Abstract: A bedding element including a first large principal face opposite a second large principal face and divided lengthwise into portions that define. on the first large principal face, first successive receiving areas (A1 to A7) of which a first succession (A1 to A7) defines a first resting area and of which a second succession (A7 to A1) opposite the first defines a second resting area; and on the second large principal face, second successive receiving areas (B1 to B7) of which a first succession (B1 to B7) defines a third resting area and of which a second succession (B7 to B1) opposite the first defines a fourth resting area. The portions of the bedding element that define these receiving areas have differentiated mechanical characteristics so that the four resting areas have four different receiving profiles.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a mattress to minimize pressure on a patient wound including detecting a location of the patient wound relative to the mattress, and responsive to detecting the location of the patient wound relative to the mattress, adjusting the mattress to minimize pressure on the patient wound.

Abstract: A method, computer usable program product, or system for adjusting a mattress to minimize pressure on a patient wound including detecting a location of the patient wound relative to the mattress, and responsive to detecting the location of the patient wound relative to the mattress, adjusting the mattress to minimize pressure on the patient wound.

Abstract: A layered cushion that may be fully disassembled for easy cleaning is disclosed herein. The sleep system is durable and fire retardant. The layered cushion may include a foam layer, a layer of void cells, and a cover. The foam permits fluids to move freely there through and contours to a user's body to maximize comfort and reduce interface pressure. The reticulated foam layer resists compression set and thermosetting. The layer of void cells also permits fluids to move freely there through and provide additional support to the user's body. The individual void cells of the void cell layer are perforated to allow the transmission of fluids there through. The cover couples the other layers together to form the layered cushion and prevents the layers from deteriorating. The cover is removable to permit cleaning each of the layers independently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a sleep system is provided. More specifically, the invention provides a method and apparatus for an adjustable mattress that allows the user to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress. Furthermore, the adjustable mattress has zones of adjustability thereby allowing two users to adjust the firmness of the mattress of each user's zone. The adjustable mattress is also multimodal. The motorized foundation contains adjustable massaging units that may be used for physical therapy and relaxation. Likewise, the motorized foundation may be used in relax mode to assist in obtaining sleep and awaken mode to gently awake the user by the stimulation of the adjustable mattress.

Abstract: A quilted panel for a mattress having gel fibers incorporated therein so as to bring the gel material closer to the top of the mattress such that the benefits of the gel material are better realized by the user. In some embodiments, the gel fibers are incorporated into the FR fiber pad of the quilted panel. In other embodiments, a separate gel fiber pad is positioned within the quilted panel.

Abstract: A mattress pad assembly for use with a child containment area is disclosed. The mattress pad assembly includes a mattress pad having a plurality of panels each of which is coupled to at least one other panel along a flexible seam, wherein the mattress pad is reconfigurable between a non-planar configuration and a planar configuration defined by the cooperation of the plurality of panels to form a flexible top surface and a substantially rigid bottom surface. The mattress pad assembly further includes a support assembly coupled to the bottom surface of the mattress pad when the mattress pad is in the planar configuration, the support assembly having one or more support connectors coupled to at least two of the plurality of panels, and a brace configured to removably cooperate with the one or more support connectors, wherein the brace is configured to engage each of the plurality of panels to prevent bending along the flexible seam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable mattress topper apparatus and related methods for increasing the safety and comfort of children in play pens or play yards.

Abstract: A mattress is disclosed comprising a flexible frame for bearing uniaxial compressive stress from a human body pressed onto the frame. The frame traverses the breadth and length of the mattress in evenly-spaced repeating patterns which defines hollow recesses filled with materials like silicone gel, memory foam, coils, and springs. The flexible frame in some embodiments, has a higher compressive strength than does the traditional material(s) filled the recesses defined by the frame. The indentation force deflection (IFD) rating varies slightly across small, repeating regions the surface of the mattress. These regions provide lumbar, thoracic, and pelvic support to a user. A user may move about on the mattress during the night to adjust the areas of the small regions pressing most firmly against the body, selectively adjusting both the position of the body and the pressure points of the mattress to maximize comfort.

