Abstract: The subject invention is a device intended for use where support or restriction of motion of a body part is desired. The subject of the present invention is the formation of a network of lattice intrusions into the matrix of the device so that elements of the lattice can be removed to form a depression in the matrix of the device that conforms to the anatomy of the region that is being supported and positioned while offloading pressure.

Abstract: A ventilated mattress includes a ventilation system with an air distribution layer and a gel cushioning layer over the air distribution layer. The air distribution layer may include channels in a surface thereof, while voids that extend through an entire thickness of the gel cushioning layer may include voids that communicate with the channels. As the ventilation system forces air into the air distribution layer, the air may flow through the channels, into and through the voids of the gel cushioning layer, and to a top of the ventilated mattress.

Abstract: A mattress that efficiently provides low pressure and alignment to achieve restful and less fragmented sleep. The mattress supports a recumbent body. The mattress comprises a composite and a cover encapsulating the composite. The composite includes a performance layer and a core layer. The performance layer includes a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body. The shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section have different displacement parameters to match the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region for alignment of the body with low body pressure. A core layer supports the performance layer.

Abstract: An enhanced mattress for enabling passive involuntary digestive tract movement, shoulder opening and pelvis bones movement. The apparatus is configured solely for prone lying of a human body thereupon and includes a head support section which comprises an open face section, an upper main section connected to the head support section, the upper main section comprises a plurality of dedicated supporting members. A lower support section connected to the upper main section.

Abstract: A method includes selecting an arrangement of foam springs, the arrangement that matches user-selected firmness requirements; attaching foam springs to a foam panel in a removable, replaceable manner; and inserting the foam springs and the foam panel into a containment facility. A mattress includes foam springs; a foam panel to which an arrangement of the foam springs is attached in a removable, replaceable manner; a containment facility within which the foam springs and the foam panel are disposed; and a side rail with indentations within which sides of at least some of the foam springs are disposed. The mattress may also include a fabric webbing, attached to the containment facility, within which some of the foam springs are disposed in a removable, replaceable manner; and an attachment device attaching together at least two of the foam springs.

Abstract: A method includes selecting an arrangement of foam springs, the arrangement that matches user-selected firmness requirements; attaching foam springs to a foam panel in a removable, replaceable manner; and inserting the foam springs and the foam panel into a containment facility. A mattress includes foam springs; a foam panel to which an arrangement of the foam springs is attached in a removable, replaceable manner; a containment facility within which the foam springs and the foam panel are disposed; and a side rail with indentations within which sides of at least some of the foam springs are disposed. The mattress may also include a fabric webbing, attached to the containment facility, within which some of the foam springs are disposed in a removable, replaceable manner; and an attachment device attaching together at least two of the foam springs.

Abstract: The present application discloses a composite pad structure that includes a substrate bonded to a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, resilient elements engaged to at least one reinforcing structure.

Abstract: The present application discloses a composite pad structure that includes a substrate bonded to a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, resilient elements engaged to at least one reinforcing structure.

Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.

Abstract: A symmetrical zoned foam mattress includes an upper foam layer with a wavy lower side and a lower foam layer with a wavy upper side. The lower layer has top, middle and bottom lateral valleys. The wavy lower side of the upper layer is glued to the wavy upper side of the lower layer. The top lateral valley has a minimum located within eighteen inches of the top head end of the lower layer. The bottom lateral valley has a minimum located within eighteen inches of the bottom foot end of the lower layer. A center plane intersects the lower foam layer at a minimum of the middle lateral valley. The minimum of each of the top and bottom lateral valleys is about fifteen inches from the end of the mattress regardless of whether the consumer chooses to use the top or bottom end as the head of the mattress.

Abstract: A non-inflatable resting device used for heating and cooling is provided with a plurality of interconnected channels located close to an external surface of the resting device. Each channel substantially occupies the space between two support beams and the interior of said external surface. The comfort level of the resting devices is considerably increased while maintaining adequate structural integrity of the channels when the support beams are constructed with a cushion material having layers of different hardness levels. The top layer is a cushion material with high initial softness ratio. The arrangement of the channels and beams allows a non-pressurized conditioned fluid to flow underneath of the external surface providing a resting device with a heating and cooling system with unmatched energy efficiency. The high energy efficiency of the proposed resting device is due to the elimination of the compressor motor and the thick cushion layer used on the top surface as required by the competition.

