Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids, methods for making such slabs and arrays, and articles incorporating the same wherein the cores further includes thermal transmission mitigation means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation means in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.

Abstract: A surgical underlay pad to secure a patient's torso while in a Trendelenburg position, the pad comprised of a flexible substrate with an adhesive gel coat on one or more sides of the substrate having a shear strength such that when the pad is positioned on an operating table surface and the table is tilted, the pad and the torso positioned on the pad resist sliding. The gel coat can be applied as a continuous coating or in a variety of patterns. The pad is removable and the gel coat forms a water resistant bond with the operating table surface. The gel coat reduces the overall mass of the pad, and is cost effective, easier to manufacture, and produces less environmental waste.

Abstract: A body support cushion, e.g., mattress, has multiple foam layers, including a viscoelastic foam layer and a reticulated foam layer, and an outer cover. At least one of the foam layers and the outer cover each includes phase change material having latent heat properties that provide two intervals of dermal cooling.

Abstract: The invention discloses a body cushioning pad, a body contact mat and a multi-layered cushioning structure composed of the body cushioning pad and the body contact mat. The cushioning pad consists of a plurality of foam blocks, each provided with an internal cavity having a predetermined size and shape to control the firmness of the block and means for maintaining the foam blocks as a unit. The body contact mat is a bi-dimensional latticed structure of spaced-apart studs made of a compressible material linked together by flexible linking elements. The multi-layered cushioning structure comprises both the cushioning pad and the body contact mat, and a wrapper to wrap the cushioning pad and the contact mat together.

Abstract: A vacuum mattress for an operation table has plural foam strips oriented longitudinally with respect to a patient, the foam strips being laterally spaced apart, wherein the gaps are free from granulate of the vacuum mattress at least in their upper parts and the plural foam strips are separated from the granulate by a gas-impermeable layer.

Abstract: A mattress including a plurality of layers, each layer extending in a substantially parallel, horizontal direction and being positioned in vertical relation to other layers and each layer further having a perforated or open-cell structure. At least one layer has a gel dispersed within the perforated or open-cell structure of the layer.

Abstract: A configurable foam cushioning structure for providing variable support profiles in mattress components is disclosed, and related mattress assemblies and methods. In one embodiment, a plurality of extruded support members are provided each having a top surface and a bottom surface that extend in an extrusion direction and two end surfaces that extend in a direction transverse to the extrusion direction. The extruded support members are connected to each other in a linear array defining a substantially planar lower surface, with one end surface of each of the plurality of extruded support members is substantially coplanar with the lower surface. In this manner, the structure can be easily extruded as one long, continuous piece, and reconfigured into a structure having a relatively short dimension in the extrusion direction and a relatively long dimension in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A mattress (22) having a foam core (8) completely extends to the perimeter edges of the mattress wherein side walls (15) of the foam core are compressed inward and held in place using a preferably non-woven strip of fabric (21) or similar non-elastic or non-stretchable material that is wrapped around the side walls of the foam core. A method of wrapping the foam core allows corners (5) of the foam core to be formed under the inward pressure of the non-woven fabric, thereby creating a strong perimeter for the mattress that prevents outward pressure against the sidewalls created by the downward pressure of an individual lying on the mattress from flattening of the mattress by providing more upward pushback against the individual. An optional layer of micro-coil springs (2a) may be located within the foam core to provide more buoyancy and springiness in the mattress.

Abstract: A body support cushion, such as a mattress, mattress topper or overlay, or pillow, is comprised of a layer of flexible foam and further has a volume of gelatinous material, e.g., elastomer gel, applied to a surface thereof. The gelatinous material alters a physical property, such as firmness or feel, of the layer of flexible foam. The gelatinous material can be applied in a number of ways including, but not limited to a spray application whereupon the spray force can be used to control how much gelatinous material penetrates into the layer of foam. The foam layer may be comprised of reticulated or non-reticulated foam. The foam layer may also be comprised of viscoelastic or non-viscoelastic foam.

Abstract: A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a transparent or translucent padding material and a transparent or translucent covering surrounding the core.

