US20140026325A1 - Adjustable Width Mattress - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be varied.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/675,639, filed Jul. 25, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates in general to a mattress with an adjustable, variable width. More particularly, this invention relates to a mattress that provides a support surface suitable for use by an occupant wherein the width of the support surface may be changed.
• Mattresses are used to provide a cushioned support for an occupant of a bed. Beds are typically provided in one of several standard widths to accommodate different sizes and different numbers of occupants. Beds are commonly used in the healthcare industry to support patients. Healthcare beds are typically provided in one of different standard widths. A standard width bed is used for most applications while a bariatric bed may be used for obese patients requiring a larger support surface. Beds of different sizes require corresponding mattresses of different sizes. It would be advantageous to have a single mattress that could be used on different size beds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates to an adjustable-width mattress. The adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be varied.
• This invention also relates to an adjustable-width mattress with a support surface having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The adjustable-width mattress includes a central portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The adjustable-width mattress includes an expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface. An inward force applied to the expansion portion of the support surface in a direction parallel to the width dimension causes the expansion portion to collapse so that the width dimension of the support surface is decreased.
• This invention also relates to an adjustable-width mattress with a support surface having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The adjustable-width mattress includes a first central portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The first central portion comprises an air cell containing a foam inflation structure. The adjustable-width mattress includes a second central portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The second central portion comprises an air cell containing a second foam inflation structure. The adjustable-width mattress includes first expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The first expansion portion comprises an air cell containing a first expansion foam inflation structure. The adjustable-width mattress includes a second expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The second expansion portion comprises an air cell containing a second expansion foam inflation structure. The first central portion is located between the second expansion portion and the second central portion, and is in fluid communication with the first expansion portion. The second central portion is located between the first expansion portion and the first central portion, and is in fluid communication with the second expansion portion.
• Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an expandable width mattress.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line2-2 ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is an schematic, cross-sectional view taken along the line3-3 ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is an overhead, schematic view of the mattress shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mattress shown inFIG. 1, showing an optional top sheet.
• FIG. 6 is an end view of a first embodiment of an adjustable side rail.
• FIG. 7 is an end view of a second embodiment of an adjustable side rail.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a width expanding mattress.
• FIG. 9 is a view similar to that shown inFIG. 8, when the mattress is in a narrow configuration.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an expandable width mattress.
• FIG. 11 is an overhead view of the mattress ofFIG. 10 in a narrow configuration.
• FIG. 12 is an overhead view of the mattress ofFIG. 10 in an expanded configuration.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an expandable width mattress.
• FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress.
• FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated inFIG. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at10. Theadjustable width mattress10 has alength dimension12 along alongitudinal axis14. Theadjustable width mattress10 has awidth dimension16 that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis14. Thelength dimension12 is greater than thewidth dimension16. Thelength dimension12 and thewidth dimension16 define the size of asupport surface18 of theadjustable width mattress10.
• Theadjustable width mattress10 includes acentral portion20. Thecentral portion20 provides at least a portion of thesupport surface18. Theadjustable width mattress10 also includes afirst expansion portion22 and asecond expansion portion24. Thefirst expansion portion22 and thesecond expansion portion24 each provide a portion of thesupport surface18. Thefirst expansion portion22 and thesecond expansion portion24 allow thewidth dimension16 of thesupport surface18 to be varied, as will be described in detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst expansion portion22 and thesecond expansion portion24 are located on opposed sides of thecentral portion20, but this is not necessary, and the adjustable width mattress may have fewer or more expansion portions that the two illustrated, if desired.
