at least one fluid bladder therein that receives fluid from a fluid supply to maintain the fluid pressure within the fluid bladder at a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the powered surface can include non-powered components, such as a foam frame surrounding or supporting one or more fluid bladders.

In some contemplated embodiments, the mattress core includes dynamically inflatable or static fluid bladders that are configured to support the cervical vertebrae and scapula, respectively, when inflated. The arrangement of the inflatable fluid bladders can vary depending on any number of factors, including, but not limited to, a person's body type and the angle at which the surface is at with respect to the reference plane RP1. In some embodiments, the fluid bladders are configured to laterally tilt the head and/or torso of the occupant. In some embodiments, wedge shaped fluid bladders (not shown) are positioned in head and torso portions of the support surface <NUM> and are configured to increase the angles of the occupant-contacting surfaces of the head and torso portions, respectively.

In some embodiments, the head and torso of the occupant can be tilted at different angles. For example, the person support apparatus <NUM> and/or the person support surface <NUM> can laterally rotate the occupant so that the torso is at an angle in the range of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees or more, with respect to the reference plane RP1, and the occupant's head is at a non-supine angle (e.g., an angle of about <NUM>° with respect to the reference plane RP1, or, an angle that is not within a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees of vertical orientation). Rotation of the occupant's torso can help the occupant maintain his or her head at a non-supine angle (e.g., an angle of about <NUM>° with respect to the reference plane RP1 or an angle that is not within a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees of vertical orientation).

Portions of the mattress core of the support surface may be composed of a cellular engineered material, such as a single density foam. In some embodiments, the support surface <NUM> includes multiple zones with different support characteristics configured to, e.g., enhance pressure redistribution as a function of the proportional differences of a person's body. Also, in some embodiments, the mattress core of the support surface <NUM> includes various layers and/or sections of foam having different impression load deflection (ILD) characteristics, such as may be found in the NP100 Prevention Surface, AccuMax Quantum™ VPC Therapy Surface, and NP200 Wound Surfaces sold by Hill-Rom®.

Referring now to <FIG>, the control system <NUM> is configured to change at least one characteristic of the person support apparatus <NUM> and/or person support surface <NUM>, e.g., to help reduce the likelihood of an adverse event occurring and/or stop an adverse event in progress. The control system <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, an input <NUM>, and memory <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input <NUM> includes a sensor <NUM>, such as, a position sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an acoustic sensor, and/or a moisture sensor, configured to provide an input signal to the processor <NUM> indicative of a physiological characteristic of the occupant, such as, the occupant's heart rate, respiration rate, respiration amplitude, skin temperature, weight, and position. In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> are incorporated into the person support surface <NUM> or a topper positioned on the person support surface, for example, as disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT> In some contemplated embodiments, the sensors <NUM> include, for example, RFID tags, accelerometers, proximity sensors, level sensors, or other physical tracking sensors that may be integrated into or coupled to, for example, ear plugs, ear phones, adhesive sensors, earlobe clips, eye covers, hats, nose strips or other devices that are attached to the patient's head or worn by the patient so that the position/orientation of the patient's head can be tracked. Information captured by monitoring the lateral position of the user's upper respiratory tract has several benefits, including one or more of the following: providing more accurate measurements of the upper respiratory angle for diagnosis of positional obstructive sleep apnea (in one example, sleep labs can use the information to more accurately diagnose POSA); providing biofeedback to help the user to train to maintain a posture that prevents POSA (positional obstructive sleep apnea); tracking performance of the system to determine if the system is achieving a sufficient upper respiratory angle to prevent apnea; monitoring compliance to determine if the system is being used; monitoring the upper respiratory angle and recording the angle when a sleep apnea event occurs; and controlling a surface capable of providing lateral rotation as a function of the inputs from the sensors <NUM>, tracking whether optimal lateral position has been achieved, and controlling the system to achieve a desired head lateral position and/or upper respiratory angle. In some contemplated embodiments, the sensors <NUM> are tracked by reading devices (i.e., an RFID or radio frequency identification, reader) in a siderail, person support surface, deck, headboard, or location on or in the person support apparatus <NUM> or person support surface <NUM>, or on or in a headwall in the room or other location in the room. In some contemplated embodiments, the sensor <NUM> includes a camera positioned at the foot of the bed or above the bed, as disclosed in <CIT>, for example, to track the orientation of the person's head.

