Abstract: A body support assembly comprising a first layer (e.g., a visco-elastic foam) having a lower surface, and a second layer supporting the first layer and having an upper surface. One of the upper and lower surfaces is defined by a non-planar surface to define a plurality of passages. A fan is positioned to move air through the passages. Preferably, the non-planar surface comprises a plurality of protrusions (e.g., a convoluted surface). The body support can further comprise a sensor that detects a parameter and produces a signal, and a controller coupled to the sensor and programmed to control the fan. Multiple fans and sensors can be provided, and the controller can control the fans to provide different air flows through different locations of the body support assembly. A user interface can be coupled to the controller to allow selection of a desired parameter of the body support assembly.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

Abstract: A cover system includes a first layer providing a top surface over a patient support structure. A layer of spacer material is provided beneath the first layer. An air mover moves air through the layer of spacer material to remove moisture adjacent a person supported by the patient support.

Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.

Abstract: An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress with airflow-circulating function has a main body and a ventilator. The main body has a crisscross groove formed in the main body. The ventilator is detachably connected with the main body and has a hollow joint, four extending tubes and a curved tube. The joint has five openings. The extending tubes are respectively and securely connected to four of the openings of the joint to form a cross and are mounted in the groove. Each extending tube has multiple apertures formed in the extending tube. The curved tube is securely connected to the other one of the openings of the joint and is mounted through the main body. Accordingly, air can be pumped into the joint and is ejected out from the apertures toward the part of the human body. Therefore, the circulating airflow can massage the part of the human body, relieve the pressure and facilitate blood circulation.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.

Abstract: A non-inflatable resting device used for heating and cooling is provided with a plurality of interconnected channels located close to an external surface of the resting device. Each channel substantially occupies the space between two support beams and the interior of said external surface. The comfort level of the resting devices is considerably increased while maintaining adequate structural integrity of the channels when the support beams are constructed with a cushion material having layers of different hardness levels. The top layer is a cushion material with high initial softness ratio. The arrangement of the channels and beams allows a non-pressurized conditioned fluid to flow underneath of the external surface providing a resting device with a heating and cooling system with unmatched energy efficiency. The high energy efficiency of the proposed resting device is due to the elimination of the compressor motor and the thick cushion layer used on the top surface as required by the competition.

Abstract: The pest proof bed cover apparatus provides a flexible, sealable, bug proof cover for both a mattress and a mattress support, such as typical box springs. The first end of the cover provides a zipping lock that properly seals against pest invasion and escape. Importantly, the apparatus also provides a properly supported fan mechanism for evacuating inside the cover so that air is removed from the mattress, mattress support, and from around and between the two, thereby suffocating pests. Additionally, pesticides can be used within the cover for even more positive pest control. The apparatus is cost effective in providing both pest control and in providing a means for sanitarily storing and transporting mattresses and mattress supports.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a core mattress and a mattress cover. The core is made from a resilient material with a top surface that may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The removable mattress sheet covers the core and includes a breathable material that forms a hammock over a depression in the top surface. The subject rests at least partially on the hammock. One or more sidewalls of the mattress depression may have one or more openings to facilitate air circulation within the depression. The external ends of the openings may connect to an air or aerosol source to inject air or aerosols into the depression cavity. The core may be coated with a fire retardant, impermeable water-proofing or gas impermeable layer. A ventilator may be adapted within the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support includes a cover and a compressible layer that includes air flow passages extending laterally, longitudinally, and transversely through the layer. The cover envelopes the compressible layer and forms a patient support surface thereon and further is adapted to be liquid impermeable, yet allow moisture vapor flow through the cover into the compressible layer and also allow moisture vapor flow out of the cover at a location other than the interface between a patient's body and patient support surface so that together the cover and the compressible layer will transport away moisture from the patient's body at the interface at the patient support surface and direct the moisture vapor to the location other than the interface at the patient support surface.

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 patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.

