Abstract: A self-forming mattress cover including a mattress gusset with a drawstring is provided. The gusset includes a sleeve attached to the gusset along a fold location. A drawstring is disposed within the sleeve. Ends of the drawstring are pulled into tension, thereby reducing the perimeter of the gusset at the fold location and drawing the gusset inward toward the center of the mattress. The gusset is formed to corner positions of the mattress by stretching and/or bunching of gusset material as tension is applied. The ends of the drawstring are secured to retain the tension state. A cushioned quilt top is attached to a free edge of the gusset. The self-forming mattress cover conforms to corner positions of a mattress without the need for mitering, ruffling, pleating, or sewing seams at the corner positions. The self-forming mattress cover also ensures proper alignment of the cushioned quilt with the mattress body.

Abstract: A bolster structure system possesses anti-decubitus ulcer characteristics, and may cooperate with a mattress overlay also having and-decubitus ulcer capabilities as part of a mattress overlay system, in which multiple elongate, positionally adjustable, relatively moveable bolsters are configured for selective placement in conditions of lateral under-engagement with the sides of an overlay to create inclined, lateral side elevations of these sides at locations along the length of the overlay. The bolster structure and overlay may each include a dynamic-response core expanse formed of an open-cell, compressible viscoelastic foam coated with an elastomeric, moisture- and gas-flow-managing, differential-thickness coating structure load-transmissively bonded to the entirety of the outside of said core expanse to function as a dynamically-responsive unit therewith.

Abstract: An elevation structure system possesses anti-decubitus ulcer characteristics, and may cooperate with a mattress overlay also having anti-decubitus ulcer capabilities as part of a mattress overlay system, in which multiple elongate, positionally adjustable, relatively moveable risers are configured for selective placement in conditions of transverse, subposed, under engagement with the sides of an overlay to create substantially non-inclined, elevated, depth-supplemented regions at locations along the length of the overlay. The evelation structure and overlay may each include a dynamic-response core expanse formed of an open-cell, compressible viscoelastic foam coated with elastomeric, moisture- and gas-flow-managing, differential-thickness coating structure load-transmissively bonded to the entirety of the outside of said core expanse to function as a dynamically-responsive unit therewith.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a washable mattress topper. The washable mattress topper comprises a cushion element and a fabric cover enclosing and attached to the cushion element in a manner which divides the cushion element into a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: An occupant support (20) includes an intermediate layer (26, 30, 120) and a wicking layer (52) atop the intermediate layer. The wicking layer comprises a first region (62) having a lower moisture wick rate (W1) and a second region (64) having a higher wick rate (W2). A moisture management cover (52) for use with an occupant support article has discrete higher (64) and lower (62) wick rate regions. A related method for transporting moisture away from a target region of an occupant support comprises distributing the moisture over an area beyond area A and exposing the distributed moisture to a fluid stream capable of receiving the moisture.

Abstract: To accommodate safe, convenient, and effective sleeping arrangements perhaps with mothers and babies, the present invention entails a co-sleeping apparatus and methods having a simple support which may be affixed by friction in a bed and uses a cantilever design to support various forms of baby, pet, and doll baskets (or other sleeping receptacles of choice) at close proximity and convenient locations near a resting parent. This simple cantilever design may provide three important advantages: an immediate arms' reach access to an infant without ever having to leave a bed; interference free design perhaps with no floor supports or bulky stands; and an extremely simple method for single-handed mounting, adjusting, and dismounting of an infant, pet, and doll sleeping receptacle and the like. Embodiments may provide stowing the apparatus in a virtually disappearing condition and the apparatus may be easily disassembled or even folded linearly for convenient long term storage.

Abstract: A foldable mattress and removable pillow top with a means for releasable attachment is not damaged during excessive folding such as when used in a sofa bed. Fastening pairs comprising zippers affixed to the mattress and pillow top in opposing complementary fashion with a wide fold space defined therebetween allow the mattress and attached pillow top to be repeatedly folded and unfolded and avoid crimping and damage to the zipper halves, mattress and attached pillow top.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes an inner core comprising a base core layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces, and at least one comfort layer comprising planar top and bottom surfaces disposed on the top surface of the base core layer; a side rail assembly disposed about a perimeter of the inner core; and a plurality of air channels extending from a central region of the inner core to the side rail assembly configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core.

