US Patent 7617553 Patient lifting device

An inflatable lifting device is disclosed for lifting the rectal area of a patient laying on a mattress. The inflatable lifting device is an inflatable U-shaped bladder with an air port to supply air into the bladder and a tether to maintain the U-shape of the bladder. The inflated bladder creates a cavity sized for the easy insertion and removal of a bedpan under the patient. The inflatable lifting device may be positioned on top of an upper surface of the mattress or within the mattress just below the upper surface.