In some embodiments, the input <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM> configured to receive information from a caregiver or other user. In other embodiments, the input <NUM> is an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system <NUM> in communication with the processor <NUM> via a hospital network <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> can output information, automatically or manually upon caregiver input, to the EMR for charting, which can include therapy initiation and termination, adverse event occurrence information, therapy protocol used, caregiver ID, and any other information associated with the occupant, caregiver, person support apparatus <NUM>, person support surface <NUM>, and an adverse event.

The memory <NUM> stores one or more instruction sets configured to be executed by the processor <NUM>. The instruction sets define procedures that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor <NUM> to implement one or more protocols that modify the configuration of the person support apparatus <NUM> and/or the person support surface <NUM>. In one illustrative embodiment, the instruction set defines a proactive procedure that causes the processor <NUM> to configure the person support apparatus <NUM> and/or the person support surface <NUM> in response to an input specifying that the occupant is at risk for sleep apnea. A procedure begins when the processor <NUM> receives an input signal from the input <NUM> indicative of the level of risk for an apnea event occurring. In some contemplated embodiments, the level of risk is input from a field in the occupant's EMR. In some contemplated embodiments, the level of risk is input by a caregiver through the user interface, which may arise from a doctor's order or be based on a patient scoring system. In some contemplated embodiments, the level of risk is determined based on a risk score that is calculated by the processor <NUM> based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, one or more of the factors listed in TABLE <NUM> below:.

In some embodiments, the position and/or the orientation of the occupant with respect to patient facing surface of the person support surface <NUM> is detected and can influence how the person support surface <NUM> and/or the person support apparatus <NUM> are configured to move the occupant to the desired position. For example, if the occupant is positioned along the left edge of the patient facing surface of the person support surface <NUM>, the protocol will not rotate them to the left. In some contemplated embodiments, the protocol is terminated because the occupant is in the correct position. In some contemplated embodiments, the protocol helps to maintain the occupant in the position. The position of the occupant on the person support surface <NUM> can be determined a number of ways, including sensing the force distribution on the upper frame <NUM> utilizing one or more load cells (not shown) coupled to the upper frame <NUM>, calculating the occupant's center of gravity using the one or more load cells, sensing pressures within the fluid bladders, using a camera (not shown) or 3D sensor (not shown), or using other methods.

Similar procedures can be used for a number of other adverse conditions. In some contemplated embodiments, a procedure can be used to determine if a person is at risk for or has gastroesophageal reflux disease and select a protocol that assists the occupant in maintaining a left lateral decubitus position or semi-reclining position while sleeping. In some contemplated embodiments, the procedure can be used to determine if a person is at risk for or has chronic respiratory insufficiency and select a protocol for the caregiver to approve that assists the occupant in maintaining a left lateral decubitus position while sleeping. In some contemplated embodiments, the procedure can be used to determine if a person is at risk for of has allergies to, for example, feather or down filled pillows, cushions or covers, and can alert the caregiver so that they can remove the item. In other contemplated embodiments, the above-described described procedure can be used to determine if the person is at risk for or has one or more other conditions, such as, for example, asthma, pregnancy, sleep paralysis or hallucinations, snoring, stroke bruxism, coughing, hypoxaemia in geriatric inpatients, stroke, or tuberculosis, that might be affected negatively by sleeping in the supine position and select a protocol and/or alert the caregiver so that the person support apparatus <NUM> and/or the person support surface <NUM> can be configured to maintain the occupant in a desirable position. In some contemplated embodiments, the procedure can be used to change the sleeping position of occupants to help stimulate blood oxygenation, which can undesirably decrease as the occupant remains stationary. Some patients may have a contraindication to be laterally tilted to one side but not the other, and thus rotation will only tilt to the non-contraindicated side. For example, a recent orthopedic procedure on an arm may induce pain when lying on that side, or a collapsed lung may cause pain on one side. Data indicative of these and other types of patient-specific health conditions may be input by a caregiver (e.g., by a user interface of the control unit <NUM>) or by a communications interface with, e.g., an electronic medical records (EMR) system.

