Abstract: A device for facilitating the fitting of compression bandages consisting of an essentially tubular arrangement of metal rods mounted to a ring base over which a compression bandage is stretched to allow a user to push an arm into the bandage for complete and efficient deployment of the bandage. A guide is provided to align the distal ends of the rods to engage the lock pins in the holes before mounting the bandage.

Abstract: A splint (10) worn by a sufferer of carpal tunnel syndrome. A first sleeve (12) fits over the person's hand (H) and extends up their arm (A) past their wrist (W). This sleeve is worn during non-working portions of the person's day and includes a support (14) formed in the palm portion of the sleeve to support the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the median nerve passing through it. This alleviates pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. A second sleeve (22) also fits over the person's hand and extends up their arm past their wrist. This second sleeve, which is also worn during non-working portions of the day, extends further up the person's arm than the first sleeve. A support (24) of this second sleeve extends along the back of the person's hand to also relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A compression garment for selective application for treatment of lymphedema and related illnesses manifested at various locations of the body. The garment includes a pair or series of layers of hermetically sealed material, that can capture pressurized air, when applied therein, and is formed through the patterned sealing of the layers of the garment together, at select locations, to form air pockets that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure to the patient's affected area, without disrupting normal vascular and lymphatic functioning. The garment is design cut, for application to various segments of the body, and applies encompassing pressure over the entire affected area, and includes valves that can allow for the injection of measurable air, to the desired pressure points, or its deflation, after treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal treatment pack that includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for the limb. The inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body are defined by a continuous film of flexible material such as a copolymer of polyester and polyurethane. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. Optionally, a thermal pack according to the invention can be covered with a fabric layer to provide insulation between the continuous film of flexible material and a user's skin. The diameter of the passage through the thermal treatment pack is preferably smaller than or equal to the diameter of the injured limb, which causes the inner surface of the thermal treatment pack to make contact the limb or an insulating wrap placed over the limb.

Abstract: A rigid fracture brace having a rigid and non-bendable in use U-shaped member with an inner, soft-cushioned layer carried on an outer rigid layer defining an open inner cavity for laterally receiving and supporting a user's hand, adjacent to the metacarpal grouping of hand bones. The member is of high aspect ratio and is held in position by a three strap system which includes a lower thumb strap, a middle palm strap and an upper palm strap immediately below the fingers. One end of each strap is immovably fixed to the backside of the member and securement of each strap to the member includes a loop associated with each strap. Each strap further includes a two-component hook and pile fastener so as to avoid critical registration of holes and tongs. The pile component of the fastener is carried along the backside of each strap and each strap terminates with a free-end carrying the hook component of the fastener at the tip of the inside surface of each strap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular compression bandage of elastic textile material, said compression bandage being provided with a plurality of tightening straps adjacently encompassing the bandage. The tightening straps are fastened by their starting portions to a starting longitudinal strip connected to the outer surface of the bandage and are guided circumferentially in pairs at an oblique angle of up to 30° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bandage to their terminating portions on the side opposite the starting longitudinal strip to pairs of securing eyes arranged in herringbone-like manner and are folded back therein to form Velcro-type fasteners on the bandage, the degree of oblique guiding being adjustable through selectable fixing of the starting and/or terminating portions of the tightening straps in the longitudinal direction of the bandage.

Abstract: A flexible knee brace that provides support to the knee, meniscus, ligaments, and muscles of the leg, and assists with the rehabilitation of the knee when injured, pre-surgery, and post-surgery. The knee brace is made of an elasticized sleeve worn over the leg and spanning the knee. The sleeve has a plurality of channels running vertically on each side of the patella, nearly the full length of the sleeve. The channels house flexible elongated strips that may be removed or added to adjust the bending resistance of the knee brace. The knee brace is secured in place by an elastic strap sewn onto the sleeve and running laterally above the patella.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material for use in making orthopedic elastic braces for supporting a body part by compression. The composite material includes center (110), inner (120), and outer layers (130). The center layer having on one side a plurality of grooves (100) that intersect each other to define a grid pattern functioning as passageways along the width and length of the layer to promote heat and moisture dissipation for the body part being supported. A plurality of cuts (150) extending through the entire depth of the center layer and distributed across the surface area of the layer, while retaining sufficient elasticity and density to provide adequate compression support. In an embodiment of the invention, the center layer includes a plurality of arcuate slits (250) defining tab portions (255) that remain hingedly attached to the center layer.

