Air-powered low interface pressure overlay

A multi-layer interface between a patient and an associated support surface, for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers, said interface comprising:

• a first layer of material, adjacent a patient interface;
• a second layer of material, adjacent and beneath said first ayer of material, and an air flow control system;
• wherein said first layer of material is vapor-permeable, said second layer comprises a non-crushable, three-dimensional material, and said air flow control system provides forced air flow through said second layer, so that moisture vapor and heat travels away from a patient's body through said first layer and enters said second layer, to be carried away from the patient therein by such forced air flow, so as to provide an aid in reducing moisture and heat near the patient's body.

A multi-layer interface as set forth in claim, 25, wherein said non-crushable, three-dimensional second layer material comprises at least one of knit, cloth, polymeric film, foam, and extruded woven fibers.

A method for the treatment and prevention of decubitus ulcers for a patient due to interface of such patient with an associated support surface, such method comprising:

• placing adjacent a patient a first layer of vapor-permeable material;
• providing a second layer of non-crushable, three-dimensional material, adjacent and beneath such first layer of material, and
• forcing air flow through such second layer, so that moisture vapor and heat travels away from a patient's body through said first layer and via said second layer, to be carried away from the patient by such air flow, so as to reduce moisture and heat near a patient's skin.