Abstract: A foam pad containing slits in its upper surface is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment the pad is adapted to be positioned on a bed in a supporting relationship to a patient. The pad has head and foot supporting sections, each in the form of a convoluted checkerboard pattern of rows of peaks separated by depressions. A torso supporting section is located between the head and foot supporting sections comprising substantially parallel ribs separated by substantially parallel valleys. The slits are located on the torso supporting section, transverse to the ribs, forming a diamond-shaped area. Each slit varies in depth decreasing from the center of the pad towards the sides of the pad. Additionally, the overall depth of the slits is progressively shallower towards the head and foot supporting sections of the pad. In another embodiment, slits of the same configuration are used with a pad having a smooth upper surface which supports at least a portion of a body.