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.

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: An improved cushioning apparatus having a plurality of individual pockets containing an improved filler material comprising granular viscoelastic foam, said apparatus further comprising a top buffering layer for improved stability and comfort.

Abstract: A support surface assembly for a sleeping person that comprises a rigid frame with an upper edge for supporting an air-permeable layer and an air-permeable layer that is fixedly joined to the upper edge in a desired tension, such that the upper edge is entirely covered by the outer perimeter of the air-permeable layer. The air-permeable layer comprises a lattice grid structure such as a mesh material, a netting or a web-like material. The outer perimeter of the air-permeable layer is joined to the frame at the side wall or at the bottom wall of the frame.

Abstract: A side cover apparatus includes an electric mat, a curtain-type side cover attached to an outer periphery of the electric mat, and a contracting portion disposed on an inner periphery of the side cover. The side cover conceals side surfaces of the electric mat and a bed mattress such that the combination of the electric mat and the bed mattress appears as if the combination is a single bed mattress.

Abstract: An improved cushioning apparatus having a plurality of individual pockets containing an improved filler material comprising granular viscoelastic foam.

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.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

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 mattress add-on is placed on top of an existing mattress and provides a rejuvenated fire-safe mattress. The mattress add-on has a flame-resistant covering that fits tightly over the sides of the existing mattress and also has flaps to cover the bottom of the existing mattress. The mattress add-on in combination with the flame-resistant covering is an inexpensive means of providing both more comfort as well as fire protection safety to consumers who retain their existing mattresses. The mattress add-on does not slip on the existing mattress because it is held tightly in place by tightening the flame-resistant covering using straps across the bottom of the existing mattress. The mattress add-on is customized to a user's physical profile by using zones of foam having different densities. In addition, the mattress add-on may include metal coils or air chambers.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a first and second memory foam layer, with a gel or elastomeric web layer therebetween. One of the foam layers may be substantially thicker than the other, providing either a firmer or softer mattress, depending on which side is employed as the mattress top.

Abstract: A composite mattress assembly has multiple layers, where one or more of the layers are foam layers and the rest are spring coil mattress layer(s). The composite mattress assembly may be made exclusively of foam layers as well. Any of the layers can be divided into two halves, which is divided longitudinally to support two people. Each half may independently have a layer which is made from a different material or different density or thickness in the case of a foam layer from that of the other half, according to two differing user preferences. A top casing is provided to encase the top layer, and a core casing is provided to enclose the bottom layers, where the two casings are zipped together along mating peripheral circumferential edge. Additionally, methods to adjust the firmness, temperature and the like of all of the foregoing composite mattress assembly are provided.

Abstract: A bed is disclosed having an adjustable base support with an adjustable panel adapted for adjustment between raised and lowered positions, a mattress positioned on top of the adjustable based support, and a mattress retainer disposed under the mattress between the adjustable base support and the mattress. The mattress retainer holds the mattress in a constrained position in relationship to the adjustable base support as the adjustable base support panel is adjusted between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A multi-section mattress or mattress overlay including a first generally rectangular section made from a first honeycomb core having a first core face and a second core face, the first core having a first facing sheet bonded to one of the first and second core faces, a second generally rectangular section made from a second honeycomb core having a third core face and a fourth core face, the second core having a second facing sheet bonded to one of the third and fourth core faces, the second section being positioned with one side thereof immediately adjacent an opposing side of the first section; and a seam joining the first and second sections together along the lengths of the one side and the opposing side, the seam being formed by bonding a portion of the first face extending along the one side to a portion of the third face extending along the opposing side, and by orienting the bonded portions of the first and third faces such that they extend away from a plane including the first and third faces and towa

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: The featherbed includes upper and lower fabric layers, with the upper layer being longer than the lower layer. Lines of stitching connect the upper layer to the lower layer at spaced lateral lines along the length of the featherbed, thereby defining successive abutting lateral half-tubules, which are filled such that the upper layer extends away from the lower layer in a curved configuration, defining a plurality of half-tubules, generally in the shape of half-ellipses, with the fill density being greater, approximately 21% than that of a similar-sized conventional featherbed.

Abstract: A mattress pad positionable atop a rectangular mattress which better accommodates diverse weights and sizes of the human anatomy for enhanced comfort. The mattress pad includes a flexible bottom sheet having a size and shape substantially similar to that of a top surface of the mattress. A flexible fabric top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet by peripheral stitching along common perimeter side, head and foot margins. A plurality of generally side-by-side body supporting chambers are each defined by peripheral stitching and spaced lines of continuous stitching which interconnect the top and bottom sheets. Each chamber is filled with an open or closed cell urethane foam material. Preselected nominal thicknesses of each of the chambers provides the comfort and accommodation to each portion of the human anatomy.

