Mattress

Abstract

A mattress including side cushions configured to retain a patient thereon.

1 . A mattress including: 
 a base cushion;    a first side cushion positioned horizontally adjacent to the base cushion and having a height greater than the base cushion; and    an accessory cushion positioned vertically above the base cushion and horizontally adjacent to the first side cushion, the accessory cushion being selectively inflatable.    
   
   
       2 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the first side cushion is configured to urge retention of a patient positioned on the patient support.  
   
   
       3 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory cushion, when inflated, assists a patient in egress from the mattress over the first side cushion.  
   
   
       4 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the first side cushion includes at least one bending relief member.  
   
   
       5 . The mattress of  claim 4 , wherein the bending relief member includes a slit formed in the first side cushion and located such that when the mattress is positioned on an articulating frame the slit is above a pivot point of the articulating frame.  
   
   
       6 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the mattress is configured to be positioned on an articulating frame, and the first side cushion includes a plurality of slits at each position that is configured to be located above a pivot point of the articulating frame.  
   
   
       7 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable cushion, when inflated, provides a substantially flat patient support surface having a height substantially level with the first side cushion.  
   
   
       8 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the first inflatable cushion, when inflated, provides an arced patient support surface having a crest substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the mattress.  
   
   
       9 . The mattress of  claim 1 , further including a second side cushion positioned horizontally adjacent the base cushion and laterally spaced from the first side cushion.  
   
   
       10 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the first side cushion has a stiffness greater than the base cushion.  
   
   
       11 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the first side cushion is formed from substantially non-compressible foam.  
   
   
       12 . The mattress of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory cushion is coupled to the base cushion.  
   
   
       13 . A method of assisting egress and retention from a patient support, the method including the steps of: 
 providing a base cushion;    providing a plurality of side cushions having an upper surface positioned vertically above and horizontally adjacent to the base cushion;    providing an accessory cushion above the base cushion and intermediate the side cushions;    inflating the accessory cushion to assist patient egress from the patient support; and    deflating the accessory cushion to assist in patient retention on the patient support.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the upper surfaces of the side cushions increase in height as the distance from the base cushion increases.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the side cushions include at least one bending relief member.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the bending relief member includes a plurality of sets of slits formed in each of the side cushions, the slits positioned and sized to allow the side cushions to flex.  
   
   
       17 . A mattress including: 
 a base cushion having opposing first and second sides;    a first side cushion positioned laterally adjacent the first side of the base cushion and extending vertically higher than the base cushion; and    a second side cushion positioned laterally adjacent the second side of the base cushion and extending vertically higher than the base cushion, the first and second side cushions including bending relief members.    
   
   
       18 . The mattress of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second side cushions are formed of substantially stiff foam and the bending relief members each comprise at least one slit.  
   
   
       19 . The mattress of  claim 18 , wherein the slits are positioned and sized to allow the mattress to flex when placed on an articulating deck.  
   
   
       20 . The mattress of  claim 17 , wherein the side cushions include an angled upper surface that increases in height as the distance from the base cushion increases.  
   
   
       21 . The mattress of  claim 17 , wherein the mattress is configured to be located on an articulating deck, and the bending relief members comprise a plurality of slits formed in sets within the first and second side cushions and positioned such that each set is located above a pivot point on the articulating deck.  
   
   
       22 . The mattress of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second side cushions have a stiffness greater than the base cushion.