Referring now to <FIG>, a support system <NUM> suitable for supporting a user, such as a person, for example, includes plurality of support pieces, namely a first or leg support piece <NUM> forming a first support plane <NUM>, a second or torso support piece <NUM> forming a second support plane <NUM>, and a third or head support piece <NUM> forming a third support plane <NUM> that collectively define a segmented, multi-plane, laterally angled sleep surface <NUM> having progressively greater angles of rotation along a longitudinal axis <NUM> of support system <NUM>, from a first or bottom edge <NUM> of sleep surface <NUM> to an opposing second or top edge <NUM> of sleep surface <NUM>, resulting in relatively greater rotation of the upper respiratory tract of the user (as necessary for efficacy in preventing obstructive apnea) and relatively lesser rotation in the lower body of the user (resulting in greater comfort and perceived stability by avoiding rotation of a majority of the user's body mass). In alternative embodiments, sleep surface <NUM> is formed using any suitable number of support pieces defining corresponding support planes, for example, one support piece forming a smooth contour over a length of sleep surface <NUM> from first edge <NUM> to opposing second edge <NUM> or a plurality of support pieces, such as two support pieces, three support pieces, or more than three support pieces forming a smooth contour over the length of sleep surface <NUM>.

Unlike conventional positional therapies for the prevention of obstructive sleep apnea, which attempt to manipulate the user's sleep position and/or orientation using rotation of one plane, in certain embodiments the system described herein uses multiple support planes formed by one or more support pieces to laterally rotate the user. For example, in one embodiment, two support pieces provide two separate support planes, with a first support plane defined by the first support piece configured to support the torso and the legs of the user, and a second support plane defined by the second support piece configured to support the neck and the head of the user. In an alternative embodiment, three support pieces provide three separate support planes, with a first support plane defined by the first support piece configured to support the legs of the user, a second support plane defined by the second support piece configured to support the torso of the user, and a third support plane defined by the third support piece configured to support the head of the user.

In a further alternative embodiment, more than three support pieces, for example, numerous independent support pieces having a length in a longitudinal direction of sleep surface <NUM> of <NUM>-<NUM> centimetres (<NUM>-<NUM> inches) or, more specifically, <NUM>-<NUM> centimetres (<NUM>-<NUM> inches), or, even more specifically, <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches), provide a corresponding number of separate support planes. Each support piece can be laterally rotated independently of other support pieces to collectively form sleep surface <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the numerous support pieces can be combined to form separate support pieces, for example, creating a first support piece having a length of <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) in the longitudinal direction at the foot of the support system <NUM>, an adjacent second support piece having a length of <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) in the longitudinal direction, and a third support piece adjacent the second support piece having a length in the longitudinal direction of <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches). In these embodiments, the support pieces forming the support planes can be rotated as necessary or desired to achieve an optimal configuration that is clinically effective (i.e., prevents apnea) and demonstrates acceptable tolerance (i.e., allows the user to sleep comfortably). In an alternative embodiment, a continuously sloped sleep surface is formed by a plurality of support pieces without step increases in lateral rotational angle; this is illustrated as a sleep surface with an infinite number of support pieces.

In the embodiments described herein, the length in the longitudinal direction of each support piece and defined support plane (and the resulting location of transitions between support planes) is designed to achieve clinical efficacy and tolerability. Therefore, a specific length can be defined in a number of configurations, including without limitations: (a) generic plane dimensions (e.g., based on average body geometry, a length of a torso section of the user defined so that when an average user's head is supported by a head support piece, a transition between the torso support piece and the leg support piece occurs below the user's S3 vertebrae); (b) customized plane dimensions (e.g., a torso support plane has a suitable length in the longitudinal direction appropriate to the user's leg length, torso length, and/or a distance from the user's shoulder to his/her inseam); or (c) dynamic plane dimensions (e.g., transitions selected on dynamic surface appropriate to user, selection being either user-selected, care-giver defined, or automatically calculated).