Abstract: A customizable pillow includes at least a first insert, a second insert, and a third insert and an outer shell for receiving the inserts. The first insert represents a maximum amount, the second insert represents a first intermediate amount and a third insert represents a third amount. One of the inserts has a minimum amount. The combination of inserts provides adjustability in equal increments from the minimum amount to a combined amount equal to the sum of the minimum amount, the maximum amount, and any intermediate amounts and one or more of the inserts may be used at a given time by a user. A method of customizing a pillow includes selecting the inserts and putting them inside the shell. A customizable mattress includes a base portion, topping portion and cover layer. The topping portion has one or more inserts of different thicknesses and/or materials.

Abstract: An adaptive cushion apparatus for minimizing force concentrations on body parts of a person seated or lying on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a stretchable piezoresistive force sensor of novel design and construction. The apparatus includes an electro-pneumatic control system for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to pressures measured by a pressure transducer which tend to minimize force concentrations sensed by the force sensors.

Abstract: The comfort quilt and a pillowcase combination has features that permit easy and efficient cleaning thereof. The quilt incorporates a housing or cover member that encapsulates an insert therein. The insert includes plastic sheathing that is stuffed with a soft insulating material. When the quilt is soiled, the insert is easily removed from the cover member so that the cover member can be cleaned (wash and dried). An electronic device (battery operated) is attached to the insert for emitting spiritual music or prayers for comfort. The pillowcase includes a facing member attached thereto. The facing member can be easily removed from the pillowcase.

Abstract: An expandable structure is manufactured using sheets of thermoplastic material sealed together. The expandable structure has a concertina pattern on its sides that allows the structure to expand and collapse like an accordion. The concertina pattern is cut into the sheets of material rather than being folded into the material to speed up the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A cushion structure, comprising: a foam cushion having a bottom surface and a supporting surface disposed parallel to the bottom surface; a plurality of gel supports, distributed dispersively over the supporting surface, the gel support is a conical component, the top and bottom surfaces of which are mutually parallel to each other, the area of the bottom surface is larger than the area of the top surface, the bottom surface of the gel support is each attached to the supporting surface of the foam cushion, and a spacing is kept between any two adjacent gel supports; and a covering sheet for wrapping together the foam cushion and the gel support.

Abstract: Components are disclosed that include a first layer and a second layer affixed to the first layer or an optional third layer. At least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a gel foam.

Abstract: Cushioning elements having a first plurality of parallel buckling walls and a second plurality of parallel buckling walls each comprising an elastomeric material. At least some of the buckling walls of the second plurality intersect and interconnect with at least some of the buckling walls of the first plurality. The elastomeric material comprises an elastomeric polymer and a plasticizer, and a ratio of a weight of the plasticizer to a weight of the elastomeric polymer is from about 0.1 to about 2.2. A height of the cushioning element is at least about 5 inches (12.7 cm). A mattress includes a core structure including buckling walls and a flexible material formed over the core structure.

Abstract: A cell matrix expandable structure includes of a plurality of interconnected cells normally in flat form but readily expandable into the form of a container upon the introduction of fluid. The structures may be made out of recyclable films. Methods of manufacturing the cell matrix in a continuous manufacturing process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-forming mattress cover including a mattress gusset with a drawstring is provided. The gusset includes a sleeve attached to the gusset along a fold location. A drawstring is disposed within the sleeve. Ends of the drawstring are pulled into tension, thereby reducing the perimeter of the gusset at the fold location and drawing the gusset inward toward the center of the mattress. The gusset is formed to corner positions of the mattress by stretching and/or bunching of gusset material as tension is applied. The ends of the drawstring are secured to retain the tension state. A cushioned quilt top is attached to a free edge of the gusset. The self-forming mattress cover conforms to corner positions of a mattress without the need for mitering, ruffling, pleating, or sewing seams at the corner positions. The self-forming mattress cover also ensures proper alignment of the cushioned quilt with the mattress body.

Abstract: A mattress or support surface including an identifier to enable the mattress or support surface to be associated with a location in the healthcare facility and more particularly a room within the healthcare facility.

Abstract: A method of integrating a pillow, including stuffing, within an encapsulated mattress having a core and covering surrounding the core is disclosed. A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core, the pillow containing stuffing, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow. Also disclosed is a mattress including a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core using a sleeve, the pillow containing stuffing, the sleeve retaining the pillow to the core, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow.

