System and method for patient turning and repositioning with simultaneous off-loading of the bony prominences

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for sacral and trochanteric support and off-loading. The system provides a ultra low pressure plenum and a positioner. The patient body size and size and corresponding surface area of the positioner control the amount of gas which is displaced evenly against the walls of the ultra low pressure plenum to allow the combination of the ultra low pressure plenum and the positioner to slightly lift a patient from a bed surface, thereby offloading the sacrum and trochanter.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a patient support which can be used in a bed or flat surface and in particular to a system and method for sacral and trochanteric support which can be used for turning and repositioning of a patient in a bed or on a flat surface.

2. Description of Related Art

Hospital bed and other patient static air and dynamic air supports are known. Typically, such patient supports are used to provide a support surface for patients or other individuals for treatment, recuperation, or rest and prevention of skin breakdown.

It is desirable to provide an improved support for sacral and trochanteric off-loading and other bony prominences such as scapula, ishial tuberocities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for sacral and trochanteric support and off-loading. It is optimal to barely elevate the sacrum and trochanter from the surface of the bed. The system provides a ultra low pressure plenum and a positioner. The ultra low pressure plenum can include one or more air chambers. The air chamber is filled at a predetermined low pressure for distributing pressure along the length of the ultra low pressure plenum, but not providing significant elevation of a received body part by itself.

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

The positioner includes a bladder preferably filled with a fluidized particulate material with sufficient size and shape to displace an amount of air in the support to offload pressure being from a received body part, such as, but not limited to, the bony prominences of the sacrum and trochanter including and any vulnerable bony prominences. The positioner can be placed at a lower position of the ultra low pressure plenum to displace air from the lower position of the ultra low pressure plenum to an upper position of the ultra low pressure plenum. The surface area of the positioner provides greater positive air displacement than would occur from the body part of the patient by itself. In one embodiment, the positioner can have a greater width than the patient.

In one embodiment, the ultra low pressure plenum includes a lower bladder section having a smaller width dimension than an upper bladder section. The air chambers of the lower bladder section and the upper bladder section being in air communication with one another. Air is communicated within the upper bladder section and lower bladder section through air displacement. The patient body size and size and corresponding surface area of the positioner control the amount of air which is displaced evenly against the walls of the ultra low pressure plenum to allow the combination of the ultra low pressure plenum and the positioner to slightly lift a patient from a bed surface, thereby offloading the sacrum and trochanter.

Preferably, the positioner has little or no flow characteristics unless an outside force is applied other than gravity. The positioner can displace and contour three dimensionally as though it was fluid while not having flow characteristics that would result in migration of the medium under the force of gravity. The positioner can provide three dimensional contouring. The positioner can be shaped as a pad.

The combination of the ultra low pressure plenum and positioner, including a fluidized medium, creates sufficient support of the received body part while responding to normal patient movement. The positioner can be placed adjacent the iliac crest and scapula along the spine to displace enough air to off load the greater trochanter that is currently bearing the weight of the body and should be placed proximal in a way to displace the air of the lower section of the bladder to offload the sacrum.

The ultra low pressure plenum can be low profile. In one embodiment, the system including the ultra low pressure plenum can be positioned underneath the sheets of bed, such as a hospital bed. Alternatively, the system including the ultra low pressure plenum can be placed above the sheets for aiding in patient turning and repositioning.

In one embodiment, the positioner can be positioned at one of outer walls of the support to push air away from the outer wall, thereby aiding in turning of a patient.

In one embodiment, a lower surface of the ultra low pressure plenum is formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction to allow the ultra low pressure plenum to be used to move a patient on a surface, such as a hospital bed. The upper surface of the ultra low pressure plenum and/or the lower surface of the positioner can be formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction to retain the positioner in place and prevent unwanted movement of the positioner while in use over the support. For example, the material can be a non-skid material. Gripping handles can be provided on either edge of the ultra low pressure plenum to aid in movement of the ultra low pressure plenum when a patient supported by the ultra low pressure plenum. In this embodiment, the gripping handles can be placed over the sheet and unweighted to allow the patient to be moved for turning and repositioning of the patient. In one embodiment, the gripping handles are holes in the cover. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping handles are placed under the sheet and have a high coefficient of friction to prevent movement of the ultra low pressure plenum.