In certain embodiments, each support piece defining the corresponding support planes is independently rotatable about an axis extending parallel with a longitudinal axis of the support system. The independent rotation of each support piece allows the caregiver or the user the ability to focus on progressively increasing an angle of rotation in one or more support pieces having support planes positioned to support the torso of the user, and the neck and/or the head of the user. In certain embodiments, an angle of rotation (or lateral rotational angle) at which the one or more support planes defined by the support pieces configured to support the neck and/or the head of the user is positioned is greater than a rotational angle of the one or more support planes defined by the support pieces configured to support the torso of the user, which is greater than a rotational angle at which the one or more support planes defined by the support pieces configured to support the legs of the user is positioned.

In a particular embodiment, the support plane defined by the support piece configured to support the legs and the torso of the user is positioned at a rotational angle of <NUM>° with respect to a base surface of the support piece, while the support plane defined by the support piece configured to support the head of the user is positioned at a rotational angle of <NUM>° with respect to a base surface of the support piece. In an alternative embodiment, a first support plane defined by the support piece configured to support the legs of the user is positioned at a rotational angle of <NUM>° with respect to a base surface of the first support piece, a second support plane defined by a second support piece configured to support the torso of the user is positioned at a rotational angle of <NUM>° with respect to a base surface of the second support piece, and a third support plane defined by the third support piece configured to support the head of the user is positioned at a rotational angle of <NUM>° with respect to a base surface of the third support piece. In alternative embodiments, the support planes can be positioned at any suitable rotational angle including any suitable lateral rotational angle and/or any suitable longitudinal rotational angle.

Referring further to <FIG>, in a particular embodiment, first support piece <NUM> defines support plane <NUM> positioned at a lateral rotational angle α of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or more specifically, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or, even more specifically, <NUM>° with respect to a base surface <NUM> of first support piece <NUM>. Second support piece <NUM> defines support plane <NUM> positioned at a lateral rotational angle β of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or more specifically, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or, even more specifically, <NUM>°, with respect to a base surface <NUM> of second support piece <NUM>. Third support piece <NUM> defines support plane <NUM> positioned at a lateral rotational angle γ of <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or more specifically, <NUM>°, with respect to a base surface <NUM> of third support piece <NUM>. Other lateral rotational angles and step increases in lateral rotational angles between each support piece may also be used to achieve a progressive lateral rotational angle.

In some embodiments, each of support pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatable about longitudinal axis <NUM> to provide sleep surface <NUM> having a right side slope or, alternatively, a left side slope to allow the user to sleep on his/her right side or left side, respectively. In one embodiment, one or more cylindrical or tubular sections are positioned within at least a portion of first support piece <NUM>, second support piece <NUM>, and third support piece <NUM> and coaxially aligned with longitudinal axis <NUM> to allow each support piece <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate about longitudinal axis <NUM> independently of the other support pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, support pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are formed of more than one material, for example, two or more materials, such as two foam materials, having different densities, with the less dense material covering the denser material. In this embodiment, the less dense material is laid on the denser material at the respective base surface and the respective support plane of the support piece to allow sleep surface <NUM> to function properly, whether with a right side slope or a left side slope. With the denser material sandwiched between the less dense material, the user will be positioned on the less dense material in either the first or the second orientation.

In this embodiment, support system <NUM> allows the user to sleep on either his/her right side or left side, based on the user's sleeping preference. This sleeping preference may not be static. For example, if the user has an injury, an ache, or a desire to change his/her sleeping preference, the orientation of sleep surface <NUM> can be changed at any time to accommodate the user's sleeping preference. The orientation can be changed from day to day or during the night. Moreover, from a manufacturing standpoint, a versatile support system <NUM> prevents having to manufacture and distribute a sleep surface <NUM> having a right side slope and a separate sleep surface <NUM> having a left side slope, which would increase production and distribution costs. Finally, a potential purchaser would not have to commit to a sleep side before purchasing the product, which might be a deterrent to purchasing the product.