Abstract: Described are shoes, orthodic appliances, and anatomic braces containing superelastic support members for enhanced performance. The superelastic supports provide dynamic response to deflection. As such, the superelastic supports incorporated in the soles of shoes enhance walking, running, jumping, kicking, or other motion involving the foot. The superelastic supports may be incorporated in the body of shoes to reinforce the ankle joint. The embodiments of the invention also provide superelastic supports in braces to reinforce or stabilize the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, shoulders, back, neck, hips, or other anatomy commonly associated with a degree of twisting, rotation, bending, or other desired motion. The braces also intensify the motion of anatomic structures, apply a specific resistance at the joint to strengthen the muscles during training or rehabilitation, and/or immobilize or stabilize joints, bones, or other anatomic structures during healing of an injury.

Abstract: A self-contained limb and cast support device that is incorporated into the limb cast upon application of said cast and the second being a self-contained limb and cast support device that is not incorporated into the limb cast for use in instances where the cast is pre-existing or the injured limb requires elevation for healing, but not a cast.

Abstract: A compressive composite elastic stocking which is easier to put on comprising at least two parts (11, 12; 111, 112) suitable for realizing, when applied to a leg (16), a stocking in a single piece with a predetermined degree of compression.

Abstract: A breast and bottle feeding infant head support including a slip-on sleeve open at opposite ends and inclusive of inner and outer linings forming first and second opposing face surfaces of predetermined length and width, and a cushion insert between the inner and outer linings beneath at least one of the opposing face surfaces wherein the sleeve, when worn on the arm, is of a length to extend past the crook of a wearer's elbow.

Abstract: A water resistant reusable sleeve for medical dressings, inclusive of medical bandages and casts having a generally tubular member and defining a sleeve-like cavity tapered for receiving an extremity of an individual with a plaster cast, a splint, or a surgical dressing. The reusable sleeve is designed so as to be ergonomic or tapered to more closely accommodate the extremities of a user, providing a better fit, a more effective watertight seal with the skin, and also providing an important aesthetic advantage. Elastic bands of a size and elasticity so as to apply sufficient elastic force for sealing the sleeve to the appendage without creating a tourniquet effect are disposed on at least one end of the reusable sleeve. Furthermore, the water resistant reusable sleeve is preferably made of a composite material or a matrix material to prevent tearing of the material substrate during use and may incorporate a design.

Abstract: An improved cushioned liner (i.e., prosthetic liner) for covering a residual limb of an amputee is provided. According to one embodiment, the cushioned liner includes a sock-shaped fabric body member formed of at least two fabric pieces. One of the fabric pieces is a distal end piece that is attached to at least one other fabric piece along a circumferential edge of the distal end piece. The distal end piece is free of a transverse seam that extends across the distal end piece. The cushioned liner also includes a cushion layer disposed on at least one side of the sock-shaped fabric member. In another embodiment, a liner body having the above construction is provided and is adapted to receive cushioning material to form the cushioned liner.

Abstract: An orthotic or prosthetic sleeve includes at least two elasticized fabric elements having different elastic stiffnesses in orthogonal directions connected together to form a tubular sleeve such that the direction of higher stiffness of one fabric element extends parallel with the sleeve axis and the direction of higher stiffness of the other element extends generally transversely of the sleeve axis. A three piece tubular sleeve may be arranged so that the middle section has a direction of higher stiffness extending transversely of the sleeve axis, with the end sections having the higher stiffness direction extending parallel with the sleeve axis.

Abstract: The surgical stocking made by knitting a knitting yarn together with an extensible weft yarn is a placebo type stocking suitable for exerting compressive pressure at the ankle of less than 8 mmHg, and preferably less than 5 mmHg. It is intended for double blind tests versus placebo using a product having the same structure, the same visual appearance, and the same feel as an active stocking but compression that is negligible and thigh/ankle degressivity that is close to unity. The weft yarn presents mass per unit length lying in the range 250 dtex to 600 dtex, preferably in the range 350 dtex to 500 dtex, with the proportion of elastic material being less than 25% and preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the thread. Its elongation capacity lies in the range 200% to 350%, preferably in the range 200% to 300%, but its springiness (II) is very different from that of an elastic stocking (I).