Abstract: A care delivery system includes a bed (20) having a bed-side interface unit (B), an appliance set (90) comprising one or more appliances (99) and two or more appliance-side interface units (A) distributed among the appliances, and a set (124) of one or more adaptors (126) each having a host interface unit (H) compatible with the bed-side interface unit, and a client interface unit (C). Each adaptor is arranged to accommodate fluid flow between its host interface unit and its client interface unit. Each client interface unit of the adaptor set, taken individually, is compatible with at least one but fewer than all of the appliance-side interface units of the appliance set and, taken collectively, are compatible with all of the appliance-side interface units of the appliance set. The system also includes an appliance annunciator (140) and an appliance discriminator (76) responsive to the annunciator thereby configuring the system for the pneumatic demands of the appliance.

Abstract: A method of using color or color schemes to simplify the communication to consumers of complex information regarding the combinations and interactions of technically oriented performance attributes that describe the degree of comfort as found in mattresses, mattress foundations, upholstered furniture articles and other articles filled with cushioning materials. Additionally the selected method of using color as a communication tool may be of further benefit in the interaction with consumers by developing strong emotional ties to the consumers purchase decision.

Abstract: A pad, in particular for use in the nursing care and hospital sector, has an elastic spacer textile, which is surrounded by an elastic foam body, a separating layer being arranged between the foam body and the spacer textile. The pad can be produced with any desired outer contour by foaming the foam body onto the spacer textile, an uncontrolled penetration of the foam body into the spacer textile and an undesired increase in the compression hardness connected therewith being avoided by the separating layer. The pad is accordingly very comfortable to sit and/or lie on.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.

Abstract: A pad, in particular for a mattress in the nursing care and hospital sector has a liquid-impermeable and elastic lower layer and a liquid-permeable and elastic upper layer arranged on the lower layer. The lower layer and the upper layer are surrounded by an outer casing, which has a liquid-impermeable outer casing lower part facing the lower layer and a liquid-permeable outer casing upper part facing the upper layer. The pad is very comfortable to lie and/or sit on and has a high degree of breathability. Moreover, the pad is easy to clean and can accordingly be reprocessed frequently. The pad can be easily and economically retrofitted to improve the lying comfort and the breathability of existing mattresses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a sleep system is provided. More specifically, the invention provides a method and apparatus for an adjustable mattress that allows the user to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress. Furthermore, the adjustable mattress has zones of adjustability thereby allowing two users to adjust the firmness of the mattress of each user's zone. The adjustable mattress is also multimodal. The motorized foundation contains adjustable massaging units that may be used for physical therapy and relaxation. Likewise, the motorized foundation may be used in relax mode to assist in obtaining sleep and awaken mode to gently awake the user by the stimulation of the adjustable mattress.

Abstract: Low shear mattress topper constructions have multiple internal topper layers with at least one intermediate layer made of a low shear material and disposed between foam or other layers to reduce frictional shear forces and enable a greater degree of lateral displacement between the topper layers.

Abstract: A method of using color or color schemes to simplify the communication to consumers of complex information regarding the combinations and interactions of technically oriented performance attributes that describe the degree of comfort as found in mattresses, mattress foundations, upholstered furniture articles and other articles filled with cushioning materials. Additionally the selected method of using color as a communication tool may be of further benefit in the interaction with consumers by developing strong emotional ties to the consumers purchase decision.

Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a mattress assembly comprising a plurality of foam members having varying densities with at least one inflatable bladder positioned in between the members. The inflatable bladder may be inflated or deflated by a user in accordance with the user's requirements.

Abstract: A plurality of bed bug monitoring and/or trapping devices are secured to the side portions and end portions of a fitted bed sheet or are secured to the side portions and end portions of a box spring. Each of the devices includes a pocket having a fluted member inserted therein.

Abstract: A customizable mattress topper system includes a first mattress topper of viscoelastic foam with a shaped top surface and a second foam mattress topper. The viscoelastic foam topper has a higher density than the second topper. The first mattress topper and second mattress topper are packaged and sold together as a system. The first mattress topper may be placed over the second mattress topper, or vice versa, and in various orientations over a bedding mattress as desired by a consumer to customize the level of cushioning support.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.

Abstract: A mattress is constructed from a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck, which is preferably pervious to moisture and air. A removable panel, which includes a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, is placed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body. The removable panel is removably attached along the perimeter of the deck or decks by a fastener, such as a zipper. The panel can be removed from the deck for cleaning and folded and secured by the fastener in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outward.