• Referring toFIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view taken along the line2-2 ofFIG. 1. Thecentral portion20 includes a central relatively air-impermeable envelope26 that defines acentral space28. Acentral foam support30 is located in thecentral space28. Thecentral foam support30 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return thecentral portion20 to an unloaded state, illustrated inFIG. 2. Alternatively, thecentral portion20 may include air cells, springs, or other desired support mechanisms suitable to support an occupant.
• Thefirst expansion portion22 includes a first relatively air-impermeable envelope32 that defines afirst expansion space34. The first expansion space includes afirst expansion foam36. Thefirst expansion foam36 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return thefirst expansion portion22 to an unloaded state, illustrated inFIG. 2. Similarly, thesecond expansion portion24 includes a second relatively air-impermeable envelope38 that defines asecond expansion space40. Thesecond expansion space40 includes asecond expansion foam42. Thesecond expansion foam42 is a self-inflating structure that expands when not loaded to return thesecond expansion portion24 to an unloaded state, illustrated inFIG. 2.
• Theadjustable width mattress10 may be placed on abed surface44 for use. The bed includes side rails46 and48 that are attached to outer ends of thebed surface44 and extend perpendicular to thebed surface44. The illustratedbed surface44 is capable of being adjusted in thewidth dimension16 to provide thebed surface44 with different widths. When the width of thebed surface44 is changed, the side rails46 and48 are moved in anoutward direction50 or aninward direction52. The illustratedbed surface44 is configured so that the side rails46 and48 move simultaneously in either theoutward direction50 or theinward direction52. When the side rails46 and48 are moved in theinward direction52, the movement is resisted by theadjustable width mattress10 and the side rails46 and48 apply a compressive force on theadjustable width mattress10. Thecentral portion20 is more resistant to being compressed than thefirst expansion portion22 and thesecond expansion portion24. Therefore, thefirst expansion portion22 and thesecond expansion portion24 collapse, eventually reaching the disposition shown inFIG. 3. Thecentral portion20 is more resistant to being compressed due to having a higher air to foam ratio within thecentral space28. However, thecentral portion20 may be made more resistant to being compressed by other desired means, such as by making thecentral foam support30 from a more rigid foam than thefirst expansion foam36 and thesecond expansion foam42, or by providing structural reinforcement to thecentral portion20 that resists force in theinward direction52.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of theadjustable width mattress10 taken along the line3-3 ofFIG. 1, illustrating theadjustable width mattress10 when thefirst expansion portion22 and thesecond expansion portion24 are fully collapsed. The foam elements are not shown inFIG. 3, for clarity. As shown, when thefirst expansion portion22 and thesecond expansion portion24 are collapsed, thesupport surface18 has asecond width dimension16 that is smaller than a first width dimension (shown inFIG. 4). It should be appreciated that thewidth dimension16 of thesupport surface18 can vary while thelength dimension12 does not change. Theadjustable width mattress10 includesair channels54 that allow fluid communication between thecentral space28 and thefirst expansion space34, as well as between thecentral space28 and thesecond expansion space40. When the compressive force is applied to theadjustable width mattress10 so that thefirst expansion space34 and thesecond expansion space40 collapse, air is displaced from thefirst expansion space34 and thesecond expansion space40 into thecentral space28 through theair channels54. Theadjustable width mattress10 includes anair outlet56 that allows fluid communication between thecentral space28 and anexternal fluid reservoir58. The illustratedexternal fluid reservoir58 is the ambient air surrounding theadjustable width mattress10. Theair outlet56 allows air to escape from theadjustable width mattress10 when the compressive force is applied to theadjustable width mattress10 so that thefirst expansion space34 and thesecond expansion space40 collapse. Theair outlet56 includes arelief valve60 that may be used to set a target air pressure within theadjustable width mattress10. Therelief valve60 allows air to travel from thecentral space28 to theexternal fluid reservoir58 when the pressure in thecentral space28 exceeds the target air pressure.
• Referring toFIG. 4, a view similar to that ofFIG. 3 is shown when the side rails46 and48 are moved in theoutward direction50. The compressive force is no longer applied to theadjustable width mattress10 and thefirst expansion foam36 and the second expansion foam42 (shown inFIG. 2) have expanded to return thefirst expansion space34 and thesecond expansion space40 to their respective unloaded states. Air is drawn from thecentral space28 into thefirst expansion space34 and thesecond expansion space40 through theair channels54. Theadjustable width mattress10 includes anair inlet62 that allows fluid communication between thecentral space28 and theexternal fluid reservoir58. It should be appreciated that theair inlet62 may provide fluid communication with a second external fluid reservoir (not shown) rather than theexternal fluid reservoir58, if desired. Theair inlet62 includes acheck valve64 that prevents air from escaping from thecentral space28 through theair inlet62.
