Multi layer cushions and positioners

Abstract

Multilayered cushions and positioners include a plurality of compressible layers, at least of which may include a breathable chamber that holds compressible beads. The compressible beads may flow until an object is placed thereon or until the compressible layer is placed against a surface. A compressive force exerted by the object or the surface on the beads may compress them, causing the beads to conform to a shape of the object or surface and increasing a coefficient of friction of the beads, which may hold the beads in position and increase a rigidity of the cushion or positioner at the location thereof that receives the object or surface. An intermediate element, such as a pressurizable element, may be positioned between compressible layers to prevent forces exerted one of the compressible layers from being communicated directly to the other compressible layer.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A multi layer cushion, comprising:
 a cover;   a micro-adjustable layer;   an air cell beneath the micro-adjustable layer; and   a lower support layer beneath the air cell and conformable to a surface upon which the multi-layer cushion is placed,   at least one of the micro-adjustable layer and the lower support layer including a breathable chamber and a compressible medium within the breathable chamber, the air cell at least partially isolating a conformability of the lower support layer from a conformability of the micro-adjustable layer and spreading the force of the body part across the lower support layer, the force of the body part increasing a coefficient of friction between elements of the compressible medium.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 1 , wherein the other of the micro-adjustable layer and the lower support layer comprises a bladder with a fluidized medium therein. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 1 , wherein the lower support layer includes the breathable chamber and the compressible medium and the force of the body part on the micro-adjustable layer and the air cell increases a rigidity of the compressible medium across substantially all of the lower support layer. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 3 , wherein the micro-adjustable layer also includes a breathable chamber and a compressible medium within the breathable chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 4 , wherein a density of the compressible medium of the micro-adjustable layer differs from a density of the compressible medium of the lower support layer. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 5 , wherein the density of the compressible medium of the micro-adjustable layer is less than the density of the compressible medium of the lower support layer. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises an antimicrobial filter. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible medium of the micro-adjustable layer and the compressible medium of the lower support layer comprise compressible beads. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 8 , wherein the compressible beads of the micro-adjustable layer and the compressible beads of the lower support layer comprise expanded polyethylene beads. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-layer cushion of  claim 1 , wherein the micro-adjustable layer is positioned between but remains detached from the cover and the air cell. 
     
     
         11 . A positioner for placement beneath a chest of a subject while the subject is in a prone position to assist a subject in breathing, comprising:
 a first cushion having a first width and a first height;   a second cushion adjacent to the first cushion and having a second width and a second height; and   a third cushion adjacent to the second cushion, on an opposite side of the second cushion from the first cushion, and having a third width and a third height,   the second width being less than the first width and the third width, and/or   the second height being less than the first height and the third height.   
     
     
         12 . The positioner of  claim 11 , wherein each of the first cushion, the second cushion, and the third cushion comprises an air chamber. 
     
     
         13 . The positioner of  claim 11 , wherein each of the first cushion and the third cushion comprises a pliable, breathable chamber containing a compressible, conformable medium and the third cushion comprises an air cushion. 
     
     
         14 . The positioner of  claim 13 , wherein the second cushion comprises an air chamber. 
     
     
         15 . The positioner of  claim 13 , wherein force of a body part of the subject against the compressible, conformable medium increases a rigidity of the first cushion and/or the third cushion. 
     
     
         16 . The positioner of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one breathable chamber comprises a filter. 
     
     
         17 . A multi layer cushion, comprising:
 an outer shell;   a first side including a breathable chamber and a compressible medium within the breathable chamber, the first side conformable to an object placed thereagainst, force of the body object on the compressible medium increasing a coefficient of friction between elements of the compressible medium and increasing a rigidity of a portion of the micro adjustable layer against which the body part is placed; and   a second side opposite from the first side and comprising a pliable bladder containing fluidized cushioning medium.