In some embodiments, each support piece <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes one or more inflatable fluid bladders configured to contain a fluid, such as air. In this embodiment, a length of each support piece <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is adjustable by adding fluid or removing fluid from one or more respective fluid bladders. By adding fluid to one or more of the respective fluid bladders, the length of the respective support piece <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is increased and the length of the respective support plane <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is also increased. Conversely, removing fluid from one or more of the respective fluid bladders, the length of the respective support piece <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is decreased and the length of the respective support plane <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is also decreased. The amount of fluid within the respective fluid bladders can be monitored and controlled electronically or by the user or caregiver using a suitable device including, without limitation, a suitable pneumatic pump or nozzle. In certain embodiments, a coupler, such as one or more snaps or straps, are utilized to maintain the desired amount of fluid within the respective fluid bladders and provide additional support to the respective support plane(s), for example, when the fluid bladders are not inflated.

As described herein, sleep surface <NUM> is customizable to anthropometric dimensions of the individual user to facilitate support system <NUM> performance that optimizes or matches the design intent - the body position of the user will prevent or limit undesirable sleep apnea episodes and provide improved comfort.

The fluid bladders are inflatable with air or another suitable fluid (which can be drained as desired from within the cavities of the fluid bladders into a reservoir). A fluid supply can be positioned at or near support system <NUM>, such as on the floor, beneath the bed, or coupled to the bed. The fluid supply is in independent fluid communication with each pair of fluid bladders by an air system to supply a desired amount of fluid to each fluid bladder based on a signal from a control, for example.

Referring now to <FIG>, there are shown views of a mattress <NUM> according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the mattress <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> which supports a head section <NUM>, a torso section <NUM>, a leg section <NUM>, and a bolster <NUM>. The mattress <NUM> has a longitudinal length l and a lateral width w. A central longitudinal axis, or centerline, a1 runs through the middle of the mattress <NUM> longitudinally from end to end and a central lateral axis a2 runs through the mattress laterally from side to side. In this embodiment, the mattress <NUM> is made of polyurethane foam, although the mattress could be made from many other foam (including memory foam or closed cell foam), cloth, and/or fabric materials, and/or structural elements such as springs and air bladders. For example, a viscoelastic foam with an ILD (indention load deflection) rating of about <NUM> could be used when the angle Ø1 (described below) is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. Depending on the stiffness (ILD) of the material, the angles disclosed herein can be adjusted somewhat. Smaller angles maybe used when a higher ILD (stiffer) material is utilized, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the material comprises foam having an ILD of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The mattress <NUM> in this embodiment is coated with three coats of F-<NUM> Muraculon vinyl based coating, and one coat of F-<NUM> Muraculon vinyl based coating. Other coverings can be utilized, including those which preserve the density or durability of the foam, or increase its infection control or antimicrobial properties. In some embodiments, no coatings or coverings could be utilized.

<FIG> is a top view of the illustrative embodiment of <FIG> looking in the direction labelled 13B in <FIG>. As seen in this view, the head section <NUM> includes a flat top surface <NUM> and an angled top surface <NUM> which slants in the lateral direction at an angle relative to the lateral axis a2. The bolster <NUM> includes a flat top surface <NUM> and an angled top surface <NUM> which slants in the longitudinal direction at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis a1. As seen in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the bolster <NUM> extends along the leg section <NUM> and a portion of the torso section <NUM>, but not along the head section <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a ramping or tapering down of the bolster <NUM> occurs about midway along the torso section <NUM> (below the location where the elbow would typically be supported). Accordingly, when this embodiment is used as intended, the head of the patient will typically not migrate adjacent the bolster <NUM> and will turn sideways at an angle, with a cheek supported by the angled top surface <NUM>, thereby supporting the head at an angle relative to the lateral axis a2.

