Abstract: A mattress insert, able to be inserted into a traditional mattress, includes a plurality of compartments, each containing gel beads and water suitable for simulating the feeling, pressure relief, and temperature regulation of a waterbed. The mattress insert is placed into a foam structural material of the mattress, providing the mattress insert with support and preventing the spread of the gel beads within the insert. The foam core of the mattress may be either solid or rounded. This mattress technology and insert is useful for beds, including medical beds and dog beds, recliners, chairs, and sofas.

Abstract: According to embodiments, an air mattress includes an air cell unit and a controller. The air cell unit includes a first air cell and a second air cell. The controller is capable of independently controlling a first internal pressure in the first air cell and a second internal pressure in the second air cell. The controller performs, when receiving an input to change the second internal pressure, after a first operation to set the first internal pressure to a first set internal pressure determined related to the first air cell, a second operation to change the second internal pressure.

Abstract: A massage device for a seat, in particular for a vehicle seat, is provided. The massage device includes at least one air cushion. The at least one air cushion has an air inlet so as to allow individual filling thereof with air via an air supply system. A vibration generating device is arranged between the air supply system and the air cushion and is in fluid communication with the air cushion so as to apply pressure vibrations to the air cushion. In addition, a seat including the massage device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient. The apparatus comprises a support device 20 essentially comprising only at least one closed or controlled-release chamber 21 together with inlet and outlet means 26 via which the filling fluid can be fed in or removed, and an independent control device 40 is provided disposed under the support device 20, said control device 40 comprising filling and emptying means for filling the chamber with filling fluid or for emptying said fluid therefrom and the control means proper 50, 41, 42 for controlling feeding in and removing the filling fluid. The invention makes it possible to simplify manufacture and management of a support for supporting an element to be supported such as the body of a patient.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress system for recreational vehicles and, in particular, to a waterbed system for a recreational vehicle having a cabin or sleeping area or space or flat or truck bed which includes a waterbed mattress which can be filled from a source of water internal or external to the vehicle through the side, wall or floor of the vehicle via a series of tubes and a pump.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress system for boats and, in particular, to a waterbed system for a boat having a cabin at least partially below a deck which includes a waterbed mattress which can be filled from a body of water surrounding the boat through the hull of the boat or from an internal or external supply through a series of tubes and a pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient. The apparatus comprises a support device 20 essentially comprising only at least one closed or controlled-release chamber 21 together with inlet and outlet means 26 via which the filling fluid can be fed in or removed, and an independent control device 40 is provided disposed under the support device 20, said control device 40 comprising filling and emptying means for filling the chamber with filling fluid or for emptying said fluid therefrom and the control means proper 50, 41, 42 for controlling feeding in and removing the filling fluid. The invention makes it possible to simplify manufacture and management of a support for supporting an element to be supported such as the body of a patient.

Abstract: A constant-pressure waterbed is provided, which can provide a constant air pressure to a sole air-pressure frame that surrounds a water-filled mattress so as to allow the water in the water-filled mattress to be always suitably compressed to provide the desired level of softness. The air-pressure frame is used to apply an air pressure of a preselected limit level to the water-filled mattress. The constant-pressure waterbed utilizes a drainage valve to drain excessive air in the event that the air pressure in the air-pressure frame is above a preselected limit level so as to maintain the air pressure at the preselected limit level. Moreover, the constant-pressure waterbed utilizes an air pump which can pump air into the air-pressure frame when the air pressure in the air-pressure frame is below the preselected limit level. The air pressure in the air-pressure frame can therefore always be maintained at the desired level so as to allow the water-filled mattress to always provide the desired level of softness.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure control system for a water bed is provided and includes a temperature control circuit and a pressure control circuit. The temperature control circuitry consists of two temperature detecting elements for detecting an ambient air temperature and the mattress temperature, respectively. The detected temperatures are compared with each other and the resulting value, together with a set value from an adjusting circuit, are processed by a microprocessor to produce a target temperature. When the target temperature is higher or lower than the mattress temperature, a heater is turned on or off, respectively, so that the mattress can be maintained at a value set according to a user's preferred temperature. The pressure control circuitry consists of a pressure detecting element for detecting the air pressure within air chambers of the mattress.

Abstract: A water jet massaging mattress is provided including a mattress having an interior formed of a soft material and having a solid rectangular configuration. Such interior is defined by a planar top face, a planar bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. A water impermeable flexible layer encompasses the interior. A plurality of horn-shaped apertures are formed in the interior of the mattress each with an open top of a first diameter and coincident with the top face of the interior of the mattress. An open bottom of each horn-shaped apertures has a second diameter less than the first diameter and remains coincident with the bottom face of the interior. A jet assembly includes a plurality of jets each situated adjacent the open bottom of an associated one of the horn-shaped apertures. A water pump is situated below the mattress and is connected to a bottom of each of the jets via a plurality of conduits for circulating water through the horn-shaped apertures and against the water impermeable layer.

Abstract: A water filled mattress including a top sheet of flexible material that is capable of having a bottom sheet of flexible material joined by heat sealing. The top and bottom sheet are joined at their peripheries and form a waterproof enclosure. The waterproof enclosure is capable of retaining an amount of water. The waterproof enclosure has a circumferential border with a front end and a rear end. A plurality of heat welds intermittently join the top sheet and the bottom sheet to form a plurality of seams. Each seam is linearly aligned along the waterproof enclosure. Each seam ends at an identical distance. A headrest is formed within the waterproof enclosure adjacent the seam ending.