CN215271682U - Human engineering mattress - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ergonomic mattress, including mattress upper surface, mattress lower surface and mattress upper surface with the mattress main part that extends between the mattress lower surface, the mattress is made by elastic material, its characterized in that, the mattress main part is including supporting first bearing structure, second bearing structure, third bearing structure and the fourth bearing structure that hardness increases in proper order, first bearing structure, second bearing structure, third bearing structure and fourth bearing structure's top is connected each other and is formed the mattress upper surface, first bearing structure, second bearing structure, third bearing structure and fourth bearing structure arrange to be suitable for providing the support hardness that accords with ergonomics. The human engineering mattress has high fitting degree, can be suitable for supporting different parts, does not bend the spine when sleeping on side, and has air permeability and moisture permeability.

Description

Human engineering mattress

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a mattress technical field, concretely relates to human engineering mattress.

Background

The mattress is an article placed between a human body and a bed frame, and aims to enable people to obtain comfortable sleep and improve sleep quality. To improve the comfort of the mattress, raised portions may be provided in specific regions of the mattress, or the mattress may be provided in different regions to provide ergonomic support.

Chinese utility model patent application No. 201120160480.X discloses a seven-segment mattress suitable for human engineering, including a head pad, a shoulder pad, a back pad, a waist pad, a hip pad, a thigh pad and a shank pad which are connected in sequence from left to right according to a sleeping posture of a human body, wherein the head pad, the shoulder pad, the back pad, the waist pad, the hip pad, the thigh pad and the shank pad have the same structure and all include independent spring cylinders; the upper end of the independent spring cylinder is sequentially and upwards overlapped with a latex layer, a high-elasticity cotton pad, a wool pad and a Becarte fabric layer; and the other group of latex layer, the high-elasticity cotton pad, the wool pad and the Becarte fabric layer are sequentially overlapped from the lower end of the independent spring cylinder.

The Chinese utility model patent with application number 201520729504.7 discloses a partitioned mattress conforming to ergonomics, which is sequentially divided into a head region, a shoulder region, a waist region, a hip region, a thigh region, a shank region and a foot region in the length direction, wherein the upper surface of the mattress in the head region is provided with a plurality of head bulges extending along the width direction of the mattress, and the two adjacent head bulges are connected; the upper surface of the mattress in the shoulder area is provided with a plurality of shoulder bulges extending along the width direction of the mattress; the mattress upper surface in waist district is equipped with a plurality of waist archs that extend along mattress width direction, and two adjacent waist archs are connected.

Chinese patent application No. 200610171491.1 discloses an ergonomic mattress comprising an inner portion or block of segments forming a structure that provides each segment with a different degree of resistance to compression and loading by the spine.

In addition, the group standard "T/SZFA 2003.1-2019 mattress ergonomics evaluation mattress hardness grading and distribution test evaluation method" discloses that the hardness and softness of the mattress have an important role on human health, sleep quality, etc., the mattress is divided into a mattress head region, a shoulder region, a waist region, a hip region and a leg region, and an exemplary mattress partition and hardness distribution (base hardness) map is provided, as shown in fig. 1.

In view of the foregoing, there is a continuing need in the art to develop an ergonomic mattress that improves the quality of a person's sleep.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In order to make up the deficiency of the prior art, the application aims to provide an ergonomic mattress with divided hardness and high fitting degree. The ergonomic mattress described herein includes a plurality of different sections, each section including a support structure operable to provide a different support stiffness, for supporting the head, shoulder, waist, hip, and leg regions of a human body, respectively.

In order to solve the above technical problem, the present application provides the following technical solutions.

