Abstract: There is provided a cushion (10) comprising an envelope (12) comprising at least an inner and outer layer (14, 16) of polyurethane material, and a resilient core (17) of an open-cell polyurethane foam material inside the envelope (12), wherein the envelope (12) is substantially air- and liquid-impermeable, and the inner layer (14) is at least partially attached to the outer layer (16) and the resilient core (17) so as to provide a plurality of microchannels of an outer surface of at least a top portion of the envelope (12), a kit comprising such cushion (10) and a removable cover, a cushion system and a method of manufacturing such a cushion (10).

Abstract: A mattress cover, especially for hospital mattresses prevents the ingress of liquids to the mattress core. The mattress cover includes an opening to allow the cover to be put on, and taken off, a mattress core. The opening is closed by a zip fastener (10). The teeth (12) of the zip fastener (10) are mounted on a substrate which is impermeable to fluids. Preferably the substrate is coated with a polyurethane material (14). The teeth (12) of the zip fastener are directed inwardly towards the mattress core and the substrates act to cover the zip fastener when closed, thereby substantially preventing the ingress of fluids through the zip fastener. The opening is also provided with a cover flap which is constructed so that there are no exposed puncturing joins (such as are generated by stitching) which would allow the ingress of liquid.

Abstract: A mattress cover, especially for hospital mattresses prevents the ingress of liquids to the mattress core. The mattress cover includes an opening to allow the cover to be put on, and taken off, a mattress core. The opening is closed by a zip fastener (10). The teeth (12) of the zip fastener (10) are mounted on a substrate which is impermeable to fluids. Preferably the substrate is coated with a polyurethane material (14). The teeth (12) of the zip fastener are directed inwardly towards the mattress core and the substrates act to cover the zip fastener when closed, thereby substantially preventing the ingress of fluids through the zip fastener. The opening is also provided with a cover flap which is constructed so that there are no exposed puncturing joins (such as are generated by stitching) which would allow the ingress of liquid.

Abstract: An alternating pressure mattress is provided with an upper visco-elastic foam layer to reduce the pressure variation flet by a patient lying on the mattress. The foam layer may extend into gaps between the cells making up the mattress. A foam layer may also be provided beneath the cells so that the mattress has a more conventional appearance.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprising a shock absorbing shell is disclosed in which a recess is provided at the inner apex or crown portion of the shock absorbing shell and a laminated insert of padding providing for both wearer comfort and shock attenuation is placed in such recess. The design of the recess and insert to provide specific shock attenuating characteristics is described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a protective helmet, the method comprising placing an inner shell having a dome portion and downwardly extending side portions on a die, positioning a further die so that a cavity is provided between the outer surface of the inner shell and the further die, filling the cavity with pre-foamed beads of polystyrene of selected density, and applying heat to expand the beads to create a continuous layer of shock absorbing material extending over the whole outer surface of the inner shell. Additionally, and subsequent to the formation of the layer of shock absorbing material, an outer covering may be applied to the outer surface of the shock absorbing material to provide a double-skin helmet.