Abstract: A sealed positioner for positioning subjects or their body parts includes a filter that maintains an internal air pressure and, thus, a particular “feel,” of the positioner as it is moved from one environment to another. The sealed positioner can maintain its internal air pressure and “feel” regardless of the environment (e.g., elevation, atmospheric pressure, etc.) in which it is used. Methods in which the internal air pressure and feel of a sealed positioner are maintained as the sealed positioner is moved from one environment to another are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multilayered cushions and positioners include a plurality of compressible layers, at least of which may include a breathable chamber that holds compressible beads. The compressible beads may flow until an object is placed thereon or until the compressible layer is placed against a surface. A compressive force exerted by the object or the surface on the beads may compress them, causing the beads to conform to a shape of the object or surface and increasing a coefficient of friction of the beads, which may hold the beads in position and increase a rigidity of the cushion or positioner at the location thereof that receives the object or surface. An intermediate element, such as a pressurizable element, may be positioned between compressible layers to prevent forces exerted one of the compressible layers from being communicated directly to the other compressible layer.

Abstract: An infection control filter label includes a frame and a filter membrane that covers a window through the frame. The frame may be removably secured to a cover for an item, such as a cushion (e.g., a pillow, a positioner, a mattress topper, a mattress, a seat cushion, etc.), bedding (e.g., a duvet, etc.), or the like to provide a sealed cover for the item. The sealed cover may be impermeable, with the infection control filter label limiting the passage of dust and microorganisms (e.g., fungi, bacteria, mold spores, etc.) from passing therethrough. Thus, the sealed cover may protect its contents from external factors (e.g., sick individuals, etc.) while protecting the environment outside the sealed cover from the contents of the sealed cover. Information about the item may be provided on the frame; for example, by printing, writing, or the like.

Abstract: A cushioning mattress is provided to normalize and distribute the weight of a patient's body to reduce the tangential forces bearing on the skin of the patient. The cushioning mattress comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and a series of alternating "tunnel" billows and "loop" billows. Each tunnel billow comprises a separate piece of material affixed to the top or bottom surface along two parallel seams to define a wide-based closed cell. Each loop billow comprises a separate piece of material affixed to the top or bottom surface along a single seam to define a narrow-based closed. Each tunnel and loop billow contains a visco-elastic material capable of conforming to any surface which it engages.