In a first aspect, the present application provides an ergonomic mattress comprising a mattress upper surface, a mattress lower surface and a mattress body extending between the mattress upper surface and the mattress lower surface, the mattress being made of an elastic material, characterized in that the mattress body comprises a first support structure, a second support structure, a third support structure and a fourth support structure having successively increasing support stiffness, the tops of the first support structure, the second support structure, the third support structure and the fourth support structure being connected to each other to form the mattress upper surface, the first support structure, the second support structure, the third support structure and the fourth support structure being arranged so as to be adapted to provide an ergonomic support stiffness.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the first support structure includes a first support structure top and a first support structure support arm, the first support structure support arm extending a first predetermined length from the first support structure top toward the mattress lower surface, and a junction of the first support structure support arm and the first support structure top forms a closed loop having a first cross section.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the second support structure includes a second support structure top, a second support structure support arm extending a second predetermined length from the second support structure top toward the lower mattress surface, and a second support structure stiffener extending a second predetermined length from the second support structure top toward the lower mattress surface and intersecting the second support structure support arm, but no intersection exists between any two of the second support structure stiffeners.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the third support structure includes a third support structure top, a third support structure support arm extending a third predetermined length from the third support structure top toward the lower mattress surface, and at least two third support structure stiffeners, the third support structure support arm forming a closed loop having a third cross section where it joins the third support structure top, the third support structure stiffener extending a fifth predetermined length from the third support structure top toward the lower mattress surface, the third support structure stiffener intersecting both the third support structure support arm and another third support structure stiffener, the third predetermined length being greater than the fifth predetermined length.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the fourth support structure includes a fourth support structure top, a fourth support structure support arm extending a fourth predetermined length from the fourth support structure top toward the lower mattress surface, and at least two fourth support structure stiffeners, the fourth support structure support arm forming a closed loop having a fourth cross section where it joins the fourth support structure top, the fourth support structure stiffener extending a fourth predetermined length from the fourth support structure top toward the lower mattress surface, the fourth support structure stiffener intersecting both the fourth support structure support arm and another fourth support structure stiffener.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the mattress body comprises, in order along the length of the mattress, a first region, a second region, a third region, a fourth region, a fifth region, a sixth region, a seventh region, an eighth region and a ninth region adjacent to one another, wherein a portion of the first region is configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting a head region of a human being; the remainder of the first region and a portion of the second region, the third region and a portion of the fourth region are configured to provide a support stiffness necessary to ergonomically support the shoulder region of the human body; the remainder of the fourth region and a portion of the fifth region are configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the lumbar region of the human body; another portion of the fifth region is configured and adapted to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the buttocks region of the human body; and the remainder of the fifth region, the sixth region, the seventh region, the eighth region, and the ninth region are configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the leg region of the human body.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the first region comprises a first section centrally located in the first region and a second section surrounding the first section, wherein the first section has a support stiffness less than the support stiffness of the second section, and at least a portion of the first and second sections are configured to provide the support stiffness required to ergonomically support the shoulder region of the human body, preferably the first section comprises a first support structure and the second section comprises a second support structure.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the fifth area comprises a third section in the center of the fifth area and a fourth section surrounding the third section, wherein the third section has a support stiffness less than the support stiffness of the fourth section, the third section being only for providing the support stiffness needed for ergonomically supporting the buttocks area of the human body, preferably the third section comprises the first support structure and the fourth section comprises the second support structure.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the ninth area comprises a fifth subarea located in the center of the ninth area and a sixth subarea surrounding the fifth subarea, wherein the support stiffness of the fifth subarea is smaller than the support stiffness of the sixth subarea, preferably the fifth subarea comprises the first support structure and the sixth subarea comprises the second support structure.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the mattress upper surface includes a plurality of arcuate structures that project away from the mattress upper surface, each arcuate structure including a through hole, and the through holes are centrally located on a top of the first, second, third or fourth support structures.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the ergonomic mattress is formed by splicing together a plurality of thermoplastic elastomer segments, each of which is fixedly attached together at a side.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the lower surface of the mattress is attached to a foam pad.

Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the utility model reside in that:

(1) the ergonomic mattress described herein conforms to the body shape of the human body, has no supporting gap, and therefore has a high fit;

(2) the ergonomic mattress realizes hardness partition by adjusting the support structures of the partitions, can adapt to support of different parts, and does not bend the spine when sleeping on side;

(3) the ergonomic mattress described herein includes a through-hole structure that allows for internal thermal cycling, thereby providing air and moisture permeability.