Abstract: A mattress buckle for securing the position of a mattress (22) on the base (16) of an adjustable bed (10). The mattress comprises one of a pair of male and female elements of the buckle (12) secured to an upper surface of the bed base (16) and the other of the pair of male and female elements of the buckle (12) secured to the underside of the mattress (22). When these elements of the buckle are interlocked in snap-fit engagement, the mattress is constrained against movement on the base as the adjustable panels of the bed base are articulated relative to one another through various positions of adjustment.

Abstract: Dew condensation-preventing mattress is constructed to have a three-dimensional netted structure by extruding a molten material containing at least a thermoplastic resin into filaments, forming an aggregation of multiple filaments looped and randomly entangled with partial thermal adhesion in a plate-like shape, and cooling down to solidify the plate-like aggregation of the multiple filaments. The three-dimensional netted structure has hard side regions of a higher bulk density formed on left and right longitudinal side faces of the three-dimensional netted structure. The dew condensation-preventing mattress of this arrangement has an effect of dew condensation prevention as well as an effect of body pressure dispersion.

Abstract: A self-forming mattress cover including a mattress gusset with a drawstring is provided. The gusset includes a sleeve attached to the gusset along a fold location. A drawstring is disposed within the sleeve. Ends of the drawstring are pulled into tension, thereby reducing the perimeter of the gusset at the fold location and drawing the gusset inward toward the center of the mattress. The gusset is formed to corner positions of the mattress by stretching and/or bunching of gusset material as tension is applied. The ends of the drawstring are secured to retain the tension state. A cushioned quilt top is attached to a free edge of the gusset. The self-forming mattress cover conforms to corner positions of a mattress without the need for mitering, ruffling, pleating, or sewing seams at the corner positions. The self-forming mattress cover also ensures proper alignment of the cushioned quilt with the mattress body.

Abstract: A pressure sore relief system includes a plurality of sensors in communication with a surface, whereby each sensor operates independently of one another for detecting a pressure level at a particular region of the surface and generating a feedback signal that corresponds to the detected pressure level, and a system controller adapted to receive the feedback signals from the sensors and generate a plurality of output signals in response to each of the feedback signals. The pressure sore relief system includes a plurality of actuators in communication with the surface and being adapted to receive the output signals from the system controller, whereby each output signal generated by the system controller is associated with one of the actuators. The actuators are adapted to selectively vibrate for minimizing the likelihood of a patient developing pressure sores. The pressure sore relief system may be positioned over a mattress or a chair.

Abstract: One embodiment of a topper for a bed includes a liner assembly 40 having a top liner 42, a bottom liner 44 and a slip liner 70 underneath the bottom liner. The slip liner is of relatively lower friction than the top liner. An apron 62, with openings 76 therein, extends from the perimeter of the liners. Another embodiment includes a liner assembly having a top liner, a bottom liner and a slip liner underneath the bottom liner. The slip liner is of relatively lower friction than the top liner. Bridge straps 98, or 98? having a working length of at least the width of a host mattress minus the arm length of a fifth percentile female extend from the liner assembly.

Abstract: A convertible mattress including a foundation unit, a support unit and a comfort unit. The foundation unit includes several spring elements that provide flexible support for an overlying grid which defines the foundation surface. The foundation unit may be supported by a bed frame which may further include side boards, a head board and foot board. The comfort unit, or innerspring, is located atop the foundation unit and contains several interconnected spring coils or a foam core structure. The top and bottom surface of the comfort unit contain minimal covering to provide a smooth surface over the ends of the coils of the innerspring. The comfort unit is located atop the support unit and has a generally horizontal top and bottom and generally vertical sides extending between the top and bottom that defines a central space containing support and cushioning components such as foam.

Abstract: An anatomical pressure-evenizing mattress overlay including a dynamic-response core having spaced, upper and lower, surfaces and an intermediate, perimetral edge. The core is formed including a 100% open-cell, compressible and flowable, viscoelastic foam expanse, and possesses a relaxed-state volume which resides in about an 8-10% nominally compressed condition. Load-transmissively bonded to the entire outside of the core, so as to function as a dynamically-responsive unit with it, and possessing a relaxed-state, internal, prestressed, tension condition, is an elastomeric, moisture- and gas-flow-managing coating, including fluid-flow-controlling, baffled, respiration window structure which exposes a portion of the core's edge to accommodate respiration of and for the interior of the core.

