Abstract: A disposable ice pack for treating an area of a person's body that has been traumatized or inured is disclosed. The ice pack includes a polyethylene bag portion having a sealable open top end, a pair of side edges and a closed bottom end forming an inner cavity. The inner cavity receives ice. A closure mechanism is disposed along an inner surfaces of the bag portion top end and provides a water tight seal for the ice pack. A pair of fluid absorbable material sheets are attached by a heat seal along the side edges and bottom end to the bag portion. The sheets of fluid absorbable material permit the disposable ice pack to soak-up any body fluids seeping from the traumatized area. An alternate embodiment further includes a plurality of tie-straps for permitting the ice pack to be wrapped around a person's body part. The tie-straps are attached by the heat seal.

Abstract: A multi-layered composite comprising a protective layer, a retaining layer, a conductive layer and a filler layer intermediate the retainer and conductive layers. The filler layer is impregnated with liquid absorbent particles and/or fibers. An optional protective layer having specific characteristic for protection against extreme temperatures, physical impacts and the like is specifically disclosed for use in combination with the retainer, filler and conductive layers. The protective layer provides additional protection of the person from catastrophic events such as exposure of a person to fire and/or severe impact such as may be caused by gunfire.

Abstract: An ice pack generally intended for single patient use includes an elongated bag member defined by opposite side panels. The bag member has a closed end and an open opposite end. The open end is used for introducing ice into the bag member by pulling the side panels apart at the open end. A portion of at least one of the side panels generally adjacent to the open end is expandable from a first width defined between sealed edges of the bag member to an increased width so as to provide a greater effective cross-sectional area to the opening in order to aid in filling the ice pack.

Abstract: Flexible multijoint thermal therapy pads which are dimensioned and structured to promote effective thermal therapy by promoting increased flexibility, comfort, convenience and heat transfer when applied to a range of joints in the body. Pads according to the present invention feature distinct members each of which corresponds to and may be applied to conform to a limb or body part surrounding the knee, shoulder and other joints. The pads connect these members using at least one conduit that is not substantially centered on the kneecap or top of the shoulder when they are applied for thermal therapy on the knee or shoulder, respectively. The pads thus do not blindly adhere to traditional multijoint notions of symmetry, but instead opt for increased flexibility, prevention of undesired blockage or occlusion during joint flexure and restriction of range of motion.

Abstract: The thermal body wraps of the present invention comprise a unified laminate structure having at least one continuous layer of a flexible material having a substantially rectangular, dog bone-like shape and having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, a plurality of heat cells, and means for releasably attaching the thermal body wrap to a user's body. Preferably the heat cells are placed into positions fixed within or to the unified structure of the thermal body wraps, relative to each other and sufficiently close to provide controlled, sustained, and uniform heat to the body or body part of the user.

Abstract: A thermal treatment pack and corresponding retainer apparatus that provide not only a desirable thermal source, but also a highly configurable retainer apparatus. According to one embodiment, the thermal source includes frozen peas stored in transparent bags. The transparent bags are selectively attachable through hook-and-loop fasteners. According to the preferred embodiment, the retainer apparatus includes two washable cloth strips. The cloth strips include hook-and-loop fasteners for attaching the transparent bags to the retainer apparatus.

Abstract: A device for treating headaches includes an eye mask which may be formed and configured to cover both eyes or, alternatively, one eye of the user. The eye mask is provided with straps which are secured behind the head to hold the eye mask in the desired, operative position. The inner facing side of the eye mask is provided with soft, compliant membrane portions forming rear walls of left and right containers. The containers are provided with a fill cap which removes to facilitate filling of a liquid or gel through an opening and into an interior chamber in direct, temperature transferring relation to the respective compliant membrane portions. The liquid or gel may be brought to a desired temperature just prior to filling or, alternatively, when filled within the reservoir. The compliant membrane portions are provided with a concave configuration for congruent receipt with the periphery of the eyes and the upper and lower eye lids when the user's eyes are closed.