Drawings

The present application may be better understood by describing embodiments thereof in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a prior art mattress section and base firmness profile.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view from above of an ergonomic mattress of an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view from below of an ergonomic mattress of an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 4 is a side view of an ergonomic mattress of an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of a rectangular portion in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a bottom firmness profile of an ergonomic mattress according to an embodiment of the present application. The firmness data shown in the figure are the firmness of the mattress base measured according to the group standard "T/SZFA 2003.1-2019 mattress firmness grading and distribution test evaluation method for mattress ergonomic evaluation".

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a first support structure of an ergonomic mattress of an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a second support structure of an ergonomic mattress of an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a third support structure of an ergonomic mattress of an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a fourth support structure of the ergonomic mattress of an embodiment of the present application.

The reference numbers illustrate:

10: a first region;

20: a second region;

30: a third region;

40: a fourth region;

50: a fifth region;

60: a sixth region;

70: a seventh region;

80: an eighth region;

90: a ninth area;

100: an ergonomic mattress;

101: the upper surface of the mattress;

1011: a through hole;

102: the lower surface of the mattress;

103: a mattress body;

1000: a first support structure;

1001: a first support structure top;

1002: a first support structure support arm;

2000: a second support structure:

2001: a second support structure top;

2002: a second support structure support arm;

2003: a second support structure stiffener;

3000: a third support structure:

3001: a third support structure top;

3002: a third support structure support arm;

3003: a third support structure longitudinal stiffener;

3004: a third support structure transverse stiffener;

4000: a fourth support structure:

4001: a fourth support structure top;

4002: a fourth support structure support arm;

4003: a fourth support structure longitudinal stiffener;

4004: and the fourth supporting structure is provided with a transverse reinforcing rib.

Detailed Description

Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

All numerical values recited herein as between the lowest value and the highest value are intended to mean all values between the lowest value and the highest value in increments of one unit when there is more than two units difference between the lowest value and the highest value.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", and the like, indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are used merely for convenience of description and for simplicity of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element being referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore, should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specified.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, and may be, for example, fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected; can be mechanically or electrically connected; they may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art through specific situations.

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with embodiments. It is noted that in the detailed description of these embodiments, in order to provide a concise description, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in detail.

Referring to fig. 2-6, in one embodiment, the present application provides an ergonomic mattress 100 that includes a mattress upper surface 101, a mattress lower surface 102, and a mattress body 103 extending between the mattress upper surface 101 and the mattress lower surface 102. The mattress 100 may be made of an elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Referring to fig. 7 to 10, the improvement of the present application resides in that the mattress body 103 includes a first support structure 1000, a second support structure 2000, a third support structure 3000 and a fourth support structure 4000 having successively increasing support rigidity, the top portions of the first support structure 1000, the second support structure 2000, the third support structure 3000 and the fourth support structure 4000 being connected to each other to form the upper mattress surface 101, the first support structure 1000, the second support structure 2000, the third support structure 3000 and the fourth support structure 4000 being arranged to provide ergonomic support rigidity. In this context, support firmness is embodied by the hardness of the mattress base layer as measured according to the group standard "T/SZFA 2003.1-2019 mattress firmness grading and distribution test evaluation methods for mattress ergonomics evaluation".

By changing the pattern of the support structure, i.e. by changing the cross-sectional shape, profile, number of reinforcing ribs, even the extension length and thickness of the support structure, support structures with different support hardnesses can be obtained. However, in one embodiment of the present application, in order to increase the overall aesthetic appeal of the mattress and reduce the difficulty of manufacturing the mattress, the cross-sections of all the support structures are configured as regular polygons, such as regular hexagons, regular heptagons, regular octagons, etc. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other cross-sectional shapes may be used for the support structure, such as circular, oval, triangular or rectangular, etc., as long as different support stiffness is provided. Such embodiments are also within the scope of the present application.

The features of various support structures according to the present application will be described in detail below in connection with fig. 7-10.

