As I was researching to get more comprehensive information on this topic I found an incredible resource that spells out what support surfaces are, when the therapies are appropriate, and goes into fantastic detail about each available therapy. Instead of recreating the wheel I will just provide the link. Understanding Therapeutic Support Surfaces

In this article, Rosalyn S. Jordan, BSN, RN, MSc, CWOCN, WCC, and Sandra Phipps, BSN, RN, MBA, WCC do a phenomenal job explaining not only what the therapies are, but also what patient conditions each therapies treat. If you don't have a clinical background, worry not. They describe in layman terms what each condition means. Happy reading!