Abstract: A layered mattress including a first layer having a first support surface facing substantially externally and a second support surface opposite the first support surface; a specialized layer having a top support surface adjacent the second support surface of the first layer, a bottom support surface, and a plurality of holes defined to extend through the specialized layer; a second layer having a third support surface adjacent the bottom support surface of the specialized layer and a fourth support surface opposite the third support surface; and a pad having a fifth support surface adjacent the fourth support surface of the second layer and a sixth support surface opposite the fifth support surface.

Abstract: Stepped-edge and side-support members, systems, assemblies, and related methods for an innerspring assembly or other core are disclosed. In one embodiment, an innerspring assembly or core is provided having an interior area of a first height surrounded by one or more exterior, perimeter area(s) of shorter height(s) to provide a stepped-edge innerspring assembly or core. At least a portion of side-support members are placed onto at least a portion of the top surface of the perimeter area to provide edge-support for the innerspring assembly or core. In this manner, a greater portion of the side-support members can be disposed in the sleeping area of the innerspring assembly or core since the underlying perimeter area provides spring support to the side-support members. Further, this support can assist in retention and/or recovery of the shape of the side-support members to further prevent or reduce compression set of the side-support members.

Abstract: A mattress constructed with multiple foam layers joined together provides reclining support with pressure redistribution for heavy weight persons, particularly those weighing over 350 pounds. The mattress includes: a core layer having a substantially planar top surface and at least two spaced apart regions in a bottom surface from which foam material has been extracted to leave cavities separated by an interconnected network of foam walls, a top layer of viscoelastic foam with an air permeability above 60 ft3/ft2/min, and a bottom layer of stiffer supporting foam. The open cavities of the core layer are directed away from the body supporting top surface of the mattress and contain one or more gels.

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: Innerspring dampening foam inserts are disclosed in various combinations with mattress innersprings having a plurality of helical form coils interconnected in an array in which the coils are generally aligned in rows and columns, each of the coils having a generally cylindrical coil body formed by helical turns of wire with openings between each of the helical turns of wire, and first and second ends to the coil body also formed by the wire, each of the coil bodies being spaced apart in the array. At least one innerspring insert is inserted into an innerspring in spaces or channels between the spaced apart coils. The innerspring dampening inserts, which are preferably made of foam, may have a generally H-shaped configuration with upper and lower parallel lateral members and a transverse member that extends between and bisects the upper and lower lateral members.

Abstract: A foam core for a pressure reduction healthcare mattress is disclosed. It includes a top layer made of memory retention foam, a middle layer made of foam and having a convex shape that is higher along a longitudinal center line than along the two sides, and a lower support layer made of foam. The top layer is made of a torso piece and a softer foot/lower leg piece. The middle layer includes a heel pillow that fits into a heel pillow cavity in the foam, the heel pillow including layers of fiber material over a crown shaped foam insert. The lower support layer has a sloped portion in a lower leg section that slopes down toward a heel end of the foam core. Also disclosed is a pressure reduction healthcare mattress that includes the foam core and a cover.

Abstract: A mattress including a core foam layer having a first indentation force deflection at twenty five percent compression, a first density and a first thickness. The top outer foam layer has a second indentation force deflection at twenty five percent compression, a second density and a second thickness. The first intermediate foam layer is intermediate and coextensive with the core layer and the top outer layer, and has a third indentation force deflection at twenty five percent compression, a third density and a third intermediate thickness. The first indentation force deflection is greater than the third indentation force deflection and the third indentation force deflection is greater than the second indentation force deflection.

Abstract: A mattress constructed with multiple foam layers joined together provides reclining support with pressure redistribution for heavy weight persons, particularly those weighing over 350 pounds. The mattress includes: a core layer having a substantially planar top surface and at least two spaced apart regions in a bottom surface from which foam material has been extracted to leave cavities separated by an interconnected network of foam walls, a top layer of viscoelastic foam with an air permeability above 60 ft3/ft2/min, and a bottom layer of stiffer supporting foam. The open cavities of the core layer are directed away from the body supporting top surface of the mattress.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of air cylinders disposed crosswise and aligned to define the support surface. The air cylinders include a first foam therein. Adjacent cylinders are provided with varying support characteristics to define multiple support zones along a length of the support surface. At least some of the plurality of air cylinders additionally include an integrated bolster at ends thereof that is formed of a second foam, firmer than the first foam.