In one embodiment, the system includes a three layer construction in which the layers are sealed to one another along the outside edges. The system provides a capacity for low air loss. Each of the layers form a plenum. Any of the layers can be perforated. A valve can be inserted through the appropriate layer for connection to an air flow. The other layers can be static plenums.

In one embodiment, the system includes a four layer construction in which the layers are sealed to one another along the outside edges. The system provides a first plenum formed between a top layer and a first intermediate layer. The first plenum can be fixed air chamber or a chamber providing low air loss. A second plenum is formed between a second intermediate layer and a bottom layer. The second plenum can provided alternating pressure. One or more valves can extend from the second plenum for attachment to a pneumatic device. The pneumatic device can be adjusted to provide alternating pressure for either sequential or intermittent therapies.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C are a schematic diagrams of a support used in a system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a positioner used in the system for sacral and trochanteric support.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the system including the support and the positioner.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the system including the positioner positioned at an outer wall of the support.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of a system for support of a body part in accordance with the teachings of the present invention which provides low pressure loss.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of a system support of a body part in accordance with the teachings of the present invention which provides alternating pressure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a support used in an alternate embodiment of a system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a cover placed over the support shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a cover placed over the support shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a cover placed over the support shown in FIG. 7 including an extension of the support placed in a folded condition.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention when placed on a bed.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention when placed on a bed and having one side folded to expose handles attached to a rear side of the support.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention when placed on a bed and including a positioner placed in a retainer of the cover.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention when placed on a bed and in use by a user.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention when placed on a bed and in use by a user during folding of an edge towards the user.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention when placed on a bed and in use by a user during folding of an extension of the cover and support.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention when placed on a bed and in use by a user during turning of the user.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the system for sacral and trochanteric support in accordance with the teachings of the present invention when placed on a bed and in use including use of a positioner to aid in turning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate system for support of a body part of a patient turning and repositioning of the patient with simultaneous offloading of the bony prominences 10 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Base 11 has ultra low pressure plenum 12 coupled or integral therewith. Ultra low pressure plenum 12 is configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and/or hips of a patient. For example, ultra low pressure plenum 12 can have a width W of approximately 52 inches, and a height H of about 35 inches. Alternatively, width W can be a width of a bed, such as a hospital bed. Ultra low pressure plenum 12 is formed of upper bladder 14 and lower bladder 16. Lower bladder 16 has a smaller width dimension than upper bladder 14. Air pressure within upper bladder 14 and lower bladder 16 is reduced sufficiently for distributing pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 12, but is not providing support of the received body part by itself. Upper bladder section 14 extends between edges 13a-13d. Lower bladder section 16 extends between edges 15a-15d.

Bottom surface 17 of ultra low pressure plenum 12 can be formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction to allow ultra low pressure plenum 12 to be used to move a patient on surface 19 underneath ultra low pressure plenum 12, such as a hospital bed. A suitable material having a low coefficient of friction is nylon or rip stop nylon material. Upper surface 18 of ultra low pressure plenum 12 can be formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction. A suitable material having a high coefficient of friction is a rubberized or non-skid material. Gripping handles 20 can be provided on either edge 22a, 22b of base 11 to aid in movement of ultra low pressure plenum 12 over surface 19. Gripping handles 20 can be placed over a sheet of a bed and unweighted to allow the patient to be moved. In an alternative embodiment, gripping handles 20 are placed under the sheet and have a high coefficient of friction to prevent movement of ultra low pressure plenum 12.

