WO2004058007A2

WO2004058007A2 - Patient support surface

Info

Publication number: WO2004058007A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/040206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory W. Branson; John P. Biondo
Original assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
Priority date: 2002-12-19
Filing date: 2003-12-18
Publication date: 2004-07-15
Also published as: AU2003300995A8; WO2004058007A3; US20040128772A1; AU2003300995A1

Abstract

A fluid filled patient support 10,110,210 and related method of distribution, use and disposal thereof.

Description

PATIENT SUPPORT SURFACE

Background and Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to patient supports and, more particularly, to fluid-filled patient supports for supporting the body of a person. The present invention further relates to a method of providing disposable patient supports.

Beds, including mattresses, mattress overlays, mattress toppers, and mattress replacement systems having a plurality of air bladders or sacs to provide an adjustable patient support surface are well known in the art. One type of inflatable patient support surface is a "low air loss" mattress which is in communication with a blower and includes a plurality of microvents configured to slowly release air. Examples of conventional inflatable patient supports are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,949,413 to Goodwin and 5,647,079 to Hakamiun et al., which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Traditionally, inflatable patient supports are reusable. More particularly, such patient supports typically include a wipable outer surface that is cleaned after each patient use so that it is sanitized for its use by the next patient. Often such patient supports are rented by hospitals wherein after each patient use, the supplier must physically remove the patient support and have it cleaned and sanitized for future use.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the presently perceived best mode of carrying out the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view, with a partial cutaway of the coverlet, of an illustrative mattress of the present invention and schematically showing the connection to a fluid supply;

Fig. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the mattress of Fig. 1, with the coverlet removed for clarity; Fig. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the fluid coupling of a manifold of the mattress, the fluid port of a bladder of the mattress, and a cooperating plug receivable within the fluid port;

Fig. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a fluid coupling of a manifold of the mattress and cooperating cap configured to receive the fluid coupling;

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of first and second bladders of the mattress of Fig. 1, showing the second bladder uncoupled from the first bladder;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the mattress of Fig. 1, illustrating a coverlet extending across the top surface and side surfaces of the mattress; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 1 showing an illustrative coupling for the bladders;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig. 8 showing an alternative embodiment coupling for the bladders; Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a further illustrative embodiment mattress of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the mattress of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 10, showing a channel form positioned with a lateral seal; Fig. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view, with a partial cutaway, illustrating a further illustrative embodiment mattress of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing an illustrative process of forming the mattress of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of a further illustrative embodiment of the mattress of the present invention; and

Fig. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a method of mattress distribution and disposal in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings With reference to the drawings, Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a mattress assembly 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. While in the following discussion reference will be made to a mattress assembly 10, it should be appreciated that the present invention may be used not only as a mattress assembly, but also as a mattress overlay, a mattress topper, or other cushioned product for use in connection with a patient support, such as a chair cushion, a side rail pad or a bed extender. Further, the mattress assembly 10 may be supported by the frame or deck of any conventional bed. For example, the mattress assembly 10 could be supported by the frame of the bed disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,208,250, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

The mattress assembly 10 includes a fluid cushion or support assembly 12 configured to be located within a top coverlet 14. The fluid cushion assembly 12 defines a longitudinal axis 16 extending between a head end 18 and an opposing foot end 20 of the mattress assembly 10. Further, the fluid cushion assembly 12 defines longitudinally extending opposing side edges 22 and 24. The top coverlet 14 includes a top surface 26 for supporting a patient, and a sidewall 28 which extends downwardly around the peripheral edge of the fluid cushion assembly 12 as defined by the head and foot ends 18 and 20, and the opposing side edges 20 and 24. An elastic band 29 (Fig. 7) may be coupled to the sidewall 28 of the coverlet 14 in order to assist in securing the coverlet 14 to the fluid cushion assembly 12.

