US20190290013A1

US20190290013A1 - Mattress topper

Info

Publication number: US20190290013A1
Application number: US16/260,094
Authority: US
Inventors: Dennis M. Boyd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-01-26
Filing date: 2019-01-28
Publication date: 2019-09-26

Abstract

An inflatable mattress topper has a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of a mattress so that the inflatable mattress topper can overlie the upper surface of the mattress, substantially within the perimeter of the mattress. The topper has separate left and right inflatable chambers having common upper and lower walls, and each chamber having separate head, foot, left and right side walls. There are a plurality of generally elongate parallel beams between the upper walls and the lower walls of each chamber, each beam extending substantially the width of its respective chamber from a point adjacent the left side of the chamber to a point adjacent the right side of the chamber.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to mattress toppers, and in particular to air-filled mattress toppers.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
A mattress topper is a relatively thick pad or cushion (between 2 and 5 inches) that is placed directly above a mattress in order to add an extra layer of comfort and protection. There are many different types of toppers, and they typically comprising some type of foam, such as memory form, or gel, or combination thereof. However, conventional toppers have suffered from a number of problems, including a lack of edge support, and “bottoming out” because while they are relatively thick, they are still significantly thinner than a mattress. In general, there is a lack of adjustable firmness with most toppers and with two people sleeping on the same mattress with a topper, they may be of different heights, weights and body styles that would indicate that they would desire different support structures to accommodate their specific needs.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
Generally, preferred embodiments of a mattress topper according to the principles of this invention have a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of a mattress so that the inflatable mattress topper can overlie the upper surface of the mattress, substantially within the perimeter of the mattress. The topper preferably comprises separate left and right inflatable chambers having common upper and lower walls, and each of the wall, a lower wall, and head, foot, left and right side walls. There are a plurality of generally elongate beams in each chamber, between the upper wall and the lower wall, to maintain a substantially uniform thickness across the length and width of the topper.
In some embodiments the left and right chambers can communicate with each other directly. In other embodiments the left and right chambers can communicate through an intermediary chamber. In still other embodiments the chambers may be isolated from each other, although one of the left and right chambers may communicate with a different chamber. In some embodiments the left and right chambers are adjacent to each other, and in some embodiments the left and right chambers are spaced apart.
In the preferred embodiment, the beams are parallel and extend substantially across the width of its respective chamber, from a point adjacent the left side of the chamber to a point adjacent the right side of the chamber. Alternatively the beams could extend substantially across the length of their respective chambers, from a point adjacent the head side to a point adjacent the foot side of the chamber. The beams are configured and spaced such that the each chamber has substantially uniform thickness of between one inch and six inches, and more preferably from two inches to four inches, from left edge to right edge, and from the top edge to the bottom edge. The seaming construction to connect the upper and lower layers may be a traditional coil construction, linear beam construction, oval beam construction or any other type of connecting methodology. In a preferred embodiment, the topper is made of a material having at least two layers: a fabric layer and a heat-sealable layer. The heat sealable layer in preferably fluid impervious, or the material includes a fluid impervious layer.
As described above, the topper preferably has substantially uniform thickness, and the width of the topper is between one and three inches narrower than the width of the bed on which the topper is designed to be used, and the length of the topper is between one and three inches shorter than the length of the bed on which the topper is designed to be used. The thickness of the topper is preferably less than about four inches or less.
The beams are preferably the same length, and extend between about 75% and about 95% of the distance across their respective chamber (whether extending from side to side or from head to foot. The distance between each beam and its adjacent beam is preferably greater than or equal to the height of the beams, and more preferably the distance between each beam and its adjacent beam is substantially equal to the height of the beam, to provide generally flat planar upper and lower surfaces.
