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 including a plurality of layers, each layer extending in a substantially parallel, horizontal direction and being positioned in vertical relation to other layers and each layer further having a perforated or open-cell structure. At least one layer has a gel dispersed within the perforated or open-cell structure of the layer.

Abstract: A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a transparent or translucent padding material and a transparent or translucent covering surrounding the core.

Abstract: The invention provides a corrugated mattress and method for making. The mattress comprises an corrugated foam core, a middle cushioning layer and outer cover layer. The corrugated foam core includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a fluted middle substrate the flutes fixed to the upper and lower substrates providing three-dimensional support for the user. The middle cushioning layer may comprise a second corrugated foam product, a cotton batting layer, densified polyester or foam including polyurethane, polyester, polypropylene or polylactic acid and the like. The outer cover layer may comprise cotton or laminated foam comprising, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid and the like, the laminate comprising a film independently selected from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene or polylactic acid and the like. In various embodiments the polymers are food grade polymers such that the mattress is non-toxic.

Abstract: A cushioning device with an upper foam layer and a lower positioned foam layer, with the upper foam layer having multiple thickness zones defined by different height projections from one zone to another as to provide a thickness variation pattern, one side of the upper foam layer is less contoured when not yet assembled in the cushioning device and a second side is comprised of the multiple thickness zones such that, upon connection of the multiple thickness zones to the lower positioned foam layer, the height differential along a length of the upper foam layer is transmitted as to form a non-planar, crown configuration in the upper surface of the upper foam layer. A method includes roller contouring different height and shaped projection zones including zones with different ratios of peak height to overall zone height.

Abstract: Pillow or mattress having a comfort layer (5) which is made of natural or synthetic latex, polyurethane foam or another elastic material. The comfort layer 5 is provided with interrupted incisions (6) through the layer 5, along mainly parallel lines 7, and the layer (5) forms at least a part of a jacket around a core (2) of the pillow or mattress that is stretched in a lateral direction (P) which is mainly transverse to the direction of the above-mentioned lines (7) in order to open the incisions (6) so as to form passages (8) through the comfort layer (5).

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 foam core for a pressure reduction healthcare mattress is disclosed. It includes a top layer made of memory retention foam, a middle layer made of foam and having a convex shape that is higher along a longitudinal center line than along the two sides, and a lower support layer made of foam. The top layer is made of a torso piece and a softer foot/lower leg piece. The middle layer includes a heel pillow that fits into a heel pillow cavity in the foam, the heel pillow including layers of fiber material over a crown shaped foam insert. The lower support layer has a sloped portion in a lower leg section that slopes down toward a heel end of the foam core. Also disclosed is a pressure reduction healthcare mattress that includes the foam core and 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: The present invention is a wound elevation device for alleviating or diminishing pressure on a wound, blemish, decubitus ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site by elevating the affected area above a surface and surrounding the wound without directly contacting or covering the wound, for allowing increased air and blood flow to the wound. An interior filling of the present invention is composed of a Visco/Memory foam, natural buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls, or a combination thereof, or other suitable material known in the art. The interior filling is enclosed in a unitary, elongated, flexible hollow member, and an additional removable and/or reusable cover composed of anti-bacterial/anti-microbial fabric encloses the hollow member for additional protection. Fastening means allow the user to reconfigure the shape of the device to provide the required support for each use.

Abstract: A pillow. The pillow comprises a viscoelastic sleeve defining a cavity and a plurality of loose pieces of filler material substantially enclosed within the cavity.

Abstract: By providing an elongated profile which incorporates a plurality of indentations formed therein, a load bearing/cushioning/supporting element is realized. By employing this construction, the element accommodates large strain under force, and shows good resiliency and repeated recovery. The element can be produced from a continuous extrusion process with immediate manipulation to re-shape the extrusion profile, or secondary thermal forming process which follows the extrusion process, or blow molding process, or injection molding process.

Abstract: A multi-purpose textured pad. There is: a first flexible planar member, second flexible planar member; a first compressible padding material; a second compressible padding material; an array of elongated texture devices disposed in a layer above the top surface of the first flexible planar member, each including: a plurality of elongated texture members, an elongated base member and a plurality of flexible strips; and two pairs of fastening mechanisms. The second flexible planar member is coupled to the first flexible planar member at a plurality of edges. The first compressible padding material supports a user. The second compressible padding material generates an audible sound when compressed. The base member extends along the first flexible planar member. The elongated texture devices provide density and thickness to a top surface of the first flexible planar member. The fastening mechanisms secure the planar members in a folded mode.