Positioner 23 can include bladder 24, as shown in FIG. 2. Bladder 24 is filled with fluidized material 25 which can retain its shape after sculpting. The flowability or lubricity of fluidized material 25 can be increased by adding a lubricant or by the removal of air from the interstitial spaces or both. The preferred medium of fluidized material 25 is a particulate material that has been modified in such a way that it acts like a fluid. Fluidized material 25 refers to a compound or composition which can be sculpted and retain its shape and has no memory or substantially no memory. The no memory or substantially no memory feature enables bladder 24 to increase in height and maintain support of a body part. Fluidized material 25 is made of a viscosity that will allow it to contour but not collapse under the weight of the body part.

At sea level, the normal interstitial air pressure would exceed about 760 millibars of mercury. This increases or decreases marginally as altitude varies. Depending on the nature of the particulate fluidized material 25, the pressure can be lowered below about 500 millibars to about 5 millibars, preferably, 350 millibars to about 5 millibars, while still maintaining the necessary flow characteristics of the product.

Fluidized material 25 can include compressible and non-compressible beads, such as polyethylene or polystyrene (PS) beads, expanded polyethylene (PE), crosslinked expanded polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) pellets, closed cell foams, microspheres, encapsulated phase changing materials (PCM). The beads can be hard shelled or flexible. In one embodiment, the beads are flexible and air can be evacuated from the beads. In one embodiment, hard beads can be mixed with flexible beads in which air can be evacuated from the flexible beads. In an alternative embodiment, fluidized material 25 can a porous foam substance including pockets of interstitial air. In one embodiment, fluidized material 25 can be a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam can be open or closed cell and cut into small shapes such as spheres or blocks. For example, a sphere of polyurethane foam can have a size of 2 inches in diameter. For example, a block of polyurethane foam can be a 1×1×1 inch block.

Suitable examples of fluidized material 25 can be formed of a mixture of microspheres and lubricant. The microspheres can include hollow or gas-filled structural bubbles (typically of glass or plastic) with an average diameter of less than 200 microns. The composition flows and stresses in response to a deforming pressure exerted on it and the composition ceases to flow and stress when the deforming pressure is terminated. For example, fluidized material 25 can be formed of a product referred to as Floam™. A flowable compound comprising lubricated microspheres, including the compound itself, formulations for making the compound, methods for making the compound, products made from the compound and methods for making products from the compound as defined by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,421,874, 5,549,743, 5,626,657, 6,020,055, 6,197,099 and 8,175,585, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. Bladder 24 provides micro-contouring because fluidized material 25 can respond three-dimensionally. Alternatively, bladder 24 is formed of any contouring medium, such as foam or gel which is sufficient to displace air within ultra low pressure plenum 12.

For example, bladder 24 can be formed of a flexible plastic, such as urethane. Upon removal of gas from fluidized material 25, bladder 24 flows concurrent with the flow of fluidized material 25 such that bladder 24 moves with movement of fluidized material 25. For example, the gas can be air, helium, hydrogen or nitrogen. Optionally, gas can communicate throughout the whole bladder for allowing maximum contouring and functional displacement of both the gas and the fluidized chamber thereby providing maximum contouring to a desired body part.

Bladder 24 is preferably filled with fluidized particulate material 25 with sufficient size and shape to displace an amount of gas in ultra low pressure plenum 12 to offload pressure from the received body part, such as the bony prominences of the sacrum and trochanter. Lower surface 26 of positioner 23 can be formed of a high friction material for preventing movement of positioner 23 over ultra low pressure plenum 12.

For example, the pressure in ultra low pressure plenum 12 can be below 20 mm of water. It will be appreciated that all equivalents such as mm Hg and PSI can be used for measuring the pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 12.

The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 12 can be below about 20 mm of water if no positioner 23 is used or if an area of less than about 30% of ultra low pressure plenum 12 is covered by positioner 23. The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 12 can be below about 10 mm of water if an area of between about 30% to about 60% of ultra low pressure plenum 12 is covered by positioner 23. The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 12 can be below about 5 mm of water if an area of greater than about 60% of ultra low pressure plenum 12 is covered by positioner 23.