Abstract: A retractor (101) for retracting the margins of a wound opening (103) comprises an inner anchoring O-ring (105) attached to a cylindrical sleeve (106) at a distal end and a reinforcing O-ring (109) attached to a proximal end of the sleeve (106). The sleeve (106) is led between an inner ring part (110) and a corresponding recess (116) in an outer ring part (111). The outer ring part (111) has anchor formations (120) over which the proximal end of the sleeve (106) is attached to anchor the sleeve (106). To retract the wound opening (103) the sleeve (106) is pulled while the guide rings (110, 111) are moved against the tissue surrounding the wound opening (103). This pulls the inner O-ring (105) against the inside of the tissue adjacent the wound opening (103), and retracts the wound opening (103). The sleeve (106) is manipulated locally for maximum retraction efficiency.

Abstract: A method to and apparatus to prevent injury and infection of a health-care recipient as a result of anticipated possible complications associated with any ones of a predetermined plurality of health-care procedures. The invention provides specific unambiguous warning indications prohibiting one or more of the aforementioned procedures on the outer surface of a physical barrier which is placed onto said health-care recipient in such a way that the indications are clearly visible, or alternatively affixed as a decal to the skin of the patent. The presence of said barrier is designed to significantly interferes with any reasonable application said plurality of procedures on said recipient.

Abstract: A garment made from three layers of flexible material dimensioned to surround respective joints, body parts or the complete body, except for the entire face, of a wearer. The garment alleviates or reduces pain from certain forms of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and can delay the onset of such conditions. The garment also can prevent hypothermia and reduce adverse effects from exposure to reduced temperatures.

Abstract: The orthosis (1) is designed to apply degressive compression to all or part of the leg starting from the ankle The orthosis has a knitted compressive tubular portion (2) of varying section formed by a leg portion of an elastic stocking that does not have a foot or a heel, said compressive tubular portion being extended at its bottom end by a knitted non-compressive tubular portion (3) suitable for covering at least a portion of the foot, without compressing it, and made for example using a stitch of the plain moss type.

Abstract: The orthosis comprises a compressive tubular portion (10) of knitted or woven fabric, of varying section that matches the profile of the lower limb, and in which the knit or weave structure is selected as a function of the peripheral dimensions of the lower limb so as to apply compression pressure of about 30 mmHg to 40 mmHg that is substantially constant along the length of the limb. The tubular portion extends from the foot to the top of the thigh and comprises a stretchable inner region (12) that is highly elastic and that is connected along two generator lines to an outer region (14) that is non-stretchable or poorly stretchable. The top end of the orthosis is also provided with a thigh sleeve (22) that is open along a generator line and that is provided with adjustable closure means (24).

Abstract: The invention, Support Relief Hosiery shall be made in a variety of colors to appeal to the various users. An alternative sport model can be made In a variety of colors. There would be an additional area of support around the knee. The invention would be slipped over the foot and positioned on the leg where the support is needed the greatest. Pants can be worn over the invention without any obvious bulges or bumps. Adults as well as children of all ages can wear the hosiery if extra supports are needed. Many women wear support panty hose, but would rather have additional support just around the knees that would be provided by the hosiery. The relief hosiery does not fit the foot to cover the toes, but could be placed at the calf and pulled to lower thigh, then a sock may be worn at the individual's discretion.

Abstract: A modular bandage for treating wounds located on highly contoured, non-planar regions of a person includes a standoff for placement near the wound, and a sheet of material for forming a sealed environment over the wound in conjunction with the standoff. The modular bandage may further include a heater to thermally regulate the sealed environment formed by the standoff and the sheet of material. A sheet of material for such a bandage may include various uniform or compound structures.

