Abstract: A generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls is provided to enclose a mattress to provide protection against allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spills and spoils. The cover comprises generally impermeable top and bottom walls, and sidewalls connected at edges between the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls are formed of a double wall construction comprising a generally impermeable inner wall of a fixed height joined at edges to an elastic outer wall. The outer wall stretches and the inner wall extends to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The outer wall can be relaxed and the inner wall retained neatly against the mattress and by the outer wall. An aperture can be provided in the bottom wall for allowing insertion and removal of a mattress and a fastener can be used to close the aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing a baby including a disposable changing pad component, a changing platform component and a combination of a changing pad component and platform component. The disposable changing pad component includes a water impermeable layer and a fabric layer and at least one movement resistance aid to anchor the pad in place. The changing platform component includes a generally smooth region for receiving a baby and at least one changing pad retainer for holding the changing pad.

Abstract: A set of sheets includes an upper sheet with a top panel and a lower sheet with a bottom panel. In conjunction, the upper and lower sheets are sized, structured and configured to enclose a mattress. A waterproof panel is positioned between the upper sheet and the top of the mattress to protect the mattress from damaging exposure to moisture and liquids, including bodily fluids. In several embodiments, the upper sheet and waterproof panel are removable for washing and changing thereof while the lower sheet remains fitted to the mattress, thereby avoiding the need to lift or move the mattress when changing the sheets. The waterproof panel may be independently removable to selectively control air permeability of the sheets, and particularly the upper sheet.

Abstract: A paper-thin disposable covering that is absorbent, moisture resistant, and portable, comprised of two or more layers of paper, cotton, or synthetic sheeting having air pockets and being coated with a bottom fluid-impervious surface, being particularly designed for attractive comfort, near imperceptibility, and discreet transport and disposal.

Abstract: A bed pad system for protecting a mattress from being soiled comprises a continuous band of a plurality of individual bed pads which are connected to each other at ends thereof. The bed pad system is structured for separating an individual bed pad from a neighboring bed pad. The bed pad system is easy to manufacture and can be hygienically transported and handled in a straightforward manner.

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 hygiene mat principally consisting of a liquid absorbing layer (2, 4) with or without a liquid permeable surface layer (1) and a liquid barrier (3), consisting of expanded polymers with closed cells and low density, 5-40 kg/m3, and a specific resistance to bending of between 0.05 and 3.5 g/cm, and a thickness of between 0.2 and 3.5 mm. With this structure a hygiene mat is obtained at a low cost with very good comfort and stability.

Abstract: A generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls is provided to enclose a mattress to provide protection against allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spills and spoils. The cover comprises generally impermeable top and bottom walls, and sidewalls connected at edges between the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls are formed of a double wall construction comprising a generally impermeable inner wall of a fixed height joined at edges to an elastic outer wall. The outer wall stretches and the inner wall extends to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The outer wall can be relaxed and the inner wall retained neatly against the mattress and by the outer wall. An aperture can be provided in the bottom wall for allowing insertion and removal of a mattress and a fastener can be used to close the aperture.

Abstract: A re-usable hygienic bed product includes an absorbing object, a sliding material layer, a pulling sheet, and a moisture blocking layer. The absorbing product is a highly soaking, inert fibrous material which at the upper surface and the bottom surface is directly integral with a soft fabric. The absorbing object at two opposite edges is formed with projecting pulling sheet parts formed as wings extending transversally from the longitudinal edges at each side, which can be folded in under the mattress. The sliding material layer at the bottom surface is a semi-smooth or smooth material which facilitates a pulling of the entire hygienic bed product with the patient to any side of the bed. A moisture blocking layer is provided between the bottom surface and the sliding material layer, and is of a liquid tight material that prevents liquid from penetrating down to the sliding material layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bed pad having improved leakage protection provided by a folded absorbent structure. In one embodiment, the bed pad uses a stabilized absorbent material folded into a central channel, a pair of transversely disposed side margins, and a pair of transversely disposed side margins.