Abstract: A probe for cardiac diagnosis and/or treatment has a catheter tube. The distal end of the catheter tube carries first and second electrode elements. The probe includes a mechanism for steering the first electrode element relative to the second electrode element in multiple directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved thermal conditioning apparatus for thermally treating a patient. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inflatable apparatus for bathing a patient with a thermally conditioned medium. Such a treatment apparatus is useful for medically treating a patient suffering from hypothermia or hyperthermia, or for maintaining the body temperature of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. A thermal conditioning apparatus according to the present invention includes first and second pluralities of orifices, the first plurality of orifices being smaller than the second plurality. An inlet portion which receives the thermal conditioning medium is located closer to the first plurality of orifices than the second plurality of orifices. The combined use of smaller orifices in close proximity to the inlet portion with larger orifices distal from the inlet portion tends to minimize the thermal gradients that may occur.

Abstract: A thermal treatment pack and corresponding retainer apparatus that provide not only a desirable thermal source, but also a highly configurable retainer apparatus. According to one embodiment, the thermal source includes frozen peas stored in transparent bags. The transparent bags are selectively attachable through hook-and-loop fasteners. According to the preferred embodiment, the retainer apparatus includes two washable cloth strips. The cloth strips include hook-and-loop fasteners for attaching the transparent bags to the retainer apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the therapeutic treatment of an elongated protruding body part. An inner liner and an outer liner, joined together at a proximate end form a cavity there between which is filled with a thermal reservoir material. The inner liner and outer liner are permanently sealed together and shaped to accommodate the body part which is to be thermally treated. The method includes chilling or heating the body part by chilling or heating the apparatus prior to placement over the body part. Preferred embodiments include a sterile inner pocket protected by a removable seal element and self-adhesive straps to secure the device more firmly in place.

Abstract: A device for a heat treatment of a body part, comprising a heating element (1) and means (2) for holding the heating element against the body part to be heat-treated. The heat element (1) comprises a plurality of separate heating cells (6) and is flexible in such a manner that it may be adapted to abut said body part.

Abstract: A self-contained surgical warming device 10 includes a flexible outer bag having a heat generating compound 40 which becomes activated when exposed to air. In use, a surgical assistant or nurse wraps a surgical instrument such as an endoscope 18 in the warming device. The warming device then transfers enough heat to the endoscope to raise the temperature of the endoscope to approximately that of body temperature, thereby preventing the condensation of water vapor on a camera lens in an endoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument warming device may be used on endoscopes or any other type of surgical instrument that requires warming to approximately body temperature prior to contact with human tissue.

Abstract: A heat transferring therapeutic pack utilizing a mass of thermal material for application to a human body in order to apply a hot or cold compress. The therapeutic pack utilizes a flexible container having an inner chamber which holds the mass of thermal material. A pair of outer surfaces in general opposition to one another surround the inner chamber. A heated material is connected to one of the outer surfaces of the flexible container and includes hook and/or pile fasteners. The second surface of the sheet of material connects to one of the outer surfaces of the flexible container. The other outer surface of the flexible container is able to directly contact the human body permitting heat transferring applications.

Abstract: A sealed envelope or enclosure, shaped to fit a portion of the internal anatomy of the human mouth at a surgical site, said enclosure containing a non-toxic liquid or gel material capable of freezing to a semi-solid or solid state. The envelope may also contain a binder such as a sponge material or gauze impregnated with the liquid or gel material. The enclosure is placed in the mouth, to provide both pressure and cold, to reduce bleeding, swelling and pain after oral surgery or trauma.

Abstract: A non-contact heated wound covering preferably having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A fuel tank stores fuel gas. A catalytic burning section is connected to the fuel tank for generating heat based on an oxidative reaction between the fuel supplied from the fuel tank and air. The fuel tank and the catalytic burning section are assembled as a catalytic heat generating apparatus. The catalytic heat generating apparatus is detachably installed in a housing of a heater section. The heater section has both ends provided with a pair of belt portions wound around a user's body.

