Abstract: A packaging system including both methods and specific types of packaging addresses the need for a fully recoverable, reduced-volume packaging of compressible items. The system may involve initially compressing the item through folding and the like and wrapping the item for insertion into a bag or other flexible impermeable encasing. This bag may then be compressed externally or through evacuation and sealed so that the flexible impermeable encasing acts in conjunction the ambient pressure environment to hold the item in a fully compressed state. For ease of sealing the bag the entire package may be subjected to lower pressures and then sealed. In this manner the item is sealed prior to compression. In order to achieve full recovery of the item the compressible item may be constructed of an open-cell foam having a density at least greater than 1.2 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A packaging system including both methods and specific types of packaging addresses the need for a fully recoverable, reduced-volume packaging of compressible items. The system may involve initially compressing the item through folding and the like and wrapping the item for insertion into a bag or other flexible impermeable encasing. This bag may then be compressed externally or through evacuation and sealed so that the flexible impermeable encasing acts in conjunction the ambient pressure environment to hold the item in a fully compressed state. For ease of sealing the bag the entire package may be subjected to lower pressures and then sealed. In this manner the item is sealed prior to compression. In order to achieve full recovery of the item the compressible item may be constructed of an open-cell foam having a density at least greater than 1.2 pounds per cubic foot.