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 breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for controlling humidity (i.e., moisture) within and/or adjacent a coverlet associated with a multi-layer air mattress. Humidity sensors may be incorporated at selected locations within the coverlet and coupled to a controller that is configured to provide a closed-loop control signal to vary air flow rate through the coverlet to control the rate of moisture adjustment, such as removal. In part, present subject matter may include a combination of a Low-Air-Loss (LAL) topper, having a pair of humidity sensors, one of which is at an inlet to the LAL topper and the other of which is at a selected one of existing outlets of the LAL topper. Air flow through the LAL topper is kept constant, in accordance with its basic operation, while the two humidity sensors are part of a closed-loop feedback control system, which adjusts the humidity of the air being input at the inlet.

Abstract: A non-woven, randomly oriented polyester fiber cushion is provided with conditioned air to regulate a temperature of the cushion assembly. The overlapping fibers form interstices through which the air is blown. The air flows through the fibers in a tortuous path.

Abstract: A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to support at least a portion of a body thereon. The apparatus includes a base portion and a three dimensional engineered material, the three dimensional engineered material and the base cooperate to provide support for the body.

Abstract: A bed comprises a support arrangement (1) adapted to provide upper support surfaces for and carry a person lying in the bed through an upper limitation thereof. A suction device is arranged to generate an air flow from the contact surfaces between a person lying in the bed, through the interior of the support arrangement and out thereof for obtaining a ventilation of the bed space under the person and suction of air away from the bed space through the suction device when a person rests in the bed.

Abstract: Safety features for a crib mattress are described. One safety feature is designed to maintain airflow to a fan inlet despite the fan inlet being blocked by a mattress sheet. Another safety feature removes obstructions to airflow within the mattress so that air is dispersed more uniformly across the sleep surface which is formed by a taut sheet of fabric. Yet another safety feature is designed to help retain a fitted sheet on a mattress and make it difficult for the sheet to be inadvertently pulled off the mattress.

Abstract: The sectional non-slip mattress includes a support frame defining a plurality of compartments and at least one cushion having a plurality of ball bearings received within a cushion housing. Each compartment receives a corresponding ball bearing, thus preventing horizontal movement of the cushion with respect to the support frame. The ball bearings form a first material layer and a second material layer is formed from a set of elastic beads, each having a volume smaller than a volume of each of the ball bearings. A third material layer is formed from a plurality of gel-filled capsules and the three material layers are all housed within a fabric cushion housing, which is permeable to air. An additional air supply may be provided for driving pre-cooled or pre-heated air through the cushion.

Abstract: A bed with a bed cushion has a bed cushion surface integrally formed by emulsion. The surface of the emulsion bed cushion surface having a plurality of wind trenches. Each wind trench has a plurality of vents for venting air. The bed cushion surface being elastic; one lateral side of the bed cushion having a through hole. A periphery of the through hole being enclosed by is a soft protrusion. A head portion of a bed is formed with an enclosing trench with a configuration with respect to the protrusion. A via hole is formed in the enclosing trench. A fan is installed within the hole. The enclosing trench is tightly engaged to the protrusion so that the wind out of the fan flows into the bed cushion from the through hole. Then the wind is vented out of the bed cushion surface from the vents.

Abstract: An air inflatable mattress and mattress coverlet are provided for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores or bedsores). The mattress incorporates a user selectable static or alternating air powered support surface for more uniformly redistributing pressure exerted on a patient's skin. The mattress coverlet encompasses a low air loss feature independent of the mattress's user selectable air powered support surface. Such low air loss feature provides a patient contact surface exhibiting a high moisture vapor transfer ratio in conjunction with a forced air flow to aid in reducing the moisture and heat near the patient's body. Both the mattress and mattress coverlet are driven by an external control system which houses the user controls, as well as the necessary pumps, regulators, and valving.

Abstract: A futon has cooling flow passages that are provided in a substantially parallel and planar manner. Air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is blown through the cooling flow passages substantially parallel to the body surface of a person lying on the futon. As a result, the temperature gradient near the body surface is increased so as to release heat from the body, resulting in a feeling of coolness.

