Abstract: A six-sided box-type cushion is described that has characteristics that not only offer targeted support for the user, but also allow the cushion to be reversible in that the user's perceived firmness is the same no matter which seating surface is facing up. In particular, the cushion has a first, second, third, and fourth faces, and a first and second seating surface. The cushion comprises a plurality of substantially coplanar firmness zones, each zone having a uniform firmness throughout, and the positioning of the firmness zones relative to each other creates a firmness gradient from the first face end to the second face end of the cushion. The first firmness zone at the first face end of the cushion is the most firm, the third firmness zone at the second face end of the cushion is the least firm, and the second one or more firmness zones are of intermediate firmness.

Abstract: A mattress, in particular for use in the care and hospital sector, has a base layer and a top layer arranged thereon. The top layer is formed by a resilient knitted spacer fabric, which is covered by a top layer cover. The top layer cover has a liquid-impermeable top layer cover lower part and a liquid-permeable top layer cover upper part. The mattress allows simple and frequent reprocessing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of adjusting a mattress system for maximum comfort. Users can control the comfort level on their individual side of the Dual Sided Comfort Sleep System without compromising their desired comfort levels to accommodate their sleep partner. The disclosure is tailored to fit individual comfort needs based on a unique combination of comfort-pad inserts and mattress support system cores. The comfort-pad inserts and the mattress cores are both available in various materials that affect the comfort level of the mattress system. The disclosure consists of variable comfort-pad inserts resting atop a mattress system support core component which is then encased in a covering secured by a closing mechanism. The disclosure allows a consumer to adjust the firmness of the mattress to a plurality of varying comfort levels by changing comfort pad inserts and mattress support system cores.

Abstract: A furniture device comprising a section, having a fundament, a plate member, a first set of elastic members, an array of connections, a plurality of connection members attached to the first set of elastic members and to the fundament and a deformation member adapted to displace the plate member. Each elastic member comprises an elastic element having a first spring constant and a flexible envelope that encloses the elastic element. The connections located between the upper and lower ends of the elastic members forming an upper part with an upper length extending between the upper ends of the elastic members and the connections, and a lower part extending between the connections and the lower ends of the elastic members. The upper length is mainly unaffected by the displacement of the plate member and the lower length is adjustable by means of the displacement of the plate member.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for preventing and treating pressure ulcers in bedfast patients. The invention includes providing a non-powered mattress having a first zone adapted to conform to a first body part and a second zone adapted to provide support to a second body part, and off-loading interface pressure on the first body part to the second body part by dynamically increasing the support provided to the second body part by the second zone based on a weight of the first body part on the first zone. The off-loading of interface pressure from the first body part to the second body part equalizes blood oxygen saturation in tissue of the first and second body parts. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An insert for a bed facilitates use of a mattress having one cross-sectional profile with a bed frame having a different cross-sectional profile. An insert includes a base extending between sidewalls which have various contoured surfaces. The contoured sidewall surfaces enable the insert to be disposed in a bed frame in association with a mattress. Inner surfaces of the sidewalls are configured to accommodate receipt of a mattress while outer surfaces of the sidewalls are configured for the insert to be disposed in a bed frame. The surface sidewalls may further be configured to provide the insert with a safety feature which prevents or reduces the likelihood of a user falling from the side of a mattress associated with the insert.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam as well. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the unitary composite cushioning structure is formed from a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The cellular thermoplastic foam provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum is disposed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.

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 gel cushion includes a first zone containing a gel matrix configured in a first pattern designed to support an object positioned thereon with a first degree of firmness. A second zone contains a gel matrix configured in a second pattern that is different from the first pattern, the second pattern being designed to support an object positioned thereon with a second degree of firmness different from the first degree. An optional third zone contains a gel matrix configured in a third pattern that is different from both the first pattern and the second pattern, the third pattern being designed to support an object positioned thereon with a third degree of firmness different from the first and the second degree.

Abstract: By providing a plurality of preformed components which are quickly and easily affixed in engagement with each other, a final construction is realized which peripherally surrounds any desired mattress configuration in cooperating association therewith. In this way, a new foam plastic product is achieved which is capable of being quickly and easily mounted to mattress constructions peripherally surrounding the mattress and providing an enhanced side support system. In this way, any desired mattress size or configuration is capable of being peripherally surrounded with a foam support assembly for enhancing the mattress construction and configuration. Furthermore, by employing the present invention, a rapid, convenient, and virtually labor free assembly is realized.

