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 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 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 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 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 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: A pressure control and feedback system for an adjustable foam support includes a vacuum pump for drawing air from a hermetically sealed foam core to reduce the firmness of the core. A valve opens to permit and closes to block the passage of air into and out of the core. A remotely operated controller generates control signals to selectively start and stop operation of the pump, and selectively open and close the valve, which provides a selected level of pneumatic pressure and corresponding firmness in the core. A pressure sensor detects the pressure and firmness of the core and generates representative feedback signals. An indicator device responsive to the feedback signals indicates the sensed firmness of the core. Software calibrates the system and provides the system with intelligent operation.

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: A pressure control and feedback system for an adjustable foam support includes a vacuum pump for drawing air from a hermetically sealed foam core to reduce the firmness of the core. A valve opens to permit and closes to block the passage of air into and out of the core. A remotely operated controller generates control signals to selectively start and stop operation of the pump, and selectively open and close the valve, which provides a selected level of pneumatic pressure and corresponding firmness in the core. A pressure sensor detects the pressure and firmness of the core and generates representative feedback signals. An indicator device responsive to the feedback signals indicates the sensed firmness of the core. Software calibrates the system and provides the system with intelligent operation.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air volume in foam cores of cushioning support devices and any other support apparatus using foam or similar materials. The foam core can be incrementally modulated to realize an infinite number of comfort levels as to softness and support firmness. The core consists of self-inflating open-cell flexible polyurethane foam and is completely sealed within an enclosure fitted over it, with one or more valves installed in the side walls which communicate with the outside air. Through the valves air is selectively withdrawn from the foam core, allowing the foam's density to increase. The invention uses relatively inexpensive foam, but through air volume modulation achieves a tactile feel of supreme softness for the user, without giving up the necessary firmness to support the body, as happens with very soft foam (bottoming-out or hammock-effect). When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, the surface of the core will soften uniformly while maintaining its support firmness.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air-volume in both mattress-type foam and traditional coil spring cores interactively, obtaining a wide variety of levels of density and indentation force deflection (IFD or spring-back force). Foam core modulation is used to soften or harden the upper surface of the combined two elements to form enhanced-comfort support surfaces. The combinations include multiple chambers of which at least one is filled with self-inflating foam. In most configurations of the present invention, the chambers are completely sealed and are not air communicable with each other. Each chamber is fitted with a valve used to selectively withdraw air from it—but never to pressurize it by adding air forcibly. The combinations of core layers include traditional coil spring cores that may or may not be completely enclosed in their own enclosure. When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, its surface softens uniformly, density increases while its IFD value drops.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. One or more air passageways are formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. Each passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness (IFD) are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic or latex foam feel hence greatly reducing pressure points and increasing comfort.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air-volume in both mattress-type foam and traditional coil spring cores interactively, obtaining a wide variety of levels of density and indentation force deflection (IFD or spring-back force). Foam core modulation is used to soften or harden the upper surface of the combined two elements to form enhanced-comfort support surfaces. The combinations include multiple chambers of which at least one is filled with self-inflating foam. In most configurations of the present invention, the chambers are completely sealed and are not air communicable with each other. Each chamber is fitted with a valve used to selectively withdraw air from it—but never to pressurize it by adding air forcibly. The combinations of core layers include traditional coil spring cores that may or may not be completely enclosed in their own enclosure. When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, its surface softens uniformly, density increases while its IFD value drops.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air volume in foam cores of cushioning support devices and any other support apparatus using foam or similar materials. The foam core can be incrementally modulated to realize an infinite number of comfort levels as to softness and support firmness. The core consists of self-inflating open-cell flexible polyurethane foam and is completely sealed within an enclosure fitted over it, with one or more valves installed in the side walls which communicate with the outside air. Through the valves air is selectively withdrawn from the foam core, allowing the foam's density to increase. The invention uses relatively inexpensive foam, but through air volume modulation achieves a tactile feel of supreme softness for the user, without giving up the necessary firmness to support the body, as happens with very soft foam (bottoming-out or hammock-effect). When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, the surface of the core will soften uniformly while maintaining its support firmness.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. One or more air passageways are formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. Each passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness (IFD) are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic or latex foam feel hence greatly reducing pressure points and increasing comfort.

Abstract: A self-inflating mattress includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core and a flexible, airtight covering that encloses the core. One or more drain valves extend through the covering and are communicably connected an interior of the mattress. The valves are opened for exhausting air from and at least partially collapsing the core and for allowing a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air and expand. The valves are closed for maintaining a selected air pressure within the core. A vacuum unit may be sealably interengaged with a valve to exhaust air from the mattress and deflate the foam core.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. An air passageway in formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. The passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic feel.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable, anatomically contoured mattress includes an elongate body supporting member that has a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core and a flexible covering that encloses the core. The body supporting member further includes a contoured recess formed in an upper surface of the body supporting member and extending laterally relative thereto. The recess accommodates the breasts of the female user lying face down on the body supporting member. The recess also accommodates the shoulder of a user lying sideways on the mattress. One or more valves are connected communicably to the core and extend through the covering. The valves are opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and, alternatively, to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed, to draw in air and expand. The valves are closed for maintaining a selected air pressure within the core.

Abstract: A female anatomical mattress including a generally rectangular body supporting structure. The body supporting structure has a pair of side walls with a continuous central section. The central section has an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel and lower panel each share a rounded front end and a rounded rear end. The upper panel has a generally rectangular cavity that extends downwardly therefrom and toward the lower panel. Lastly, a generally rectangular head supporting structure is rounded. The head supporting structure is sized for positioning within the cavity of the body supporting structure, when not supporting a person's head. The mattress may be foam filled or inflatable.