Abstract: An improved blanket is provided having improved insulation, comfort, care and maintenance characteristics. The blanket is constructed of three layers of hydrophobic material which are secured together. Preferably, the layers of fabric are comprised of 100% polyester fleece fabric. The fixed proximity of three layers of polyester fleece fabric in a single blanket optimizes the extraordinary range of insulation capabilities of this unique, ultralight hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A bed sheet set for increasing comfort and protection of bedding has air permeable upper and lower panels. The lower panel encompasses a mattress and has a fastener for releasably securing the superposed upper panel. The upper panel has another fastener that releasably secures a minor liquid proof panel. The minor portion can be secured in place during sleep periods or periods of inactivity and selectively removed to increase air flow and comfort. When soiled, only the minor portion need be removed to extend the time between changing and laundering the entire bed sheet set.

Abstract: A self-storing article of bedding is constructed with a pair of pocket panels that overlie a limited surface area on the top of a cover, thereby defining a pocket region of the cover and a larger peripheral region extending beyond the pocket region. The pocket panels reside atop overlapping portions of the pocket region of the cover and have boundary edges that are sewn to the cover, thereby defining the perimeter of the pocket region. Linear, free, overlapping edges of the pocket panels extend between their respective boundary edges. Mutually engageable, releaseable fasteners are provided on the pocket panels in the area of mutual overlap. The pocket panels are reversible in orientation. When the pocket panels are oriented so that their reverse surfaces face each other, the peripheral region of the cover may the folded and stuffed in between the reverse surfaces of the pocket panels and the pocket region of the cover.

Abstract: A cover assembly designed and structured to protectively enclose a mattress of the type used in medical facilities such as on hospital beds, stretchers, gurneys, etc. A casing is formed from a flexible, high strength, water impermeable material which is resistant to rupture or abrasion and which has characteristics which facilitates its use in the environment of a hospital or other medical facility. The casing includes a reinforcement assembly in the form of one or more flexible material panels, which may be formed from a material similar or identical to that from which the casing is formed and which are attached to different elongated outer walls of the casing so as to extend over a mid-portion thereof and be aligned substantially with a mid-portion of a body supported on the mattress, thereby providing supplementary support to the body so as to resist the mid-portion of the body sinking excessively into the mattress.

Abstract: A set of sheets includes an upper sheet with a top panel and a lower sheet with a bottom panel. In conjunction, the upper and lower sheets are sized, structured and configured to enclose a mattress. A waterproof panel is positioned between the upper sheet and the top of the mattress to protect the mattress from damaging exposure to moisture and liquids, including bodily fluids. In several embodiments, the upper sheet and waterproof panel are removable for washing and changing thereof while the lower sheet remains fitted to the mattress, thereby avoiding the need to lift or move the mattress when changing the sheets. The waterproof panel may be independently removable to selectively control air permeability of the sheets, and particularly the upper sheet.

Abstract: A disposable sheet has a draw sheet or chux attached thereto. Preferably, the chux is constructed from three layers, a bottom, middle and top layer. The top layer is moisture permeable and the middle layer is absorbent. The top layer of the chux and the sheet itself may be integrally connected. Fluids flow through the chux top layer to the middle layer. The chux bottom layer may be waterproof to prevent fluids from leaving the middle layer. A quilted pattern may be applied to the chux to for aesthetic reasons or to direct fluid flow.