Abstract: A panel for a mattress including first and second fabric layers joined together along their edges and a padding material between said fabrics. The padding material includes at least a layer of resilient foam provided with through-holes. The foam layer is quilted between the first and second fabric layers. A method of manufacturing the panel includes forming a resilient foam body provided with recesses, horizontally cutting a plurality of single layers in the body in the recesses portion to result in at least one layer with through-holes, sandwiching at least one of the single layers provided with through-holes in each panel between the first and second fabric layers.

Abstract: A pillow having a pillow body including a flat cushion and a flexible cover covering the surface of the pillow body. The pillow body includes a central portion defining a back head support and side head supports located on left and right sides of the back head support. The back head support includes a first slit extending in a widthwise direction and a second slit and a third slit extending so as to be inclined relative to the first slit.

Abstract: A mattress (2) which in plan view comprises an inner portion (4) and an outer portion (6), and the mattress (2) being such that the inner portion (4) is of a size for being slept on by at least one person, the outer portion (6) extends at least partially around the inner portion (4), and the inner portion (4) has a lower compression rate than the outer portion (6) whereby the weight of the person on the inner portion (4) is distributed over a greater area than would be the case if the inner portion (4) had the same compression rate as the outer portion (6), and whereby the outer portion (6) constrains the inner portion (4) and controls lateral expansion of the inner portion caused by the weight of the person on the inner portion (4).

Abstract: A combination mattress for putting babies to sleep without disturbing the babies and waking them up includes a platform piece and baby-carrying piece. When the baby-carrying piece is placed in the platform piece, the two form a complete sleeping surface for a baby. When the caregiver needs to put the baby to sleep, the caregiver removes the baby-carrying piece from the platform piece, puts the baby on top of the baby-carrying piece, and cuddles the baby to sleep. When the baby is asleep, the caregiver moves the baby-carrying piece with the baby lying on top of the baby-carrying piece into the platform piece, where the baby continues to sleep. By avoiding touching the baby or creating pressure points with the baby's body, the caregiver avoids waking up the baby while transporting the baby to the platform piece.

Abstract: An adjustable spring mattress includes a plurality of parallelepipedal bodies made of a synthetic elastic material and being mutually coupled together. Each body houses an inner coil spring, and is separated from adjoining bodies through a throughgoing hole. The bodies are partially separated by V-shaped separating slots which longitudinally and transversely traverse the mattress.

Abstract: A foam core for a pressure reduction healthcare mattress is disclosed. It includes a top layer made of memory retention foam, a middle layer made of foam and having a convex shape that is higher along a longitudinal center line than along the two sides, and a lower support layer made of foam. The top layer is made of a torso piece and a softer foot/lower leg piece. The middle layer includes a heel pillow that fits into a heel pillow cavity in the foam, the heel pillow including layers of fiber material over a crown shaped foam insert. The lower support layer has a sloped portion in a lower leg section that slopes down toward a heel end of the foam core. Also disclosed is a pressure reduction healthcare mattress that includes the foam core and a cover.

Abstract: A mattress component includes first and second layers to be assembled in a mattress over which a user will lie. The first layer of a first material has different properties than the second layer of a second material. The second layer has a surface underlying the surface of the first layer. Mating patterns are formed in the surfaces of the first and second layers. The mating patterns in the first and second layers are designed to substantially match the surfaces of the first and second layers with each other. The mating patterns in the first and second layers result in a greater effective thickness in one of the layers in areas corresponding to a position where hips and shoulders of the user will rest on the mattress, and a lesser effective thickness in other areas.

Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.

Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.

Abstract: A method of making a mattress component includes providing a first layer of a first material. Mating patterns are shaped in a surface of the first layer in areas corresponding to a position where hips and shoulders of the user will rest on a mattress. The mating patterns in the surface of the first layer result in a greater effective thickness of the first layer in areas corresponding to the position where the hips and the shoulders will rest, and a lesser effective thickness of the first layer in other areas. A second layer has a second material with different properties than the first material. Mating patterns are shaped in a surface of the second layer in areas corresponding to the mating patterns of the first layer and shaped to substantially match with the mating patterns of the first layer.

Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.

Abstract: A cushioning element (1) such as a mattress or a pillow for beds and the like, consisting of a support surface (2) having at least one primary hole (5) provided with at least two portions consecutive to each other in longitudinal section. The portions (5a, 5b) have different cross-section widths and are separated from each other by a transition region. The element (1) further has a base surface (3) opposite to said support surface (2), in which a secondary hole (7) is formed.