The upper surfaces of the two chambers are preferably formed of the same ply of material, and similarly the lower surfaces of the two chambers are preferably formed of the same ply of material, so that the upper and lower surface of the topper are each formed of one continuous sheet. However, each chamber preferably has its own head, foot, left and right side walls.
In some embodiments the first and second chambers are spaced apart, with a gap between the left and right chambers. In some embodiments, an elongate foam member can be disposed in this gap between the left and right chambers. This prevents the formation of a low spot or crease in the middle of the topper. The topper can further comprise an elongate foam member adjacent the left side of the left chamber and the right side of the right chamber, each foam member extending substantially the length of its respective chamber. This helps prevent the topper from collapsing adjacent its edges.
In other embodiments an elongate inflatable element is disposed in the gap between the left and right chambers. This elongate inflatable element can be independent of the left and right chambers, but alternatively the elongate inflatable element can be in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers to simplify manufacture and use.
A perimeter air chamber can extend around the left and right chambers. This perimeter air chamber, if present, is preferably in fluid communication with the elongate inflatable element disposed in the gap between the left and right chambers. Alternatively, or in addition, the perimeter air chamber can be in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers. The width of the perimeter chamber is preferably substantially the same as the spacing between the beams.
In embodiments where there are separate left and right chambers, the right wall of the left chamber and the left wall of the right chamber are in opposed, facing relationship, and there are mating portions of hook and loop fastening material on the opposed, facing walls to secure the two chambers. Alternatively, or in addition, a band can surround the collective perimeters of the first and second chambers, and be secured for example with mating portions of hook and loop type fastening materials.
Valves can be provided to inflate the separate chambers. These valves can be configured to releasably connect to pumps to facilitate inflation, and or to manually or with a pump deflate the chambers. Some embodiments can include at least one pump in fluid communication with the left and right chambers, and more preferably there is a separate pump in communication with each of the left and right chambers to inflate and maintain pressure. A pump may also inserted into the topper and sealed to the outer wall for each separate chamber to easily inflate or deflate the chambers. At least one pressure sensor can be provided for sensing the pressure in the chambers, and a control can be provided that actuates the at least one pump in response to the pressure sensor to maintain a predetermined minimum pressure in each chamber. At least one pressure relief valve can be provided, and a control can also be provided to actuate the at least one pressure relieve valve in response to the pressure sensor to maintain the pressure below a predetermined maximum pressure in each chamber.
In some embodiments, the inflatable mattress topper can include an integral or removable pillow, for example comprising at least one inflatable wedge shaped envelope on one of the upper or lower walls of at least one of the chambers, and preferably on the upper wall of each chamber, adjacent the head wall.
In some embodiments the topper is inflated with a separate pump that can be permanently connected to the topper, or can be detachably connected to the topper. In other embodiments a pump is provided inside the topper, or is incorporated into one of the walls of the topper. The pump can have a switch control on the pump or it can be controllable by a wired or wireless remote control.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of mattress topper according to the principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of mattress topper according to the principles of this invention including foam inserts;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a third preferred embodiment of mattress topper according to the principles of this invention including an integral air pump;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a fourth preferred embodiment of mattress topper according to the principles of this invention including an external air pump;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a mattress topper according to the principles of this invention, including separate chambers jointed by a fastener, such as hook and loop type fasting material;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a mattress topper according to the principles of this invention, including a separate pillow for each chamber;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a possible construction of a pillow for the sixth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a mattress topper according to the principles of this invention, including separate chambers jointed by a fastener;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a mattress topper according to the principles of this invention; and

