Abstract: A water mattress construction is provided with a tray providing a cavity adapted to support a liquid filled bladder, with at least one lumbar support member positioned intermediate the bladder and the tray, the lumbar support being slidably adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the tray.

Abstract: A water mattress configuration including a top cover interconnected with a lower member or members in order to capture on or move liquid-filled bladders therebetween. In one embodiment, such interconnection is made by a sliding connection allowing the top cover to "glide" into place. Another embodiment contemplates interconnecting by hooked members entering slots.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement having a versatile mattress foundation which is designed to be utilized in combination with an accompanying inflatable mattress. The mattress foundation has a primary support structure for supporting a mattress and any loads imposed thereon, and a compartment is defined therein which houses an air compressor. The primary support structure includes a first area of support structure extending substantially the full height of the mattress foundation and a second area of support structure extending from the top surface of the foundation to only a portion of its full height, and the compressor compartment is positioned below the second area of support structure. The air compressor is pneumatically coupled to the inflatable mattress to provide a very convenient control over its internal pressure and resultant firmness. In one disclosed embodiment, a control panel is positioned on one side of the foundation to provide for convenient control over the compressor and mattress internal pressure.

Abstract: A mattress construction in which the firmness of the top surface is selectively adjustable. A mattress body provides the primary support for a person lying on top thereof. A removable pillow top covers the mattress body, and is removably fastened thereto along its peripheral edges. A relatively thin fluid inflatable cushion is positioned beneath the removable top such that the pressure in the cushion can be varied to alter the firmness of the mattress top surface.

Abstract: A thermally controlled mattress construction including a mattress body designed to support a person lying on top thereof. A removable pillow top for the mattress body, removably fastened along the peripheral edges, incorporates a thermally controlled liner as an integral but removable part thereof. The liner is removably fastened to the bottom of the top surface by a fastener extending along the lower peripheral edge of the pillow top, and also the pillow top is removably fastened to the mattress body by a fastener extending along its peripheral edge. This arrangement provides for removal of the liner for repair of maintenance or other reasons. In one embodiment, the thermally controlled liner includes an electrical heater, which can incorporate two separately controllable heaters, one for each half side of the mattress. In a second embodiment, the thermally controlled liner includes therein an array of tubing, through which either heated or cooled fluid is pumped to selectively heat or cool the pillow top.

Abstract: A flotation mattress is provided including a retractable valve for draining and filling said mattress. The valve includes an elongated neck portion including at least one port which may be extended from the mattress to facilitate the draining and filling operations. The valve may similarly be retracted within the mattress for storage. Upon retraction, the elongated neck portion defines a well a collapsible hose adapted to be secured to said at least one port for draining and filling the mattress may be stored. A cover is provided to protect the valve when recessed in the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress arrangement including an outer perimeter frame structure having rigid supports extending thereabout. An opening at one end of the frame structure facilitates the insertion of a mattress core through that end in a "cassette-like" manner, with the outer end of the core forming an extension of the frame support structure.

Abstract: A hybrid flotation mattress of the type having a center water bag surrounded by at least one row of resilient bedding material is provided. A protective water resistant liner is further provided between the water bag and the resilient material as is a bridge liner on the top surface of the mattress, extending inwardly from the resilient material over the interface between the resilient material and the water bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flotation mattress comprising (a) a planar, flexible bag (10) adapted to hold water during use of the mattress, (b) a hollow, annular compartment (12) surrounding the bag (10) in the plane of the bag, the compartment (12) being collapsible in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the bag (10), and (c) a plurality of springs (14, 42, 56) disposed in the compartment (12) with their axes of resiliency perpendicular to the plane of the bag (10), the springs (14, 42, 56) biasing the compartment (12) towards its uncollapsed position, and (d) means (20, 34, 36, 38) for maintaining the horizontal stability of the planar, flexible bag (10) while the mattress is in use.