Abstract: An insect-repelling bed pad to be located between the mattress and a box spring of a bed or laid upon the ground inside and out of doors for use by individuals and pets during sleep. The bed pad is manufactured from a porous or loosely-woven material (e.g., burlap) and includes a plurality of chambers. The chambers contain a natural (i.e., green) insect-repelling substance (e.g., cedar wood chips and/or dust) having a scent that is adapted to drive away insects without the use of chemicals. The scent and/or the dust is blown from the chambers of the bed pad to repel insects which may reside between the box spring and the mattress or around the bed site when a compressive force is applied by a user to the bed pad to correspondingly squeeze the chambers.

Abstract: A load measuring unit detects the load of a bed section and generates a load signal. A body weight computing unit computes the body weight of a user positioned on the bed section on the basis of the load signal. A first determination unit determines whether the body weight is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold. A center-of-gravity position computing unit computes a center-of-gravity position of the user on the basis of the load signal. A second determination unit determines whether the center-of-gravity position is in a monitored area of the bed section. The state of the user is detected to away from the bed when the first determination unit has determined that the body weight is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold, and the second determination unit has determined that the center-of-gravity position is within the monitored area.

Abstract: An application for a system, method and apparatus that directs light and heat towards an area of pain of a person while the person rests on a section of furniture (e.g., sleeps on a mattress). The light and heat are provided by an array of LEDS that are removably situated within a cavity that is, for example, formed or cut into the furniture/mattress.

Abstract: The mattress structure comprises: a mattress body; a fixing plate, being firmly disposed in the mattress body and having a plurality of fixing holes; a moving plate, being disposed in the mattress body and above the fixing plate, the moving plate having a plurality of penetrating holes; a plurality of flexible members, being disposed on the surface of the top end of the moving plate; a plurality of fixing members, each of the fixing members having a fastening end and a connecting end; and a plurality of lifting devices, being disposed at the bottom of the moving plate, by means of the lifting devices driving the moving plate and the fixing members holding the flexible members, the flexible members being then compressed in order to adjust the flexible supporting forces of the mattress body.

Abstract: In many aspects, the systems and methods described herein include a mattress having a top sleeping layer disposed on top of a support layer. The support layer includes a polyurethane foam having channels aligned with the joints of the articulated sections of the foundation or frame of the adjustable bedding assembly. When the sections articulate about the joints, the channels allow the overlying top layer to conform to the sections while reducing wear and tear therein.

Abstract: A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.

Abstract: A care delivery system includes a bed (20) having a bed-side interface unit (B), an appliance set (90) comprising one or more appliances (99) and two or more appliance-side interface units (A) distributed among the appliances, and a set (124) of one or more adaptors (126) each having a host interface unit (H) compatible with the bed-side interface unit, and a client interface unit (C). Each adaptor is arranged to accommodate fluid flow between its host interface unit and its client interface unit. Each client interface unit of the adaptor set, taken individually, is compatible with at least one but fewer than all of the appliance-side interface units of the appliance set and, taken collectively, are compatible with all of the appliance-side interface units of the appliance set. The system also includes an appliance annunciator (140) and an appliance discriminator (76) responsive to the annunciator thereby configuring the system for the pneumatic demands of the appliance.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress comprises a carrier and a foundation. The carrier has a bed surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of first flexible members and second flexible members distributed in the carrier. One of the first flexible members and one of the second flexible members are encased in a flexible support unit. The bottom of the carrier is disposed on the foundation. The two bearing points in a stretchable direction of the first flexible member contact the bed surface and the bottom surface respectively, and one end of the second flexible member protrudes from or is concealed in the bottom surface of the carrier. The foundation has a moving plate and a lifting device. The moving plate can be lifted by the lifting device to an active position to support weights from the bed surface with the first flexible members.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.

Abstract: The chair structure comprises: a chair body, including a seat cushion and a back cushion; a fixing plate, being firmly disposed in the chair body and having a plurality of fixing holes; a moving plate, being disposed above the fixing plate, the moving plate having a plurality of penetrating holes; a plurality of flexible members, being disposed on the surface of the top end of the moving plate; a plurality of fixing members, each of the fixing members having a fastening end and a connecting end; and a plurality of lifting devices, being disposed at the bottom of the moving plate, by means of the lifting devices driving the moving plate and the fixing members holding the flexible members, the flexible members being then compressed in order to adjust the flexible supporting forces of the chair body.

