Abstract: A water based pillow includes a common fluid retaining envelope which is divided into two elongate regions having different fluid support and fluid dynamic characteristics. One region is basically uninterrupted while a second region has a series of heat seal islands joining opposed sides of the envelope. These heat seal islands reduce the amount of fluid retained in the second region. This second region is preferably the head support region and under load. Some fluid is displaced from this region and enters the first region which is preferably the neck support region. The amount of fluid in the envelope can be adjusted or set to maintain a thin layer of fluid beneath the user's head.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support having a substrate having a series of channels in one surface thereof with a series of vent holes in the channels to promote heat dissipation through the substrate. The channels provide cooling of the skin in contact with the orthopaedic support without rendering the substrate prone to damage. Vent holes are located in the channels to provide venting through the orthopaedic support and the dissipation of heat.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support comprises a substrate having a series of channels in one surface thereof with a series of vent holes in the channels to promote heat dissipation through the substrate. The channels provide cooling of the skin in contact with the orthopaedic support without rendering the substrate prone to damage. Vent holes are located in the channels to provide venting through the orthopaedic support and the dissipation of heat.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support comprises a substrate having a series of channels in one surface thereof with a series of vent holes in the channels to promote heat dissipation through the substrate. The channels provide cooling of the skin in contact with the orthopaedic support without rendering the substrate prone to damage. Vent holes are located in the channels to provide venting through the orthopaedic support and the dissipation of heat.

Abstract: A pillow casing according to the present invention comprises a top surface and a connected bottom surface which cooperate to define an enclosure for receiving a compressible filler therein. The pillow casing further includes a thin envelope layer intermediate the surfaces and attached to the bottom surface. The envelope layer is adapted to sealably receive a fluid-like material therein to form a thin fluid-like layer remote and isolated from the top surface when the compressible filler is received in the enclosure. The filler, when received in the enclosure, is supported by the envelope layer to effectively float the received compressible filler on the fluid-like material received in the envelope. The pillow casing is particularly adapted for receiving a conventional pillow as the compressible filler material therein. Thus, the pillow casing can cooperate with a conventional pillow to substantially alter the pillow characteristics of the combination by floating the pillow on a thin layer of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pillow having a thin envelope layer adjacent a bottom surface isolated from the top surface of the pillow by compressible filler material. It has been found that this thin envelope layer filled with a suitable fluid with the compressible filler thereabove greatly improves the comfort of the pillow and the size of the envelope can be reduced. By so positioning the envelope, the range of deformation and orientation of the envelope is reduced.