Abstract: A body support apparatus, for example, a bed, includes a support surface defined by support members. Each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface. Support members are so arranged that movement of any one of the support members in a direction substantially normal to the support surface and beyond a threshold distance relative to an adjacent support member causes movement in substantially the same direction of said adjacent support member. No movement of a support member is caused by the movement of an adjacent support member when the distance of relative movement is below the threshold distance. The support members are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position, by tension springs.

Abstract: A moisture drying mattress comprised of at least one cushion that has opposite top and bottom surfaces and a plurality of apertures that extend through the cushion from the bottom surface to the top surface. An air channel mat is positioned below the cushion. The air channel mat is adapted and dimensioned to fit beneath the cushion and support the cushion bottom surface in a spaced relation above a bottom base of the mat to thereby form an air flow space between the cushion and mat through which air can flow. A vapor permeable, liquid impermeable cover encases the air channel mat and the cushion defining a vapor evaporation area under the cover. The air channel mat defines a moisture drying zone within the vapor evaporation area. An air pump is provided for selectively supplying a flow of air to the air channel mat. A controller is provided to control the flow of air to the air channel mat to evaporate the vapor in the vapor evaporation area.

Abstract: Rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant are contributing causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxiation. The characteristics of conventional crib mattresses, bedding and bumper pads contribute to rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant and may be contributing environmental causes of SIDS, asphyxiation, apnea syndromes and hypoventilation. The present invention consists of improved sleeping pads, beddings and bumper pads which reduce rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating and provide increased crib ventilation to stimulate breathing.

Abstract: A mattress assembly comprises a covering, a mattress, and a bed base. The covering includes a cloth covering with a zipper to allow easy opening/closing of the cloth covering. The mattress and the bed base are covered by the cloth covering. The mattress includes a plurality of vents communicated between the covering and the bed base. The bed base includes a plurality of grooves in an upper side thereof. When liquid permeates the covering, it passes through the vents and then accumulates in the grooves. The mattress assembly further includes an air supply device comprising a plurality of air supply tubes and a plurality of ventilating tubes extending in the grooves of the bed base. Air feeding from the air supply tubes flows through the grooves of the bed base via the ventilating tubes and then exit the vents of the mattress for circulation.

Abstract: A mattress suitable for medical application in hospitals etc. includes a cushion body having air permeability, an air discharger provided below the cushion body for discharging air into the cushion body, and a heat source provided below the cushion body for performing far infrared radiation into the cushion body. Both the air discharger and the heat source have flexibility.

Abstract: An improved structure of a ventilated mattress with cooling and warming effect is disclosed. The structure comprises a mattress body, a warming/cooling air-delivery controlling box, and a connecting tube. The control box produces warming/cooling air to the mattress body via the connecting tube and the warming/cooling air is released via a plurality of ventilation buttons mounted at the surface of the mattress body. Thereby, the mattress provides the user with a warming/cooling effect.

Abstract: A moisture drying mattress comprises a cover that encloses an air cell mattress and a plurality of air channel mats. The cover has a top portion that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable. The air cell mattress has a plurality of apertures between the air cells. The plurality of air channel mats have a base and are positioned beneath the air cell mattress and within pockets located in the interior of the cover on a bottom portion of the cover. The air channel mats have a plurality of projections extending upwardly from the base that support the air cell mattress in a spaced relation from the air channel mat base. The air channel mats communicate with an air pump that is selectively controlled by a controller to selectively supply a flow of air to any of the air channel mats.

Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.

Abstract: A moisture drying mattress comprised of at least one cushion that has opposite top and bottom surfaces and a plurality of apertures that extend through the cushion from the bottom surface to the top surface. An air channel mat is positioned below the cushion. The air channel mat is adapted and dimensioned to fit beneath the cushion and support the cushion bottom surface in a spaced relation above a bottom base of the mat to thereby form an air flow space between the cushion and mat through which air can flow. A vapor permeable, liquid impermeable cover encases the air channel mat and the cushion defining a vapor evaporation area under the cover. The air channel mat defines a moisture drying zone within the vapor evaporation area. An air pump is provided for selectively supplying a flow of air to the air channel mat. A controller is provided to control the flow of air to the air channel mat to evaporate the vapor in the vapor evaporation area.