Abstract: A bandage for covering and immobilizing a digit of a hand or foot. The bandage includes a cylindrical sleeve having an open inner end and a closed outer end defining an interior cavity. The sleeve has at least one pocket with an interior passage extending along the length of the sleeve and being positioned adjacent to the interior cavity. A splint is releasably held within the interior passage of the pocket. An absorbent lining for snugly encircling the digit of a user is positioned within the interior cavity and affixed to the sleeve.

Abstract: A tightening and elastic tautness adjustment device for a garment or sanitary protection or alike implement to be tightly worn comprises: at least a first elastic textile band formed of a plurality of parallel elastic strips (2) extending from a first edge of said garment or sanitary protection, their free ends being sewn onto a first strip (8) of hooked “Velcro” material, and at least a second elastic textile band similarly formed of a plurality of parallel elastic strips (2′) extending from a second edge of said garment or sanitary protection opposed to the first edge, and interlaced with the parallel strips (2) of the first band, their free ends being sewn onto a second strip of hooked “Velcro” material.

Abstract: A protective foot covering for preventing blisters and sores while running or walking. The protective foot covering includes a sleeve being adapted to fit about a foot of a user; and also includes an insert retaining member being securely disposed in the sleeve; and further includes a first padded insert member being securely and removably retained in the sleeve; and also includes a second padded insert member being securely and removably retained in the sleeve.

Abstract: The orthosis (1) is designed to apply degressive compression to all or part of the leg starting from the ankle. The orthosis has a knitted compressive tubular portion (2) of varying section formed by a leg portion of an elastic stocking that does not have a foot or a heel, said compressive-tubular portion being extended at its bottom end by a knitted non-compressive tubular portion (3) suitable for covering at least a portion of the foot, without compressing it, and made for example using a stitch of the plain moss type.

Abstract: An elastic waistband comprises at least a main portion (A) made of an elastic fabric, a first end portion (B) in the form of two triangle-shaped tails (B1, B2) joined together to said main portion (A) and having at their free ends with Velcro® fasteners (V1, V2) and a second end portion (C) having anchoring felt pads (P) for the Velcro® Fasteners (V1, V2). The elastic main portion (A) is composed of a first central portion (A1) of a fabric (1) of greater elasticity than the elasticity of a fabric (2) of two side portions (A2, A3), joined together along transverse sewing lines (A1-2), A1-3). Transverse stiffening inserts (S1, S2, S3, S4) are disposed in correspondence of the transverse sewing lines joining together the first central portion (A1), the side portions (A2, A3) and the first and second end portions (B, C).

Abstract: A structural element having a crescent-shaped side support with a D-shaped cross-section and a hemisphere at its ends; its sloping-edge shape and the visco-elastic material of which it is made allow it, once it has been arranged laterally to the patella and subjected to adequate medial traction, to adapt to the anatomical shape of the patella. Two belts of inelastic material are structurally integrated with the support at its ends and can be orientated through an arc of 45°, allowing to apply a direct and adjustable traction to the support, thus producing medializing forces on the patella which is functional to correct the different patterns of patellar instability. In order to keep the orthesis in place whilst it is being worn and avoid the loss of alignment with the patella during use, a strip of viscous material has been applied to the upper edge of the internal wall of the invention; the material, when rested on the skin, has a non-slip effect even with intense perspiration.

Abstract: Medical bandages which are adapted to the shape of the body part on which they are applied, and which are characterized in that the soft and adaptable material has been thermally deformed.

Abstract: An elastic hose-shaped bandage for pulling over a human joint having a front side and a bending side wherein the front side is approximate to the joint and bending side is approximate to the hollow of the joint. The bending side has a twin-layer knitted spacer fabric for conducting moisture away from the patient's skin. The spacer fabric comprises two spaced layers and connecting threads.

Abstract: An elastic elbow brace for the prevention and treatment of tennis elbow, the brace having an elastic outer sleeve and a concentric inner sleeve. Interposed between the concentric sleeves is a pair of longitudinally extending resilient pads arranged parallel to each other and spaced along their longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A support stocking having an elastic compression force on the calf greater than the compression force on the ankle and foot of a person. The compressive forces of the support stocking aid in venous recovery after physical exertion, such as in sports or athletics. The support stocking's design also aids in delaying problematic venous conditions such as venous insufficiency, even in non-athletes.