Abstract: Related methods to produce unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material are also disclosed. As non-limiting examples, the thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam. The unitary composite cushioning structure may be formed from the thermoplastic material and the thermoset material. The thermoplastic material provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum, which may be continuously produced, is formed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material as the thermoset material transforms from a non-solid to a solid phase to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the thermoplastic material to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: A method of using color or color schemes to simplify the communication to consumers of complex information regarding the combinations and interactions of technically oriented performance attributes that describe the degree of comfort as found in mattresses, mattress foundations, upholstered furniture articles and other articles filled with cushioning materials. Additionally the selected method of using color as a communication tool may be of further benefit in the interaction with consumers by developing strong emotional ties to the consumers purchase decision.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a bed is provided. The method can include providing a bed mattress having at least a first area corresponding with a waist or lumbar of a user, a second area corresponding with hips of the user, and a third area corresponding with shoulders of a user. The method can also include providing a plurality of insertable structures having compression factors that are predetermined to provide a resiliency to each of the first, second, and third areas of the bed mattress, thereby allowing for a neutral sleeping position of the user.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing the stuffing of a pillow, includes washing seeds of collected drupes to remove alien materials from the seeds, crushing the seeds removed of the alien materials into a predetermined size, polishing surfaces of the products of the seeds crushed into a predetermined size to be smooth and round and drying the resultant crushed products.

Abstract: A gel cushion includes a first zone containing a gel matrix configured in a first pattern designed to support an object positioned thereon with a first degree of firmness. A second zone contains a gel matrix configured in a second pattern that is different from the first pattern, the second pattern being designed to support an object positioned thereon with a second degree of firmness different from the first degree. An optional third zone contains a gel matrix configured in a third pattern that is different from both the first pattern and the second pattern, the third pattern being designed to support an object positioned thereon with a third degree of firmness different from the first and the second degree.

Abstract: Improved superabsorbent-containing textiles comprise hydrophilic fibers incorporated after application of superabsorbent. This makes it possible to provide superabsorbent on a relatively open-pore textile, but the distribution of liquid applied to the textile is distinctly improved by the hydrophilic fibers additionally incorporated.

Abstract: A body support platform for supporting a human body, comprising one or more body support unit(s), the or each support unit comprising a plurality of columns, each column comprising a stack of fluid-fillable substantially spherical resilient balls, each ball of a respective column being physically and fluidly connected only to the adjacent ball(s) within said column, such that a column may be compressed substantially independently of a neighbouring column; and a base providing a primary fluid reservoir; wherein said columns are arranged in an array across said base; and each of aid columns is connected to said base, such that the lowermost ball of each respective column is directly fluidly connected to said primary fluid reservoir; and wherein the uppermost ball of respective columns collectively define a body support surface.

Abstract: An improved mattress, mattress layer or mattress topper comprising two different materials inversely cut in a gradient manner and laminated or otherwise affixed together to produce a flat surfaced mattress, mattress layer or mattress topper. The affect of this design emulates the profile of the human skeleton. The improved mattress, mattress layer or mattress topper provides a deeper amount of top material in the hip area than in the leg/knee area and an even deeper amount of top material in the shoulder area than the hip area. In several embodiments, the top material is a softer material in comparison to the bottom material. Materials include, but are not limited to, foam and latex. The improved mattress, mattress layer or mattress topper may have multiple layers of material laminated or otherwise affixed to the present invention.

Abstract: A modular mattress comprises a plurality of modules which can be arranged with respect to each other so as to form a mattress, and a fasteners for releasably holding the modules adjacent each other in a selected configuration.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pressure relief patient support for use in combination with a bed frame. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional fiber material positioned above a plurality of vertical air cells.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress that incorporates a movement mechanism and support member inside of the foam mattress includes a fabric covering with a fastener member. The fastener member is used to keep a fitted sheet in place over the adjustable mattress when the mattress is adjusted to an inclined configuration. The fastener member is attached to the fabric covering near the lower edge of the adjustable mattress and is adapted to fasten to a corresponding fastener on the fitted sheet. The fastener member can be a toggle that fits through a loop on the fitted sheet. The fitted sheet also has an elastic band that draws the fitted sheet taut around the adjustable mattress. The lower portion of the fabric covering is made of stretchable fabric that stretches between the lower edge of the adjustable mattress and a balancing bar that supports the adjustable mattress when the adjustable mattress is inclined.