Abstract: A mattress assembly may include a foam frame, an inner assembly within the foam frame, the inner assembly including a foam core and a pocketed coil assembly. The pocketed coil assembly can include a plurality of individual pocketed coil springs having a height. Each coil spring may be joined together to a neighboring coil spring such that at least a majority of the height of each coil spring is configured to vertically deflect without deflecting the joined neighboring coil spring.

Abstract: An elevation structure system possesses anti-decubitus ulcer characteristics, and may cooperate with a mattress overlay also having anti-decubitus ulcer capabilities as part of a mattress overlay system, in which multiple elongate, positionally adjustable, relatively moveable risers are configured for selective placement in conditions of transverse, subposed, under engagement with the sides of an overlay to create substantially non-inclined, elevated, depth-supplemented regions at locations along the length of the overlay. The evelation structure and overlay may each include a dynamic-response core expanse formed of an open-cell, compressible viscoelastic foam coated with elastomeric, moisture- and gas-flow-managing, differential-thickness coating structure load-transmissively bonded to the entirety of the outside of said core expanse to function as a dynamically-responsive unit therewith.

Abstract: A body support assembly comprising a first layer (e.g., a visco-elastic foam) having a lower surface, and a second layer supporting the first layer and having an upper surface. One of the upper and lower surfaces is defined by a non-planar surface to define a plurality of passages. A fan is positioned to move air through the passages. Preferably, the non-planar surface comprises a plurality of protrusions (e.g., a convoluted surface). The body support can further comprise a sensor that detects a parameter and produces a signal, and a controller coupled to the sensor and programmed to control the fan. Multiple fans and sensors can be provided, and the controller can control the fans to provide different air flows through different locations of the body support assembly. A user interface can be coupled to the controller to allow selection of a desired parameter of the body support assembly.

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 mattress assembly includes an inner core comprising a base core layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces, and at least one comfort layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces disposed on the top surface of the base core layer; a side rail assembly disposed about a perimeter of the inner core; and a plurality of air channels extending from a central region of the inner core to the side rail assembly configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core.

Abstract: A method of making foam imparts antimicrobial and antiodorant qualities to the foam. Green tea powder is added to the polyol raw materials for making memory foam. The green tea memory foam is used to make pillows, cushions and mattresses. Green tea foam in the top layer of a mattress acts as an antiodorant such that less of the chemical smell of the memory foam is perceived by the user. In addition, the bacteria and mold that would otherwise develop in the moist warmer sleeping environment on memory foam are killed by the green tea additive to the foam. Measurable antimicrobial and antiodorant qualities in the green tea foam are achievable by adding green tea powder constituting less than 2% of the weight of the resulting green tea foam. A neck-support contour pillow is made using memory foam that contains green tea and a green dye.

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: The system is based on the combination of two parts (1 and 1?) of differing densities with complementary tilted protuberances (2 and 2?), coupled to form a single unit. These protuberances vary in shape, length and thickness so that systems of differing rigidity can be obtained, thus achieving cushioning in virtue of the said protuberances (2 and 2?), enabling the path of the force applied to be defined, thus achieving optimum cushioning force. The system is applicable to both pressure cushioning systems (mattresses, pillows, seats, etc.) and impact cushioning systems (footwear, wheels, helmets, etc.).

Abstract: A bedding component includes a top portion having a gel foam, a middle portion having a foam layer with at least one gel disc, and a bottom portion having a foam core.

Abstract: A pad structure for absorbing vibration and dispersing pressure comprises: an absorbing and dispersing layer, at least one surface of which is a closed surface, at least one connecting hole is disposed on, the one end surface of the connecting hole is an opened surface and the other is a closed surface; at least one positioning member, which has an adhering surface connecting the positioning member into the connecting hole, the one end surface of the positioning member is urged by the connecting hole, adhering agent is coated on the adhering surface; a buffering layer, which has at least one connecting surface connecting with the surface, the adhering surface being on, of the absorbing and dispersing layer, the connecting surface and the adhering surface are tightly combined to fix the absorbing and dispersing layer; and a wrapping member, which covers on the absorbing and dispersing layer and the buffering layer.