Referring first to fig. 7, a first support structure 1000 may include a first support structure top 1001 and a first support structure support arm 1002, the first support structure support arm 1002 extending a first predetermined length from the first support structure top 1001 toward the mattress lower surface 102, and the connection of the first support structure support arm 1002 with the first support structure top 1001 forming a closed loop having a first cross section.

Referring next to fig. 8, the second support structure 2000 includes a second support structure top 2001, second support structure support arms 2002, and second support structure stiffeners 2003. In this embodiment, the second support structure support arms 2002 extend a second predetermined length from the second support structure top 2001 towards the mattress lower surface 102, and the junction of the second support structure support arms 2002 and the second support structure top 2003 forms a closed loop having a second cross-section, and the second support structure stiffeners 2003 extend a second predetermined length from the second support structure top 2001 towards the mattress lower surface 102 and intersect the second support structure support arms 2002, but no intersection exists between any two of the second support structure stiffeners 2003. In this embodiment, the second support structure 2000 has a regular hexagonal cross-section with a second support structure stiffener 2003 placed at each apex. In other words, the second support structure 2000 may include six second support structure reinforcing bars 2003. The second support structure stiffener 2003 is connected at one end to the second support structure top 2001 and at the other end is a free end. In addition, the sides of the second support structure ribs 2003 are also connected to the second support structure support arms 2002 and extend the same length as the second support structure support arms 2002, but any two second support structure ribs 2003 do not intersect each other. The second support structure 2000 differs from the first support structure 1000 in that a second support structure reinforcing rib 2003 is further included, so that higher rigidity can be provided.

Referring to fig. 9, the third support structure 3000 can include a third support structure top 3001, third support structure support arms 3002, and at least two third support structure stiffeners. The third support structure support arm 3002 extends a third predetermined length from the third support structure top 3001 toward the mattress lower surface 102, and the junction of the third support structure support arm 3002 with the third support structure top 3001 forms a closed loop having a third cross-section, the third support structure stiffener extending a fifth predetermined length from the third support structure top toward the mattress lower surface, the third support structure stiffener intersecting both the third support structure support arm 3001 and another third support structure stiffener, the third predetermined length being greater than the fifth predetermined length. In this embodiment, the third support structure stiffener includes a third support structure longitudinal stiffener 3003 and a third support structure transverse stiffener 3004 that intersect each other and have a length that is less than the length of the third support structure support arms 3002. In other words, the third support structure longitudinal stiffener 3003 and the third support structure lateral stiffener 3004 are not flush with the free ends of the third support structure support arms 3002. The third support structure 3000 includes reinforcing ribs that intersect each other and thus may provide a higher degree of support stiffness than both the first support structure 1000 and the second support structure 2000.

Referring to fig. 10, a fourth support structure 4000 includes a fourth support structure top 4001, a fourth support structure support arm 4002, and at least two fourth support structure stiffeners, the fourth support structure support arm 4002 extending a fourth predetermined length from the fourth support structure top toward the mattress lower surface 102, and the fourth support structure support arm being connected to the fourth support structure top to form a closed loop having a fourth cross section, the fourth support structure stiffeners extending a fourth predetermined length from the fourth support structure top 4001 toward the mattress lower surface 102, the fourth support structure stiffeners intersecting both the fourth support structure support arm 4002 and another fourth support structure stiffener. In this embodiment, the fourth support structure reinforcing bar comprises a fourth support structure longitudinal reinforcing bar 4003 and a fourth support structure transverse reinforcing bar 4004 that intersect each other and have the same extension as the extension of the fourth support structure support arm 4002. In other words, the fourth support structure longitudinal stiffener 4003 and the fourth support structure transverse stiffener 4004 are flush with the free end of the fourth support structure support arm 4002. The fourth support structure 4000 includes reinforcing bars that intersect each other and extend the same length as the fourth support structure support arms, and thus can provide a higher support stiffness than the first, second, and third support structures 1000, 2000.