Abstract: The Surface Impression Removal Technology System of the present invention and related disclosure includes at least one foam pad that is placed between a rigid, semi-rigid or sprung foundation surface and beneath a support structure in order to boost the support, profile and feel characteristics of a fully assembled support device, such as a mattress. The foam conforms to the contours of the mattress or support device and eliminates any hard edges or transition ridges between the pad and the mattress. The surface impression removal pads can possess a variety of characteristics that define the qualities desired by the user. The pads can also be positioned in several different arrangements to facilitate, for example, dual comfort zones.

Abstract: A quilted zoned topper formed with a quilted panel and a memory foam is disclosed. The quilted panel has a ticking material, a backing material, and a support material having a degree of compression provided between the ticking and backing materials. The ticking material, the support material and the backing material all are quilted together by a stitching pattern providing an increased amount of stitching in a center section of the quilted panel than adjacent head and foot sections of the quilted panel such that the support material pre-compresses in the center section thereby defining a pocket. The memory foam is provided in the pocket. A mattress provided with the quilted zoned topper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sleep surface is formed by joining longitudinal sides of two juxtaposed air bladders, thereby providing a continuous sleep surface having two independently inflatable air chambers. A support member can be inserted between the two independently inflatable air bladders to provide a continuous sleep surface that eliminates vertical displacement of a user.

Abstract: A pressure dispersion system includes a pressure dispersion pad and a pressure dispersing mattress system for body support and sleep. The pressure dispersion pad and pressure dispersing mattress systems reduce pressure points from a supported body to less than approximately 32 mm Hg to reduce or eliminate capillary closing and a resultant reduction in pressure concentration and resultant discomfort and repositioning during sleep. Empirical design from human body pressure mapping is used to identify support zones for which components are selected and assembled in the pressure dispersion support systems for pressure dispersion and relief. In a pressure dispersion support system in the form of a mattress, multiple zones are defined by arrangement of different kinds of support materials, including foam tops such as memory foam or moderate to low density polyurethane, and secondary foam layers or foam base of relatively higher density polyurethane and latex.

Abstract: An antidecubital underlay pad (10) having a receiving casing with a top side of the casing and a bottom side of the casing, the casing being segmented along a plurality of segmentation axes (13) to form underlay segments (12), such that the underlay segments are provided with a molded body filling comprising a plurality of molded bodies and are bordered by segmentation lines running along the segmentation axes, wherein the segmentation lines have multiple changes in direction in their course along the segmentation axes (13) and at least the top side (16) of the casing is designed to be elastic at least in a supporting area and is prestressed by the molded body filling (20).

Abstract: A mattress includes reduced-firmness materials along a central region thereof in order to mitigate the occurrence of a central ridge following repeated use of the mattress as a sleeping surface. An associated box spring may also, or instead, present a central region with reduced firmness. An adjustable member may be employed to controllably compensate for the development of a central ridge.

Abstract: A mattress assembly for a playard has a plurality of support panels coupled to one another and movable relative to one another. The support panels are movable between a generally planar in-use configuration having a top side and a bottom side and a multi-sided storage configuration with an interior space sized to surround a collapsed playard. A mattress pad is detachable from and attachable to the plurality of support panels. The mattress pad lies against the top side of the plurality of support panels and is movable with the plurality of support panels between the in-use configuration and the storage configuration. A plurality of attachment devices are provided for selectively attaching the mattress pad to and detaching the mattress pad from the plurality of support panels.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an apparatus and method for compressing a mattress to a uniform firmness and providing a new or additional pillow top to the mattress.

Abstract: A full-body auxiliary mattress for reducing acid reflux in a person lying on a flat surface, the auxiliary mattress comprising a head end, a foot end, a flat bottom and an inclined top to elevate the person's body, the auxiliary mattress top gradually inclining from the foot of the auxiliary mattress upward to the head of the auxiliary mattress.

Abstract: An overlay for a patient support is provided. The overlay is coupled to an air supply and includes an air permeable three-dimensional fiber network. The overlay is integrated into or coupled to the patient support in some embodiments.

Abstract: A support cushion has an elastic core having a first surface, a second surface and a thickness defined by the first surface and the second surface. A first cover portion substantially entirely encloses the elastic core. A pillow top surface is positioned adjacent the first surface of the elastic core. The pillow top surface includes a plurality of foam portions. A second cover portion at least partially covers the pillow top surface and the second cover portion attached to at least one of the first cover portion and the elastic core.

