Abstract: A mattress of improved support having planar top and bottom surfaces is provided with at least two sets of transversely extending ribs. The ribs, which may be continuous or discontinuous, are less compressible than the material of the mattress and are spaced apart longitudinally from each other within each set. The sets are spaced apart longitudinally to correspond in position to the shoulder area and buttocks area of the user to provide maximum support for body areas of greater weight, and hold the body generally straight. Another embodiment of the invention employs relatively small support plates uniformly distributed between the layers of a multi-layer mattress to provide uniform support over the entire area of the mattress.

Abstract: A multi-layered mattress for straightening a reclining body including a lower layer which has a support engaging bottom surface and a generally planar top surface. An upper layer which has a bottom surface engaging the top surface of the lower layer and a top, body supporting surface. The resiliency of the material in the upper layer is greater than that of the lower layer. First and second ribs of less resiliency than the upper layer extend transversely across and upwardly from the upper surface of the lower layer into complementary recesses in the bottom surface of the upper layer. The first and second ribs are positioned to support the shoulders and the buttocks of one lying on the mattress.

Abstract: A bed for supporting a user's body in a level condition thereon to minimize bodily irritations includes a base with a mattress cover over a plurality of movable body support elements carried by the base. The body support elements are vertically disposed and movably received in a pair of vertically spaced and horizontally disposed planar sheets which are carried by the base. Means resiliently mounting each body support element resists the depression of the elements and the elements which are beneath the heaviest parts of a user's body provide a greater support than the other elements.