Referring to fig. 2 and 6, the mattress body 103 includes a first region 10, a second region 20, a third region 30, a fourth region 40, a fifth region 50, a sixth region 60, a seventh region 70, an eighth region 80, and a ninth region 90 adjacent to each other in sequence along the length of the mattress 100. A portion of the first region is configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the head region of the human body. The remainder of the first region and a portion of the second region, the third region and a portion of the fourth region are configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the shoulder region of a human body. The remainder of the fourth region and a portion of the fifth region are configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the lumbar region of the human body. Another portion of the fifth region is configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the buttocks region of the human body. The remainder of the fifth region, the sixth region, the seventh region, the eighth region, and the ninth region are configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the leg region of the human body. In one embodiment shown in fig. 6, the support firmness distribution of mattress 100 is similar to the firmness distribution pattern shown in fig. 1 and is adapted to provide ergonomic support firmness to aid in providing the user with a quality of sleep.

Still referring to fig. 6, the first region 10 includes a first section centered in the first region and a second section surrounding the first section, wherein the first section has a support stiffness less than the support stiffness of the second section, and at least a portion of the first section and the second section are configured to provide the support stiffness required to ergonomically support the shoulder region of the human body. In one embodiment, the first section includes a first support structure 1000 and the second section includes a second support structure 2000.

Still referring to fig. 6, the fifth zone 50 includes a third zone centrally located within the fifth zone and a fourth zone surrounding the third zone, wherein the third zone has a support stiffness less than the support stiffness of the fourth zone, and wherein the third zone is only for providing the support stiffness needed to ergonomically support the buttocks region of the human body. In one embodiment, the third section includes a first support structure 1000 and the fourth section includes a second support structure 2000.

Referring again to fig. 6, the ninth region 90 includes a fifth zone centrally located in the ninth region and a sixth zone surrounding the fifth zone, wherein the fifth zone has a support stiffness less than the support stiffness of the sixth zone. In one embodiment, the fifth section includes a first support structure 1000 and the sixth section includes a second support structure 2000.

In another embodiment, referring to fig. 4 and 5, the mattress upper surface 101 includes a plurality of arcuate structures that project away from the mattress upper surface, each arcuate structure including a through hole 1011, and the through holes 1011 are located at a top center of the first, second, third, or fourth support structures. The presence of the through holes 1011 not only saves on the material from which the mattress is made, but also increases the breathability of the mattress 100. As shown in FIG. 5, there may be an annular region around the perimeter of the through hole 1011 that tapers in thickness away from the through hole 1011 until it is smoothly connected to the mattress upper surface 101. The arc-shaped structure has a massage effect, and the sleeping quality of a user can be further improved.

In one embodiment, the ergonomic mattress 100 described herein is formed by splicing together several thermoplastic elastomer pieces that are fixedly attached together at their sides. The individual thermoplastic elastomer blocks may be shaped in advance to form the desired support structure arrangement and then spliced together. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in this embodiment, the outer perimeter of each thermoplastic elastomer block includes a bonding edge, where either the support structure support arms, ribs or the support structure top extend a length from the support structure top to the mattress lower surface to provide a seamless connection between the thermoplastic elastomer blocks.

In one embodiment, the lower surface 102 of the mattress may be coupled to a foam pad to enhance the resiliency of the mattress.

The above-mentioned embodiments, further detailed description of the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, it should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are only specific embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention, and any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (12)

1. An ergonomic mattress comprising a mattress upper surface, a mattress lower surface and a mattress body extending between the mattress upper surface and the mattress lower surface, the mattress being made of an elastic material, characterized in that the mattress body comprises a first support structure, a second support structure, a third support structure and a fourth support structure of which the support stiffness increases in sequence, the tops of the first support structure, the second support structure, the third support structure and the fourth support structure being connected to each other to form the mattress upper surface, the first support structure, the second support structure, the third support structure and the fourth support structure being arranged so as to be suitable for providing a support stiffness that is ergonomic.