The support assembly 12 includes first and second longitudinal air distribution channels or manifolds 30 and 32. The first and second manifolds 30 and 32 are laterally spaced proximate the opposing side edges 20 and 24, respectively, and extend longitudinally between the head end 18 and the foot end 20 of the mattress assembly 10. The first and second manifolds 30 and 32 include a plurality of first and second fluid ports 31 and 33, respectively. The first and second fluid ports 31 and 33 are longitudinally spaced and in fluid communication with a fluid chamber 34 defined by each manifold 30 and 32 (Figs. 2 and 7). As detailed below, each manifold 30 and

32 illustratively comprises a tubular member formed from a polymer sheet material, such as polyolefin. Illustratively, at the head end 18, each manifold 30 and 32 is sealed, while at the foot end 20 each manifold 30 and 32 includes a fluid coupling 35 and 36. Each fluid coupling 35 and 36 is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a conventional fluid supply 38 through tubular members or hoses

40 and 42.

A connecting sheet 44 illustratively couples the first manifold 30 to the second manifold 32 and extends below the support assembly 12. A plurality of straps 46 are coupled to the manifolds 30 and 32 and are configured to secure the mattress assembly 10 to a support surface, such as a bed frame (not shown).

The support assembly 12 further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely extending air tunnels or fluid bladders 50 extending between the first manifold 30 and the second manifold 32. Each bladder 50 defines a fluid chamber 51 configured to be placed in fluid communication with one or both of the manifolds 30 and 32 (Fig. 7). More particularly, each bladder 50 illustratively comprises a sheet which is generally folded in half to form a tubular member, wherein the open side edges and bottom edges are sealed through conventional means, such as radio- frequency (RF) welding, to form the fluid chamber 51. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the top surface 52 of each bladder 50 illustratively includes a plurality of microholes or micro vents 53 that permit air to slowly leak out of the fluid chamber 51 at a predetermined rate, thereby defining a "low air loss" bladder 50. In one illustrative embodiment, each microvent has a diameter of approximately 0.030 inches when the bladder 50 is inflated to a pressure up to approximately 18 inches of water. As detailed below, each bladder 50 is illustratively formed from a polymer sheet material, such as polyolefin.

With reference to Figs. 5 and 7, opposing ends 54 and 56 of the bladders 50 include retaining portions or extensions 58 and 60, respectively, which define air pockets and extend laterally outwardly and vertically above the respective first and second manifolds 30 and 32. In other words, the retaining portions 58 and 60 define first and second receiving notches 62 and 64 which receive the first and second manifolds 30 and 32, respectively, thereby preventing lateral movement of the bladders 50 relative to the manifolds 30 and 32. Each bladder 50 further includes first and second fluid ports 66 and 68 positioned within the receiving notches 62 and 64, respectively. The fluid ports 66 and 68 are in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 51 defined by the bladder 50. Each fluid port 66 and 68 is configured to be selectively and releasably coupled to one of a plurality of fluid couplings 72 and 74, respectively, supported by the first and second manifolds 30 and 32. As shown in Fig. 2, the fluid couplings 72 and 74 are longitudinally spaced along the manifolds 30 and 32, respectively, and extend laterally inwardly toward the bladders 50. Illustratively, the fluid couplings 72 and 74 are formed from a material weldable to the manifolds 30 and 32, such as polyolefin. As illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 7, each fluid coupling 72 and 74 includes a tubular member 76 having a first end fixed to the fluid port 31, 33 of a respective one of the first and second manifolds 30 and 32. A second end of each fluid coupling 72 and 74 is releasably coupled to one of the fluid ports 66 and 68 of a bladder 50. Each tubular member 76 includes a plurality of retaining elements 78, illustratively barbs, integrally formed with and extending circumferentially outwardly from the tubular member 76. The retaining elements 78 engage an inner surface 80 of the respective fluid port 66, 68, thereby preventing inadvertent uncoupling therefrom.

Given the modular design of the mattress assembly 10, each bladder 50 may be selectively coupled for fluid communication with one or both of the first and second manifolds 30, 32, thereby defining a plurality of independently controllable fluid zones. For example, the fluid supply 38 may provide a high pressure fluid to one of the first and second manifolds 30 and 32 and provide a low pressure fluid to the other of the first and second manifolds 30 and 32. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, conventional plugs 82 may be sealingly received within the unused fluid ports 66 and

68, to prevent the exhausting of fluid from the fluid chamber 51 of the respective bladder 50 to atmosphere. Likewise, conventional caps 83 may sealingly receive the unused fluid couplings 72 and 74 to prevent the exhausting of fluid from the respective fluid chambers 34 of the manifolds 30 and 32 to atmosphere. It should be appreciated that the fluid ports 66 and 68 and the fluid couplings 72 and 74 which are not required may be permanently sealed or removed in their entirety from the bladders 50 and manifolds 30 and 32, respectively.