Abstract: A foam core cushion mattress assembly provides semi-independent foam pillars on the upper surface of the mattress. The mattress may be unitary, or comprise multiple cushioning components, possibly base, body support and foot cushions. The body support cushion is constructed from a flat, rectangular solid, foam element whose upper surface is cut into an array of rectangular solid pillars, preferably by a hot wire cutting method. The array of rectangular solid pillars is grouped into a central array comprising pillars with generally square top surfaces and edge rows of rectangular solid pillars having rectangular top surfaces. The depth of the hot wire cuts into the surface of the body support cushion is preferably approximately one-half the overall thickness of the body support cushion or approximately three fourths of the length of the shortest face of the pillar. A zippered fabric cover removeably envelops the assembled cushioning components.

Abstract: Multiple varieties of patient support surfaces are presented with a common modular assembly primarily including a perimeter chassis and integrated upper support element. Perimeter bolsters provide relatively firmer support for gently prompting a patient towards the center of the bed, without obstructing regular entry and egress. The added stability facilitates safer transfers and better sitting at the edge of the bed. Pressure redistribution air cylinders (turned either longitudinally or laterally) are captured by shaped, slotted inner bolsters and underside arches of an integral foam topper. Each foam topper integrally incorporated may include a sloping heel pressure relief section for redistributing load to relatively more pressure-tolerant lower legs and calves.

Abstract: An articulated bed convertible to a chair position is described. The bed comprises a mattress formed by a backrest section, a seat rest section and a leg rest section. The mattress backrest section and seat rest section are secured to a support frame. Articulating linkages are secured to the frame to articulate the sections. The support frame is elevated from a floor surface by a frame assembly having legs or casters to engage with a floor surface. The leg rest section of the mattress is secured to a retractable support frame. The mattress has at least a compressible section formed of compressible material. Compressible interconnecting members compress the compressible material to shorten the length of the compressible section. The compressible material is restrained as it is compressed and decompressed when the support frames are displaced from a horizontal position to an articulated chair position.

Abstract: A seat cushion including a first and second pillar positioned specifically for receiving the ischial tuberosities of a user. The pillars relieve the pressure of the ischial tuberosity areas, but are easy and inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, the position of the pillars can be customized for a particular user. Hence, pressure reduction is accomplished only where it is needed. The invention can be used on flat cushions and on cushions with a molded shape.

Abstract: A pad for cushioning a user uses visco-elastic foam to provide contouring support. In accordance with one embodiment, the foam is provided with a plurality of holes. In accordance with another embodiment, two layers of foam are used with different densities to allow the user to select the degree to which the foam contours to the body. Likewise, the foam may be color coded or otherwise visually distinct to indicate which side is softer.

Abstract: A mattress for supporting a reclining body. The mattress includes a resilient top member having a top region possessing uniform displacement parameters and also includes resilient supporting means supporting the top member with variable displacement. The combination of members with uniform displacement parameters over members with variable displacement parameters enables the mattresses to support the body in alignment and with uniform low pressure.

Abstract: A support for the body of a lying or sitting person, including a formed structure of a permanently flexible material, comprising a bottom part (9) that has a head end (12) and an opposing foot end (10), and from which several ribs (11) arranged side-by-side protrude towards the upper side running approximately transversely to the longitudinal center line (7) of the support (1) and being inclined, in the side view, towards the head end (12). The support (1) is characterized in that said ribs (11) are arranged in an arrow shape, and form with the longitudinal center line (7) an angle &agr; larger than 90° towards the head end (12). The support (1) provides an improved and at the same time relieving tensile effect in particular for the vertebral column and hence the intervertebral disks of a person to be treated.

Abstract: A selectively contoured single unibody foam piece for use as a layer in a cushioned load bearing structure has a first zone with a first surface topography having distinct support properties from a second zone with a second surface topography. The zones of differing topography are formed in the surface of a single, unibody piece of foam by applicable foam cutting techniques. Patterned removal of foam material from a single piece creates zones with different density, ILD or other load bearing properties with different support and feel characteristics. A single unibody component in a responsive flexible support structure has distinct zones with distinct support characteristics, the zones corresponding in location with the anticipated loads and loading patterns of a flexible support device in use.

Abstract: A posturized foam topper pad (12) for use in a bedding or seating product (10) has at least one section (28) which includes latex, and at least one section (26) which is free of latex, thereby providing the foam topper pad (12) with different degrees of firmness.