Abstract: An ergonomic passive support surface comprising a set of foam support elements and a pressure equalization layer which is preferably a fibrous fill material layer or foam layer. Pressure distribution is controlled by the characteristics and shape of a foam material. Preferably, the foam material is provided as a set of transverse oriented cylindrical sections, selected for desired support characteristics.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosed pillows have a sleeve of viscoelastic material within which is received and enclosed a plurality of loose pieces of filler material. The sleeve can have one or more openings shaped and dimensioned to provide ventilation for the interior of the pillow and/or to enable a user to insert and remove an inner sleeve within which the filler material is retained. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve has two or more compartments for holding the same or different filler materials having the same or different densities, thereby providing a pillow adapted for different uses and support characteristics.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes a pillow having a variety of foam pieces, including foam pieces of different sizes and irregular shapes.

Abstract: A cushion comprising an array of individual suspension elements arranged in a pattern wherein one embodiment the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface, a first end wall, a second end wall, and an optional bottom wall, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section and may be constructed from different materials to make a composite suspension element.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a pillow including a viscoelastic sleeve defining a cavity and filler material positioned within the cavity is disclosed. In other embodiments the pillow includes a sleeve in which is received viscoelastic filler material, or includes a viscoelastic sleeve in which is received other type(s) of filler material.

Abstract: A multi-purpose textured pad. There is: a first flexible planar member, second flexible planar member; a first compressible padding material; a second compressible padding material; an array of elongated texture devices disposed in a layer above the top surface of the first flexible planar member, each including: a plurality of elongated texture members, an elongated base member and a plurality of flexible strips; and two pairs of fastening mechanisms. The second flexible planar member is coupled to the first flexible planar member at a plurality of edges. The first compressible padding material supports a user. The second compressible padding material generates an audible sound when compressed. The base member extends along the first flexible planar member. The elongated texture devices provide density and thickness to a top surface of the first flexible planar member. The fastening mechanisms secure the planar members in a folded mode.

Abstract: A cushioning device as in a pillow that has a main-body foam which a plurality of projections extend off a surface of the main-body. The projections are arranged in different support characteristic groupings such as rows of different volume or sized projections (e.g., cylindrical, cubical, prismatic, etc.) spaced out over a surface (e.g., convex surface) of the pillow (one or more surface sections as in upper surface sections and front edge surface section). There is also preferably provided a neck support ridge extension. The cylindrical projections are arranged such that a greater number of smaller volume, width or diameter, etc. rows of projections are centrally positioned on the surface and with the larger volume, width, or diameter, etc. projections laterally outward of the more centrally positioned projections, and with the ridge extension preferably extending along a front edge (e.g.

Abstract: Flexible filtering filling material consisting of pieces that are 100% open cell reticulated polyurethane foam. The pieces filter out the damp warm condition within the filling, haltering the proliferation of microorganisms, giving the product a more sanitary and longer life.

Abstract: The nursing pillow is a firm foam wedge with feeding surfaces covered in softer, cushioning foam. The pillow itself supports baby and is angled to encourage proper elevation of baby's head necessary for good digestion and proper alignment of baby's mouth and mother's nipple. The outer layer of cushioning foam supports and cradles the baby while reducing the amount of effort required by the mother. The pillow has two covers: one waterproof inner cover and one removable, washable outer cover with a carrying handle.

Abstract: A pillow including a viscoelastic sleeve defining a cavity and filler material positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heel pad for reducing the likelihood of decubitus ulcers on a patient's heels when the patient is lying on a mattress, the heel pad including, a cushion adapted to rest on the mattress beneath the calves of the patient, wherein the cushion has a front, a rear, a top, a bottom and a pair of ends, the cushion including a core layer having an arched profile, wherein the core tapers downward toward the front and the rear, and a top layer covering the core layer, the top layer being softer than the core layer, and thicker toward the front and rear edges, wherein the top of the cushion tapers downwardly toward the rear.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air volume in foam cores of cushioning support devices and any other support apparatus using foam or similar materials. The foam core can be incrementally modulated to realize an infinite number of comfort levels as to softness and support firmness. The core consists of self-inflating open-cell flexible polyurethane foam and is completely sealed within an enclosure fitted over it, with one or more valves installed in the side walls which communicate with the outside air. Through the valves air is selectively withdrawn from the foam core, allowing the foam's density to increase. The invention uses relatively inexpensive foam, but through air volume modulation achieves a tactile feel of supreme softness for the user, without giving up the necessary firmness to support the body, as happens with very soft foam (bottoming-out or hammock-effect). When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, the surface of the core will soften uniformly while maintaining its support firmness.