Abstract: A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.

Abstract: A self-contained gatching mattress is provided having a gatching mattress sleep deck, a first air bladder cushion, a second cushion material, a control box having an air pump system and a manifold, a conduit distribution unit, a sliding bridge, and a cushion material positioned above the sliding bridge and the control box. The sliding bridge forms a gap area for conduits to extend from the control box to the conduit distribution unit which decreases the chances of the conduits being kinked or the conduits altering the cushion's tissue interface pressure to a patient positioned on the cushion when the sleep deck is gatched and/or portions are retracted or extended.

Abstract: A method of integrating a pillow, including stuffing, within an encapsulated mattress having a core and covering surrounding the core is disclosed. A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core, the pillow containing stuffing, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow. Also disclosed is a mattress including a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core using a sleeve, the pillow containing stuffing, the sleeve retaining the pillow to the core, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow.

Abstract: Provided is a woven fabric which is suitable for use as a covering fabric for down garments, down jackets, bedclothes, sleeping bags, etc. The woven fabric is lightweight and thin, has a high tear strength, and can retain low air permeability even after laundering. The woven fabric is constituted of synthetic multifilament yarns. The woven fabric is characterized in that at least one side thereof has been calendered and the monofilaments in at least part of the synthetic multifilament yarns have been thereby compressed in a stacked state. The woven fabric is further characterized in that the monofilaments are fibers having an unusual cross-section, the degree of unusualness of the cross section as determined before calendering being 2.0-6.0, that the synthetic multifilament yarns have a fineness of 7-44 dtex, and that the woven fabric has a cover factor of 1,300-2,200.

Abstract: A self-forming mattress cover including a mattress gusset with a drawstring is provided. The gusset includes a sleeve attached to the gusset along a fold location. A drawstring is disposed within the sleeve. Ends of the drawstring are pulled into tension, thereby reducing the perimeter of the gusset at the fold location and drawing the gusset inward toward the center of the mattress. The gusset is formed to corner positions of the mattress by stretching and/or bunching of gusset material as tension is applied. The ends of the drawstring are secured to retain the tension state. A cushioned quilt top is attached to a free edge of the gusset. The self-forming mattress cover conforms to corner positions of a mattress without the need for mitering, ruffling, pleating, or sewing seams at the corner positions. The self-forming mattress cover also ensures proper alignment of the cushioned quilt with the mattress body.

Abstract: A subject support apparatus (100) includes a plurality of chambers (102) configured to hold a fluid under pressure and support a living being. At least one pressure transducer (108) determines a pressure of at least one of the chambers (108) and generates a signal indicative thereof. A controller (124) dynamically controls fluid entering and leaving the at least one chamber (102) based on the signal, thereby maintaining a pre-determined pressure range in the at least one chamber (102).

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: A mattress pad assembly for use with a child containment area is disclosed. The mattress pad assembly includes a mattress pad having a plurality of panels each of which is coupled to at least one other panel along a flexible seam, wherein the mattress pad is reconfigurable between a non-planar configuration and a planar configuration defined by the cooperation of the plurality of panels to form a flexible top surface and a substantially rigid bottom surface. The mattress pad assembly further includes a support assembly coupled to the bottom surface of the mattress pad when the mattress pad is in the planar configuration, the support assembly having one or more support connectors coupled to at least two of the plurality of panels, and a brace configured to removably cooperate with the one or more support connectors, wherein the brace is configured to engage each of the plurality of panels to prevent bending along the flexible seam.

Abstract: Embodiments of the technology provide a personal support device for provision of therapeutic support to a portion of a body resting thereon and methods associated with the device. Device embodiments include a substrate having an array of pressure-distributing element host sites, and a population of volumetrically-incompressible pressure-distributing elements at the host sites to form an array of pressure-distributing elements. A therapeutic surface overlays the pressure-distributing elements, and provides an interface between the array of pressure-distributing elements and an aspect of the body portion in contact with the therapeutic surface. The device is configured to form a supportive site within the therapeutic surface that is conformative to the aspect of the body portion in contact with the therapeutic surface when the body part is lying thereon.