Abstract: A head protector (10, 10') is shown in certain embodiments, having a plurality of rupturable, closed, pressurized, fluid filled cells (20) each having a rupturable common wall with a low pressure, empty cell (22) between first and second liners (14,16) and with optional cloth inner (18) and outer liners (12). In a second embodiment one or more layers of cushioning material has spaced apart, generally uniformly sized, closed fluid cells (24) intended to withstand selected levels of impacts without rupture. In other embodiments (40, 40', 40", 40'") a cushioning layer of open cell, visco- elastic resin is used with or without a load spreading outer layer of cross-linked, closed cell resin. Fabric covers (46,50) are shown for encapsulating the protector using openable/closable fasteners (48,52).