Abstract: A pillow adapted to allow a female user to comfortably assume a postcoital position that will enhance the likelihood of becoming pregnant. The pillow includes a lower concave portion placed beneath the buttocks of the user to maintain the hips in an elevated position and an upper convex portion having a height of at least 16 inches to support the legs of the user in a generally vertical upright position.

Abstract: This invention is a infant and child polyurethane foam 24? square support cushion with a 12? square center cut-out well region in which the child sits who needs help sitting up unsupported at rest or play or to learn how to support self on knees while learning how to crawl. This invention offers the new concept of offering a firmer, more durable cushion that supports children with four surrounding 5? high sides that do not allow the child to fall over and that teach the child how to support self in a seated position or a crawling position.

Abstract: A bedding is designed so that a cushion body may not be in direct contact with affected part. The bedding includes a cushion body and a cover enclosing. The cushion body formed of an elastic material and defining at least one through hole for removably receiving therein at least one cushion member. The cover defines take out opening which can be opened and closed.

Abstract: A foam pad comprising a surface to which a trim cover can be secured, the surface comprising a channel having a width of up to about 15 mm. Disposed in the channel is one of a male portion or a female portion of a releasably engageable male-female trim cover attachment system. A trim cover having the other of the male or female portion attached thereto may be readily attached to the foam pad. A process and a mold for producing the foam pad are also described. The foam pad is particularly useful as a component of a vehicular seat system (e.g., seat bottom, seat back and the like).

Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic body having a good elasticity and an impact absorbing efficiency, a method of manufacturing the same and a mattress employing the same. The elastic body is a foamed polyurethane body including polystyrene and has a plurality of foams in which air is contained. The elastic body is prepared by a method comprising the steps of preparing polyether polyol by mixing poly alcohol and a polyether compound in a mixing ratio of 3-5 to 5-7 by weight, obtaining a polyol mixture by adding 2-20 parts by weight of polystyrene and a trace amount of a catalyst and water to 30-50 parts by weight of the obtained polyether polyol, adding and stirring 20-60 parts by weight of an isocyanate compound to 40-80 parts by weight of the polyol mixture at 20-80° C., and pouring the resulting product into a mold to foam cast. A mattress manufactured by using such elastic bodies has a good elasticity and is capable of absorbing pressure, thereby providing comfort for users.

Abstract: A cushioning apparatus such as a pillow which includes an upper pocket with reception cavity for receiving preferably loose or grouped non-integral filler material such as down, fiberfill or fiber-balls and another pocket for receiving additional filler material such as a foam core filler material. The foam core filler material is preferably an integrated or monolithic foam body of, for example, visco-elastic or alternate polyurethane foam. The core preferably has a non-planar upper surface contour allowing for a relatively thin, consistent height upper pocket thickness. The pillow also preferably includes a lower pocket joined about its periphery to the upper pocket such as by way of an intermediate gusset panel with beading and with the lower pocket also receiving loose or non-integrated filler material and with the bottom surface of the core preferably having a convex surface such as one symmetrical with the top surface.

Abstract: A futon mattress has a first support component formed from fabric batting, a second support component formed from convoluted foam and a separation layer interposed between the first support component and the second support component for preventing the migration of the fiber batting into the convoluted foam.

Abstract: A surgical prone pillow structure utilizing a base member formed of a compressible resilient material which rapidly assumes an original configuration upon the release of pressure. A upper member formed of a molded resilient closed cell foam material is also employed. The upper member possesses a soft outer surface which is contoured to contact the head of a patient while the patient lies in a prone position. The base member and the soft upper member are connected to one another to form seams which are soft to the touch.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes an anti-shear liner, a cover, and a cushion layer. A method for minimizing shear on a patient's skin as the patient rests upon a patient support includes providing an anti-shear layer, providing a cover, and placing the anti-shear layer and cover on the support. The cover may have a surface integrity against fluid leakage which is maintained upon stretching of the cover. The anti-shear liner may be disposed between the cover and the cushion layer, permitting the cover to slip relative to the cushion layer. The cover may be stretchable in one direction more than in an orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A method of supporting a breast in the correct position for breastfeeding by utilizing a support member that is placed against a mother's body and directly under her breast to create support for the breast and correctly position the breast for breastfeeding. A cover surrounds and conforms to the shape of the support member and may be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A cushion manufacturing apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles for continuously discharging a softened thermoplastic resin, thereby looping a plurality of continuous filaments with the respective contact portions thereof bonded together, first guide portions (41, 42) for moving the continuous filaments inward from opposite surfaces in the thickness direction of the cushion member as the filaments are looped, and second guide portions (43, 44) for moving the filaments inward from the opposite sides of the cushion member.