• Only one embodiment of fluid paths has been illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. It should be appreciated that theadjustable width mattress10 may include different air paths from those illustrated. For example, theair inlet62 and theair outlet56 may be connected to a manifold (not shown) with air channels (not shown) such as tubing connected to thecentral space28, thefirst expansion space34, and thesecond expansion space40, if desired.
• Referring toFIG. 5, a perspective view of theadjustable width mattress10 is shown. Theadjustable width mattress10 includes anoptional top sheet66. Thetop sheet66 is attached to the side rails46 and48 by hook-and-loop fasteners at the location indicated at68 (only the connection toside rail48 is visible inFIG. 5). Alternatively, thetop sheet66 may be attached to the side rails46 and48 by other desired fasteners such as, for example, snaps, hooks, zippers, or clamps. It should be appreciated that thetop sheet66 may alternatively be attached to the side rails46 and48 using a relatively permanent attachment such as stitching or adhesives, if desired. Thetop sheet66 is able to support the weight of theoccupant70 so that the weight of theoccupant70 may be temporarily removed from thesupport surface18. By removing the weight of theoccupant70 from thesupport surface18 theadjustable width mattress10 may be better able to equalize pressure between thecentral space28, thefirst expansion space34, and the second expansion space40 (shown inFIG. 2), for example, when the side rails46 and48 are moved in theoutward direction50 and in theinward direction52.
• Referring toFIG. 6, an end view of theadjustable air mattress10 andside rails46 and48 is shown. The side rails46 and48 are shown in a raised position relative to thesupport surface18, as compared to a lowered position shown inFIG. 2. When the side rails46 and48 are in the raised position, thetop sheet66 creates a hammock-like support for theoccupant70. The side rails46 and48 may be raised using an electric motor (not shown), a hydraulic system, a mechanical jack, or other desired mechanisms. It should be appreciated that by providing the side rails46 and48 this mechanism allows an attendant to raise the side rails46 and48 even when a relativelylarge occupant70 such as an obese person or bariatric patient is supported on thetop sheet66.
• Referring toFIG. 7, theadjustable width mattress10 is shown with a second embodiment of an adjustable side rails. The second embodiment includes side rails72 and74, which are shown in extended positions. The side rails72 and74 includewings76 and78, respectively and thetop sheet66 is attached (as previously described) to thewings76 and78. Thewings76 and78 are rotated relative to the side rails72 and74, respectively, to the illustrated extended positions and thetop sheet66 is pulled taut. This creates a hammock-like support for theoccupant70 and removes the weight of theoccupant70 from thesupport surface18. Thewings76 and78 may be moved relative to the side rails72 and74 using an electric motor (not shown), a hydraulic system, a mechanical jack, or other desired mechanisms.
• It should be appreciated thatFIG. 7 illustrates one way in which thetop sheet66 may be drawn taut while theadjustable width mattress10 is occupied by anoccupant70. Other mechanisms to draw thetop sheet66 taut may be used, such as using a roller on one end of thetop sheet66. The roller may be attached to a winch to facilitate use by a single attendant.
• Referring now toFIG. 8, a schematic, cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at80, is shown. Theadjustable width mattress80 includes a central portion, indicated generally at82, that includes pneumatically-separated firstcenter air cells84 and secondcenter air cells86. The firstcenter air cells84 are in fluid communication with anexternal fluid reservoir88 through afirst air inlet90 and afirst air outlet92. The firstcenter air cells84 are pneumatically connected to a first expansion portion, indicated generally at94, byfirst air channels96. The secondcenter air cells86 are in fluid communication with theexternal fluid reservoir88 through asecond air inlet98 and asecond air outlet100. The secondcenter air cells86 are pneumatically connected to a second expansion portion, indicated generally at102, bysecond air channels104. Thefirst expansion portion94 includes a firstouter cell106 and a firstinner cell108. The firstouter cell106 and the firstinner cell108 each encapsulate afoam element110 and112, respectively. Thefoam element110 and thefoam element112 extend longitudinally along the length of theadjustable width mattress80, and occupy no more than half the cross-sectional space of the firstouter cell106 and the firstinner cell108, respectively. The firstouter cell106 and the firstinner cell108 are attached to each other at ahinge line114. As shown, the firstcenter air cells84 are located between thesecond expansion portion102 and the secondcenter air cells86 and the secondcenter air cells86 are located between thefirst expansion portion94 and the firstcenter air cells84.