Abstract: A mattress pad positionable atop a rectangular mattress which better accommodates diverse weights and sizes of the human anatomy for enhanced comfort. The mattress pad includes a flexible air tight bottom sheet having a size and shape substantially similar to that of a top surface of the mattress. A flexible air tight top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet by peripheral heat or ultrasonic weld sealing along common perimeter side, head and foot margins. A plurality of generally side-by-side body supporting chambers are each defined by peripheral sealing lines and spaced lines of continuous sealing which interconnect the top and bottom sheets. Each air chamber is individually and selectively fillable with pressurized air and thus capable of localized pressurization within the chamber. Preselected nominal thicknesses of each of the chambers provides the comfort and accommodation to each portion of the human anatomy.

Abstract: A cover for a mattress pad with an arrangement for retaining a mattress pad and a mechanism for securing the arrangement to a mattress. In a specific embodiment, the arrangement for retaining the pad is an envelope with a zipper along one side thereof. As an alternative, the arrangement for retaining the pad may include a hook and loop type fastener. In the illustrative embodiment, the mechanism for securing the envelope and pad to the mattress is an at least partially elastic skirt. In alternative implementation, the invention is a complete mattress cover assembly with a mattress pad and a cover for the pad. In this embodiment, the cover includes the arrangement for retaining the mattress pad and the mechanism for securing the arrangement to a mattress as discussed above.

Abstract: Patient support pads that form a part of conventional surgical tables are removed and replaced with pads that provide three dimensional volumetric pressure redistribution. The pads are releasably secured in overlying relation to conventional frame cushions that overlie the frame of a surgical table. Three pads are provided, one each for the head, torso, and foot section of the table so that the articulation of the table is not compromised by the pads. The pads not only prevent or inhibit the formation of decubitus ulcers during surgery but also provide therapeutic, curative treatment of the patient's dermis and epidermis by redistributing pressure without distorting or compressing soft tissue. A dual hose bifurcated manifold system connects each inflated pad to its contiguous inflated pad so that pressure applied in any one section of the surface is transmitted and redistributed over all of the inflated pads.

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: An inflatable sex-support unit for mattress configured to be temporarily or permanently attachable to such mattress, comprising of bladders that are stowed away in layers of bedspread and foams, that inflate to a height of 12 or more inches above the unit's surface to elevate and support the back area including the buttocks; to elevate and support the left leg in a wide spread posture; to elevate and support the right leg in a wide spread posture; while leaving enough space between the two lower bladders for a second party to occupy during sexual intercourse. The top area provides a soft and smooth surface that is also utilized for sleeping atop such bed or on the ground surface.

Abstract: A method of building and marketing composite foam mattress assemblies and a resulting bed in which the properties of the mattress may be modified in the sectors of the mattress and in the zones of the mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress with an inflatable headboard and/or footboard. Inflatable side supports may also be included. The mattress is particularly suited for infants or toddlers in that the side and end supports prevent a child from rolling or sliding off the mattress.

Abstract: A cushion having an elastic core and a pillow top layer or portion. The elastic core can have one or more layers of foam to provide varying degrees of cushioning and support. The pillow top layer is positioned adjacent to the elastic core and includes a plurality of strips. Any number of strips can form the pillow top layer. The strips can all have the same density or the density can vary among the strips to provide comfort zones. The pillow top layer can be connected to the elastic core in a variety of ways, such as through the use of a common cover or separate covers joined together.

Abstract: An air mattress with a pillow top is disclosed. The pillow top is received on and extends at least partially across at least one of planar face of the mattress, and is constructed and arranged to be held in a fixed position relative to the face of the mattress on which it is received. The pillow top may be removably or permanently affixed to the air mattress, as desired. In an embodiment, the pillow top is attached to an edge weld of the air mattress.

Abstract: The following invention describes a padded coverslip for a long spinal board. The padding may be composed of a foam core that has a waterproof covering. The shape of the pad may vary to allow it to fit onto any adult size long spinal board. Additional sizes of the pad are also included for pediatric spinal boards. Additional integrated padding may be incorporated at the head of the pad in order to elevate the head of the patient to an anatomically neutral position. Emanating from the sides of the padding is an elastic coverslip that would wrap around a spinal board, securing the pad to the board. Openings within the coverslip would correspond with handhold slots along the sides of the spinal boards.

