Vacuum bag with integral customizable head positioner

A method of positioning a patient for a medical procedure comprising the steps of:

• i) providing a vacuum patient positioning cushion comprising:
• a gas-impermeable outer covering defining an airtight chamber;
• a vacuum control valve providing selective fluid communication between the airtight chamber and a source of negative pressure;
• a first plurality of filler beads located within the airtight chamber;
• and
• a separate gas-permeable bag having a second plurality of filler beads located therein and being in fluid communication with the rest of the airtight chamber;
• ii) placing the patient atop the vacuum cushion such that the patient's head is resting atop the gas-permeable bag;
• iii) connecting the vacuum control valve to a source of negative pressure;
• and
• iv) evacuating the airtight chamber of the vacuum patient positioning cushion while forming the gas-permeable bag to act as a headrest for the patient and forming the first plurality of filler beads to conform to a portion of the patient's anatomy.