Abstract: Methods and combinations of mattress support surfaces comprising one or more flexible polyurethane foam layers containing highly thermally-conductive solids, such as diamond or silicon carbide, and said layer combination is capable of transferring heat from a warm surface, such as a person sleeping on a bed, to a cooler region at a faster rate throughout the mattress than the thermal dissipation rate obtained from flexible polyurethane foam without highly thermally-conductive solids.

Abstract: Methods and combinations for making and using one or more graphite enhanced thermally-conductive foam (TC Foam) layers located on, under, or in cushioning foams and mattresses. Enhanced thermally conductive foam layers may be placed between on, under, within, or between other layering substrates to increase the overall cooling capability of the composite. TC Foam may be used in mattresses, mattress topper pads, pillows, bedding products, medical cushioning foams, and similar materials used in bedding applications.

Abstract: A foam spring for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like, the foam spring having a tubular resilient body-made of foam with holes extending inwardly from an outside surface to an inside surface, wherein the tubular body-comprises at least one tubular foam layer and at least one reinforcing layer applied to said foam layer over at least a part of the axial length of the spring.

Abstract: A vacuum mattress for an operation table has plural foam strips oriented longitudinally with respect to a patient, the foam strips being laterally spaced apart, wherein the gaps are free from granulate of the vacuum mattress at least in their upper parts and the plural foam strips are separated from the granulate by a gas-impermeable layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a corrugated mattress and method for making. The mattress comprises an corrugated foam core, a middle cushioning layer and outer cover layer. The corrugated foam core includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a fluted middle substrate the flutes fixed to the upper and lower substrates providing three-dimensional support for the user. The middle cushioning layer may comprise a second corrugated foam product, a cotton batting layer, densified polyester or foam including polyurethane, polyester, polypropylene or polylactic acid and the like. The outer cover layer may comprise cotton or laminated foam comprising, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid and the like, the laminate comprising a film independently selected from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene or polylactic acid and the like. In various embodiments the polymers are food grade polymers such that the mattress is non-toxic.

Abstract: An ergonomic mattress is provided with a support layer; a foam layer disposed on a top of the support layer; a first comfort layer disposed on a top of the foam layer; and a second comfort layer disposed under the support layer. Alternatively, a latex layer is further disposed between the support layer and the foam layer.

Abstract: Convoluted foam layers for mattresses, cushions and the like include at least one convoluted surface including at least one convolution that is structurally heterogeneous. The convoluted foam layer is formed of at least two foam layers fixedly attached to one another, wherein the foam layers are of different materials and/or have different properties. Also disclosed are processes for forming the convoluted foam layer and convoluted foam layers having multiple zones of a convoluted surface pattern that includes at least one convolution that is structurally heterogeneous.

Abstract: A seat cushion including a soft foam cushion constructed from open cell foam for comfort, and a plurality of closed cell foam pieces distributed within the open cell foam cushion for flotation and structural support, such as for use as a bottom cushion on an aircraft seat.

Abstract: A mattress for institutional use provides upper and lower surfaces offering different levels of firmness through the use of gradiated firmness in multiple polymer foam layers.

Abstract: A foam fiber product may be used for the manufacture of various bedding products, such as mattresses, pillows, mattress toppers, seat cushions, and the like. The foam fiber product includes foam particles dispersed with fiber strands. The pleats provide extra support and durability to the structure of the foam fiber product. The product may be made by a process that includes mixing foam particles with fiber strands, processing the mixture into a layer using processes such as garnetting and carding, using a vertical lapping process to form pleats in the layer, and heating the structure to secure the pleats together to provide a pleated foam fiber structure.

Abstract: A method for reducing a cushion footprint for long-term storage may include inserting a foam core into a plastic cover, subsequently applying a vacuum to the plastic cover, and, while under the vacuum effect, sealing the plastic cover, and its contents. A device providing the vacuum effect may include a surface having protruding sections connected to non-protruding sections via tapered sections. A cushion may include an at least 20 density high resiliency foam core, and a fabric cover that includes (a) a combination of polyester and spandex and/or lycra, (b) nylon to which a thin water resistant material coating is applied, and/or (c) polyester fabric including raised anti-slip polyvinyl chloride dots, other portions of the polyester fabric at which the dots are not positioned having applied thereto a polyvinyl chloride coating. The device may compress the foam core while housed in a fabric cover, housed in the plastic cover.