Abstract: An improved stretcher pad and method of use thereof, wherein the improved stretcher pad comprises a cushioned pad with wing members extending therefrom, and wherein the wing members comprise pockets dimensioned to receive the side rails of a stretcher or gurney. Once inserted into the wing members, a side rail can be folded to form a bridge support between the stretcher and/or gurney and a patient's bed or other surface upon which the patient reposes. A removable, adjustable pillow is also included.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mattress overlay being an inflatable body support formed from a pair of plastic sheets joined together to form a non-inflatable periphery. The non-inflatable periphery defines an air pressurizable chamber therebetween. The chamber provides an air cushion for supporting a person positioned thereatop that dissipates at least pressure to decrease the onset of pressure sores and ulcers. The periphery has a distal end, a proximal end, a first side and a second side. The improvement of the present invention relates to the corner strap system. There is at least one non-inflatable corner strap system that extends from at least one end of the periphery. A center section, at least two side sections positioned on opposite sides of the center section, and a hold down section having at least two elbow-shaped slits or perforations positioned between the center section and each side section form the first non-inflatable corner strap system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mattress retainer system for adjustable beds which includes a mattress-retention bracket housed within a pocket of a mattress accessible in an upward direction through an opening along a bottom edge of the mattress. The pocket is formed by attaching a separate piece of material along a bottom edge of the mattress at one or both of opposite head/foot ends thereof and permitting an overlying downwardly projecting portion of a peripheral covering of the mattress to remain free thereby defining the opening into the pocket.

Abstract: An air mattress with a pillow top is disclosed. The pillow top is received on and extends at least partially across at least one of planar face of the mattress, and is constructed and arranged to be held in a fixed position relative to the face of the mattress on which it is received. The pillow top may be removably or permanently affixed to the air mattress, as desired. In an embodiment, the pillow top is attached to an edge weld of the air mattress.

Abstract: A topper for selectively changing the firmness of a bed includes first and second sheets of foam which are bonded together at a flexible interface. The firmness of the first and second sheets differ, so that by putting one sheet face up on the bed one level of firmness is achieved, and by reversing the topper and putting the other sheet face up another level of firmness is achieved.

Abstract: A mattress pad positionable atop a rectangular mattress which better accommodates diverse weights and sizes of the human anatomy for enhanced comfort. The mattress pad includes a flexible bottom sheet having a size and shape substantially similar to that of a top surface of the mattress. A flexible fabric top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet by peripheral stitching along common perimeter side, head and foot margins. A plurality of generally side-by-side body supporting chambers are each defined by peripheral stitching and spaced lines of continuous stitching which interconnect the top and bottom sheets. Each chamber is filled with a loose stuffing of fibrous or synthetic material which is movable within the chamber and capable of localized accumulation within the chamber by manual body or hand manipulating pressure against the top sheet. Preselected nominal thicknesses of each of the chambers provides the comfort and accommodation to each portion of the human anatomy.

Abstract: A mattress cover with massaging mechanism and heating element built in that includes a foam padding structure, positionable over the top of a mattress and having a cavity provided therein, a padding structure cover and a number of multi-fold, massaging ridge members that pass through the cavity and into connection with a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism being controlled by a remote control unit provided to allow a user to adjust the frequency and intensity of the massage, providing movement of the multi-fold, massaging ridge members generated by operation of the drive mechanism while laying down on the padding structure cover; a heating element is optionally added to the padding structure to cover across the user to receive heat treatment while receiving a massage.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a top; a first fastener member positioned along at least a portion of a side edge of the mattress; a pocket formed on the top by a layer extending along the top and attached along its periphery to the air mattress, at least a portion of the layer being removably connectable to the air mattress by a second corresponding fastener member positioned along a section of the layer; and a visco-elastic pillow top removably received within the pocket. The fasteners may be zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons and eyelets, snap fasteners, magnets, or line connectors.

Abstract: A mattress (900) provides a user with three-dimensional firmness zoning, the mattress (900) cooperating with a mattress shell (720). The mattress (900) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending resilient blocks (910) being independently movable relative to one another, an inflatable bladder (914) positioned to lie upon the top side of at least one of the blocks (910), and a topper (912) positioned to lie upon the inflatable bladder (914), the topper including opposite ends configured for attachment to the shell (720).

Abstract: In accordance with the instant invention, there is provided a mattress topper which is designed to be placed atop a mattress and/or box spring combination. In the preferred arrangement, the topper consists of a sandwich of three layers. The outer layers are preferably comprised of open cell foam of a thickness about equal to one inch or so. The inner layer is an impermeable central liner which is preferably made of a material such as plastic. The function of the central liner is to prevent the migration of fluids from one side of the topper to the other. Thus, although the foam upper layer is very absorbent, an inadvertent spill or other deposit of moisture will be blocked in its migration through the topper by the central waterproof member, thereby protecting both the lower member and the mattress below from exposure to the moisture. In a preferred embodiment, the inner layer is comprised of a foam stiffener core encased by an impermeable wrapping.

Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover defining an interior region and including an upwardly-facing surface configured to be positioned beneath a patient. The surface pad system also includes a pad core received in the interior region of the cover to support the patient.

Abstract: The alternating pressure cushion is a cushion for prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers in hemodialysis patients, patients who are wheelchair bound, and other persons confined in a seated or reclined position for a prolonged period. The alternating pressure cushion has a back cushion section, a seat cushion section including an inflatable lumbar support, and a leg cushion section, each section having a plurality of air bladder networks. The air bladder networks are arranged so that each provides support when inflated. When one air bladder network is inflated to support the patient, the other air bladder is deflated to relieve pressure from areas of the patient's body. Alternately inflating and deflating the air bladder networks supports the patient without prolonged pressure points.

Abstract: An air mattress with a pillow top is disclosed. The pillow top is received on and extends at least partially across at least one of planar face of the mattress, and is constructed and arranged to be held in a fixed position relative to the face of the mattress on which it is received. The pillow top may be removably or permanently affixed to the air mattress, as desired.

Abstract: A bedding product for use as a mattress topper has a tray formed by a bottom sheet of compressible material with a generally rectangular frame attached at the periphery of a surface thereof, formed by rails of compressible material. The tray has a generally rectangular recess therein formed by the rails, which can be filled with inserts of selected firmness characteristics, to give the overall bedding product selected characteristics related to firmness.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be located on a frame of a patient support, the frame having a top surface configured to support a patient, the top surface having a length dimension and a width dimension. The apparatus includes an overlay positioned over the frame of the patient support, the overlay having an upper surface to support the patient and a lower surface configured to abut the top surface of the patient support. The overlay has a width dimension greater than the width dimension of the top surface. A retainer maintains the overlay in a desired position on the frame.

Abstract: The quilted-top featherbed includes a conventional featherbed, which is adapted and arranged to lie on top of a conventional bed mattress and is filled with feathers. A quilted-top member is secured around the periphery thereof to the featherbed, wherein the top member comprises successive layers of woven fabric, polyester batting and nonwoven fabric, the three layers being secured together by a quilted stitching pattern.

Abstract: A bed with air adjustable elevation components having a generally rectangular foundation, a mattress having a plurality of sections, and an air chamber under each section of the mattress that is to be raised. The contour and shape of the mattress is controlled by inflating and deflating each air chamber to elevate and incline the section of the mattress. The mattress is formed of connecting sections including a back section and a buttock section adjacent the back section. Adjacent the buttock section is an upper leg section and adjacent the upper leg section is lower leg section. The sides of the upper leg section and the lower leg section abutting each other are formed at an angle such that when the leg sections of the mattress are in a non-elevated position a V-shaped cut out area is formed between the two sections. The air chambers are connected to a pump and a controller is provided to easily inflate and deflate the chambers, together or separately, with compressed air.

Abstract: A modular sleep system has a foundation unit, an support unit having an innerspring and a support surface covered with a friction material, and a comfort unit having compressible material encapsulated in a woven upholstery material which is engaged by the friction material on the support surface of the support unit to prevent lateral movement or sliding of the comfort unit relative to the support unit, without any fasteners between the support unit and the comfort unit. The comfort unit can be lifted vertically off of the support unit without release or use of any fasteners, to be turned over, fluffed or exchanged for a different comfort unit having different layers of internal materials, feature layers, and support characteristics.

Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.

Abstract: A mattress (900) provides a user with three-dimensional firmness zoning, the mattress (900) cooperating with a mattress shell (720). The mattress (900) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending resilient blocks (910) being independently movable relative to one another, an inflatable bladder (914) positioned to lie upon the top side of at least one of the blocks (910), and a topper (912) positioned to lie upon the inflatable bladder (914), the topper including opposite ends configured for attachment to the shell (720).

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be located on a frame of a patient support, the frame having a top surface configured to support a patient, the top surface having a length dimension and a width dimension. The apparatus includes an overlay positioned over the frame of the patient support, the overlay having an upper surface to support the patient and a lower surface configured to abut the top surface of the patient support. The overlay has a width dimension greater than the width dimension of the top surface. A retainer maintains the overlay in a desired position on the frame.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress topper including an inflatable chamber which may be formed out of polyvinyl chloride with or without lamination or flocking. The inflatable chamber is designed to rest upon a support system, namely a bed without additional securing devices or may be integrated within a conventional mattress. The inflatable chamber being inflated by air to an adjustable level to provide the desired support for its user through plastic tubing connected between a pump and an air inlet sealed to the polyvinyl chloride chamber. The inflatable mattress topper is easily set-up for continual use or removed for occasional use.