Patient incline device having centerline spinal support

Abstract

A patient incline device includes a base member, an inflatable incline ramp located on an upper surface of the base member, an incline ramp adapted to support a patient such that the patient's upper torso is elevated with respect to the base member, an inflatable head support pillow and a wedge-shaped inflatable spinal support air chamber located on the incline ramp and angling upward in a direction away from the incline ramp, and aligned with a centerline of the incline ramp, wherein the peak end of the wedge extends to about the region of the patient's lumbar curve so that the buttocks are not raised upon inflation. The wedge-shaped spinal support chamber may also include a pop-up air chamber having internal air vents to the spinal support chamber such that when the spinal support chamber inflates, the pop-up chamber rises as pressure accumulates and lifts a thoracic curve portion of the patient's spine. An accessory lift device is provided for use in situations where raising the patient's buttocks and pelvis is wanted. The accessory is an inflatable air chamber having side lobes adapted to lie along each lateral side of the inflatable pad base and a seat portion that crosses transversely over the inflatable base pad beneath the patient's buttocks.