A mattress includes a first, phase changeable component and a thermal management system adapted to control the temperature of the phase changeable component in order to change the firmness of the mattress. Some embodiments of the mattress include an optional single phase component. The firmness can can be made spatially and/or temporally uniform or nonuniform, and can be controlled based on one or more sensed parameters.

Embodiments of a mattress and methods of manufacturing the same, wherein the mattress includes a body having one or more openings for removable inserts that a user can position within the openings to adjust the mechanical characteristics of the mattress, including the amount and location of support provided by the mattress to the user. Some embodiments of the mattress include one or more covers, such as a fire-retardant cover, that can encompass the mattress body while still allowing a user to access the openings of mattress body.

A mattress is disclosed. The mattress includes a support layer, a comfort layer arranged supported on the support layer and a support structure sandwiched between the support layer and the comfort layer. The support structure includes a plurality of first bars extending in a longitudinal direction and arrayed in a lateral direction and at least one second bar coupled to the plurality of first bars and supported on the plurality of first bars. The at least one second bar extends in the lateral direction and is configured to facilitate a flexing of the plurality of first bars in convex shapes when a person lies on the mattress to support a lumbar region of the person.

A mattress is disclosed. The mattress includes a support layer, a comfort layer arranged supported on the support layer and a support structure sandwiched between the support layer and the comfort layer. The support structure includes a plurality of first bars extending in a longitudinal direction and arrayed in a lateral direction and at least one second bar coupled to the plurality of first bars and supported on the plurality of first bars. The at least one second bar extends in the lateral direction and is configured to facilitate a flexing of the plurality of first bars in convex shapes when a person lies on the mattress to support a lumbar region of the person.

A method for customizing a mattress includes acquiring a three dimensional image of a body of a user and preparing, by a processor, a three dimensional model of the body of the user using the three-dimensional image. The method also includes dividing, by the processor, the three dimensional model into a plurality of sections arranged parallel to each other and arrayed along a height of the three dimensional model, and determining a downward pressure to be exerted by each of the plurality of sections on the mattress. The method further includes determining, by the processor, one or more parameters associated with at least one portion of the mattress adapted to be arranged underneath an associated section when person lies on the mattress based on the determined downward pressure or topography.

A mattress (100) includes one or more layers (101,102,103) of material, and one or more pressure sensors (104,105,106). A control circuit (203), operable with the pressure sensors, is operable with a user interface (115). The control circuit presents on the user interface one of three color-coded indications. When a sensed pressure detected by the pressure sensors is below a first threshold (603), the control circuit presents a first color-coded indication on the user interface. When the sensed pressure (605) is between the first predefined sensor threshold and a second predefined sensor threshold (604), the control circuit presents a second color-coded indication on the user interface. When the sensed pressure is above the second predefined pressure threshold, the control circuit presents a third color-coded indication on the user interface.

Various systems and methods for adjusting the firmness of a mattress are described herein. Inflation elements having fingers may be coupled with a spring layer or foam layer of a mattress to provide for inflating or deflating the fingers. Increasing the fluid pressure inside the fingers increases the force required to compress the spring layer or foam layer, ultimately resulting in increasing the firmness of the mattress. Conversely, decreasing the fluid pressure inside the fingers decreases the firmness of the mattress.

Various systems and methods for adjusting the firmness of a mattress are described herein. Inflation elements having fingers may be coupled with a spring layer or foam layer of a mattress to provide for inflating or deflating the fingers. Increasing the fluid pressure inside the fingers increases the force required to compress the spring layer or foam layer, ultimately resulting in increasing the firmness of the mattress. Conversely, decreasing the fluid pressure inside the fingers decreases the firmness of the mattress.

Embodiments disclosed herein include cushioning assemblies with thermoplastic elements encapsulated in thermoset providing customizable support and airflow. A cushioning assembly for a cushion provides cushioning and support for a user. Thermoplastic elements are encapsulated within a thermoset matrix to provide additional support at specific sections of the cushion. The shape and location of the thermoplastic elements may be configured to provide the support and cushioning characteristics desired by a user. The thermoplastic elements may include air passageways in communication with the outside. In this manner, support is provided precisely where needed for the user, the weight and expense of the cushion is reduced by eliminating expensive redundant support, and the heat and humidity that can cause user discomfort is reduced.

Embodiments disclosed herein include cushioning assemblies with thermoplastic elements encapsulated in thermoset providing customizable support and airflow. A cushioning assembly for a cushion provides cushioning and support for a user. Thermoplastic elements are encapsulated within a thermoset matrix to provide additional support at specific sections of the cushion. The shape and location of the thermoplastic elements may be configured to provide the support and cushioning characteristics desired by a user. The thermoplastic elements may include air passageways in communication with the outside. In this manner, support is provided precisely where needed for the user, the weight and expense of the cushion is reduced by eliminating expensive redundant support, and the heat and humidity that can cause user discomfort is reduced.