Abstract: A symmetrical pressure relief foam mattress includes an upper foam layer placed on a zoned foam layer. A plurality of cylindrical holes are distributed throughout each of a first, a second and a third lateral region of the zoned foam layer. The first lateral region is less than twelve inches wide and has a middle that is within eighteen inches of the top of the zoned foam layer. The third lateral region is also less than twelve inches wide and has a middle that is within eighteen inches of the bottom of the zoned foam layer. The second lateral region has a middle disposed at the center axis of the zoned foam layer. The middle of both the first and third lateral regions is about fifteen inches from the edge of the mattress regardless of which end the consumer chooses to use as the head of the mattress.

Abstract: Innerspring dampening foam inserts are disclosed in various combinations with mattress innersprings having a plurality of helical form coils interconnected in an array in which the coils are generally aligned in rows and columns, each of the coils having a generally cylindrical coil body formed by helical turns of wire with openings between each of the helical turns of wire, and first and second ends to the coil body also formed by the wire, each of the coil bodies being spaced apart in the array. At least one innerspring insert is inserted into an innerspring in spaces or channels between the spaced apart coils. The innerspring dampening inserts, which are preferably made of foam, may have a generally H-shaped configuration with upper and lower parallel lateral members and a transverse member that extends between and bisects the upper and lower lateral members.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pressure relief patient support for use in combination with a bed frame. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional fiber material positioned above a plurality of vertical air cells.

Abstract: A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.

Abstract: A zoned foam mattress includes an upper foam layer and a zoned foam layer. The lower side of the upper foam layer is adjacent to the upper side of the zoned foam layer. The zoned foam layer has first, second and third lateral regions with the second region being disposed between the first region and the third region. The first lateral region is disposed at the head end of the mattress. The first and third lateral regions are formed from high-density polyurethane foam (HD foam), whereas the second lateral region is formed from visco-elastic polyurethane foam (memory foam). A person's shoulder can sink farther into the second lateral region than into the first or third lateral regions even if all of the lateral regions have the same indentation load deflection (ILD). By allowing a person's shoulders and hips to sink into memory foam regions, the person's spine is kept straight.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A cushion assembly defining a thickness direction comprises at least one covering layer and a core layer. The core layer comprises a first member and a second member. The covering layer spans continuously across both the first and second members in a direction generally transverse to the thickness direction, and the first member is disposed adjacent a forward area of the cushion assembly. The second member is disposed adjacent a back surface of the first member. The second member has a higher resistance to resilient deformation than the first member, and the first member has a higher resistance to resilient deformation than the at least one covering layer.

Abstract: A versatile support member constructed of a metallic mesh is provided in a bedding product. The support member is placed on top of the mattress core (whether foam or spring coil) before the mattress cover is attached. The support member may be constructed of titanium wire in a woven or welded mesh grid or web configuration, although other metals (such as, but not limited to, vanadium, chromium, platinum, molybdenum, nickel, iron, zinc), alloys thereof, or fiber composites (such as, but not limited to, carbon or graphite) may be used. The support member may be directly attached to the core or may be secured to the upper or lower border rods by hog rings, stitching, lacing, or other conventional means.

Abstract: A furniture device comprising a section, having a fundament, a plate member, a first set of elastic members, an array of connections, a plurality of connection members attached to the first set of elastic members and to the fundament and a deformation member adapted to displace the plate member. Each elastic member comprises an elastic element having a first spring constant and a flexible envelope that encloses the elastic element. The connections located between the upper and lower ends of the elastic members forming an upper part with an upper length extending between the upper ends of the elastic members and the connections, and a lower part extending between the connections and the lower ends of the elastic members. The upper length is mainly unaffected by the displacement of the plate member and the lower length is adjustable by means of the displacement of the plate member.

Abstract: A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.

Abstract: A body position and pressure control apparatus is provided capable of highly accurately detecting body pressure distribution without causing a sense of discomfort for a sleeper, changing body positions, and distributing body pressure. The body position and pressure control apparatus has a mattress provided with a plurality of divided portions and supporting a sleeper, an elastomer sensor, and a body pressure adjuster controlling each of the divided portions based on an instruction from the elastomer sensor and thereby changing the body pressure distribution of the sleeper. The elastomer sensor has a sheet sensor main body and a calculator, the sensor main body having an elastomer sensor thin film, a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of detectors corresponding to the divided portions provided between the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety apparatus as an aid for the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A mattress, fitting the dimensions of a standard-sized crib, is composed of three different layers, allowing a free flow of air through it to the infant lying in any position. The lowest layer has transverse channels allowing cross-wise air movement. The middle and top layers have vertical perforations through them allowing a vertical flow of air. Being composed of 3 layers, differing in density and firmness, the mattress is both firm and pleasant to the touch. Therefore, in addition to its primary function, the mattress provides a method to counter a potential delay in the motor development of the infant, which can result from prolonged lying in the supine position. A mesh sheet is stretched taut over the mattress and fastened securely to the vertical bars of the crib.