Positioner 23 can be placed over lower bladder 16 of ultra low pressure plenum 12 to displace gas from lower bladder 16 to upper bladder 14 in the direction of arrows A₁, as shown in FIG. 3. When a patient is recumbent on ultra low pressure plenum 12 with their sacrum received on positioner 23, gas will be displaced in upper bladder 14 towards outer edges 13a for providing support adjacent to edges 13b and 13d thereby providing support of edges 13b and 13d of upper bladder 14 of the patient within edges 13b and 13d and lifting a patient from surface 11 and offloading the sacrum and trochanter.

In one embodiment, positioner 23 can be positioned at one of edges 13b and 13d to push air away from respective edges 13b and 13d thereby aiding in turning of a patient towards the opposite edge, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, if the patient is to be turned towards edge 13d, positioner 23 can be placed at edge 13b for displacing gas behind the patient to towards edge 13b of upper bladder 14, thereby pneumatically assisting in turning of the patient to face edge 13d.

System 10 including ultra low pressure plenum 12 is functional whether positioner 23 is placed on top of ultra low pressure plenum 12 or beneath ultra low pressure plenum 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of support of a body part 100. System 100 has a three layer construction. Top layer 102, intermediate layer 103 and bottom layer 104 are sealed to one another along outside edge 105. For example top layer 102 and bottom layer 104 can be formed of urethane.

Plenum 110 formed between top layer 102 and intermediate layer 103 can include dynamic air. Air 115 is pumped into plenum 110 through valve 111 by pump 112. Air 115 is pumped beneath top layer 102. Top layer 102 is perforated with apertures 118. Plenum 110 provides a dynamic amount of air to system 100 for adjusting the amount of air in plenum 114 and providing low air loss.

Plenum 114 formed between bottom layer 104 and intermediate layer 103 can include a fixed amount of static air. Valve 116 can be used to adjust the pressure in plenum 114. In one embodiment plenum 114 is filled with an ultra low pressure of a pressure of about 20 mm of water to about 5 mm of water or in some cases even lower pressures can be used.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of support of a body part 200. System 200 has a three layer construction. Top layer 202, intermediate layer 204, and bottom layer 206 are sealed to one another along outside edge 208 for sealing each adjacent layer to one another. For example top layer 202, intermediate layer 204 and bottom layer 206 can be formed of urethane.

Plenum 210 is formed between sealed top layer 202 and intermediate layer 204. Plenum 210 can be formed as an alternating pressure pad. Air 215 is pumped into plenum 210 by pneumatic pump device 218. Pneumatic pump device 218 can be operated to pump air in either a sequential or intermittent manner for inflating or deflating plenum 214 to provide respective sequential or intermittent therapies.

Plenum 214 is formed between sealed bottom layer 206 and intermediate layer 204. Plenum 214 can include a fixed amount of static air. In one embodiment, plenum 214 is filled with an ultra low pressure of a pressure of less than about 20 mm of water to about 5 mm of water or in some cases even lower pressures can be used.

FIGS. 7-18 illustrate system for support of a body part of a patient turning and repositioning of the patient with simultaneous offloading of the bony prominences 300 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. System 300 includes ultra low pressure plenum 312, as shown in FIG. 7. Ultra low pressure plenum 312 is configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and/or hips of a patient. For example, ultra low pressure plenum 312 can have a width W of approximately 52 inches, and a height H of about 35 inches. Alternatively, width W can be a width of a bed, such as a hospital bed. Ultra low pressure plenum 312 can include upper bladder 314 and extension bladder 315. Extension bladder 315 extends from upper bladder 314. Extension bladder 315 and upper bladder 314 can be integral to one another. Air pressure within upper bladder 314 and extension bladder 315 is reduced sufficiently for distributing pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 312, but is not providing support of the received body part by itself.

Ultra low pressure plenum 212 can have a pressure of about 20 mm of water through about 5 mm of water in some cases even lower pressures can be used.

For example, the pressure in ultra low pressure plenum 312 can be below 20 mm of water. It will be appreciated that all equivalents such as mm Hg and PSI can be used for measuring the pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 312.