2. The ergonomic mattress of claim 1 wherein said first support structure comprises a first support structure top and a first support structure support arm, said first support structure support arm extending a first predetermined length from said first support structure top toward said mattress lower surface, and wherein said first support structure support arm forms a closed loop having a first cross-section at a junction with said first support structure top;

the second support structure including a second support structure top, a second support structure support arm extending a second predetermined length from the second support structure top toward the mattress lower surface, and a second support structure stiffener extending a second predetermined length from the second support structure top toward the mattress lower surface and intersecting the second support structure support arm at a junction with the second support structure top, but no intersection between any two of the second support structure stiffeners;

the third support structure including a third support structure top, a third support structure support arm extending a third predetermined length from the third support structure top toward the lower mattress surface, and at least two third support structure stiffeners, the third support structure support arm forming a closed loop having a third cross section where it joins the third support structure top, the third support structure stiffener extending a fifth predetermined length from the third support structure top toward the lower mattress surface, the third support structure stiffener intersecting both the third support structure support arm and another third support structure stiffener, the third predetermined length being greater than the fifth predetermined length;

the fourth support structure includes a fourth support structure top, a fourth support structure support arm extending a fourth predetermined length from the fourth support structure top toward the mattress lower surface, and at least two fourth support structure stiffeners, wherein the fourth support structure support arm is connected to the fourth support structure top to form a closed loop having a fourth cross section, wherein the fourth support structure stiffener extends a fourth predetermined length from the fourth support structure top toward the mattress lower surface, and wherein the fourth support structure stiffener intersects both the fourth support structure support arm and another fourth support structure stiffener.

3. An ergonomic mattress according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, along the length of the mattress, the mattress body comprises, in order, a first region, a second region, a third region, a fourth region, a fifth region, a sixth region, a seventh region, an eighth region and a ninth region adjacent to one another, wherein a portion of the first region is configured to provide a support stiffness required to ergonomically support the head region of the human body; the remainder of the first region and a portion of the second region, the third region and a portion of the fourth region are configured to provide a support stiffness necessary to ergonomically support the shoulder region of the human body; the remainder of the fourth region and a portion of the fifth region are configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the lumbar region of the human body; another portion of the fifth region is configured and adapted to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the buttocks region of the human body; and the remainder of the fifth region, the sixth region, the seventh region, the eighth region, and the ninth region are configured to provide a desired support stiffness for ergonomically supporting the leg region of the human body.

4. The ergonomic mattress of claim 3 wherein said first region comprises a first section centered in said first region and a second section surrounding said first section, wherein the first section has a support stiffness less than the support stiffness of the second section, and wherein at least a portion of said first section and said second section are configured to provide the support stiffness required to ergonomically support the shoulder region.

5. The ergonomic mattress of claim 4 wherein said first section comprises a first support structure and said second section comprises a second support structure.

6. The ergonomic mattress of claim 3 wherein said fifth zone comprises a third zone centered on said fifth zone and a fourth zone surrounding said third zone, wherein the third zone has a support stiffness less than the support stiffness of the fourth zone, said third zone being configured to provide only the support stiffness needed to ergonomically support the buttocks region of the human body.

7. The ergonomic mattress of claim 6 wherein said third section comprises a first support structure and said fourth section comprises a second support structure.

8. The ergonomic mattress of claim 3 wherein said ninth zone comprises a fifth zone centered on said ninth zone and a sixth zone surrounding said fifth zone, wherein the fifth zone has a support stiffness less than the support stiffness of the sixth zone.

9. The ergonomic mattress of claim 8 wherein said fifth section comprises a first support structure and said sixth section comprises a second support structure.

10. The ergonomic mattress of claim 1 wherein said upper mattress surface comprises a plurality of arcuate structures projecting away from said upper mattress surface, each arcuate structure comprising a through hole, and said through holes being centrally located on a top portion of said first, second, third or fourth support structures.

11. An ergonomic mattress of claim 1 wherein said ergonomic mattress is formed by splicing together a plurality of thermoplastic elastomer segments, each of said segments being fixedly joined together at a side.

12. An ergonomic mattress as in claim 1 wherein a foam pad is attached to the lower surface of the mattress.

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