Overarching class of support surface (as used in this review)	Corresponding subclasses of support surfaces used inShi 2018a	Descriptions of support surfaces	Selected examples (with example brands where possible)
Reactive air surfaces	Powered/non‐powered reactive air surfaces	A group of support surfaces constructed of air‐cells, which redistribute body weight over a maximum surface area (i.e. has reactive pressure redistribution mode), with or without the requirement for electrical power	Static air mattress overlay, dry flotation mattress (e.g. Roho, Sofflex), static air mattress (e.g. EHOB), and static mode of Duo 2 mattress
	Powered/non‐powered reactive low‐air‐loss air surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of air‐cells, which have reactive pressure redistribution modes and a low‐air‐loss function, with or without the requirement for electrical power	Low‐air‐loss hydrotherapy
	Powered reactive air‐fluidised surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of air‐cells, which have reactive pressure redistribution modes and an air‐fluidised function, with the requirement for electrical power	Air‐fluidised bed (e.g. Clinitron)
Foam surfaces	Non‐powered reactive foam surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of foam materials, which have a reactive pressure redistribution function, without the requirement for electrical power	Convoluted foam overlay (or pad), elastic foam overlay (e.g. Aiartex, microfluid static overlay), polyether foam pad, foam mattress replacement (e.g. MAXIFLOAT), solid foam overlay, viscoelastic foam mattress/overlay (e.g. Tempur, CONFOR‐Med, Akton, Thermo)
Alternative reactive support surfaces (non‐foam or air‐filled): reactive fibre surfaces	Non‐powered reactive fibre surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of fibre materials, which have a reactive pressure redistribution function, without the requirement for electrical power	Silicore (e.g. Spenco) overlay/pad
Alternative reactive support surfaces (non‐foam or air‐filled): reactive gel surfaces	Non‐powered reactive gel surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of gel materials, which have a reactive pressure redistribution function, without the requirement for electrical power	Gel mattress, gel pad used in operating theatre
Alternative reactive support surfaces (non‐foam or air‐filled): reactive sheepskin surfaces	Non‐powered reactive sheepskin surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of sheepskin, which have a reactive pressure redistribution function, without the requirement for electrical power	Australian Medical Sheepskins overlay
Alternative reactive support surfaces (non‐foam or air‐filled): reactive water surfaces	Non‐powered reactive water surfaces	A group of support surfaces based on water, which has the capability of a reactive pressure redistribution function, without the requirement for electrical power	Water mattress
Alternating pressure (active) air surfaces	Powered active air surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of air‐cells, which mechanically alternate the pressure beneath the body to reduce the duration of the applied pressure (mainly via inflating and deflating to alternately change the contact area between support surfaces and the body; i.e. alternating pressure (or active) mode), with the requirement for electrical power	Alternating pressure‐relieving air mattress (e.g. Nimbus II, Cairwave, Airwave, MicroPulse), large‐celled ripple
	Powered active low‐air‐loss air surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of air‐cells, which have the capability of alternating pressure redistribution as well as low air loss for drying local skin, with the requirement for electrical power	Alternating pressure low‐air‐loss air mattress
	Powered hybrid system air surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of air‐cells, which offer both reactive and active pressure redistribution modes, with the requirement for electrical power	Foam mattress with dynamic and static modes (e.g. Softform Premier Active)
	Powered hybrid system low‐air‐loss air surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of air‐cells, which offer both reactive and active pressure redistribution modes as well as a low‐air‐loss function, with the requirement for electrical power	Stand‐alone bed unit with alternating pressure, static modes and low air‐loss (e.g. TheraPulse)
Standard hospital surfaces	Standard hospital surfaces	A group of support surfaces made of any materials, used as‐usual in a hospital and without reactive or active pressure redistribution capabilities, nor any other functions (e.g. low air loss, or air‐fluidised).	Standard hospital (foam) mattress, National Health Service Contract hospital mattress, standard operating theatre surface configuration, standard bed unit and usual care