The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 312 can be below about 20 mm of water if no positioner 23 is used or if an area of less than about 30% of ultra low pressure plenum 212 is covered by positioner 23. The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 312 can be below about 10 mm of water if an area of between about 30% to about 60% of ultra low pressure plenum 312 is covered by positioner 23. The pressure within ultra low pressure plenum 312 can be below about 5 mm of water if an area of greater than about 60% of ultra low pressure plenum 312 is covered by positioner 23.

Cover 318 can be placed around ultra low pressure plenum 312, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. Cover 318 can be formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction to allow received ultra low pressure plenum 312 to be used to move a patient on a surface underneath ultra low pressure plenum 312. A suitable material having a low coefficient of friction is nylon or rip stop nylon material. Extension 325 of cover 318 receives extension bladder 315.

Portion 317 on upper surface 327 of extension 325 can be formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction. A suitable material having a high coefficient of friction is a rubberized or non-skid material. Portion 317 can be folded underneath rear surface 319 of upper bladder 314 to prevent movement of ultra low pressure plenum 312, as shown in FIG. 10. Handles 320 can be provided adjacent either edge 322a, 322b of cover 318 to aid in movement of ultra low pressure plenum 312. Handles 321 can be provided adjacent either edge 324a, 324b of extension 325 of cover 318 to aid in folding of extension 325 underneath rear surface 319.

FIGS. 11-18 illustrate use of system for support of a body part of a user turning and repositioning of the user with simultaneous offloading of the bony prominences 300. In FIG. 11, system for support of a body part of a user turning and repositioning of the user with simultaneous offloading of the bony prominences 300 can be placed on bed 330. System 300 can be moved to different positions on bed 330 using handles 320, as shown in FIG. 12.

Positioner 23 can be placed within pocket 331 of cover 318 to retain positioner 23. Positioner 23 can be placed over upper bladder 314 of ultra low pressure plenum 312 to displace gas in the direction of arrow A₂, as shown in FIG. 13. When a user is recumbent on ultra low pressure plenum 312 with their sacrum received on positioner 23, gas will be displaced in upper bladder 314 in the direction of arrow A₃ towards outer edges 322a, 322b for providing support adjacent to edges 322a and 322b thereby providing support of the user within edges 322a and 322b and lifting user 340 from surface 311 of bed 330 and offloading the sacrum and trochanter of user 340, as shown in FIG. 14. Additional positioners 23 can be placed in pocket 331 of cover 118 by lifting edge 322a to provide additional displacement of gas within upper bladder 314 as shown in FIG. 15. Extension 325 can be folded underneath rear surface 319 of upper bladder 314 to prevent movement of ultra low pressure plenum 312, as shown in FIG. 16.

In one embodiment, user 340 can be moved or turned by using handles 320, as shown in FIG. 17. In one embodiment, positioner 23 can be positioned behind a side of cover 318 to push gas away from edges 322a, thereby aiding in turning of a user towards the opposite edge, as shown in FIG. 18. For example, if the patient is to be turned towards edge 322b, positioner 23 can be placed at edge 322a for displacing gas behind the patient to towards edge 322b of upper bladder 314, thereby pneumatically assisting in turning of the patient to face edge 322b.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A support system for a body part comprising: a plenum including a fixed amount of static gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient, anda positioner, said positioner adapted to be received on or beneath said plenum wherein said positioner displaces said gas within said plenum,wherein said positioner comprises a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate contouring medium, the contouring medium providing three dimensional contouring of the received body part.

2. The support system of claim 1 wherein said pressure within said bladder of said positioner is a pressure of less than 500 millibars to about 5 millibars.

3. The support system of claim 1 wherein said pressure within said plenum is a pressure of less than about 20 mm of water to about 5 mm of water.

4. The support system of claim 1 wherein said pressure within said plenum is a pressure of less than about 10 mm of water to about 5 mm of water.

5. The support system of claim 1 wherein a bottom surface of said plenum is formed of a nylon material.

6. The support system of claim 1 wherein an upper surface of said plenum is formed of a rubberized or non-skid material.

7. The support system of claim 1 further comprising a base coupled or integral with said plenum further comprising gripping handles on either edge of said base.