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: An economical emergency evacuation mattress for persons in areas with limited access, such as subways and high-rises, provides a warm and secure cocoon for the patient, allows easy transport over any type of surface (e.g., up and down stairs), provides proper support for all of the patient's body, allows the patient to feel a high degree of comfort in what is otherwise a very stressful situation, and provides securing means (e.g., straps) to firmly hold the patient in place during transit.

Abstract: A cushioning device with an upper foam layer and a lower positioned foam layer, with the upper foam layer having multiple thickness zones defined by different height projections from one zone to another as to provide a thickness variation pattern, one side of the upper foam layer is less contoured when not yet assembled in the cushioning device and a second side is comprised of the multiple thickness zones such that, upon connection of the multiple thickness zones to the lower positioned foam layer, the height differential along a length of the upper foam layer is transmitted as to form a non-planar, crown configuration in the upper surface of the upper foam layer. A method includes roller contouring different height and shaped projection zones including zones with different ratios of peak height to overall zone height.

Abstract: Pillow or mattress having a comfort layer (5) which is made of natural or synthetic latex, polyurethane foam or another elastic material. The comfort layer 5 is provided with interrupted incisions (6) through the layer 5, along mainly parallel lines 7, and the layer (5) forms at least a part of a jacket around a core (2) of the pillow or mattress that is stretched in a lateral direction (P) which is mainly transverse to the direction of the above-mentioned lines (7) in order to open the incisions (6) so as to form passages (8) through the comfort layer (5).

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 mattress for use in aircraft includes a lying surface and a low-flammability foam core. The foam core has, on the side facing the lying surface, a large-area recess which occupies at least 70% of the lying surface. The recess is surrounded in the edge regions of the lying surface by a foam web and a lying base that includes a spacer textile that is inserted into the recess. The fibers of the spacer textile have low flammability. This mattress offers a high degree of comfort and at the same time fulfills requirements under aviation law as regards low flammability.

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 method and structure for furnishing pressure-evenized, dynamic-reaction anatomical support. The method includes (a) supporting the anatomy with a 100% open cell viscoelastic foam, and (b) within the foam, reacting to both static and dynamic, anatomically-produced foam indentations to expand and contract cell-openness size, whereby deeper/sharper indentations result in greater-size cell-openness. Such reacting includes laterally stretching and flowing regions of the foam adjacent such an indentation The overlay structure features (1) a dynamic-response core expanse formed of a 100% open-cell, compressible and flowable, polyurethane, viscoelastic foam possessing a compressed, relaxed-state volume, and (2) an elastomeric, moisture- and gas-flow-managing coating, load-transmissively, bonded to the entirety of the core expanse's outside surface to function as a dynamically-responsive unit with the expanse.

Abstract: A mattress according to some embodiments includes a viscoelastic foam divider that extends along a longitudinal axis of the mattress and that is made of a viscoelastic foam, whereas in these and other embodiments, the mattress has a layer of viscoelastic foam bridging a gap that extends along a longitudinal axis of the mattress. The mattress can also include a first body support portion having high-resilience foam positioned adjacent a first side of the divider or gap, and a second body support portion having high-resilience foam positioned adjacent a second side of the divider or gap for isolating the second body support portion from the first body support portion.

Abstract: In order to adjust the firmness of a shaped product in a targeted way, it is proposed to provide at least one section made of a thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic, a temperature-regulating device placed in thermal contact with the at least one section made of thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic, and a control device for the temperature-regulating device configured to adjust the firmness of the at least one section made of thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic by changing the temperature. Such a shaped product can be used as a seat base or bed support.