Abstract: A backboard pad assembly comprising a body pad and cranial pad with side wrappings and a back coverslip attached to the body pad. The side wrappings and back coverslip may be of one piece are typically of an elastic material and extend around an associated backboard so as to retain the body pad to the backboard. The body pad has a width that is less than the distance between side handholds of an associated backboard such that the handholds are not covered by the body pad and have a length such that any end handholds of the associated backboard are not covered by the body pad. The body pad follows the profile of the associated backboard. The body pad, cranial pad, side wrappings, and back coverslip are made of or are covered with a coating of material that is waterproof and chemically resistant and capable of being medically disinfected.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress has a body and a coverlet. The body is hollow, is inflatable and has a top, a sidewall and at least one first engaging member attached to the sidewall of the body. The coverlet is mounted detachably on and covers the body and has at least one second engaging member attached to the coverlet and corresponding respectively to and detachably engaged respectively with the at least one first engaging member on the body. The coverlet is mounted tightly on the body and would not be shifted by persons' movement on the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: One embodiment of a modular mattress assembly may include a plurality of top mattresses. Each top mattress may be distinct in firmness and each top mattress may be uniform in configuration. Further, the modular mattress assembly may include a plurality of bottom mattresses. Each bottom mattress may be distinct in firmness. Each bottom mattress may be removably fastened to one of the plurality of top mattresses. Furthermore, the modular mattress assembly may include a first fastener carried by each top mattress and a second fastener carried by each bottom mattress. The first fastener is capable of being removably fastened to the second fastener.

Abstract: The featherbed includes upper and lower outer fabric sections, which are substantially identical in configuration, secured together along their respective longitudinal and end edges. A plurality of baffle members extend between and are secured to the upper and lower layers substantially from end to end of the featherbed. The baffle members are arranged in pair forms a substantially hourglass configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable firmness mattress assembly is disclosed which comprises a duvet, a first section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, a second section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, and a cover for enclosing the first and second sections with the cover having a top surface and the duvet adapted for being positioned on the top surface of the cover.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a mattress or a mattress pad with one or more gel sections. The gel section may provide improved support and comfort at a localized area of a mattress or a mattress pad.

Abstract: A mattress is constructed from a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck, which is preferably pervious to moisture and air. A removable panel, which includes a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, is placed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body. The removable panel is removably attached along the perimeter of the deck or decks by a fastener, such as a zipper. The panel can be removed from the deck for cleaning and folded and secured by the fastener in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outward.

Abstract: A dental chair overlay is used for opening a patient's airway. The dental chair overlay has a body support and a head support. The body support has a superior end and dorsal and ventral surfaces. The distance between the dorsal and ventral surfaces define a thickness of the body support. The head support is attached to the superior end of the body support. The head support has dorsal and ventral surfaces. The distance between the dorsal and ventral surfaces define a thickness of the head support. The thickness of the body support is greater than the thickness of the head support, such that the airway of a patient lying on the dental chair overlay is urged open.

Abstract: Mattress systems and methods for their construction are provided. One such mattress includes a first mattress core and a second mattress core positioned on top of the first mattress core. A border material extends along an outer first edge of the first mattress core and along an outer second edge of the second mattress core. The border material has an intermediate portion which extends between the first and second mattress cores and is coupled to at least one of the first and second mattress cores, and in some aspects to both cores.

Abstract: A support system with repositionable bolsters with a panel of material, which can comprise elastomeric mesh, and bolsters repositionably securable to the panel of material. The panel of material can be retained relative to a bed or other structure or by a frame, which can be foldable. The bolsters, which can be formed with a breathable mesh shell, can be secured to the panel of material by a plurality of extendable and retractable fingers for being received through apertures in the panel of elastomeric material, by at least one expansible structure for being received through the apertures in the panel of elastomeric material and expanded, or by pivotable arms adjustable between generally parallel and non-parallel dispositions. The support system can be used independently or incorporated within a crib, bassinet, car seat, high chair, swing, bouncing seat or support, or any other support structure.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable, wedge-shaped incline mattress that is inexpensive, portable, easily inflated or deflated, and effectively relieves Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in adults and infants by elevating the head while lowering the feet relative to the stomach. It also allows for side sleeping, stomach sleeping and rolling over to change sleep positions while still in the head-elevated position.