Inflatable transfer mattress
An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress. The bottom panel of the mattress has a plurality of perforations that permits the use of the mattress as a patient transfer device.
1. A transfer mattress adapted to support substantially the whole body of a user comprising:
an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a portion of said inflatable torso support pad and a second leg spaced from said first leg and extending out from said portion of said inflatable torso support pad, said torso support pad and legs formed by a top panel having a head portion, a first appendage portion, a second appendage portion, and a peripheral edge wherein said inflatable torso support pad includes a first air inlet valve and at least one of said first leg and said second leg including a second air inlet valve and further wherein said first leg and said second leg change from a substantially fully inflated state to a substantially deflated state while said inflatable torso support pad remains fully inflatable;
a bottom panel having a head portion, a first appendage portion, a second appendage portion, a peripheral edge, and a plurality of perforations; and
a perimeter band having a top edge and a bottom edge so that said peripheral edges of said top panel is sealingly fastened to said top edge of said perimeter band and said peripheral edge of said bottom panel is sealingly fastened to said bottom edge of said perimeter band wherein said first leg portion of said top and bottom panels and said second leg portion of said top and bottom panels define a longitudinally oriented gap between them, wherein said first leg and said second leg define a gap between them.
2. A mattress according to claim 1 including a retaining strap extending from an end surface of said first leg to an end surface of said second leg so as to limit spreading of said legs during transport.