Abstract: A support cushion comprises a body support portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. An electrically conductive fabric is positioned atop the support cushion and draws heat away from the surface of the support cushion, or a plurality of thermoelectric elements are positioned and configured to selectively provide heating or cooling at the surface of the body support portion. Methods of making a support cushion are also provided and include metalizing a fabric substrate with a first metal, and applying the metalized fabric substrate to a body support cushion. The electrically conductive fabric and thermoelectric elements can also be included in a method of controlling the surface temperature of a support cushion, whereby an electrical current is supplied in a first direction to decrease the surface temperature of the support cushion, and a second direction to increase the surface temperature of the support cushion.