Abstract: A medical pad 10 includes a thermal exchange layer capable of absorbing and/or releasing heat to a patient and an adhesive surface 16A disposed on a skin-contacting side of the thermal exchange layer for adhering the pad 10 to the skin of the patient. The thermal exchange layer may comprise a fluid containing layer 12 for containing a thermal exchange fluid 14 capable of absorbing thermal energy from and/or releasing thermal energy to the patient. The pad 10 may also include a conformable thermally conductive layer 16 between the adhesive surface 16A and the fluid containing layer 12 and an insulating layer 18 on the non-skin contacting side of the fluid containing layer 12. A related fluid circulating system 40 including a pump 42 connected downstream from a fluid outlet 22 and a fluid reservoir 44 connected upstream from a fluid inlet 20 may be employed to circulate the fluid 14 though the fluid containing layer 12.

Abstract: An improved magnetic hot or cold pack is provided having a water absorbent filler such as polyacrylamide and having at least one magnet and an accessory strap that allows the application of heat therapy, cold therapy, magnetic therapy or heat with magnet therapy or cold with magnet therapy. Also provided is a method of preparing a magnetic hot and cold therapy pack having a water absorbent filler such as polyacrylamide and at least one magnet and an accessory strap.

Abstract: A cooling system for the head, neck, and spine to reduce swelling caused by trauma to the brain is disclosed comprising a head device having a front panel and a back panel, a neck brace supporting the head device using a front rigid member and a back rigid member, and a cooling medium that cools the head device when activated.

Abstract: A sweatband system is provided including a band having an inner cloth layer with a heating element mounted therein and connected to a battery pack situated on the band. The band further has an elastomeric outer layer which is defined by an inner face and an outer face which form an interior space for housing a cold pack. The band further includes a pair of ends each with a fastener mounted thereon for securing the band about a body part of a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a poultice capable of rapidly curing an affected part of a patient's body and of enhancing a curative value by increasing an infiltration efficiency of medicine into a hypodermic tissue of the affected part with the aid of a low-frequency electro therapy. Both surfaces of compress sheets of the poultice are coated with predetermined skin-adhesive medicines adapted to cure an affected part of a patient's body. A thin film is attached to lower surfaces of the compress sheets. The thin film can be detached from the lower surfaces of the compress sheets during use of the poultice. An attaching sheet for attaching the poultice to the affected part of the patient's body is located on upper surfaces of the compress sheets. A pair of conductive layers are coated on a lower surface of the attaching sheet, which is opposite to the upper surfaces of the compress sheets. A low-frequency oscillator for applying a low-frequency energy into the compress sheets is installed between the conductive layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating hiccups is disclosed. In the method, a physiological cold block is applied to the neck of a hiccuping individual at the level of the Adam's apple lateral to the sternocleidomastoid muscles near the superficially coursing phrenic nerve and/or medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscles near the superficially coursing vagus nerve. The apparatus provides a means for applying such a physiological cold block.

Abstract: A tennis elbow band with a body having an end tab at one end, a strap portion, a thermal packet pocket secured to the strap at a position remote from the end tab, and a combination leverage loop and shield at the far end remote from the end tab to give mechanical assistance in tightening the band prior to securement by the end tab overlapping a portion of the strap. The thermal packet pocket is positioned immediately at the leverage loop at the end of the strap and removably receives a thermal packet. The method of the present invention is directed primarily to determining the condition of the patient, and thereafter removing the thermal packet and conditioning it to the desired temperature of either cold or heat and thereafter inserting the same into the band pocket.

Abstract: A cold therapy pad includes a flexible envelope containing a high thermal capacity gel which will remain cold for a period of time after being frozen and a flexible permanent magnet contained within the envelope. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the envelope is made of a flexible polymer such as vinyl, the thermal gel is made of silicate, and the permanent magnet is made of molten metal hardened in an electric field. The magnet may be embedded in the gel so that it is substantially centrally located relative to the envelope. If desired, the magnet may be located between the envelope and the gel. The basic construction of the invention lends itself to many geometric configurations and sizes. In different embodiments, the therapy pad is dimensioned to overlie particular body parts such as joints, limbs, the neck, the waist, the chest, and the eyes. In some embodiments VELCRO.RTM. strips are provided to affix the therapy pad to a body part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal neck wraps having one or more thermal packs comprising a unified structure having at least one continuous layer of semirigid material, which has different stiffness characteristics over a range of temperatures, and a plurality of heat cells, wherein the heat energy is applied to specific areas of the upper back, neck and shoulders. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable thermal neck wraps having good conformity to user's upper back, neck, and shoulders which provides consistent, convenient, and comfortable heat application.