More particularly, the fluid supply 38 may include a conventional control system (not shown) having appropriate pressure sensors and fluid valves which are configured to regulate the pressure within each of the manifolds 30 and 32. As such, the pressure of the fluid in each of the air zones defined by the bladders 50 may be independently sensed and controlled in order to maintain desired pressures therein. An example of an inflatable patient support surface system is provided in U.S. Patent No. 5,647,079, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 5, 8, and 9, each bladder 50 illustratively includes a first connecting sheet 84 extending longitudinally in a first direction, and a second connecting sheet 86 extending longitudinally in a second direction opposite the first direction of the first connecting sheet 84. The connecting sheets 84 and 86 are coupled to a lower portion of each bladder 50 through a hinge 88. The hinge 88 permits for pivotal movement of the bladder 50 relative to adjacent bladders 50.

Each connecting sheet 84 and 86 includes a coupler 90 configured to restrain movement thereof relative to the connecting sheet 84 and 86 of an adjacent bladder

50. More particularly, a first attachment member of the coupler 90 is coupled to each first connecting sheet 84 and is configured to operably cooperate with a second attachment member of the coupler 90 which is coupled to the second connecting sheet 86 of an adjacent bladder 50. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the coupler 90 may include a first attachment member comprising a plurality of buttons 92 supported by the first connecting sheet 84 and a second attachment member comprising a plurality of button holes 94 supported by the second connecting sheet 86. The buttons 92 are removably received within the button holes 94 to releasably secure the first connecting sheet 84 to the second connecting sheet 86. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 9, the coupler 90' may include a plurality of snaps 96, including a first attachment member 97 coupled to the first connecting sheet 84 and a second attachment member 98 coupled to the second connecting sheet 86 and securingly engagable with the first attachment member 97. It should be appreciated that other conventional couplers, such as hook and loop fasteners, may be readily substituted for the buttons 92 and snaps 96 identified above. Further, should a permanent connection between adjacent bladders 50 be desired, the first and second connecting sheets 84 and 86 may be secured together using permanent fixation means, such as RF welding or adhesives. Alternatively, the mattress assembly 10 may be made up of preformed top and bottom parts as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,896,389, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated by reference herein.

As described above, the components on the mattress 10, including manifolds 30 and 32, bladders 50, fluid ports 66 and 68, and fluid couplings 72 and 74, are illustratively formed from a polymeric material and, more particularly, a polyolefin. However, other similar materials which facilitate easy disposal may be substituted therefor. The appropriate material is selected based upon several criteria, including: (i) ease of bonding through conventional means, such as RF welding, (ii) capability of disposal by conventional means without adverse impact, such as incineration without releasing toxic gases, (iii) bio-compatibility, (iv) availability and (v) cost. All of the aforementioned criteria permit the disposal of the mattress 10 after a single patient use. Materials which meet the above criteria include polymers including, but are not limited to: ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyester, polyolefin blends, polyolefin laminates, functionalized polyolefins, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol.

Turning now to Figs. 10-12, a further illustrative embodiment mattress assembly 110 is illustrated. The mattress assembly 110 includes an upper sheet 112 coupled to a lower sheet 114. More particularly, the upper sheet 112 and the lower sheet 114 are secured together through first and second longitudinally extending side seals 116 and 118 and a plurality of laterally extending seals 120. The lateral seals