Abstract: A mattress structure includes a cover configured to define an interior region and a mattress core including a shear material formed to include a plurality of adjacent sleeves. The mattress core is located in the interior region. The mattress structure also includes a support element located within each of the plurality of sleeves to provide support for a patient.

Abstract: An articulated foam mattress including a back section and a seat section joined to each other by a hinge section. Both the back section and the seat section are formed from polyurethane foam. The hinge section is formed from visco-elastic foam, commonly referred to as memory foam. The visco-elastic foam hinge section retains its compressed condition as the mattress is folded from the upright position to the seating position. The visco-elastic foam of the hinge section reduces the reflex properties of the mattress to reduce the urge of the mattress to slide off of the furniture frame.

Abstract: A laminated support for pressure-relief including an upper layer of visco-elastic foam, a middle layer of visco-elastic foam having a greater hardness, and a bottom layer of highly resilient polyurethane foam. These layers are sandwiched between two layers of reticulated filter polyurethane foam.

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, beddings 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: An integrated matrix bedding system includes an air/foam mattress matrix assembly which comprises an airtight structure assembled within a restraining member. The airtight structure has a base with a plurality of compressible and expandable members extending upwardly from the base and arranged in a matrix arrangement. A plurality of connecting tubes are connected to the base and interconnected to two adjacent compressible and expandable members for distributing air between the plurality of compressible and expandable members. The restraining member has a plurality of interior cavities arranged in a matrix arrangement which corresponds and aligns with the compressible and expandable members. The plurality of compressible and expandable members are respectively inserted within the interior cavities of the restraining member.

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: A cushion that includes a cushioning element. The cushioning element has a number of substantially parallel elongate columns formed in a gelatinous cushioning media. The columns are configured so that when a force is applied to the cushioning element in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the columns, the cushioning element will yield by a combination of compressability of the cushioning media and bucklability of the walls of the columns. In particular, the walls of columns which are located beneath a protruberance on an object being cushioned tend to buckle, permitting the cushioning element to conform to the shape of the cushioned object while evenly distributing a supporting force across the contact area of the cushioned object and avoiding pressure peaks. The preferred cushioning media is a gelatinous elastomer or gelatinous viscoelastomer. Various configurations of cushioning elements, including sidewall supports, are disclosed.

Abstract: Stretcher consisting of a piece of material (1), said material being a semi-rigid material such as cellular plastics and having recesses (10, 11) forming handgrips for being carried. Longitudinal channels (4) extend on both sides of a middle part of the material piece (1), said channels being arranged to house stiffening elements (15, 16) having a flat cross-section with substantially larger width than thickness. The width of the middle part between the channels corresponds to the width of a body plus two times half the body thickness of persons to which the stretcher is adapted, so that when the material piece is folded around a person, the channels (4) will be located on the sides of the body. The material layers (1, 5) which delimit the channels will then be located substantially vertically when the stretcher is carried by the handgrips so that the stiffening elements are maintained held with their sections on edge when the arrangement is used for transport.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a top layer of visco-elastic polyurethane foam having a low rebound property and which is temperature sensitive and having a thickness of approximately 1/2 to 11/2 inches; a second layer of latex foam having vertical bores and a thickness of approximately 2 to 4 inches; and a third layer of resilient material having a thickness of approximately 3 to 7 inches.

Abstract: A system is described for delivery of pressurized liquid to one or more hollow mattress for alternately pressurizing and depressurizing a selected group of cells of the mattress. The device is associated with a unique mattress in which the cells are disposed in a checkerboard fashion. The system utilizes one or more pressure accumulators arranged to maintain the system under a constant, predetermined pressure and to absorb sudden local pressure increases which may occur e.g. when a patient supports himself on his/her elbow or the like, creating a high specific pressure over a small area. The accumulators may also serve the purpose of maintaining the depressurized cells at a pressure which is equal to or above the ambient atmospheric pressure whereby the volume of liquid to be displaced by the primer such as a pump on pressurization is minimal.