Abstract: A generally impermeable mattress cover having expandable sidewalls is provided to enclose a mattress to provide protection against allergens, dust mites, fluids, and other spills and spoils. The cover comprises generally impermeable top and bottom walls, and sidewalls connected at edges between the top and bottom walls. The sidewalls are formed of a double wall construction comprising a generally impermeable inner wall of a fixed height joined at edges to an elastic outer wall. The outer wall stretches and the inner wall extends to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses. The outer wall can be relaxed and the inner wall retained neatly against the mattress and by the outer wall. An aperture can be provided in the bottom wall for allowing insertion and removal of a mattress and a fastener can be used to close the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for securing an absorbent article comprising a flexible sheet having less than four pouches designed to secure at least one edge of an outer perimeter of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, there are two pouches substantially parallel to each other and extending transversely across the flexible sheet, the two pouches designed to secure opposing edges of an outer perimeter of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the absorbent article is a bed pad, chair pad, or the like, made from a liner, absorbent and film. Use of less than four pouches, such as pouch pairs, provides an easy method for keeping absorbent articles in their intended locations, which in turn reduces wrinkles and slippage. As a result, the likelihood of a patient developing bed sores is reduced and the effectiveness of the absorbent article is increased, thus improving patient comfort.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing a baby including a disposable changing pad component, a changing platform component and a combination of a changing pad component and platform component. The disposable changing pad component includes a water impermeable layer and a fabric layer and at least one movement resistance aid to anchor the pad in place. The changing platform component includes a generally smooth region for receiving a baby and at least one changing pad retainer for holding the changing pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a washable pad comprising a moisture-absorption element positioned between a moisture-permeable top-layer material and a moisture-impermeable bottom-layer material, wherein said top-layer material, bottom-layer material and the moisture-absorption element are at least locally joined to one another to form a cohesive unit, wherein the moisture-impermeable bottom-layer material, on the side which faces towards the moisture-absorption element, is coated over at least part of its surface with a layer of bonding material which bonds together the moisture-absorption element and the bottom-layer material. In particular a moisture-permeable top-layer material and a moisture-impermeable bottom-layer material are joined together at certain points via perforations in the moisture-absorption body. The invention also relates to a method for forming the abovementioned washable pad and to ways of finishing the border of washable pad.

Abstract: A fitted sheet, especially for use as a crib sheet for covering, for protecting a mattress and for completely and positively encasing and engaging the entire mattress such that a corner or any portion of the crib sheet can not be inadvertedly pulled loose by an infant and thereby significantly reducing the risk of an infant's chance of suffocation due to entanglement in the crib sheet. The fitted sheet includes a coverlet, generally conforming to the dimensions of the mattress, having a top panel spaced from and parallel to a bottom panel, a first end panel and a second end panel extending between the top and bottom panels and a first side panel and a second side panel extending between the top and bottom panels. The coverlet has a pad member formed of a liquid absorbent material, a base member formed of a liquid impermeable material, joined to a cover sheet, by sewing, to form an integral layered structure.

Abstract: An improved blanket is provided having improved insulation, comfort, care and maintenance characteristics. The blanket is constructed of three layers of hydrophobic material which are secured together. Preferably, the layers of fabric are comprised of 100% polyester fleece fabric. The fixed proximity of three layers of polyester fleece fabric in a single blanket optimizes the extraordinary range of insulation capabilities of this unique, ultralight hydrophobic material.

Abstract: Apparatus including a substantially pliable underlayment, connecting member, and means to exert a force to transfer or reposition a patient is provided. The substantially pliable underlayment includes a substantially smooth mantle, an attaching structure operably adjacent the mantle, and a reinforcing structure for imparting resistance to mantle distortion during transfer or repositioning. The attaching structure includes a reinforced beaded edge and an attaching structure cooperating with the mantle to form a pocket accommodating a transfer bar. The reinforcing structure includes stitching disposed generally diagonally in the mantle and reinforcing fibers present in the material of the mantle. A method of using the pliable underlayment to transfer or reposition a patient is also provided.

Abstract: A waterproof fabric sheet for a baby crib, a bassinet, a bed for a health care facility or the like. The fabric sheet is a five-layer laminated waterproof cloth, light in weight, absorbent, breathable, optionally antimicrobial, and washable. The first top layer comprises a material made from polyester fibers and/or cotton fibers. The second layer is a needle punch soaker or a high loft batting soaker made from rayon fibers, polyester fibers and/or cotton fibers being needle punched into a nonwoven polyester or polypropylene scrim material or high loft batting. The third layer comprises a sheet material of polyester and/or acrylic. The fourth layer can be either identical to the second layer or without soaker properties. The fifth layer comprises either polyester, nylon or acrylic material. The second and/or the fourth layers optionally include antimicrobial fibers. The layers are laminated by ultrasonic energy bonding.

Abstract: A support pad includes a low density layer of an air and water permeable three-dimensional matrix composed of a mat of polymeric material. The layer preferably has a smooth and planar contour on the top face, and a “peak and valley” contour on the bottom face. A pad may be maintained over the top face of the low density layer. Sheeting may be placed over at least the top face of the low density layer and the pad to provide a more comfortable surface for an individual to rest upon.

