A shaped body including at least one section of a polyurethane foam. The shaped body includes a temperature-regulating device arranged in thermal contact with the at least one section of the polyurethane foam and a control device for the temperature-regulating device adapted to adjust the firmness of the at least one section of the polyurethane foam by alteration of temperature of the at least one section of the polyurethane foam this device being in “S” shape. The shaped body is used as a bed or mattress for promoting sleep in one application.

A support system for the human body, or a human body segment, is provided. The system comprises a covering lining in which a plurality of pockets is defined in which there are inserted one or more filling elements forming together a cushioning arrangement of the support system. Filling elements with different physical properties, for example different stiffnesses, are inserted in the different pockets of the covering lining. The pockets may be independent of one another and removably connected to one another, so that they can be combined with one another in the way that best adapts to the specific morphology of a single user. The support system can be made, for example, in the form a cushion, a seat, a backrest, a mattress or with any other shape that may be desired.

A support system for the human body, or a human body segment, is provided. The system comprises a covering lining in which a plurality of pockets is defined in which there are inserted one or more filling elements forming together a cushioning arrangement of the support system. Filling elements with different physical properties, for example different stiffnesses, are inserted in the different pockets of the covering lining. The pockets may be independent of one another and removably connected to one another, so that they can be combined with one another in the way that best adapts to the specific morphology of a single user. The support system can be made, for example, in the form a cushion, a seat, a backrest, a mattress or with any other shape that may be desired.

A three-layered topper for a bedding or seating product has a first piece of foam, a second piece of foam and a pocketed spring comfort layer therebetween. The pocketed spring comfort layer has individually pocketed mini coil springs. At least one of the foam pieces may be infused with metallic particles to improve thermal conductivity. Alternatively, at least one of the foam pieces may be infused with microencapsulated phase change materials to improve heat absorption. At least one of the foam pieces may have a coating to further improve thermal conductivity or heat absorption.

A three-layered topper for a bedding or seating product has a first piece of foam, a second piece of foam and a pocketed spring comfort layer therebetween. The pocketed spring comfort layer has individually pocketed mini coil springs. At least one of the foam pieces may be infused with metallic particles to improve thermal conductivity. Alternatively, at least one of the foam pieces may be infused with microencapsulated phase change materials to improve heat absorption. At least one of the foam pieces may have a coating to further improve thermal conductivity or heat absorption.

A patient support apparatus is provided with selective stiffening features. The patient support apparatus may include a support substrate defining a patient support surface. The support substrate may include a magnetorheological material providing selective reinforcement support of at least a portion of the patient support surface to redistribute pressure about a surface of a patient. The magnetorheological material may include a distribution of ferromagnetic particles disposed within a polymeric material and exhibits a shape conforming, variable stiffness in response to exposure to a magnetic field. A controller may be provided and configured to create a correlation of patient specific data with an optimal stiffness or inflection force deflection (IFD) of the patient support surface, and generate a strength of the magnetic field based on the correlation.

A patient support apparatus is provided with selective stiffening features. The patient support apparatus may include a support substrate defining a patient support surface. The support substrate may include a magnetorheological material providing selective reinforcement support of at least a portion of the patient support surface to redistribute pressure about a surface of a patient. The magnetorheological material may include a distribution of ferromagnetic particles disposed within a polymeric material and exhibits a shape conforming, variable stiffness in response to exposure to a magnetic field. A controller may be provided and configured to create a correlation of patient specific data with an optimal stiffness or inflection force deflection (IFD) of the patient support surface, and generate a strength of the magnetic field based on the correlation.

A spring module includes a spring and a spring bracket for accommodating the spring. The spring bracket may have a base, an end cover and a flexible connecting part connecting the base and the end cover. The spring may be fixed in the spring bracket with a predetermined initial pressure. The spring module may be used in a spring cushion for furniture.

A mattress assembly includes a first layer of viscoelastic foam defining an upper surface, and a second layer of non-viscoelasiic foam supporting the first layer. The mattress assembly also includes a plurality of static spring elements positioned beneath the upper surface for enhancing a firmness of the combined first and second layers.

A mattress assembly includes a first layer of viscoelastic foam defining an upper surface, and a second layer of non-viscoelasiic foam supporting the first layer. The mattress assembly also includes a plurality of static spring elements positioned beneath the upper surface for enhancing a firmness of the combined first and second layers.