<FIG> is a longitudinal side view (viewed along the longer side) of the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>, looking in the direction labelled 13C in <FIG> is a lateral side view (viewed along the shorter side, or end) of the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>, looking in the direction labelled 13D in <FIG>. As best seen in <FIG>, each of the head section <NUM>, torso section <NUM>, and leg section <NUM> includes an angled top support surface in this embodiment. In particular, the head section <NUM> includes the angled top surface <NUM> which slants in the lateral direction, the torso section <NUM> includes an angled top surface <NUM> which slants in the lateral direction, and the leg section includes an angled top surface <NUM> which slants in the lateral direction. The top surface <NUM> of the head section <NUM> is intended to support at least a portion of a person's head, and is generally tilted in the lateral direction at a first angle relative the lateral axis a2. The top surface <NUM> of the torso section <NUM> is intended to support at least a portion of a person's torso, and is generally tilted in the lateral direction at a second angle relative to the lateral axis a2. The top surface <NUM> of the leg section <NUM> is intended to support at least a portion of a person's leg, and is generally tilted in the lateral direction at a third angle relative to the lateral axis a2. In this embodiment, the top surface <NUM> of the head section <NUM> is at an angle Ø1 of about <NUM> degrees, the top surface <NUM> of the torso section is at an angle Ø2 of about <NUM> degrees, and the top surface <NUM> of the leg section is at an angle Ø3 of about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the angle Ø1 is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, and the angle Ø2 is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees (such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees). In some embodiments, angle Ø1 is at least about <NUM> degrees, and in some embodiments is at least about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments angle Ø1 is at least <NUM> degrees, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees, and the angle Ø2 is at least about <NUM> degrees, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the angle Ø2 is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees less than the angle Ø1. In some embodiments, the angle Ø2 is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees less than the angle Ø1, and in some embodiments the angle Ø2 is about <NUM> degrees less than the angle Ø1. In some embodiments, the angle Ø2 is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments where the head section angle Ø1 is at about <NUM> degrees, the angle Ø2 is at about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, such gradual turning by having angle Ø2 be somewhat less than angle Ø1, and somewhat more horizontal, has been found to increase comfort while still promoting a good sleeping position and urging the head turn significantly away from the vertical up direction (e.g., <NUM> degrees or more in both directions, clockwise and counterclockwise from vertical up, regardless of sleeping position.

In some embodiments, the angle Ø3 is from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the angle Ø3 is from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, and in some embodiments is about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the angle Ø3 is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees less than the angle Ø2. In some embodiments, the angle Ø3 is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees less than the angle Ø2, and in some embodiments the angle Ø3 is about <NUM> degrees less than the angle Ø2.

Because the base <NUM> is flat in this embodiment, on both its top and bottom, these angles Ø1, Ø2, and Ø3 are likewise relative to the base and to the underside of the mattress in this embodiment. In some embodiments, the top surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be curved or nonlinear or otherwise follow a non-straight or smooth path in the longitudinal and/or lateral directions. In such cases, where these angles are nonlinear in the lateral direction, the angle Ø1 of general lateral sloping of the top surface <NUM> of the head section can be defined by the angle of a line connecting a point defining the lateral start of the head support surface to a point defining its lateral end (laterally directly across, left to right), or a point at the approximate middle of the support surface (or by averaging the angles of all, or a plurality, of such lines, taken along the section). Likewise, the angle Ø2 of general sloping of the top surface <NUM> of the torso section can be defined by the line connecting the point defining the lateral start of the torso support surface to the point defining its lateral end, or a point at the approximate middle of the support surface (or by averaging the angles of all or a plurality of such lines taken along the section). Furthermore, the angle Ø3 of general sloping of the top surface <NUM> of the leg section can be defined by the line connecting the point defining the lateral start of the leg support surface to the point defining its lateral end, or a point at the approximate middle of the support surface (or by averaging the angles of all or a plurality of such lines taken along the section).

In this embodiment of <FIG>, the head support surface <NUM> is sized to support a person's head, the torso support surface <NUM> is sized to support a person's torso, and the leg support surface <NUM> is sized to support a person's legs. In some embodiments, the head section <NUM> is from about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) in length (such as from about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches), or at about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) for example), the torso section <NUM> is from about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) in length (such as from about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches), or at about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) for example), and the leg section is from about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) in length (such as from about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) to about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches), or about <NUM> centimetres (<NUM> inches) for example).