Abstract: A mattress includes a webbing that contains and holds in alignment a plurality of independently configurable zones of foam springs, each one of the plurality of independently configurable zones of foam springs including a plurality of individually replaceable foam springs of varied firmness; and an attachment device that fastens one of the foam springs to the webbing. A method of reconfiguring a foam spring mattress includes opening a webbing in which foam springs are contained; removing a first spring from a location within the webbing; installing a new spring into the location; and closing the webbing, wherein removing the first spring includes disengaging an attachment device that fastens the first spring to the webbing, and wherein installing the new spring includes engaging the attachment device to fasten the new spring to the webbing.

Abstract: A mattress including a core foam layer having a first indentation force deflection at twenty five percent compression, a first density and a first thickness. The top outer foam layer has a second indentation force deflection at twenty five percent compression, a second density and a second thickness. The first intermediate foam layer is intermediate and coextensive with the core layer and the top outer layer, and has a third indentation force deflection at twenty five percent compression, a third density and a third intermediate thickness. The first indentation force deflection is greater than the third indentation force deflection and the third indentation force deflection is greater than the second indentation force deflection.

Abstract: A spinal-length mattress including a means for providing buoyancy to a human torso and abdomen thereon; attached to the mattress at one end, a pelvic support portion; and attached to the mattress at an opposite end, a head rotation stabilization portion having an air passage opening allowing a person to breathe freely when resting in a face down position thereon. By supporting the pelvis and stabilizing the head to substantially limit motions of the neck, a central cushion (preferably dominated by a “shape memory foam” filling) allows the spinal column to passively distribute all directional stresses—including those deriving from body mass and from muscle tension. Thus relieved of stress, disks between spinal bones begin to return to their respective naturally compliant symmetrical shapes; thereby generally providing a long term benefit in exchange for a quarter hour or a half hour of regular prone-oriented engagement with the mattress.

Abstract: A zoned mattress including at least a head firmness zone, a leg firmness zone between the head and leg firmness zones overlaid by a knit top fabric knit from threads of at least two different colors to define three different firmness indicating areas corresponding to the three firmness zones of the mattress. At least one of the firmness indicating areas is defined by threads differing in color as compared to the color of the threads defining at least one of the two remaining firmness indicating areas.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A spring element unit for a padding element, especially a mattress, comprises a plurality of spring elements. The spring element consists of an open-cell polyurethane flexible foam material and comprises at least one recess. Such a spring element unit is used in a padding element, especially a mattress, which comprises a base body for receiving the spring element unit. Such a spring element unit prevents a build-up of heat and humidity between the body and the supporting padding element.

Abstract: A mattress (2) which in plan view comprises an inner portion (4) and an outer portion (6), and the mattress (2) being such that the inner portion (4) is of a size for being slept on by at least one person, the outer portion (6) extends at least partially around the inner portion (4), and the inner portion (4) has a lower compression rate than the outer portion (6) whereby the weight of the person on the inner portion (4) is distributed over a greater area than would be the case if the inner portion (4) had the same compression rate as the outer portion (6), and whereby the outer portion (6) constrains the inner portion (4) and controls lateral expansion of the inner portion caused by the weight of the person on the inner portion (4).

Abstract: The present invention includes a pressure relief patient support surface. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional networked fiber material positioned inside a cover.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A mattress includes a chamber defined by upper and lower panels and a peripheral border all constructed from synthetic polymeric/copolymeric plastic material and housing therein a spring unit. The spring unit includes a plurality of springs having upper ends connected to a peripheral border rod. The spring unit is devoid of a peripheral border rod at lower ends of the springs. Upper edges of the spring unit can be deformably gripped by the upper panel, the peripheral border and/or both to prevent “swimming pool” effect.

