A pneumatic accumulator (20) integral to a structural member of a person-support apparatus (10) to store air is disclosed. The accumulator (20) serves as a reservoir available for rapid changes in demand for pressurized air, for use by a variety of devices integral or external to the person-support apparatus (10) or for extension and retraction of at least one portion of the person-support apparatus. A pump (18) supplies air to the accumulator (20). The pump (18) and at least one pressure sensor (32) are in communication with a controller (28). At least one valve (16) in the fluidic path is in communication with the controller (28) and meters the supply of air. The controller (28) may further be connected with an alarming unit (42), hospital network (36), activity log (46), communication station (40), nurse call system (3) or electronic medical records (44).