Referring now to <FIG>, support system <NUM> includes a suitable computer implemented control system <NUM> operatively coupled to the air system. The computer implemented control system includes a computer <NUM> having one or more processors <NUM> and one or more sleep sensors <NUM>, such as one or more pressure sensors, coupled in signal communication with processors <NUM>. Sleep sensors <NUM> are configured to monitor the user's sleep patterns and transmit signals indicative of the sensed sleep patterns to processors <NUM> for manipulation and evaluation of the data. Based at least in part on the one or more signals received from one or more sleep sensors <NUM>, control system <NUM> is configured to inflate or deflate select fluid bladders to reposition the user during sleep to prevent or limit the occurrence of a sleep apnea episode, for example.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the air system is configured to rest on a conventional mattress or may be configured or reinforced to rest directly on a support structure, such as a bed frame or a floor. With the fluid substantially removed from each of the fluid bladders, the air system can be folded or rolled into a compact configuration to facilitate storing and transporting the air system. In certain embodiments, the air system is less expensive than a conventional mattress and more compact to facilitate portability of support system <NUM>. Additionally, air system as configured prevents or limits disturbance to the user's partner sleeping next to the user.

The illustrative support system <NUM> is a dynamic support system, rather than a static support system, that is configured to control the configuration of sleep surface <NUM> based at least in part on data entered into control system <NUM> using computer <NUM>, or another control operatively coupled to computer <NUM>, and/or sensed by one or more sleep sensors <NUM>, for example, to improve the performance of sleep surface <NUM> in terms of clinical efficacy and user tolerability.

As described herein and shown schematically, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, dynamic support system <NUM> includes, in addition to other components, a plurality of sleep sensors <NUM> configured to sense and monitor various activities including without limitation, the user's body position, a location of the user with respect to sleep surface <NUM>, an orientation, for example, a left side orientation or a rights side sleep orientation, of the user, the user's vital signs including his/her sleep state, and additional relevant user activity during sleep. Each sleep sensor <NUM> is in signal communication with one or more processors <NUM> contained within computer <NUM> and configured to gather relevant data and generate and transmit to processors <NUM> signals indicative of the data gathered. Sleep sensors <NUM> are also configured to receive operation control signals from processors <NUM>.

Within computer <NUM>, data received from sleep sensors <NUM> is analyzed and operational control signals are transmitted to sleep sensors <NUM> as well as to other components of support system <NUM>, such as to fluid supply <NUM> to activate fluid supply <NUM> to provide air to one or more fluid bladders and/or remove air from one or more fluid bladders to adjust sleep surface <NUM> based on signals generated by sleep sensors <NUM> and analyzed within computer <NUM>. In one embodiment, computer <NUM> includes suitable memory <NUM> to store data sensed and/or generated by control system <NUM>.

An exemplary method <NUM> utilizing control system <NUM> for monitoring the sleep activities of a user positioned on support system <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. As described above, control system <NUM> includes one or more processors <NUM> configured to perform the steps as described herein.

Control system <NUM> is activated <NUM> either manually or automatically to monitor the user's sleep activities and patterns as user begins to sleep. In one embodiment, control system <NUM> detects when the user begins to fall asleep <NUM> and activates support system <NUM> (or a dynamic sleep surface) on a delay <NUM> to rotate the user at a suitable time after sleep is detected, such as after the user has been asleep for <NUM> minutes. In an alternative embodiment, control system <NUM> is programmed to activate support system <NUM> at a preset time, for example, at a <NUM> minute delay, without relying on monitoring the user's sleep activity. In a particular embodiment, control system <NUM> delays inter-sleep rotation of the user until the user is in a deep sleep. Further, when control system <NUM> detects that the user is waking, control system <NUM> will activate support system <NUM> to move sleep surface <NUM> to an initial configuration such that the user can exit from support system <NUM>. In a further embodiment, control system <NUM> prevents activation of support system <NUM> if control system <NUM> detects the user is sleeping in a lateral decubitus position.

Prior to sleep, the user is able to input <NUM> to control system <NUM> sleep data <NUM> including without limitation, preferred sleeping sides and positions, the user's measurements including, for example, the user's height, weight, and inseam and torso measurements, preferred lateral rotational angles and/or longitudinal rotational angles of one or more support planes defining sleep surface <NUM>. Based at least in part on the user's input data, control system <NUM> is configured to activate support system <NUM> to adjust a direction and/or a level of rotation of one or more support planes defining sleep surface <NUM>. For example, if the user prefers a left side slope to sleep surface <NUM>, control system <NUM> activates fluid bladders within support system <NUM> to form the desired lateral left side slope, or if the user's partner is sleeping on the left side of the user, a left angle may be created. In one embodiment, minimal adjustments are made to sleep surface <NUM> to maintain the user's AHI under <NUM> and/or prevent snoring because apneas events and snoring may or may not be equivalent, depending on the user. Additionally, control system <NUM> is configured to collected and record data obtained as the user sleeps to diagnose any undesirable or abnormal sleep activities or conditions, including the user's apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), for example.