Abstract: Flexible multijoint thermal therapy pads which are dimensioned and structured to promote effective thermal therapy by promoting increased flexibility, comfort, convenience and heat transfer when applied to a range of joints in the body. Pads according to the present invention feature distinct members each of which corresponds to and may be applied to conform to a limb or body part surrounding the knee, shoulder and other joints. The pads connect these members using at least one conduit that is not substantially centered on the kneecap or top of the shoulder when they are applied for thermal therapy on the knee or shoulder, respectively. The pads thus do not blindly adhere to traditional multijoint notions of symmetry, but instead opt for increased flexibility, prevention of undesired blockage or occlusion during joint flexure and restriction of range of motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal neck wraps having one or more thermal packs comprising a unified structure having at least one continuous layer of semirigid material, which has different stiffness characteristics over a range of temperatures, and a plurality of heat cells, wherein the heat energy is applied to specific areas of the upper back, neck and shoulders. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable thermal neck wraps having good conformity to user's upper back, neck, and shoulders which provides consistant, convienent, and comfortable heat application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal body pads comprising one or more thermal packs having a unified structure of at least one continuous layer of a semirigid material which softens when heated and a plurality of individual heat cells, which typically comprise an exothermic composition, spaced apart and fixedly attached across the thermal pack. The material of the continuous layer or layers provide sufficient rigidity to maintain structural support of the heat cells, to prevent unacceptable stretching of structures of the continuous layer or layers during processing or use of the thermal pads, and to ensure child resistance, while also providing good overall drape characteristics when heated. The disposable thermal body pads are intended to be attached to a user's clothing on one side and to be held directly against the user's skin on the other side, for pain relief.

Abstract: A gel pad and gel pad system for application of heat or cold to various parts of a human body through the use of a pad and headpiece, pad and strap or a combination of pad, headpiece, pad and strap.

Abstract: A controlled cold therapy apparatus for treating body portions of an animal. The apparatus includes an appliance configured to fit over the body portion to be treated such that substantial total surface area contact is obtained between the body portion to be treated and the appliance. The appliance is comprised of a liquid impervious material which includes a liquid supply connector and a liquid return connector opened to internal flow channels to enable cooled liquid to be circulated through the appliance in a U-shaped flow pattern. The appliance is surrounded by an insulating jacket and is preferably secured around the body portion to be treated by hook and loop fastener strips. The apparatus further includes a liquid control station which circulates cooled liquid through the appliances connected thereto. The liquid control station may be a portable unit or a central fixture unit incorporated into a structure for treating multiple animals at the same time.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer device for heating or cooling a surface such as the skin has an envelope formed from two sheets. The envelope contains a high thermal capacity first material such as a freezing gel that is flexible when frozen for good surface contact, A pouch within the envelope contains a high thermal capacity second material that may have different physical properties than the first material. The pouch may be segmented, or there may be multiple pouches. The device is more versatile in its applications and provides for more prolonged heating and cooling, The pouch may be in two parts within a frangible partition that generates heat or cold when the partition is ruptured and the two parts mixed.