Abstract: To address the problem of continuing work while suffering from possibly debilitating carpal; tunnel syndrome, a working wrist splint is provided to restrain the wrist joint to a therapeutically advantageous neutral position, yet allowing sufficient movement of the thumb and fingers to enable keyboard functioning. The form of the splint is a stretch fabric sleeve with a thumb opening, a finger aperture, a resiliently deformable wrist support ball at the bottom of the splint and a stiffening batten in a pocket at the top over the back of the wearer's hand.

Abstract: A foot protector including a generally tubular foot portion for surrounding a portion of a wearer's foot. The foot portion has a front opening for receiving the wearer's toes. An ankle strap is coupled to the foot portion and the ankle strap and foot portion define an access opening and a heel opening for receiving the wearer's heel. An ankle cover is coupled to the ankle strap for encompassing the wearer's ankle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a leg protection garment that is effective for mainly supporting the hamstrings, the muscle of the posterior side of the femoral region among the leg portion.

Abstract: An elastic textile implement to be tightly worn over an articulation or part of the body to be protected and/or aided in its mechanical action is made in a geometrically flat form foldable to shape, substantially of a single size. The implement is made in the form of a planar made of an elastic fabric comprising an elastomeric yam and substantially non-elastic yarns, conformable around said part or articulation and tautingly fixed thereon by "Velcro" .RTM. fasteners, the fabric comprising at least a third substantially non-elastic yarn of a material selected from the group composed of nylon, polyester and mylar, interwoven with at least a first and a second non-elastic yarns and with said elastomeric yam and forming a dense population of loops (M) projecting for a determined height out of one face of the fabric. "Velcro" .RTM.

Abstract: The bandage (10) for overload symptoms, femoropatellar pain syndromes and the patella point syndrome of an elastic bandage cloth in tubular form with a circumferentially extending insert (30) of a wavy knitted fabric (40) posesses in the front bandage portion (12) a pressure pad (50) or an annular pressure pad located within the area above the patella when the bandage is applied, which is open towards the top and leaves the quadriceps tenson uncovered (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A finger bandage device comprises a tubular member with a closed distal end and an open proximal end. A pad of absorbent material is fastened within the tubular member at the closed distal end. An adhesive material is contained on the inner surface of the proximal end of the tubular member for securing the bandage to a finger inserted therein. Also disclosed is a method of using the bandage for maintaining medication on the fingertip of a wearer, and a method of making the bandage.

Abstract: A compression hose having a extremity covering portion and an injured area covering portion. The injured area covering portion further includes an opening that is positioned over the patient's injured area. A number of fastening straps are fixedly attached to one side of the opening and are sized to extend across the opening and secured to a fastener receiver. A locking strap having a longer length than inner fastening straps is positioned at the outer edge of the hose and is sized to extend across the opening and lock the hose in place on the patient's extremity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace in which the brace and a protective attachment are secured together as a single, unitary piece without stitching or glue. The protective attachment can have an intricate shape to fit around a moving body part, thereby permitting the therapeutic and protective use of braces that could not be achieved before. The protective attachment is anatomically secured in relation to a selected body part, and may provide control to an unstable joint, decrease stress to an over-worked tendon, provide pain relief to a sore muscle, and pad the area against impact that could cause further damage. An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides for a cushioned protective attachment on the brace to be protected by a protective shell brace.

Abstract: An anti-embolism stocking used to inhibit the development of thrombophlebitis. The present invention is directed to a system and method for applying compressive forces to parts of the body to stimulate fluid flow through the parts of the body. In particular the present invention relates to a stocking that is capable of being placed on a portion of the body and then having a stimulus applied thereto to stimulate blood flow within the region of the body upon which the stocking is placed. The stocking includes polymer materials which, when a selected stimulus is applied thereto, causes constriction of the polymer, thereby causing the compressive forces. The stocking may be designed such that the compressive forces may be generated sequentially along the length of the stocking to gradually stimulate fluid flow, such as blood, to and from the preselected body portion.