During sleep, control system <NUM> assesses the user's comfort level <NUM> and, in a particular embodiment, compares the current evaluation with previous evaluations. The user's body is then mapped <NUM> to map body region locations <NUM>, and user activities and movements <NUM> during sleep. The collected data is then analyzed <NUM> to determine: the location of joints including, for example, the user's neck, hips, and knees; preferred surface orientation (right side vs. left side orientation); and body orientation (e.g., mapping pressures at various locations on sleep surface <NUM> as a result of the user's body orientation, for example, a lateral sleep position indicated by a narrow pressure mapping profile). In one embodiment, location of one or more support planes are calculated and located based on transition points. Under the pressure mapping, specific pressure points are identified to increase or decrease pressure. For example, select fluid bladders are inflated or deflated based on body location and desired lateral rotational angles.

Control system <NUM> then assesses <NUM> the user's body orientation including, for example a determination of head angle <NUM> and chest angle <NUM>. During sleep, control systems also actively monitors <NUM> the user's vital signs, which includes measuring and monitoring the user's respiratory rate and amplitude, AHI, sleep state, snoring, and oxygen saturation (SpO<NUM>), for example. If an adverse event is detected, control system <NUM> activates <NUM> one or more components of support system <NUM> to respond appropriately. For example, fluid supply <NUM> may be activated to inflate or deflate one or more fluid bladders. Control system <NUM> may activate fluid supply <NUM> based on one or more of the following events: detection of snoring, detection of an AHI episode (apnea and/or hypopnea), and detection that the user is in a supine position (e.g., supine torso, upper respiratory tract (URT) within <NUM>° of vertical). Control system <NUM> may also activate support system <NUM> to vibrate to wake the user should control system <NUM> detect an adverse event, such as an apnea episode. However, it is not necessary to fully awaken the patient to disrupt apnea episodes; thus, the vibration can be adjusted to the minimal level needed in order to disrupt the apnea event (and thus minimize patient awakenings).

While certain features have been described in the context of certain illustrative embodiments and examples, it should be understood that such features may be adopted or applied to any of the disclosed embodiments and examples, or to other embodiments and examples.

Portions of the above embodiments may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, embodiments may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more processors, microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, where the elements of the above embodiments are implemented using software programming or software elements the embodiments may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, assembler, or the like, with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Furthermore, the embodiments can employ any number of conventional techniques for electronics configuration, signal processing and/or control, data processing and the like. Words such as mechanism may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical embodiments, but can include software routines in conjunction with processors, etc..

The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples. For the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, control systems, software development and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in embodiments illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments as described may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein.

Claim 1:
A dynamic person support system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a person support surface (<NUM>);
a lateral rotation apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the person support surface (<NUM>), the lateral rotation apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a plurality of independently rotatable longitudinally arranged support planes (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a lateral rotation actuator (<NUM>) operably coupled to one or more of the support planes (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a control unit (<NUM>) comprising a processor (<NUM>) and a non-transitory machine readable storage medium comprising a dynamic therapy routine, the dynamic therapy routine comprising instructions executable by the processor (<NUM>) to cause the control unit (<NUM>) to control the operation of the lateral rotation apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) by:
determining a maximum supine position duration;
monitoring the actual supine position duration of a human subject positioned on the person support apparatus; and
controlling the lateral rotation actuator (<NUM>) to maintain the actual supine position duration below the maximum supine position duration,
wherein the control unit (<NUM>) is configured to compute the maximum supine position duration based on a first apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) value and a second AHI value, wherein the first AHI value is determined while the human subject is in a supine position and the second AHI value is determined while the human subject is in a non-supine position.