Inflatable mattress apparatus includes a mattress provided with a plurality of inflatable cells (A, B)； a manifold unit (V1-V4) connected to the plurality of cells, wherein the manifold (V1-V4) couples the cells into a plurality of individual sets of cells； and a control unit connected to the manifold, the control unit being operable to provide substantially simultaneous inflation and deflation of cells (A, B) in each set of cells over a period, and time offset inflation and deflation of cells in different sets of cells. The apparatus can provide the same benefits of a 1 of 2′ system with reduced movement of the entire surface at any point in the cycle, less air moving at any given time and thus a reduction in the audible noise produced in any pump supplying the air and the associated airflow in the mattress. The arrangement provide other benefits too.