Abstract: A mattress assembly generally designed for use in hospitals and the like which is structured to effectively and comfortably support a patient during a period of recovery from a predetermined surgical procedure. The mattress assembly includes an elongated support platform having a corresponding dimension to that of a conventional hospital or like medical-type mattress and includes an opening formed therein and preferably extending therethrough. The opening is disposed in aligned, at least partially receiving relation to a predetermined portion of the patient's body directly involved in an invasive surgical procedure such as prostate surgery. More specifically, the opening is disposed, dimensioned and configured to receive and maintain portions of the patient's body, including external body parts, in an at least partially protected orientation and specifically out of supported engagement with a remainder of the support platform of the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress is provided for use with a bed deck having a recess. The mattress includes a mattress section configured to define a patient rest surface and a mattress section support configured to support the mattress section.

Abstract: Provided is a support for the body of a lying or sitting person, comprised of a formed structure of a permanently flexible material, comprising a bottom part (9) that has a head end (12) and an opposing foot end (10), and from which several ribs (11) arranged side-by-side protrude towards the upper side running approximately transversely to the longitudinal center line (7) of the support (1) and being inclined, in the side view, towards the head end (12). Said support (1) is characterized in that said ribs (11) are arranged in an arrow shape, and form with the longitudinal center line (7) an angle &agr; larger than 90° towards the head end (12). Said support (1) disposes of an improved and at the same time relieving tensile effect in particular for the vertebral column and hence the intervertebral disks of a person to be treated.

Abstract: A foam core cushion mattress assembly provides semi-independent foam pillars on the upper surface of the mattress. The mattress may be unitary, or comprise three cushioning components: a base, a body support cushion, and a foot cushion insert. A removable fabric cover envelops the mattress assembly. The body support cushion is constructed from a flat, rectangular solid, foam element whose upper surface is cut into an array of rectangular solid pillars, preferably by a hot wire cutting method. The array of rectangular solid pillars is grouped into a central array comprising pillars with generally square top surfaces and edge rows of rectangular solid pillars having rectangular top surfaces. The depth of the hot wire cuts into the surface of the body support cushion is preferably approximately one-half the overall thickness of the body support cushion or approximately three fourths of the length of the shortest face of the pillar. A zippered fabric cover removably envelops the assembled cushioning components.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a cover defining an interior region, a first foam section located in the interior region of the cover, and a second foam section located in the interior region of the cover adjacent the first foam section. The first foam section includes a first angled surface and the second foam section includes a second angled surface configured to abut the first angled surface.

Abstract: A mattress includes a cover defining an interior region and a plurality of foam modules located in the interior region of the cover. Each of the plurality of foam modules is separately removable from the interior region and has a central foam portion and first and second side foam portions coupled to and extending along opposite sides of the central foam portion to provide a module width dimension substantially equal to the width dimension of the mattress.

Abstract: An elongate convoluted cushion supports a recumbent human body. The cushion comprises an elongate rectangular body defined by seven rectangular, longitudinally spaced zones comprising alternating support zones and comfort zones. The support zones provide a first amount of support. The comfort zones provide a second amount of support. The first amount of support is greater than the second amount of support.

Abstract: A pad positionable upon an inclined surface for supporting a recumbent human being upon the inclined surface in a manner preventing slippage of the human being thereupon. The pad comprises a generally rectangularly substrate formed of a resilient material and having opposed lateral and longitudinal sides, a top surface, and a generally planar bottom surface. Formed within the top surface of the substrate are laterally extending shoulder, tail and foot support regions. Extending between the shoulder, tail and foot support regions is a general support region. The quantity of resilient material per unit volume in the general support region is greater than the quantity of resilient material per unit volume in the shoulder, tail and foot support regions. In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the pad may be formed with only a tail support region extending laterally between the longitudinal sides thereof and surrounded by a general support area.

Abstract: An elongated mattress core for a mattress structure includes a foam core having an upwardly-facing top surface, a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface, and first and second elongated sides connecting the top and bottom surfaces. The foam core is formed to include a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart transverse slits extending downwardly from the top surface. Each slit terminates at a lower end spaced apart from the bottom surface by a first distance and extending transversely from a first slit end spaced apart from the first side of the foam core to a second slit end spaced apart from the second side of the foam core. Each adjacent pair of slits defines a foam column so that the foam core has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart and transversely extending foam columns. Each foam column has a pair of generally vertical column side walls defining the slits.