Abstract: A device and a method to prevent bed sheet, mattress, or bed soiling by body fluid. The device contains a waterproof panel removably attached to a panel anchor. Two tuck panels, one attached to either side of the panel anchor, are used to stabilize the stain prevention device, preventing it from being moved around on the bed. The tuck panels are tucked underneath the mattress to stabilize the stain prevention device.

Abstract: A torso support device for an infant comprises an I-shaped padded member that fits between an infant's legs and is secured by fasteners around the infant's torso to support the infant in a sitting position.

Abstract: A stay put towel/blanket comprising one or more essentially rectangular towel/blankets fabricated of a fabric with a length, a rectangular periphery, the towel/blanket having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface having strips of a pile-type fastener secured thereto from a location at the periphery to a region inwardly therefrom and an essentially rectangular backing sheet fabricated of a plastic material with a length greater than the length of one or more towel/blanket and a width greater than the width of one or more towel/blanket forming a rectangular periphery, the periphery being formed with a hem created by the folding of the backing sheet at its periphery at a location extending outwardly of the periphery of one or more towel/blankets, the hem having a weight means therein for weighting purposes, the sheet also having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface including strips of a pile-type fastener secured there around at a location inwardly of the periphery and hem an

Abstract: An improved blanket and bag combination for camping, picnicking or traveling to the beach. The circular towel may be converted to form a large tote bag for carrying beach or camping items. When open, the blanket spans approximately 82" in diameter. The invention is two-sided, with one face of the blanket being absorbent cotton blend cloth material and the other face being repellant waterproof nylon. Thus, the invented apparatus can be placed with its waterproof face towards the ground to protect the wearer from dirt and debris. The cotton fabric side has an overall surface pattern that is consistent over the total area of one side of the bag.Positioned approximately two-thirds away from its central point is a double drawstring channel. Velcro.RTM. closure pockets are situated beneath the double drawstring channel, towards the edge of the towel.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a low friction bed sheet or the like for facilitating changing the position of a person or part of a person in prone position. The low friction bed sheet includes at least a low friction surface comprising a material with low friction and adjacent to the low friction surface are high friction surfaces comprising materials with high friction. The low friction surface is placed only on the side against the person in bed while the underside against the bed is mainly comprised of at least one high friction surface. The width of the low friction surface is less than the width of the bedding for which the low friction bed sheet is intended. In the transition between the low friction surface and the high friction surface there are transition zones at least lengthwise in the bed which can be perceived by the person in the bed.

Abstract: A cover for a child's rest mat includes an upper cover section and a lower cover section that conforms to the upper cover section and is interconnected thereto along respective peripheral edges of the upper and lower cover sections to form an interior space. An opening is formed into the interior space through one of the upper and lower cover sections exclusively. A child's rest mat is inserted into the interior space though the opening and the upper and lower cover section have a size and shape such that the cover snugly engages the mat.

Abstract: A baby blanket assembly for covering and protecting a baby from adverse weather and rain, snow, or water, and for use as a water resistant playmat for a baby, the assembly including a first layer of soft, flexible blanket-type material, and a second layer of water resistant material, the second layer being connected to the first layer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pocket is provided for receipt and protection of the head of the infant from adverse weather conditions. In an additional preferred embodiment of the invention, VELCRO.RTM. is connected to the edges of the blanket for connection of the blanket to baby carriers or for connection to another of the strips connected to the blanket assembly.

Abstract: An easily changeable, moisture resistant bedsheet formed of a bottom sheet component having water-permeable upper and lower textile sections, and a moisture-resistant center section; a moisture absorbent pad on the center section; and a textile cover sheet component of the same material as the upper and lower sections of the bottom sheet component releasibly secured over the pad and center section to give the appearance of a conventional single sheet formed of a single textile fabric.

Abstract: A cushion for supporting humans and animals, particularly domestic pets, includes a plurality of layers including a layer of absorbent and anti-static material providing a cover, a first intermediate layer formed from an absorbent material, a second intermediate layer formed from polyester fill material, and a fluid impermeable inner layer having a plurality of cushioning elements formed therein. The pet bed of the present invention is stain-resistant, washable, hypoallergenic and non-toxic.

