Bed, Air

Beds, pillows, cushions, ., when properly constructed and inflated with air, are clean, luxurious, and healthy substitutes for those in common use. For this purpose the air-proof part should be formed of separate cells or tubes, arranged in ridges (see engr. ), or in any similar manner to admit of free ventilation; and in the case of beds, or of cushions for the sick, two or three folds of flannel, or blanket, or of any loose porous fabric, should be placed between them and the under sheet or the person of the sleeper or patient. Without this precaution, discomfort and restle ne , exce ive warmth and perspiration and even bed-sores, are apt to follow their use by invalids, when badly constructed. To obviate these objections to articles of this cla commonly sold, a new one has been produced under the name of the ‘ Incom′parable bed ’ (Aycbourn’s Patent), which is thoroughly applicable to all purposes—domestic, medical, naval, or military —and superior to any feather, flock, or spring bed, however good or carefully made up. This bed consists of an outer case made of ordinary bed-ticking divided internally into numerous separate cells, into each of which is placed a suitably constructed bag, which may be either wholly or partially filled with air or water; the latter either hot or cold. (See engr. 2, 3.) It is incapable of bursting, and is very agreeable to lie on. It retains its shape, saves the time, trouble, and wear and tear ordinarily bestowed or easily washed and kept clean, allows all the ventilation e ential to health, and is so portable that it may be easily packed in a carpet-bag. In almost an instant it may be converted into six, or more, separate life-preservers; and what is equally important it will stand any climate. Hitherto the use of air-beds and water-beds has been almost exclusively confined to the upper and wealthy cla es, and to hospital practice; but the moderate prices [126] at which Aycbourn’s beds, cushions, ., are sold, place these luxuries, and in many cases—absolute nece ities—within the reach of the ma es of the people. [126] These are le than those of feather beds of corresponding dimensions.