Abstract: A mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; nonporous top cover covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

Abstract: A ventilating bed cushion includes a frame, a ventilating device, an air supplying device, an upper layer of air-permeable fabric and a lower layer of waterproof fabric. The ventilating device has a polished upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface is formed with multiple vents. The ventilating device is formed with an inner air guide way for supplying a predetermined amount of air. Therefore, a specific portion of a patient's body lying on the bed cushion can be forcedly ventilated so as to avoid decubitus. In addition, the ventilating bed cushion is widely applicable and can be easily operated. In addition, it has a massaging effect and a low-cost simple structure.

Abstract: Airflow through a piece of furniture, such as a ventilated mattress of an infant sleep system, is conditioned. When applied to an infant sleep mattress, the conditioning improves the infant's sleep environment to promote the infant's health and/or enhance sleep. The conditioning can include the distribution of beneficial gases, vapor, heat, or other conditioning elements into the airflow. The conditioning can also include filtration of the airflow.

Abstract: A method for quantifying airflow, in the form of a measured airflow rate, through a porous surface. The method is particularly useful for ventilated sleep surfaces used to prevent SIDS. Provided that one knows the correlation between air flow rate and CO2 washout times, the resulting measured airflow rate provides an indication of whether a ventilated sleep surface is providing sufficient airflow to effectively dissipate the CO2. One can determine the minimum measured airflow rate that is effective to provide a minimum adequate level of CO2 dispersal. Thus, a ventilated sleep surface system that produces an air flow sufficient to result in the minimum airflow rate, as measured by a suitable airflow meter, can effectively dissipate CO2 and reduce the risk of SIDS.

Abstract: An infant container which may be in the form of a crib mattress and crib bumper assembly having means defining one or more gas flow channels which permit any concentration of heavy gases to drain by gravity from the upper surface of the crib mattress and be replaced by the environmental air of the room in which the crib is located. The gas flow channels may be defined by the crib mattress, the crib bumper or the structure of the infant container or may be defined by a structural element that elevates a conventional crib bumper above the upper surface of a conventional crib mattress and which defines at least one and preferably a multiplicity of gas drain channels. The heavy gases may be dissipated from the infant container by gravity induced gas flow.

Abstract: A mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; nonporous top cover covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

Abstract: A bed warmer apparatus including box-like housing member that has a pair of elongated side walls with a pair of short side walls therebetween. The pair of elongated side walls and the pair of short side walls are interconnected to a top wall. The top wall has a cylindrical coupler extending therefrom and defining an opening in the top wall. The housing member is sized for positioning around an air vent and receiving air therein to pass through the cylindrical coupler. Also, a fluted nozzle with a first end and a second end is provided. Lastly, an elongated flexible hose is included and has a first hose end coupled with the coupler and a second hose end coupled with the first end of the fluted nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing asphyxiation of an infant due to breathing of exhaled carbon dioxide. A mattress with optional mattress pad provides an even air flow that removes exhaled carbon dioxide that accumulates at or near the surface of the mattress or mattress pad. The infant may be located anywhere on the surface of the mattress or mattress pad as the even air flow disperses carbon dioxide across the entire surface. In a preferred embodiment, the even air flow is accomplished by forcing air into a cavity, or plenum chamber, in the body of the mattress which air distributes equally to air flow holes on the top surfaces of the mattress and mattress pad. Optional temperature regulating or medicine dispensing devices respectively heat or cool the air flow, or introduce medicine into the air flow. In another embodiment, the mattress is itself a mattress pad. That is, the mattress pad provides an even air flow as described and may be placed on the sleeping surface of a conventional mattress.

