Abstract: A thermally active roller apparatus, which includes a core; a compliant layer disposed about the core; a cover disposed about the compliant layer; a heating element; and a thermally conductive layer disposed around the heating element. Included is a thermally active roller apparatus in which the compliant layer may be formed from two or more portions having different stiffnesses. A thermally active or non-thermally active roller apparatus that includes a compliant layer comprising at least two portions of different stiffnesses and wherein the at least two portions are interdigitated to lock them together.