A patient support (10) is provided with a membrane (18) made of a stretchable material. The membrane may be fixed in one embodiment to lateral supports (14 , 16) and used as a patient s knee or calf support. During use , the membrane (18) can stretch on the application of force by a patient (12), which stretch will reduce discomfort and pain and can also assist in preventing slippage of the patient during movement. The flexible membrane (18) may be used also in patient slings and other supports.