8. A support system for a body part comprising: a plenum including a fixed amount of static gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient, anda positioner, said positioner adapted to be received on or beneath said plenum wherein said positioner displaces said gas within said plenum,wherein said positioner comprises a bladder filled with a fluidized material comprising beads, polyethylene beads, polystyrene (PS) beads, expanded polyethylene (PE), crosslinked expanded polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) pellets, closed cell foams, microspheres, and encapsulated phase changing materials (PCM).

9. A support system for a body part comprising: a plenum including a fixed amount of static gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient, anda positioner, said positioner adapted to be received on or beneath said plenum wherein said positioner displaces said gas within said ultra low pressure plenum,wherein said plenum comprises an upper bladder and a lower bladder, the upper bladder and the lower bladder being in air communication,wherein the lower bladder has a smaller width than the upper bladder.

10. A support system for a body part comprising: a plenum including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient,a positioner, said positioner adapted to be received on or beneath said plenum wherein said positioner displaces said gas within said plenum,a top layer positioned above said plenum, said top layer being coupled to edges of said plenum, said top layer comprising a plurality of perforations, and an air source attached through a valve in said top layer, said air source supplying air beneath said top layer.

11. A support system for a body part comprising: a plenum including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient,a positioner, said positioner adapted to be received on or beneath said plenum wherein said positioner displaces said gas within said ultra low pressure plenum, andan alternating pressure plenum positioned beneath said plenum,wherein said alternating pressure plenum is integral with said plenum and said alternating pressure plenum is attached to edges of said plenum,wherein said alternating pressure plenum is adapted to be inflated and deflated in a sequential or intermittent manner.

12. The support system of claim 11 further comprising a valve extending into said alternating pressure plenum.

13. The support system of claim 11 further comprising: an alternating pressure air source removably attached to said valve, said alternating pressure air source inflating and deflating said alternating pressure plenum.

14. A support system for a body part comprising: a plenum including a fixed amount of static gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient, anda positioner, said positioner adapted to be received on or beneath said plenum wherein said positioner displaces said gas within said plenum,wherein said plenum comprises an upper bladder and an extension bladder extending from said upper bladder,wherein the extension bladder has a width that is smaller than the upper bladder and side edges that are generally parallel to but inset from side edges of the upper bladder.

15. The support system of claim 14 wherein said upper bladder and said extension bladder are integral to one another.

16. The support system of claim 15 further comprising a cover having a size to fit over said upper bladder and said extension bladder, the cover including an extension adapted to be received over said extension bladder, one upper surface of said extension including a portion formed of a rubberized or non-skid material.

17. The support system of claim 16 wherein said cover includes a plurality of handles attached adjacent edges of a rear surface of said cover.

18. The support system of claim 16 further comprising one or more handles attached adjacent edges of a rear surface of said extension.

19. A support system for a body part comprising: a plenum including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a patient and support the lower back and hips of the patient, anda positioner, said positioner adapted to be received on or beneath said plenum wherein said positioner displaces said gas within said plenum,wherein the plenum comprises a top layer, intermediate layer and bottom layer sealed to one another along respective edges,a first plenum formed between the top layer and the intermediate layer, said first plenum includes perforations and further comprising a valve connected to the first plenum and a pump, the pump providing a dynamic amount of air through said valve to the first plenum; anda second plenum formed between the bottom layer and the intermediate layer, said second plenum including a fixed amount of static air.

20. A method of supporting a body part comprising: providing a plenum including a fixed amount of static gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a user and support the lower back and hips of the user,positioning a positioner on or beneath said plenum, wherein the positioner displaces said gas within said plenum; andplacing said body part on said positioner or on the plenum with the positioner positioned beneath the plenum,wherein said positioner comprises a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate contouring medium, the contouring medium providing three dimensional contouring of the received body part.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising gripping handles on either edge of said plenum and further comprising the step of gripping said handles for movement of said body part.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein a top layer is positioned above said plenum, said top layer being coupled to edges of said plenum, a support plenum formed between said top layer and said plenum, the method further comprising the step of inflating said support plenum in a sequential or intermittent manner.