Abstract: A mattress wherein at least one fabric strip bridges a foam crib for an inflatable cushion to provide lateral stability thereto such as when the mattress is tilted for turning a patient over or otherwise. The fabric strip position is selected so as not to interfere with pressure relief to a portion of the patient's body where pressure ulcers frequently occur. In order to accurately and quickly monitor the tilt of a mattress, transmitting and receiving coils are provided on opposite sides of an assembly of lifting bladders for the side of the mattress being lifted, and the signal strength is measured when a signal is transmitted therebetween, and the angle of tilt is determined therefrom. In order to reduce exposure of lines leading to an inflatable mattress, a notch is provided in a crib for receiving a pump for pressurizing a cushion within the crib so that the pump is positioned to face exteriorly of the crib to allow heat dissipation.

Abstract: A safety pad or mattress such as for use in a crib prevents sudden infant death syndrome by ensuring an oxygenated breathing space for the infant. Reticulated foam is made into a pad or a mattress and may be covered with a fitted open weave fabric covering. An embedded air tube is interconnected with an air pump which circulates fresh, i.e., oxygenated, air in the breathing space. The air pump may be inside or outside the mattress. The forced air circulation flushes any exhaled carbon dioxide from the breathing space, even when the infant is face down or otherwise in a prone position on the mattress, to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning. The air circulation flow rate is limited to prevent infant cooling. A pad bladder for similar function may be provided having a layer of reticulated foam sandwiched between upper and lower air impervious sheets and dispersing air introduced therebetween. The upper sheet has a pattern of air holes for release of the dispersed air.

Abstract: Ergonomic support members formed of and contoured to a corrected spinal curvature of an individual. The matrix provides the rigid support necessary for correction of the spinal curvature by gradual realignment with continued use of the support members, and may have channels for optional forced air flow, for heating and cooling and comfort of the individual during sleep or rest. Each support member is closely contoured to have a concave cross-section dimensioned according to the serial cross sections of a respective body section (e.g. head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and legs) while laying supine. The resulting contour of the support member thus provides the necessary convexity to evenly distribute body weight along the entire longitudinal axis of the spine and thereby provide corrective support for the spinal curvature. In the transverse plane, the contour forms a snug concavity wrapping up the sides of an individual.

Abstract: The present invention solves a possible contributing cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A body support pad has a support portion and a pillow portion. The support portion is removably connected to the pillow portion. The pillow portion provides ventilation to the infant. The pillow portion has a thin outer sheet permeable to the passage of air. The pillow portion also keeps the head of the infant in healthy repose. The interior of the pillow is subdivided into an upper portion containing a porous foam material and a lower portion containing an air pocket. An air pump supplies air to the air pocket to thereby supply air to the nose and mouth of the infant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decubitus ulcer prevention device, which comprises an air generator having a fan, an air mattress for receiving air, from the air generator, that is discharged at a surface through minute air discharge holes, and a hose for connecting the air mattress to the air generator. Along a flow path of the air that passes through the fan, are located, in order as named, a heater and an alkaline chlorine dioxide gas generator, in which is internally provided a ceramic body that is impregnated with an alkaline chlorine dioxide solution. Air that is heated, by passing through the heater, is brought into contact with the ceramic body, so that air that includes alkaline chlorine dioxide gas is thus supplied to the air mattress.

Abstract: A support system (A) including a cushion (B) for uniformly distributing the weight of an individual uniformly and further circulating air along the individual's body. The cushion (B) has porosity and air cells (4) which project upwardly from the base (2) and are in communication through the base (2) so that all exist at the same air pressure. The base (2) has apertures (14) between the cells (4). The system includes a distributor (20) beneath the cushion base (2) and a duct (30) which connects to one side of the distributor (20). The distributor (20) has a plurality of blunted pillars (24) which support the cushion (B) above the distributor base (22) and create a distribution and access chamber (F) beneath the cushion base (2). The duct (30) can have a vertical section (34,40) connected to a container (42) for collecting liquids. A blower (D) discharges conditioned air into the distribution chamber (20) through the duct (30).