120 define a plurality of laterally extending bladders 122. As illustrated in Fig. 11, the lateral seals 120 are formed proximate the vertical center plane of the mattress assembly 110 intermediate a top surface 124 defined by the upper sheet 112 and a bottom surface 126 defined by the lower sheet 114. As with the embodiments of Figs. 1-9, the top surface 124 illustratively includes a plurality of micro vents 127 that permit air to slowly leak out of the bladders 122 at a predetermined rate. In one illustrative embodiment, each microvent 127 has a diameter of approximately 0.030 inches when the bladders 122 are inflated to a pressure up to approximately 18 inches of water. First and second longitudinally extending channel forms 128 and 130 are received intermediate the upper and lower sheets 112 and 114. The channel forms 128 and 130 illustratively comprise hollow core ropes which define air passageways 132 and 134, respectively, within the lateral seals 120 thereby facilitating fluid communication between adjacent bladders 122. During assembly, the channel forms 128 and 130 are positioned between the upper and lower sheets 112 and 114 before the lateral seals 120 are formed.

Illustratively, the upper and lower sheets 112 and 114 are formed from a polymer sheet material, such as a polyolefin. As detailed above, any material which is easily bonded, disposable, bio-compatible, readily available, and relatively inexpensive, may be substituted therefor.

Turning now to Figs. 13 and 14, a further illustrative embodiment mattress assembly 210 and related method are illustrated. The mattress assembly 210 includes a support assembly 212 defining a longitudinal axis 216 extending between a head end 218 and a foot end 220. First and second longitudinally extending sides 220 and 224 extended between the head end 218 and the foot end 220.

The support assembly 212 includes an upper member 226, illustratively a polyolefin sheet, including a plurality of vacuum formed, upwardly extending cavities 228, 230 and 232. Each cavity 228, 230, and 232 includes a peripheral wall 234, which fluidly isolates it from adjacent cavities 228, 230, and 232. It should be appreciated that openings may be formed within the wall 234 to provide for fluid communication between the adjacent cavities 228, 230, and 232.

The support assembly 212 further includes a lower member 236, also illustratively a polyolefin sheet, including a plurality of vacuum formed, downwardly extending cavities 238, 240 and 242. Again, each cavity 238, 240, and 242 includes a peripheral wall 244, which fluidly isolates it from adjacent cavities 238, 240, and 242. While in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, the lower member 236 includes a plurality of cavities 238, 240 and 242, it should be appreciated that the lower member 236 may alternatively comprise a substantially planar sheet.

In the illustrative embodiment, an intermediate layer 246 is coupled between the upper member 226 and the lower member 236, thereby separating the upper cavities 228, 230, and 232 from fluid communication with the lower cavities 238, 240, and 242. As such, the cavities 228, 230, 232 and 238, 240, 242 define a plurality of upper fluid zones and a plurality of lower fluid zones, respectively. Illustratively, the intermediate layer 246 comprises a substantially planar sheet of polyolefin.

In the manner detailed above, a fluid supply 38 may be fluidly coupled to the mattress assembly 210 and illustratively includes a conventional control system (not shown) configured to regulate the pressure within each of the cavities 228, 230, 232 and 238, 240, 242 defining a plurality of upper fluid zones and a plurality of lower fluid zones. As such, the pressure of the fluid in each of the fluid zones may be independently sensed and controlled in order to maintain desired pressures therein. While the upper member 226, the lower member 236, and the intermediate layer 246 are illustratively formed from polyolefin, any material which is easily bonded, disposable, bio-compatible, readily available, and relatively inexpensive, may be substituted therefor.

As illustrated in Fig. 14, the mattress assembly 210 of Fig. 13 is formed initially by providing upper and lower sheets 248 and 250 of polyolefin. Each sheet 248 and 250 is placed in a vacuum mold 252 where the plurality of upwardly extending cavities 228, 230, and 232 are formed to define the upper member 226, and the plurality of downwardly extending cavities 238, 240, and 242 are formed to define the lower member 236. More particularly, the mold 252 includes cooperating upper and lower mold members 254 and 256. The upper mold member 254 draws a vacuum on the upper sheet 248 to form the upwardly extending cavities 228, 230, and 232, while the lower mold member 256 draws a vacuum on the lower sheet 250 to form the downwardly extending cavities 238, 240, 242.