Abstract: Pressure relief for wheelchair patients is improved by use of a relatively higher density foam, such as 2.4 pounds per cubic foot or above and a 25 percent ILD characteristic of at least about 50 pounds, together with independently acting cube shaped segments. The segments have predetermined respective separation and rounded upper edges with a predetermined radius of curvature which is larger about the periphery of the wheelchair pad. A relatively lowered pad thickness of about 3 inches facilitates patient movement onto and off from a wheelchair cushion. A removable covering of laminated materials is stretchable so as to slide over the rounded edges of the segments and down into separations therebetween to maintain independent action of such segments during use with the covering. An upper layer of the covering comprises a base layer of woven fabric of elastic synthetic fibers. A lower layer of the covering comprises a water resistant coating of urethane generally at least about 1 mil thick.

Abstract: A bedding ensemble includes a mattress fitting lower portion which is covered with skirt panels. A top cover is attached which may be quilted and includes a perimeter zipper. When in use the top cover can be released by unzipping around the periphery and unfolded. An inner cover is included and can be removed by unzipping also for washing and cleaning without the entire ensemble having to be removed from the mattress. A blanket layer is also provided in an alternate embodiment to ensure sufficient warmth during sleeping and an easily insertable, liquid-impermeable, rectangular mat beneath the inner layer protects the mattress against bed-wetting. The ensemble allows for quick and efficient bed "making" by children, handicapped or infirm persons.

Abstract: An improved pet sheet bed cover is provided for a bed having bedding on a mattress sitting on a box spring, which consists of a component for protecting the bedding from being soiled by a pet, such as from hairs, urine, feces, vomit and other animal debris. The protecting component is a bed covering fabricated out of waterproof and soil proof flexible material.

Abstract: A wash water draining device for washing patients in bed has a mattress base, which is formed, for example, by inflatable chambers and is disposed underneath a waterproof bed mattress and slopes the bed mattress from the sides to the center and from the head end to the foot end. A waterproof mattress pad is placed over the mattress and a mattress compressing device is attached centrally to the foot end of the mattress such that a drainage socket of the waterproof mattress pad can be embedded into the resulting and stabilized depression of the bed mattress.

Abstract: Lance supports including a series of pillowlike supports for post surgical use including a wedge shaped back support, a rectangularly shaped leg support, a rectangularly shaped abdominal support, and a skirted cylindrical shaped infantile back support. In general, the lance supports comprise substantially firm pillows having a foam core, a first impermeable membranous covering layer, and a second washable fabriclikle outer covering layer.

Abstract: A combination surgical table and protective cover is disclosed in which a surgical table is provided with one or more cushions for supporting a patient. A protective cover is coupled to each cushion and to the surgical table, thereby minimizing surface contamination of each cushion and the table. Each protective cover has a connecting portion which couples the protective cover to both the surgical table and to each cushion. A shielding section has a general shape which is substantially equivalent to the shape of each cushion for shielding each cushion and the table from the contamination. Flow guides are coupled to the shielding section for directing contamination away from each cushion and away from the surgical table.

Abstract: A novel bed accessory, such as a pillow, bed or crib sheet, is provided with a plurality of layers of foam rubber, elastomeric material or ther resilient material capable of creating air ventilation to the surface of the accessory, as well as transmitting and storing body secretions for subsequent removal, the layers having varying degrees of softness with the outer layers being softer than the inner layers to maximize comfort to the user.

Abstract: A patient rescue bag is provided with an upper portion and a lower portion for use in carrying an injured person from a remote location that is not accessible by normal emergency vehicles. Once the injured person is placed between the upper and lower portions of the patient rescue bag, that person may be easily carried by rescue workers while being kept comfortable and warm. In addition, each of the outer edges of the upper and lower portions can be detached from one another so that the patient can be reached from any location around the periphery of the patient rescue bag. By use of multiple strips of hook and loop fastener material, such as VELCRO.RTM., the width of the patient rescue bag can be adjusted to the size of the injured person being carried. The outer materials of the patient rescue bag are weatherproof and reusable, and the inner materials that touch the patient are clean, disposable sheets similar to those used in hospitals.

Abstract: The invention discloses a waterproof blanket to provide protection from ground moisture for use by picnickers and others. It has a waterproof layer, for contact with the ground, and a non-waterproof, comfortable layer. It is oval in shape. The blanket can be folded and then rolled so that it can be readily transported. Adhesive belts keep the blanket in its rolled configuration when it is being transported. It may also have an attached carrying strap.

