Ventilated seat with low pressure zone induced airflow

A method of controlling a combined air distribution and massage system in a seat comprising the steps of:

• providing a seat having a combined air distribution and massage system that includes a fan, an air distribution portion having an air channel that is in fluid communication with the fan and is adapted to move air to and/or from the fan and past an occupant of the seat, and a massage portion having an air bladder that is in fluid communication with the fan and is adapted to inflate and/or deflate to provide support for the occupant of the seat;
• and
• if the air distribution portion of the combined air distribution and massage system is operating, then operating the massage portion of the combined air distribution and massage system such that:
• first portions of the seat are urged outwardly from the seat to define high contact zones between the occupant and the first portions of the seat, and
• second portions of the seat are not urged outwardly from the seat to define low pressure zones between the occupant and the second portions of the seat that facilitate the flow of air through the air distribution portion of the combined air distribution and massage system when the occupant is on the seat.