Abstract: A six-sided box-type cushion is described that has characteristics that not only offer targeted support for the user, but also allow the cushion to be reversible in that the user's perceived firmness is the same no matter which seating surface is facing up. In particular, the cushion has a first, second, third, and fourth faces, and a first and second seating surface. The cushion comprises a plurality of substantially coplanar firmness zones, each zone having a uniform firmness throughout, and the positioning of the firmness zones relative to each other creates a firmness gradient from the first face end to the second face end of the cushion. The first firmness zone at the first face end of the cushion is the most firm, the third firmness zone at the second face end of the cushion is the least firm, and the second one or more firmness zones are of intermediate firmness.

Abstract: Mattress assemblies and methods employing foam side support members and cloth members to enclose mattress cores are disclosed. A mattress may include a mattress assembly enclosing a mattress core. The foam side supports of the mattress assembly may be disposed adjacent to a periphery portion of the mattress core to provide additional support, for example, when a user mounts and dismounts from the mattress. The side support members may be thermally bonded to the cloth members to secure the side supports adjacent the periphery portion of the mattress core. In this manner, the side support members may be precisely positioned relative to the mattress core without the need for adhesives or expensive manufacturing equipment to thermally weld the side support members directly to a foam base.

Abstract: A mattress is constructed of a core comprising a matrix of foam pieces that are bonded together. The core has a thickness in the range from about 1.5 inches to about 10 inches, and more particularly from about 3 inches to about 8 inches, a density of about 4 pounds to 8 pounds per cubic foot, and an IFD of about 28 to 65. The core has a top surface and a bottom surface. A base layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the core, and a cushion layer is coupled to the top surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mattress comprises a core and a cushion layer positioned above the core. A fibrous air spacer layer is positioned above the cushion layer, and a layer of visco-elastic foam is positioned above the fibrous layer. This permits the fibrous layer to be sandwiched between the cushion layer and the layer of visco-elastic material.

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 support cushion including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite top surface, a layer of flexible foam having plurality of cells defining a reticulated cellular structure, the reticulated cellular structure cells comprising a skeletal plurality of supports through which substantially open cell walls establish fluid communication between interior of the cell and interiors of adjacent cells, the layer of flexible foam having density no less than about 30 kg/m3 and no greater than about 175 kg/m3, and hardness of no less than about 20 N and no greater than about 150 N at 40% indentation force deflection measured at about 22 degrees Celsius, the layer of flexible foam comprising visco-elastic foam having at least one material property responsive to temperature change in range of 10-30° C., and layer of polyurethane foam located beneath layer of flexible foam, the layer of polyurethane foam having hardness of at least about 50 N.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include cellular mattress assemblies and related methods. The cellular mattresses assemblies may comprise thermoplastic material and/or thermoset material to achieve appropriate comfort and support characteristics. The cellular mattress assemblies may also comprise one or more components including a cellular thermoplastic foam profile to achieve appropriate comfort and support characteristics. The cellular mattress may include a support layer, a comfort layer, and a transition layer between the support layer and the comfort layer.

Abstract: A one piece foam mattress core or innerspring encasement is a single contiguous piece of foam having a mattress core or base and four perimeter side supports and which fits with a mattress core or innerspring to provide an integrated mattress construction. The mattress core or base of the encasement is positioned below the mattress core or innerspring proximate to or against a bottom surface. The mattress core or base and the perimeter side supports are connected along fold lines or grooves in the single piece of foam so that the perimeter side walls can be folded to vertical positions about a perimeter of the mattress core or innerspring. The single piece of foam of the encasement is producible in different sizes to fit with different size mattress cores or innersprings.

Abstract: Provided is a mattress wherein the elastic characteristics of each portion can be changed simply and inexpensively depending on the user's preference. A mattress (10) has a plurality of spring units (60, 70, 80, 90) respectively constituted by holding a plurality of vertically stretchable pocket coils integrally, a lower elastic body (40) in which a housing space (44) capable of housing and holding the spring units (60, 70, 80, 90) is formed, and an upper enclosure (21) and a lower enclosure (30) for covering the outer periphery of the lower elastic body (40), wherein the lower elastic body (40) is provided with a partitioning elastic body (50) for dividing the housing space (44) into a plurality of spaces, and the spring units (60, 70, 80, 90) are formed in such a shape that each of the spring units can be housed in the divided housing spaces (44), and are housed and held in the respective divided housing spaces (44).