Abstract: A bedding system for hospital beds comprises a mattress with releasibly connectable hook fasteners on the mattress end surfaces, a bottom sheet with releasibly connectable loop fasteners on each end, and an optional top sheet with releasibly connectable loop fasteners at the foot end and an optional draw sheet with releasibly connectable loop fasteners on each end. If the mattress is used with the draw sheet, it has releasibly connectable hook fasteners along the edge of each major surface. If the bottom sheet is to be used with the top sheet, the bottom sheet is connected so that the entire mattress head end is covered while only the top half of the mattress bottom end is covered, leaving the lower half of the hook material (on the mattress foot end) exposed and available to accept attachment of the top sheet.When utilizing conventional hospital sheets, patient movement and/or cranking up the bed contributes to wrinkled sheets and bedsores.

Abstract: Spunlaced fabric having improved water absorbency containing a blend of certain hydrophilic cellulosic and acrylic fibers and layered absorbent materials made therefrom.

Abstract: An absorbent underpad for use on an article of bedding includes a liquid impervious backing sheet, a liquid permeable upper facing sheet adhered to the backing sheet about the edges thereof, and an interior absorbent pad combination comprising upper and lower tissue layers generally coextensive with the boundarees of the underpad, a pair of spatially separated barrier strips formed of super-absorbent material between the tissue layers, and a non-woven transfer layer along the central region of the upper tissue layer adjacent the upper facing sheet. The plies of the tissue layer are formed with a crepe-like irregular surface oriented to develop a wicking action directed along the layers in a transverse direction, toward the absorbent barrier strips.

Abstract: A moisture-managing bed pad and bed sheet are provided for being positioned between a patient and a supporting surface. The bed sheet includes a moisture-managing bed pad. The bed pad includes a moisture transport top fabric layer for residing in patient contact and for wicking moisture away from the body of the patient. A moisture dispersal intermediate fabric layer resides adjacent the top fabric layer for receiving and dispersing moisture from the top fabric layer, and for providing a reservoir for moisture wicked inwardly from the top fabric layer. A liquid impermeable, vapor permeable bottom fabric layer resides adjacent to the intermediate fabric layer for providing a leak-proof barrier. The barrier permits dissipation of moisture in vapor form. The top, intermediate, and bottom fabric layers of the bed pad are attached by spot welds to form a unitary structure. One or more sheet sections reside adjacent to the bed pad for defining the bed sheet.

Abstract: A cushion protection system for incontinent individuals is disclosed, including a moisture impervious flexible base sheet. The sheet includes a raised panel extending about the side edges and projecting above a top seating surface thereof such that moisture is not permitted to seep through the sheet. Attachment provisions allow securement of the base sheet to a seating device. A moisture absorbent pad is provided with fasteners that will facilitate secure yet releasable attachment of the pad to the flexible base sheet. The pad may be provided of washable, reusable material, or may be supplied as disposable units, formed of absorbent material.

Abstract: The pad has an upper cotton layer quilted to an underlying soaker layer formed of needle-punched nonwoven polyester fibers having good absorbency and wickability. A plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending stabilizing strips underlie the soaker layer. The strips are preferably formed of nylon fabric having a dry polymer coating which renders the fabric waterproof and heat-bondable. The pad also includes a lower layer formed of the same type of coated nylon fabric. The stabilizing strips are connected by stitching to the upper layer and the soaker layer of the pad, and are bonded to the pad's bottom layer. The bonding is effected by application of heat and pressure sufficient to effect melding of the coatings upon the stabilizing strips and the lower layer.

Abstract: A reversible thermal cushion includes a resilient layer; an insulating layer adjacent the resilient layer, the insulating layer having a reflective surface facing away from the resilient layer; and a PVC top sheet and bottom sheet for containing the resilient layer and the insulating layer. The resilient layer is made from polyurethane foam having a density of at least 1.8 lbs./ cubic foot, and has a convoluted surface on at least one side. The reflective surface is aluminum vacuum deposited on one side of a polyethylene film laminated to polyurethane foam.