• Referring toFIG. 9, a schematic, cross-sectional view of theadjustable width mattress80 is shown when theadjustable width mattress80 is in a narrow configuration. Thehinge line144 allows relative rotational movement between the firstouter cell106 and the firstinner cell108. As shown, the firstouter cell106 is folded along thehinge line114 into a position closer to thecentral portion82. This partially collapses both the firstouter cell106 and the firstinner cell108, and causes air contained in the firstinner cell106 and the firstinner cell108 to travel to the firstcenter air cell84 through thefirst air channel96. It should be appreciated that since the firstouter cell106 and the firstinner cell108 each occupy no more than half the cross-sectional space of the cells, both the firstouter cell106 and the firstinner cell108 may occupy the space of a single cell when the air is displaced from both cells, as shown inFIG. 9. Thesecond expansion portion102 includes components similar to thefirst expansion portion94, and will not be described separately.
• When theadjustable width mattress80 is in the narrow configuration shown inFIG. 9, thefirst expansion portion94 and thesecond expansion portion102 may be inflated by rotating the occupant (not shown) from side to side. This alternates between apply a load to the firstcenter air cells84 forcing air into thefirst expansion portion94 through thefirst air channel96, and the secondcenter air cells86 forcing air into thesecond expansion portion102 through thesecond air channel104. The firstcenter air cells84 and the secondcenter air cells86 include foam inflation structures (not shown), and when the occupant's weight is removed from the firstcenter air cells84, the foam inflation structure will cause air to be drawn into the firstcenter air cells84 through thefirst air inlet90. Similarly, the second center air cells will inflate when the occupant's weight is removed. Thus, as the occupant is rocked back and forth on theadjustable width mattress80, thefirst expansion portion94 and thesecond expansion portion102 will be pumped full of air. Alternatively, thefirst expansion portion94 may include an air inlet (not shown) to allow an operator to inflate thefirst expansion portion94 directly using an accessory pump or other pressurized air source. Thesecond expansion portion102 may share an air inlet with thefirst expansion portion94, if desired.
• When theadjustable width mattress80 is in the configuration shown inFIG. 8, thefirst expansion portion94 may be moved to the narrow configuration (shown inFIG. 9) by the operator manually folding the firstouter cell106 against the firstinner cell108. Alternatively, thefirst expansion portion94 may include an air outlet (not shown) that allows the operator to use a vacuum to withdraw air from thefirst expansion portion94. Alternatively, the firstouter cell106 may be biased to fold so that theadjustable width mattress80 is in the narrowed configuration shown inFIG. 9. Thefirst expansion portion94 may then include an air outlet (not shown) that the operator may open in order to allow air to escape so that thefirst expansion portion94 will move to the narrowed configuration. The biasing may be accomplished by any desired mechanism, such as a spring attached to a push plate, or by using a resilient material in thehinge line114.
• Referring now toFIG. 10, a second alternative embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at116, is shown. Theadjustable width mattress116 includes a longitudinally-alternating arrangement of lateral full-width air cells118 and pairs of lateral half-width air cells120 and122. The full-width air cells118 are cylinders 8 inches in diameter. The half-width air cells120 and122 arecylinders 10 inches in diameter. Alternatively, the lateral full-width air cells118 and the lateral half-width air cells120 and122 may be other desired sizes. The air pressure in theadjustable width mattress116 is maintained so that the pressure in the half-width air cells120 and122 is approximately 80% of the air pressure in the full-width air cells118 when theadjustable width mattress116 is in a narrowed configuration shown inFIG. 10. Alternatively, the difference in pressure between the full-width air cells118 and the half-width air cells120 and122 may be some other desired value. Referring toFIG. 11, an overhead view of theadjustable width mattress116 in the narrowed configuration is shown. Theadjustable width mattress116 has alength dimension124 along alongitudinal axis126. Theadjustable width mattress116 has awidth dimension128 that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis126. Thelength dimension124 is greater than thewidth dimension128.
• Referring now toFIG. 12, an overhead view of theadjustable width mattress116 is shown in an expanded configuration. As shown, the pairs of half-width air cells120 and122 have been moved laterally outward relative to each other. When theadjustable width mattress116 is in the expanded configuration, there is acentral gap130 between each of the pairs of half-width air cells120 and122. The air pressure in theadjustable width mattress116 is maintained so that the pressure in the half-width air cells120 and122 is approximately equal to the air pressure in the full-width air cells118 when theadjustable width mattress116 is in the expanded configuration. Theadjustable width mattress116 may include a stretchable or reconfigurable top sheet (not shown) to help distribute the weight of an occupant onto theair cells118,120, and122 and across the relatively open areas including thegaps130. It should be appreciated that the dimensions detailed above are only one embodiment, and theair cells118,120, and122 may have other desired sizes.