Abstract: A family of reusable hot/cold therapeutic compress appliances for application to a large number of different treated areas on the body of a patient, each member of the family being dimensioned to receive an integral number of standardly sized and dimensioned pouches containing a heat absorbing material. Individual compress appliances of the family comprise at least one sealed pouch containing a heat absorbing material contained within a sleeve comprising a relatively heat-conductive patient-contact surface, an adjacent outer adherent surface, and an insulant disposed between the sealed pouch and the outer adherent layer to reduce heat transfer occurring away from the patient-contact surface. Attachment means associated with the sleeve are co-operatively configured so as to releasably adhere to any location on the outer adherent surface, allowing the patient using the compress appliance to select a location of adherence that may provide a safe and therapeutic compressive loading.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer device 1 for heating or cooling a surface such as the skin has an envelope 2 formed from two double walled sheets 3 and 4. Each sheet contains within the double wall a first high thermal capacity material 11 such as a freezing gel that is flexible when frozen for good surface contact. The space 13 between the double walls contains a second high thermal capacity material 12 that may have different physical properties than the first material. This may be in the form of a removable pouch insert 24 that may be heated or cooled separately. The device is more versatile in its applications and provides for more prolonged heating and cooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal back wraps having one or more thermal packs comprising a plurality of heat cells, wherein heat is applied to specific areas of the user's back, for pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable elastic thermal back wraps having good conformity to user's back which provides consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application.

Abstract: A thermal applicator for medical use which is worn upon or applied directly to the body of a patient to modify its temperature for therapeutic treatment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the utilization of a heat pipe having first and second ends and a length, the first and second ends communicating with first and second thermally conductive plates, respectively, the first thermally conductive plate configured to communicate with an exterior portion of the body of the patient and to provide localized thermal treatment, the second thermally conductive plate placed at an area removed from the area to be treated, and configured to accept, for example, an ice pack (or other thermal material or apparatus) to affect a change in the temperature of the second thermally conductive plate, cooling the second end of the heat pipe and allowing the heat pipe to cool the first thermally conductive plate, thereby providing localized cooling of the area to which it is applied.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cold compress especially adapted for applying cooling effect to the human genitalia. The invention includes a holder that can fit around the waist of a human having a pouch for holding a cooling member. The cooling member can be easily inserted in and remove from the pouch, and a number of cooling members can be used, so that a constant cooling effect can be applied to the human genitalia for the purposes of relieving trauma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the relief or treatment of painful or tender breasts in a lactating women comprising, a support attachable to a womens upper body and a breast cover mounted to said support for at least partially covering one or both breasts, whereby in use said breast cover induces localised heating or cooling in at least part of said one or both breasts.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an extremity of a person includes a body having a recessed support surface for supporting the extremity, and a flap connected to the support surface. The body has a fastener that couples with a coupler on the flap to define a re-closable chamber. An ice bag or other similar heat absorbing apparatus may be secured within the chamber, thereby enabling the apparatus to both support the extremity and provide the anti-inflammatory function of the ice bag. The body, which may be crescent shaped, may include an interior for containing stuffing material. Both the body and the flap may be manufactured from the same fabric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal body pads comprising one or more thermal packs having a unified structure of at least one continuous layer of a semirigid material which softens when heated and a plurality of individual heat cells, spaced apart and fixed within or to the unified structure of the thermal pack. The disposable thermal body pads are intended to be attached to a user's clothing on one side and to be held directly against the user's skin on the other side. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable thermal body pads having good conformity to user's body which provides consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such disposable thermal body pads intended for relieving menstrual pain.

Abstract: A bootie is provided including a sleeve having a tubular configuration and adapted to be slid onto a foot of a user. At least one pocket is mounted on the sleeve. At least one thermal pack is included to be removably situated within the pocket.

Abstract: A microwavable heating pad that includes a pouch, accessing apparatus, a sealed bag, and discrete particles. The pouch contains a chamber and has a heat exchange layer contactable with a part of a body to which heat is to be applied. The accessing apparatus is associated with the pouch and is used to selectively access the chamber in the pouch. The sealed bag is replaceably contained in the chamber in the pouch and is accessible through the accessing apparatus and is in heat exchange communication with the heat exchange layer of the pouch.