Abstract: A brace apparatus for applying tension to the fore portion and the upper portion of a human limb about a limb joint in a direction of limb closure about the joint for joint therapy includes a limb fore portion engaging structure; a limb upper portion engaging structure; an elastic strip interconnecting the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion for creating a range of tension levels between the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion over which the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion move relative to each other; and a mechanism for adjusting the range of tension in the elastic strip.

Abstract: A support brace for knee or elbow is provided that includes a sleeve of elastic material that is unidirectionally elastic in a transverse direction across the width of the brace to provide compressive support to the joint on which the brace is worn. The sleeve includes a front portion across which is disposed one or more slightly spiral shaped, or "S" shaped, support straps. The support straps are unidirectionally elastic in a longitudinal direction along their lengths to provide lift support to the joint on which the brace is worn.

Abstract: Improved orthopaedic supports (10) and prosthesis suspension devices (36) are provided in the form of tubular bodies (12, 42) formed of resilient, stretchable material and configured to fit about a human limb. The inner surfaces (32) of the tubular bodies (12, 42) have anti-slip material (24, 26, 50) applied thereto. The anti-slip material (24, 26, 50) is preferably a synthetic resin material having a coefficient of static friction greater than that of the inner surfaces (32).

Abstract: A dressing comprising a body facing layer of a thermoplastic adhesive and a carrier film and an absorbent material, the dressing having in itself an outwardly facing convex surface and an inwardly facing concave surface, wherein the dressing comprises a first area facing the wound or skin, the area having essentially three-dimensional geometry and optionally a second area, the first area preferably comprising a hydrocolloid adhesive and a carrier film, and the second area essentially showing adhesive properties and preferably comprising a carrier film and a hydrocolloid adhesive and wherein the adhesive in one or both areas is optionally covered by one or more layers to be removed before use.

Abstract: Elastic athletic or orthopedic supports for body parts such as the knee, thigh or ankle have a generally tubular sleeve made of an elastic "multi-directional" resilient stretch fabric that surrounds the body part. A patch having at least one lamination of neoprene or the like is attached within the sleeve. The patch is sized, shaped and positioned on the support element to provide a therapeutic warming to only a portion of the body part. Preferably the patch includes the second lamination of an absorbent fabric liner that is coextensive with, and secured to, the neoprene layer. The neoprene layer has a plurality of holes that extend through it to remove moisture. The liner can have like aligned holes. The liner and the patch are sewn, edge-sewn, adhered, heat-laminated, or otherwise attached to one another and to the sleeve. For a knee or elbow, the patch is generally diamond shape with its wide ends truncated and the elastic sleeve may have an opening at the rear of the knee or the inside of the elbow.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace includes a first strap, a second strap, and a support member. The first strap is covered on one side with loop material from a hook and loop-type fastener. A section of hook material is secured to the opposite side of the first strap. Similarly, the second strap has loop material secured to one side thereof, and a hook portion secured to the opposite side. The second strap is shorter than the first strap. The support member includes a body segment with a support pad removably secured thereto. A pair of support straps extend from the body. One side of each support strap includes both loop material and a segment of hook material secured thereto. The side of the body opposite the hook and loop material of the support straps is likewise covered with loop material and includes two hook material portions. In use, the first strap is wrapped around one portion of the limb above a joint and the second strap is wrapped around another portion of the limb below the joint.

Abstract: An improved knee-supporting sleeve (10) is provided having posterior and proximal anterior panels (12, 20) formed of thin relatively highly stretchable material, with a distal anterior panel (22) formed of less stretchable composite materials. The sleeve (10) thus provides maximum-support and joint conformity, together with good breathability and thermal properties. The sleeve (10) also has a patella-receiving opening (42) and an adjacent buttress (52) housed within a selectively openable compartment (44) to trim and/or shift buttress (52) therein, so that a desirable "lateral J" buttress may be provided for either a left or right knee.

Abstract: A garment for use by a patient after surgery for breast removal which alleviates post-operative pain and discomfort and facilitates normal activities during the recovery period. A padded vest-like garment is adapted for applying comforting pressure to the sites of removal of breast and other tissues and for holding pain relieving packages. A detachable arm support provides further comfort in a similar manner.