Abstract: A unitary support for holding and cushioning the head and face of a surgical patient has a resilient body of molded foam. The resilient body has a cavity formed in the upper face for receiving and cushioning the head and face of a patient. The resilient body has access openings therein for additional apparatus, such as an endotracheal tube, and to permit viewing of the patient's face during surgery. The resilient body has stiffening structure to prevent constriction of the openings during use and to prevent constriction of an endotracheal tube or similar apparatus.

Abstract: A heat pack for use as a warmer mattress for infants is formed of a flexible container at least partly filled with a supercooled aqueous salt solution which is selectively trigger-activated to produce heat by exothermic crystallization. The container is compartmentalized, being divided into several compartments by a heat-sealing arrangement of upper and lower joined halves. When crystallization is initiated by activating the trigger, crystallization is propagated quickly into the several compartments, from each of which heat is thereby liberated, the compartments being shaped such that the crystallizing solution in each compartment is effectively trapped therein to substantially prevent saddle-bagging, and whereby the heat pack reliably and safely supports an infant upon the warmer mattress. The upper and lower halves are heat-sealed together in various possible heat seal patterns defining the compartments, as by sealed margins and heat-seal extensions extending inwardly from the peripherally margins.

Abstract: A trigger to initiate crystallization of a supercooled aqueous salt solution of a heat pack, thereby liberating heat. The trigger, when activated, pierces the container, allowing the salt solution to contact salt crystals, and initiate crystallization of the solution. A seal over the trigger prevents the solution from leaking from the heat pack. Optionally, the heat pack contains a flexible foam rubber pad immersed in the salt solution in the container to prevent saddlebagging.

Abstract: A trigger to initiate crystallization of a supercooled aqueous salt solution of a heat pack, thereby liberating heat. The trigger, when activated, pierces the container, allowing air to enter the pack and initiate crystallization of the solution. A seal over the trigger prevents the solution from leaking from the heat pack.