Abstract: An ice cooling apparatus and method therefor that comprise a number of ice pockets slideably attached to an adjustable strap for securing them in place around a wearer's body. By positioning the ice pockets on the painful areas, a wearer is assured of continuous contact and cooling effect, with the attendant benefits resulting from ice treatment. Because the apparatus is strapped around the wearer's body, it is not necessary to use one's hands to keep it in place, thus allowing the wearer to be freed from the usual constraint of having to hold the ice bag on the sore site.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular piece of flexible web having a first end and a second end and an elastic portion therebetween, stretchable along a longitudinal axis of the piece of web. The piece of web has a length great enough to encircle a user's waist such that the first and second ends overlap. The first end has a reclosable fastening system for attaching the first end to the piece of web near the second end in order to hold the piece of web around the user's waist when the piece of web is stretched. The back wrap further comprises a plurality of individual thermal elements embedded in the piece of web. The plurality of thermal elements have a substantially planar diamond-shaped pattern which approximates the shape of erector muscles in the user's back. The pattern has a gap transverse to the longitudinal axis which corresponds to the user's spine.

Abstract: A body heating device which utilizes heat from one's own breath to warm various designated body parts during a cold outdoor activity. The device comprises a central conduit having a mouth opening, said central conduit connected to a network of tubes, and an attachment means for attaching said tubes and conduit to a person's body. The body heating device preferably includes a distribution control assembly connected between said central conduit and said network of tubes, for allowing the person to select the amount of heated air to be delivered to different body parts. The body heating device is worn on the person's body, and each of the open ends of the tubes are placed near those areas of the body to which hot air is to be delivered. By blowing air into the mouth opening end of said central conduit, a pocket of hot air travels to the open ends of the tubes, thereby delivering hot air to the selected body parts.

Abstract: A tennis elbow band with a body having an end tab at one end, a strap portion, a thermal packet pocket secured to the strap at a position remote from the end tab, and a combination leverage loop and shield at the far end remote from the end tab to give mechanical assistance in tightening the band prior to securement by the end tab overlapping a portion of the strap. The thermal packet pocket is positioned immediately at the leverage loop at the end of the strap and removably receives a thermal packet. The method of the present invention is directed primarily to determining the condition of the patient, and thereafter removing the thermal packet and conditioning it to the desired temperature of either cold or heat and thereafter inserting the same into the band pocket.

Abstract: A sports sandal with a removable insole inside the body of the sandal, which, when removed, allows a user to install a therapeutic comfort device. The therapeutic device can be frozen or warmed according to the user's preference.

Abstract: Flexible icecaps for overlying the top of a user's head. The icecaps have plural chambers formed between inner and outer flexible material layers. A first embodiment includes an ice cap having a front chamber two side chambers and a rear chamber which are each separated from one another wherein at least one chamber can be filled with a coolant liquid such as ice, so that icecap can be partially used for localized headaches. A second embodiment includes two front chambers, on the right and left side, and two rear chambers, on the right and rear side. Chin straps can be used to hold the cap in place. Elastic bands can be used to separate each of the chambers and aid in elastically holding the cap in place on the user's head. Waterproof portals can be used to access each of the chambers on the top of the icecap. Portals can be either screw on caps or rubberized plugs. A third embodiment includes a single flexible layer shaped as a helmet to fit over the head of a user.

Abstract: A new therapeutic heat application device for applying heat to various areas of a person's body. The inventive device includes a pad portion having a wide central portion and a pair of opposed tapered side portions. The pad portion has a shape resembling a pair of lips. The wide central portion is divided into a plurality of narrow sections by vertically extending seams. Each of the tapered side portions is divided into two sections by a horizontally extending seam. The sections of the wide central portion and the tapered side portions are filled with cracked corn. A pair of straps extend outwardly from the tapered side portions of the pad portion. Each of the straps have hook and loop fasteners disposed thereon for engaging each other when the straps wrap the pad portion around a body of a wearer.

Abstract: A therapeutic pillow, that can be fastened to the backrest of a variety of chairs and seats, provides air-pressure-assisted lower back support that can be conveniently adjusted by the user for optimum level of support. The self-inflating pillow, utilizing an interacting combination of two types of expanded compressible core material stuffing and air pressure, never requires an external pump, compressor or lung/breath inflation. The front surface of the pillow provides a hook-and loop type attachment surface for versatile attachment of support straps for securing the pillow in place to the chair, and also provides for versatile attachment of thermal packets, e.g. for cold therapy. The pillow can be folded or rolled in a deflated carrying mode.