Next, the intermediate layer 246 is positioned between the upper member 226 and the lower member 236. The upper member 226, the intermediate layer 246 and the lower member 236 are then secured together in a sealing relationship, illustratively through conventional means, such as RF welding. The mattress assembly 210 may be completed by the application of any desired additional components such as fluid couplings and a coverlet. Fig. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment mattress assembly 210' which may be formed through a vacuum molding process in a manner similar to that of the mattress assembly 210 of Figs. 13 and 14. Again, the mattress assembly 210' includes a plurality of upwardly extending cavities 228', 230', 232', 233, 235, and 237 and a plurality of downwardly extending cavities (not shown) which are substantially identical to the upwardly extending cavities. The upwardly extending cavities 228',

230', 232', 233, 235, and 237 and the downwardly extending cavities include peripheral or edge bladders 235 and 237 which may be utilized as manifolds to supply air to the remaining upper cavities 228', 230', 232', and 233 and to the lower cavities. Fig. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a method of mattress distribution and disposal in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated method eliminates the need for service technicians from the mattress supplier to install, and then subsequently remove and clean, a conventional mattress from a hospital or care facility 410. Moreover, the prior art method typically requires that a service technician remove the mattress from the hospital after use by a single patient. The patient support is then returned to a service center and subsequently sent to a cleaning or laundry facility for sterilization. The method of the present invention simplifies this process due to the disposability of the mattress. Referring further to Fig. 16, the mattress 10 or patient support is initially stored at a distribution center 420. Likewise, a fluid supply 38 is stored at the hospital 410 and may be owned or rented by the hospital 410. The fluid supply 38 illustratively remains at the hospital for a longer period of time than the single use mattress 10 and is configures for use with multiple patients supported on multiple mattresses 10. When requiring a mattress 10, the hospital 410 contacts a sales office 430. Such communication with the sales office 430 may be through conventional means, such as telephone, electronic mail or conventional mail. Upon receiving an order for a mattress 10, the sales office 430 processes the order and sends a request to the distribution center 420. In turn, the distribution center 420 sends the mattress 10 to the hospital 410, again through conventional channels such as conventional mail. Illustratively, the mattress 10 is shipped in a sterile condition and is contained within sealed packaging to maintain its sterile condition.

Upon receiving the mattress 10, the hospital 410 unpacks the mattress 10 from the packaging and places the mattress 10 on a support surface, such as the frame of a hospital bed. Next, the hospital bed 410 couples the mattress to the fluid supply 38. Fluid is then supplied to the mattress 10 from the fluid supply 38 thereby inflating the plurality of bladders 50. During operation, a patient is supported on the upper surface 26 of the mattress 10. As detailed above, the fluid supply 38 illustratively controls selected zones of the bladders 50 independently such that different fluid zones are provided with different pressures. Once treatment of the patient has been completed, and the mattress 10 is no longer required, the mattress 10 is deflated and the fluid supply 38 uncoupled therefrom. The mattress 10 is then replaced with a substantially identical second mattress for providing support to a different patient. Next, the hospital properly packages and ships the mattress 10 to a certified disposal facility

440. The disposal facility 440 then disposes of the mattress in a proper manner. Illustratively, the mattress 10 is incinerated at the disposal facility 440.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a longitudinally extending first manifold; a longitudinally extending second manifold positioned in laterally spaced relation to the first manifold; a plurality of laterally extending bladders, each bladder positioned parallel to the other bladders and including opposing first and second ends; a plurality of longitudinally spaced first fluid couplings coupled to the first manifold and configured to provide fluid communication between the first manifold and at least one of the plurality of bladders; a plurality of longitudinally spaced second fluid couplings coupled to the second manifold and configured to provide fluid communication between the second manifold and at least one of the plurality of bladders; and wherein the plurality of bladders are configured to be removably received intermediate the first and second longitudinally spaced manifolds, the first fluid couplings being configured to selectively and releasably couple the first manifold to the first end of at least one of the plurality of bladders, and the second fluid couplings being configured to selectively and releasably couple the second manifold to the second end of at least one of the plurality of bladders.

2. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second fluid couplings comprises a tubular member extending inwardly from the first and second manifolds, respectively.

3. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of retaining members coupled to the tubular member and configured to retain the tubular member within the bladder.

4. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second manifolds each includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced fluid ports, the first end of each bladder includes a fluid port, the second end of each bladder includes a fluid port, a first end of each coupling is fixed to one of the fluid ports of the first and second manifolds, and a second end of each coupling is removably coupled to one of the fluid ports of the bladders.

5. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bottom wall coupled to the first and second manifolds and extending below the plurality of bladders.

6. The patient support apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a top coverlet including a top surface and a side wall extending downwardly from the top surface, the side wall being configured to extend over outer side edges of the first and second manifolds and under a bottom surface of the first and second manifolds.

7. The patient support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the top coverlet includes an elastic cord coupled to the side wall to hold the side wall of the top coverlet under the first and second manifolds.

8. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one connecting sheet coupled to each of the bladders and a coupler configured to restrain movement of the connecting sheet.

9. The patient support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the coupler comprises one of a plurality of buttons and a plurality of snaps coupled to the connecting sheet.

10. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fluid supply in fluid communication with the first and second manifolds, the fluid supply configured to provide a fluid having a first pressure to the first manifold and a fluid having a second pressure to the second manifold.

11. The patient support apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one check valve coupled between the first manifold and at least one of the bladders to permit fluid flow from the manifold into the bladder.

12. A bladder for use in a patient support apparatus, the bladder comprising: an outer wall defining a longitudinal center axis and a fluid chamber; a first connecting flange coupled to the outer wall and extending laterally in a first direction; a second connecting flange coupled to the outer wall and extending laterally in a second direction opposite the first direction; a hinge coupled to the outer wall and configured to permit the bladder to pivot about the longitudinal extending axis; a first attachment member coupled to the first connecting flange; a second attachment member coupled to the second connecting flange, the first attachment member configured to cooperate with the second attachment member of an adjacent bladder and thereby secure the first connecting flange to the second connecting flange of the adjacent bladder; and a fluid port formed within the outer wall and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

13. The bladder of claim 12, further comprising receiving notches formed in opposing ends of the outer wall, and first and second manifolds received by the receiving notches.

14. The bladder of claim 12, wherein the attachment device comprises one of a plurality of buttons and a plurality of snaps.

15. The bladder of claim 12, further comprising at least one check valve in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and configured to prevent fluid flow in a direction from the fluid chamber through the fluid port.

16. A patient support system comprising: a fluid supply; a first manifold in fluid communication with the fluid supply and configured to receive from the fluid supply a fluid having a first pressure; a second manifold in fluid communication with the fluid supply and configured to receive from the fluid supply a fluid having a second pressure; a plurality of laterally extending first bladders positioned intermediate the first and second manifolds, each first bladder in fluid communication with the first manifold; and a plurality of laterally extending second bladders positioned intermediate the first and second manifolds, each second bladder in fluid communication with the second manifold.

17. The patient support system of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second manifolds include a plurality of fluid couplings, and each of the plurality of bladders include at least one fluid port which is configured to selectively couple to one of the fluid couplings.

18. The patient support system of claim 16, further comprising a bottom wall coupled to the first and second manifolds and extending below the plurality of bladders.

19. The patient support system of claim 16, further comprising at least one connecting sheet coupled to each of the bladders and an attachment device configured to restrain movement of the connecting sheet.

20. The patient support system of claim 19, wherein the attachment device comprises one of a plurality of buttons and a plurality of snaps.

21. A disposable air mattress configured for single patient use, the air mattress comprising: a first longitudinal air distribution channel; a second longitudinal air distribution channel positioned in laterally spaced relation to the first manifold; a plurality of laterally extending air tunnels, the air tunnels positioned adjacent to and parallel with each other; each of the air tunnels including opposing first and second ends, the first end of at least some of the air tunnels configured to be in communication with the first longitudinal air distribution channel and the second end of at least some of the air tunnels configured to be in communication with the second longitudinal air distribution channel; and the first longitudinal air distribution channel, the second longitudinal air distribution channel, and the air tunnels being formed of polymeric sheet material configured to be incinerated without releasing toxic gases.