• Referring toFIG. 13, a third alternative embodiment of an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at132, is shown. Theadjustable width mattress132 includes a central portion, indicated generally at134. Thecentral portion134 includes pneumatically-separated firstcenter air cells136 and secondcenter air cells138. The firstcenter air cells136 and secondcenter air cells138 include foam inflation elements (not shown) to allow the air cells to self-inflate when they are not loaded. The firstcenter air cells136 are pneumatically connected to afirst expansion portion140 byfirst air channels142. The secondcenter air cells136 are pneumatically connected to asecond expansion portion144 bysecond air channels146. Thefirst expansion portion140 and thesecond expansion portion144 may be inflated by rotating an occupant of theadjustable width mattress132 from side to side, alternatingly applying a load to the firstcenter air cells136 in order to inflate thefirst expansion portion140, and applying a load to the secondcenter air cells136 in order to inflate thesecond expansion portion144. Alternatively, the expansion portions may include air inlets and outlets (not shown) to allow an attendant to manually inflate or deflate the expansion portions.
• Referring now toFIG. 14, there is shown an exploded, perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress, indicated generally at148. The adjustable-width mattress148 includes a central portion indicated generally at150 that includes a longitudinally-arranged series of laterally-extendingair cells152. The adjustable-width mattress148 includes a foam perimeter consisting offoam surround pieces154. The adjustable-width mattress148 also includes afirst expansion bladder156 and asecond expansion bladder158, which are located between thecentral portion150 and thefoam surround pieces154. In normal use, the adjustable-width mattress148 is supported by a bed (not shown). The bed includes afirst side rail160 and asecond side rail162 which are able to be moved in aninward direction164 and anoutward direction166.
• The adjustable-width mattress148 includes a mattress controller (not shown). The mattress controller may be connected to a position sensor (not shown). Limit switches may be used to sense the relative positions of the side rails160 and162 and provide that information to the mattress controller. The mattress controller is able to regulate the air pressure in thefirst expansion bladder156 and thesecond expansion bladder158. This allows the mattress controller to adjust the size of adjustable-width mattress148 to correspond to the space between the side rails160 and162. The mattress controller may include a manual interface to allow the attendant to direct the mattress controller to pressurize or vent thefirst expansion bladder156 and thesecond expansion bladder158. This would be useful when the adjustable-width mattress148 is installed on a bed frame that allows the width of the frame to be manually adjusted.
• Referring toFIG. 15, there is shown an exploded, perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress, indicated generally at168. The adjustable-width mattress168 is operates similarly to the previously-described adjustable-width mattress148 (shown inFIG. 14). However, the adjustable-width mattress168 includes acentral expansion bladder170 located between a firstcentral portion172 and a secondcentral portion174.
• Generally, the mattresses described above are 36 inches wide in their most narrowed configuration, and 42 inches wide in their most expanded configuration. It should be appreciated that the sizes and relative pressures described above refer only to the embodiments shown, and other sizes and relative dimensions may be used if desired. Also, it should be appreciated that side rails described in connection with the adjustable-width mattress10 may be used with any of the other described mattresses in order to assist an attendant with adjusting the width of the mattress.
• It should be appreciated that the mattresses described above may be paired with an adjustable-width bed so that the bed and mattress may both have their size adjusted. It is advantageous to be able to change the width of a bed. For example, a large bed may be narrowed to fit into a small space. Or a bed may be widened in order to accommodate a larger occupant. The mattresses described above allow the bed to be fitted with a single mattress that is usable with multiple different bed widths such as, for example, two or more bed widths, or any desired bed width between the maximum and the minimum mattress width.
• Some of the embodiments described above allow the width of the mattress to be changed without the need for external power. Additionally, some of the embodiments allow the width of the mattress to be changed without removing the occupant from the support surface. Also, these mattresses allow a single attendant to change the width of the mattress when this may otherwise be problematic for an attendant who is attempting to change the width of a bed occupied by an obese occupant.
• It should be appreciated that embodiments describe how to provide a variable width mattress, and that these embodiments may be modified to provide a variable length mattress, if desired.
• The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable-width mattress comprising:

a support surface having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length dimension, wherein the width dimension of the support surface may be varied.

2. The adjustable width mattress ofclaim 1, wherein the support surface has a first width dimension when in an unloaded state, and has a second width dimension when the mattress is subject to an inward force applied in a direction parallel to the width dimension, the first width dimension being greater than the second width dimension.

3. The adjustable width mattress ofclaim 2, wherein the length dimension of the support surface when the support surface has the first width dimension is the same as the length dimension of the support surface when the support surface has the second width dimension.

4. The adjustable width mattress ofclaim 2, wherein the first width is approximately 42 inches and the second width is approximately 36 inches.

5. An adjustable-width mattress comprising:

a support surface having a length dimension along a longitudinal axis and a width dimension that is perpendicular to the length dimension;

a central portion that provides a portion of the support surface;

an expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface;

wherein an inward force applied to the expansion portion in a direction parallel to the width dimension causes the expansion portion to collapse so that the width dimension of the support surface is decreased.

6. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 5, wherein when the inward force is removed the expansion portion expands to an unloaded state.

7. The adjustable width mattress ofclaim 5, the expansion portion comprising an air cell containing an expansion foam, wherein fluid is displaced from the expansion portion when the expansion portion collapses.

8. The adjustable width mattress ofclaim 7, the central portion comprising an air cell that is in fluid communication with the expansion portion, wherein fluid is displaced from the expansion portion into the central portion when the expansion portion collapses.

9. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 7, further comprising a second expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the second expansion portion comprising an air cell containing a second expansion foam, wherein an inward force applied to the second expansion portion in a direction parallel to the width dimension causes the second expansion to collapse and air is displaced from the second expansion portion so that the width dimension of the support surface is decreased.

10. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 9, wherein the expansion portion and the second expansion portion are located on opposed sides of the central portion.

11. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 10, the central portion comprising an air cell that is in fluid communication with the expansion portion and in fluid communication with the second expansion portion;

wherein fluid is displaced from the expansion portion into the central portion when the expansion portion collapses, and fluid is displaced from the second expansion portion into the central portion when the second expansion portion collapses

12. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 11, further comprising an air inlet that allows fluid from an external fluid reservoir into the central portion;

an air outlet that allows fluid to flow from the central portion to the external fluid reservoir when the pressure in the central portion exceeds a target pressure.

13. An adjustable-width mattress comprising:

a support surface having a length dimension along a longitudinal axis and a width dimension that is perpendicular to the length dimension;

a first central portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the first central portion comprising an air cell containing a foam inflation structure;

a second central portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the second central portion comprising an air cell containing a second foam inflation structure;

a first expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the first expansion portion comprising an air cell containing a first expansion foam inflation structure; and

a second expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the second expansion portion comprising an air cell containing a second expansion foam inflation structure;

wherein the first central portion is located between the second expansion portion and the second central portion, and is in fluid communication with the first expansion portion; and

the second central portion is located between the first expansion portion and the first central portion, and is in fluid communication with the second expansion portion.

14. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 13, wherein the first central portion is in fluid communication with an external fluid reservoir, the second central portion is in fluid communication with the external fluid reservoir, and the first central portion is not in fluid communication with the second central portion.

15. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 14, further comprising:

a first air inlet that allows fluid from the external fluid reservoir into the first central portion;

a first air outlet that allows fluid to flow from the first central portion to the external fluid reservoir when the pressure in the first central portion exceeds a target pressure;

a second air inlet that allows fluid from the external fluid reservoir into the second central portion;

a second air outlet that allows fluid to flow from the second central portion to the external fluid reservoir when the pressure in the second central portion exceeds a second target pressure;

16. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 15, wherein the target pressure has the same value as the second target pressure.

17. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 15, wherein in the first expansion portion comprises a first outer cell that encapsulates a foam element that occupies no more than half the cross-sectional space of the first outer cell and a first inner cell that encapsulates a foam element that occupies no more than half the cross-sectional space of the first inner cell.

18. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 17, wherein the first outer cell and the first inner cell are connected by a hinge that allows relative rotational movement between the first outer cell and the first inner cell.

19. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 18, wherein when the first outer cell is rotated about the hinge relative to the first inner cell, both the first outer cell and the first inner cell are at least partially collapsed.

20. The adjustable-width mattress ofclaim 19, wherein when the first outer cell and the first inner cell are at least partially collapsed air contained in the first inner cell and the first inner cell to travel to the first center air cell.

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