Abstract: The modular supporting element to make mattresses, pillows and the like comprises a body which is elastically deformable in at least one direction of deformation, the body comprising a first portion having a first modulus of elasticity and a second portion having a second modulus of elasticity which is different from the first modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: A sleep support member and a method for recommending a sleep support member to a person. The sleep support member includes: a support layer including a plurality of support zones; and a comfort layer including a plurality of comfort zones, wherein the comfort layer is disposed above the support layer. Each of the support zones is configured to provide customized support characteristics to a corresponding region of a person's body and each of the comfort zones is configured to provide customized comfort characteristics to a corresponding region of the person's body.

Abstract: A spring element unit for a padding element, especially a mattress, comprises a plurality of spring elements. The spring element consists of an open-cell polyurethane flexible foam material and comprises at least one recess. Such a spring element unit is used in a padding element, especially a mattress, which comprises a base body for receiving the spring element unit. Such a spring element unit prevents a build-up of heat and humidity between the body and the supporting padding element.

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 aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

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: A panel for a mattress including first and second fabric layers joined together along their edges and a padding material between said fabrics. The padding material includes at least a layer of resilient foam provided with through-holes. The foam layer is quilted between the first and second fabric layers. A method of manufacturing the panel includes forming a resilient foam body provided with recesses, horizontally cutting a plurality of single layers in the body in the recesses portion to result in at least one layer with through-holes, sandwiching at least one of the single layers provided with through-holes in each panel between the first and second fabric layers.

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: The invention relates to a sectional element mat (2), the support properties of which may be individually tailored, whereby exchangeable sectional elements (E) are arranged tightly together or above each other. The above is characterized in that the individual sectional elements (E) may be easily removed and exchanged with other sectional elements. The individual sectional elements are either connected to each other by means of a separable material bridge or perforation (5, 6), connected to each other by means of a plug connector (27, 31), plugged onto or into a common base mat (40) or lying loose on the same. Individual sectional elements can be removed or separated from the combination where necessary and replaced by softer or stiffer sectional elements. In certain situations the resulting free space is left empty. The sectional element mat (2) is either part of a combination with other sectional element mats or contiguous or separate layers (1, 3), or itself forms the mattress core.

Abstract: A symmetrical pressure relief foam mattress includes an upper foam layer placed on a zoned foam layer. A plurality of cylindrical holes are distributed throughout each of a first, a second and a third lateral region of the zoned foam layer. The first lateral region is less than twelve inches wide and has a middle that is within eighteen inches of the top of the zoned foam layer. The third lateral region is also less than twelve inches wide and has a middle that is within eighteen inches of the bottom of the zoned foam layer. The second lateral region has a middle disposed at the center axis of the zoned foam layer. The middle of both the first and third lateral regions is about fifteen inches from the edge of the mattress regardless of which end the consumer chooses to use as the head of the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress (2) which in plan view comprises an inner portion (4) and an outer portion (6), and the mattress (2) being such that the inner portion (4) is of a size for being slept on by at least one person, the outer portion (6) extends at least partially around the inner portion (4), and the inner portion (4) has a lower compression rate than the outer portion (6) whereby the weight of the person on the inner portion (4) is distributed over a greater area than would be the case if the inner portion (4) had the same compression rate as the outer portion (6), and whereby the outer portion (6) constrains the inner portion (4) and controls lateral expansion of the inner portion caused by the weight of the person on the inner portion (4).

Abstract: A bed mattress is provided for employing a plurality of cushion elements to be arranged in different portions of the mattress divided corresponding to the user's body parts and have appropriate elasticity for the corresponding part of the user's body, which comprises a mattress frame with an enclosing wall of elastic material for providing a mounting space therein; a plurality of cushion elements disposed in the mounting space and forming a mattress body together with the mattress frame; a side pad covering the periphery of the mattress body; and upper and lower cover pads with outer edges fastened respectively to the top and bottom edges of the side pad to enclose the upper and lower surfaces of the mattress body.

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: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A mattress configured to support a patient including a foot section having a leg portion, a heel pressure relief portion, and a raised calf support portion positioned intermediate the leg portion and the heel pressure relief portion.

Abstract: A mattress includes features that improve support and comfort. The mattress may include one or more of a head section positioned to support a user's head, a torso section coupled with the head section via a first multi-plane bond, and a foot section coupled with the torso section via a second multi-plane bond. The foot section may be retractable, and the torso section may include a cross-linked foam part and a seat ledge. The seat ledge is positioned to define a catch point for the user upon articulation of the mattress.