22. The air mattress of claim 21, wherein each of the air tunnels is integrally formed with an air pocket at each end, each air pocket extending over and covering the adjacent distribution channel, thereby increasing the width of the mattress.

23. The air mattress of claim 21, further comprising an air source coupled to the first longitudinal air distribution channel and the second longitudinal air distribution channel.

24. The air mattress of claim 21, wherein the polymeric sheet material comprises a polyolefin film.

25. The air mattress of claim 21, further comprising: a plurality of longitudinally spaced first fluid couplings configured to provide fluid communication between the first longitudinal air distribution channel and at least one of the plurality of air tunnels; a plurality of longitudinally spaced second fluid couplings configured to provide fluid communication between the second longitudinal air distribution channel and at least one of the plurality of air tunnels; and wherein the plurality of air tunnels are configured to be removably received intermediate the first and second longitudinally spaced longitudinal air distribution channel, the first fluid couplings are configured to selectively and releasably couple the first longitudinal air distribution channel to the first end of at least one of the plurality of air tunnels, and second fluid couplings are configured to selectively and releasably couple the second longitudinal air distribution channel to the second end of at least one of the plurality of air tunnels.

26. The air mattress of claim 21, further comprising at least one connecting sheet coupled to each of the air tunnels and a coupler configured to restrain movement of the connecting sheet.

27. The air mattress of claim 26, wherein the coupler comprises one of a plurality of buttons and a plurality of snaps coupled to the connecting sheet.

28. A patient support system comprising: a first sheet; a second sheet; a pair of longitudinally extending edge seals connecting the first sheet and the second sheet; a plurality of laterally extending seals connecting the first sheet and the second sheet, and forming a plurality of laterally extending bladders; and at least one longitudinally extending channel form passing through a plurality of the laterally extending seals to provide fluid communication between adjacent bladders.

29. The patient support system of claim 28, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are formed from polyolefin.

30. The patient support system of claim 28, wherein the channel form comprises a hollow core rope.

31. A patient support comprising: a head end; a foot end opposite the head end; -loan upper member including a plurality of vacuum formed, upwardly projecting cavities; a lower member; a plurality of longitudinally extending seals and a plurality of laterally extending seals coupling the upper member to the lower member; and wherein a plurality of fluid zones are formed intermediate the head end and the foot end of the patient support.

32. The patient support of claim 31 , wherein the lower member includes a plurality of vacuum formed, downwardly projecting cavities.

33. The patient support of claim 32, further comprising an intermediate layer coupled between the upper member and the lower member to form a plurality of upper fluid zones and a plurality of lower fluid zones.

34. A method of distributing a patient support comprising the steps of: storing at a distribution facility a patient support including a plurality of bladders configured to receive fluid; storing at a care facility a fluid supply; receiving at the distribution facility a request for the patient support; sending the patient support to the care facility; coupling the patient support to the fluid supply at the care facility; supplying fluid to the patient support from the fluid supply; inflating the plurality of bladders of the patient support; supporting a patient on the patient support; deflating the plurality of bladders of the patient support; uncoupling the patient support from the fluid supply; and sending the patient support to a disposal facility.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein, the bladders include a plurality of microvents to release fluid to atmosphere.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of releasing air through the plurality of microvents.

37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of incinerating the patient support at the disposal facility.

38. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of independently controlling the inflation of selected ones of the bladders.

39. A method of positioning and replacing a mattress on a frame of a bed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bed including a frame; supporting a first mattress on the frame, the mattress including a _; plurality of fluid zones; coupling a fluid supply to the first mattress; inflating the fluid zones of the first mattress; supporting a first patient on the first mattress; independently controlling selected ones of the fluid zones; removing the first patient from the first mattress; deflating the fluid zones of the first mattress; uncoupling the fluid supply from the first mattress; replacing the first mattress with a second mattress, the second mattress including a plurality of fluid zones; coupling the fluid supply to the second mattress; inflating the fluid zones of the second mattress; supporting a second patient on the second mattress; and disposing of the first mattress.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein, the bladders include a plurality of microvents to release fluid to atmosphere.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of releasing air through the plurality of microvents.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of disposing of the first mattress comprises the step of incinerating the first mattress at a disposal facility.