Abstract: A support cushion for is provided that includes a core comprised of a first flexible foam and a sleeve comprised of a second flexible foam. The sleeve has a first side and a second side opposite the first side that together encapsulate the core. The support cushion further includes an amount of phase change material that is incorporated into at least one of the first side or the second side of the sleeve.

Abstract: A support cushion for providing individualized heating and cooling to a user resting on the support cushion is provided. The support cushion includes a body supporting layer, a plurality of thermoelectric elements positioned and configured to selectively provide heating or cooling of the body supporting layer, a heat transfer layer positioned adjacent to the body supporting portion and operably connected to the thermoelectric elements, a base layer positioned adjacent to the heat transfer layer opposite the body supporting layer and defining one or more inlet and outlet conduits, and one or more fans operably connected to each of the outlet conduits. Methods of controlling the surface temperature of a support cushion are also provided.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a first layer of viscoelastic foam defining an upper surface, and a second layer of non-viscoelastic foam supporting the first layer. The mattress assembly also includes a plurality of spring elements positioned beneath the upper surface for enhancing a firmness of the combined first and second layers. Each of the spring elements includes a first spring having a first spring rate and a second spring having a second spring rate different than the first spring rate.

Abstract: A pillow is provided that includes a foam core and a gel insert molded to each side of the foam core. Methods of producing a pillow are further provided and include a step of providing a foam molding system having a top mold defining a plurality of air ports and a bottom mold defining a plurality of air ports. A vacuum is applied to the plurality of air ports in both the top mold and bottom mold, and a gel insert is then positioned against each of the plurality of air ports. A foam precursor is subsequently dispensed into the bottom mold atop the gel insert, and the top mold is secured to the bottom mold. The foam precursor then expands within the foam molding system and bonds with the two gel inserts to produce a pillow having a gel insert molded to each side of the pillow.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a mattress is provided that includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a continuous side panel collectively defining a cavity for enclosing the mattress. The second cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface, with the second cover being positioned over and dimensionally-sized to cover at least the top panel of the first cover. A fastener then connects the second cover to the first cover along the perimeter of the second cover. Methods for marking a mattress are also provided that include the step of marking an indicia indicative of a characteristic of a mattress on the top surface of the second cover of the cover assembly.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a foundation that defines first and second axes oriented along the length and the width of the foundation, respectively. The mattress assembly further includes a mattress supported atop the foundation and means for securing the mattress to the foundation to inhibit sliding movement of the mattress relative to the foundation along at least one of the first and second axes.

Abstract: A mattress assembly is provided that includes a body supporting portion, one or more air bladders positioned beneath the body supporting portion, and a frame portion. The frame portion includes a bottom surface and a sidewall that collectively define a well for receiving the one or more air bladders. The sidewall of the frame portion is secured to the second surface of the body supporting portion at a foot portion of the mattress assembly, while the sidewall of the frame portion and the body supporting portion are configured to move relative to one another at a head portion and a middle portion of the mattress assembly to thereby allow the mattress assembly to conform to the shape of an adjustable foundation.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a mattress is provided that includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a continuous side panel collectively defining a cavity for enclosing the mattress. The second cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface, with the second cover being positioned over and dimensionally-sized to cover at least the top panel of the first cover. A fastener then connects the second cover to the first cover along the perimeter of the second cover. Methods for marking a mattress are also provided that include the step of marking an indicia indicative of a characteristic of a mattress on the top surface of the second cover of the cover assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress assembly comprising a mattress having a substrate assembly that includes a plurality of cylinders positioned side by side over the length of the mattress. Each cylinder is configured as a low air loss system to allow air to flow into the cylinder from a source and out of the cylinder through small holes located on the top of each cylinder. An overlay assembly provides a foam cushion that provides a supporting surface above the substrate assembly for the patient. A calf lift bladder operates to effectively raise or lower the patient's feet to prevent pressure related injuries. A lateral rotation assembly selectively raises and lowers a selected half of the mattress to turn patients in a lateral direction. A bolster inflates in response to the lateral rotation assembly to secure the patient within the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a first layer of viscoelastic foam defining an upper surface, and a second layer of non-viscoelasiic foam supporting the first layer. The mattress assembly also includes a plurality of static spring elements positioned beneath the upper surface for enhancing a firmness of the combined first and second layers.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress foundation includes a first frame, a second frame supported upon the first frame and including at least one movable frame portion, a first actuator supported upon the second frame and operable to selectively incline the at least one movable frame portion, and a second actuator interconnecting the first and second frames and operable to displace the second frame relative to the first frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body support assembly comprising a layer having a passage, a pump positioned to create a flow of fluid through the passage, a sensor that detects a parameter and produces a signal, and a controller coupled to the sensor and programmed to control the flow of fluid based on the signal. Preferably, the layer comprises visco-elastic foam. In one embodiment, the parameter corresponds with a firmness of the layer (e.g., a temperature of the layer). A heat exchanger can be used to alter (e.g., heat or cool) a temperature of the fluid. The present invention further provides a method of controlling a firmness of a body support comprising sensing a sensed value of a parameter (e.g., temperature) of the body support, establishing a desired value of the parameter, comparing the sensed parameter to the desired value, and adjusting the parameter.

Abstract: Mattress assemblies are provided that include a plurality of visco-elastic foam blocks configured to attach to one or more adjacent visco-elastic foams blocks. Bed assemblies are also provided that include the mattress assemblies and further include a frame having rails with a height that, upon placement of a foundation and the mattress assembly in the frame, cover at least a portion of a side of each visco-elastic foam block to thereby secure the visco-elastic blocks in the frame in a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress foundation includes a frame having at least one movable frame portion and a panel coupled for movement with the movable frame portion. The panel includes a lower surface in facing relationship with the movable frame portion and an upper surface. The adjustable mattress foundation also includes an actuator supported upon the frame and operable to selectively incline the at least one movable frame portion, a vibration motor, and a support suspending the vibration motor relative to the panel The support is mounted to the upper surface of the panel.