23. The method of claim 20 further comprising: placing the positioner at or below an edge of said plenum, wherein the gas in the plenum is pushed away from the edge, thereby aiding in turning a user towards the opposite edge.

24. A method of supporting a body part comprising the steps of: providing a plenum including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a user and support the lower back and hips of the user, a top layer positioned above said plenum, said top layer being coupled to edges of said plenum, said top layer comprising a plurality of perforations, and an air source attached through a valve in said top layer, said air source supplying air beneath said top layer;positioning a positioner on or beneath said plenum, wherein the positioner displaces said gas within said plenum; andplacing said body part on said positioner or on the plenum with the positioner positioned beneath the plenum.

25. A method of supporting a body part comprising: providing a plenum including a fixed amount of static gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a user and support the lower back and hips of the user, andpositioning a positioner on or beneath said plenum, wherein the positioner displaces said gas within said plenum; andplacing said body part on said positioner or on the plenum with the positioner positioned beneath the plenum,wherein said positioner comprises a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate material and said positioner displaces said gas within said plenum.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein said pressure within said bladder of said positioner has a pressure of less than about 500 millibars to about 5 millibars.

27. A method of supporting a body part comprising: providing a plenum including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a user and support the lower back and hips of the user,positioning a positioner on or beneath said plenum, wherein the positioner displaces said gas within said plenum; andplacing said body part on said positioner or on the plenum with the positioner positioned beneath the plenum,wherein said positioner comprises a bladder filled with a fluidized material comprising beads, polyethylene beads, polystyrene (PS) beads, expanded polyethylene (PE), crosslinked expanded polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) pellets, closed cell foams, microspheres, or encapsulated phase changing materials (PCM).

28. A method of supporting a body part comprising: providing a plenum including a fixed amount of static gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a user and support the lower back and hips of the user,positioning a positioner on or beneath said plenum, wherein the positioner displaces said gas within said plenum; andplacing said body part on said positioner or on the plenum with the positioner positioned beneath the plenum,wherein said pressure within said plenum has a static pressure of less than about 20 mm of water to about 5 mm of water.

29. A method of supporting a body part comprising: providing a plenum including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a user and support the lower back and hips of the user,positioning a positioner on or beneath said plenum, wherein the positioner displaces said gas within said plenum; andplacing said body part on said positioner or on the plenum with the positioner positioned beneath the plenum,wherein said plenum comprises an upper bladder and an extension bladder extending from said upper bladder and further comprising providing a cover having a size to fit over said upper bladder and said extension bladder, the cover including an extension adapted to be received over said extension bladder, on upper surface of said extension including a portion formed of a material rubberized or non-skid material, andfolding the extension under a rear surface of said cover wherein said portion formed of a rubberized or non-skid material is adapted to contact surface underneath said user.

30. A method of supporting a body part comprising: providing a plenum including a gas therein, said plenum configured to a shape to fit underneath a user and support the lower back and hips of the user,positioning a positioner on or beneath the plenum, wherein the positioner displaces said gas within said plenum; andplacing said body part on said positioner or on the plenum with the positioner positioned beneath the plenum,wherein the plenum comprises a top layer, intermediate layer and bottom layer sealed to one another along respective edges,a first plenum formed between the top layer and the intermediate layer, said first plenum includes perforations and further comprising a valve connected to the first plenum and a pump, the pump providing a dynamic amount of air through said valve to the first plenum; anda second plenum formed between the bottom layer and the intermediate layer, said second plenum including a fixed amount of static air.

31. A support system for a body part comprising: a plenum comprising a fixed amount of static air therein, said plenum configured to fit underneath a patient, wherein the plenum has a pressure of less than about 20 mm of water; anda positioner adapted to be received on or beneath the plenum, wherein the positioner displaces air within the plenum when positioned on or beneath the plenum, the positioner comprising a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate contouring medium providing three dimensional contouring of the received body part.