FIG. 10 is a partial cross sectional view of the sixth preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising a perimeter chamber, and left and right chambers, in which the perimeter chamber is in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising a perimeter chamber, and left and right chambers, in which the perimeter chamber and left and right chambers are not in fluid communication;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising a perimeter chamber, and left and right chambers, in which the perimeter chamber is in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers, with integrated pumps for inflating the chambers;

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising a perimeter chamber, and left and right chambers, in which the perimeter chamber is in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers, with an external pump for inflating the chambers;

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising a perimeter chamber, and left and right chambers, in which the perimeter chamber is in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers, with ports for connection to an external pump and pressure relief valves;

FIG. 11F is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising a perimeter chamber, and left and right chambers, in which the perimeter chamber and left and right chambers are covered with an additional layer, such as memory foam, latex or polyester fiber batting

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising two chambers with an integral pump, with two separate pump controls for separately controlling each chamber;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising two chambers with an integrated pump, with wired or wireless controls for separately controlling each chamber;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising three chambers with an integral pump, with three separate pump controls for separately controlling each chamber; and

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a topper comprising three chambers with an integrated pump, with wired or wireless controls for separately controlling each chamber.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Generally, a first preferred embodiment of a mattress topper according to the principles of this invention is indicated as 20 in FIG. 1. The topper 20 has a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of a mattress so that the inflatable mattress topper can overlie the upper surface of the mattress, substantially within the perimeter of the mattress.
A Twin or Twin Extra Long version would consist of two chambers. The first chamber would be substantially the length and width of the mattress and a second chamber approximately 3″ to 4″ in height and width and would be a perimeter chamber that would be separately inflated for edge support. The topper can be adapted for a king, queen, or double size mattresses.
The preferred embodiments of the mattress topper are shown and described for a conventional queen mattress (which are 80 inches by 60 inches), and the topper has a length of 79 inches and a width of 59 inches. Topper sizes for king and double beds would be correspondingly smaller than their respective beds.
The topper would typically be placed over the mattress and underneath a fitted sheet. The fitted sheet would retain the topper in position and prevent it from slipping or shifting. Ideally, a fabric laminated to a dielectric heat seal-able substrate would also act to provide a non-slip surface on the upper and lower sides of the topper. The topper is preferably made from a heat sealable layer such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which is laminated to a fabric layer such as a nylon (70 denier to 210 denier), polyester, or poly-cotton. The heat sealable material creates a reliable and manufacturing friendly material to create an air tight enclosure. Laminating improves the feel of the material and can help reduce stretching that can result reduction in internal pressure.
The topper 20 preferably comprises separate left and right inflatable chambers 22 and 24. Each of the chambers 22 and 24 has an upper wall 26 forming part of the upper surface of the topper, a lower wall 28 forming part of the lower surface of the topper, and head, foot, left and right side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36, that form part of edges of the topper at the head, foot and left and right sides of the bed. There are a plurality of generally elongate beams 38 between the upper wall 26 and the lower wall 28. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, these beams 38 are substantially parallel to each other and extend substantially the width of their respective chambers, from a point adjacent the left side 34 of the chamber to a point adjacent the right side 36 of the chamber. Alternatively, the beams 38 are preferably parallel, but extend substantially the length of their respective chamber, from a point adjacent the head side 30 to a point adjacent the foot side 32.
The beams 38 are preferably formed by a generally elongate rectangular tube 40 having two long walls 42, 44 and two short walls 46, 48 extending between the upper and lower walls 26, 28 of the chamber. Each of the long walls 42, 44 extend generally parallel to the top and bottom walls 30 and 32, and each of the short walls 46, 48 extend generally parallel to the left and right walls 34 and 36. As described above the beams 38 could be oriented differently, for example from the head to the foot of the topper, or on diagonal. Further, the beams 38 do not have to be parallel, and could be arranged in some other configuration.
The topper 20 preferably has substantially uniform thickness, and the width of the topper is between one and three inches narrower than the width of the mattress on which the topper is designed to be used, and the length of the topper is between one and three inches shorter than the length of the mattress on which the topper is designed to be used. The thickness of the topper is preferably less than about four inches.
The beams 38 are preferably the same length, and extend between about 75% and about 95% of the distance across their respective chambers (whether extending laterally across the width chamber, or longitudinally along the length of the chamber). The distance between each beam 38 and its adjacent beam is preferably greater than or equal to the height of the beams, and more preferably the distance between each beam and its adjacent beam is substantially equal to the height of the beam. This configuration helps provide smooth upper and lower surfaces for the topper.
Valves 39 can be provided in each of the chambers 22 and 24. The valves can be constructed according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,246, entitled Inflation/Deflation Device Having Spring Biased Valve, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The valves 39 allow the chambers to be quickly and easily connected and disconnected from a pump to facilitate filling or refilling the chambers. The valves 39 also have a manually operable button that allows a user to release pressure to adjust the topper to a desired level of firmness.
In some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9, respectively, the left and right chambers 22 and 24 are spaced apart, and there is a gap 50 between the left and right chambers. In topper 20′ shown in FIG. 2, an elongate foam member 52 can be disposed in the gap 50 between the left and right chambers 22 and 24. The elongate foam member 52 helps prevent a low spot or crease from forming in the topper between the chambers. The topper 20′ can further comprising an elongate foam member 54 adjacent the left side of the left chamber 22 and an elongate foam member 56 adjacent the right side of the right chamber 24, each foam member extending substantially the length of its respective chamber, and providing improved edge support. The elongate foam members 54 and 56 help prevent the topper from collapsing adjacent the side edges, which is a source of discomfort in prior art topper designs.
In topper 20 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9, an elongate inflatable element 58 is disposed in the gap 50 between the left and right chambers 22 and 24. This elongate inflatable element 58 can be independent of the left and right chambers 22 and 24, but it is preferably in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers, such as right chamber 24 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9, via openings 59.
In other embodiments such as show in FIG. 9, a perimeter air chamber extends around the left and right chambers 22 and 24. This perimeter air chamber can be independent, but it is preferably in fluid communication with the elongate inflatable element 58 disposed in the gap 50 between the left and right chambers 22 and 24. Alternatively, or in addition, the perimeter air chamber can be in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers 22 or 24. The width of the perimeter air chamber is preferably substantially the same as the spacing between the beams 38, but it could also have similar dimensions to the elongate foam members 54 and 56.
In some embodiments where there are separate left and right chambers, such as topper 20″ shown in FIG. 5 the right wall of the left chamber 22 and the left wall of the right chamber 24 are in opposed, facing relationship. Mating portions 62 and 64 of hook and loop fastening material can be provided on the opposed, facing walls to secure the two chambers together, eliminating a crease or crevice between the chambers. A band, secured with mating portion of hook and loop material, can extend around the perimeter of the topper to provide additional support.
As noted above, the chambers 22 and 24 can be provided with a valve 39, so that they can be temporarily connected to a portable pump to fill or refill the chambers. Alternatively, at least one pump can be provided, in fluid communication with the left and right chambers 22 and 24, and more preferably there is a separate pump in communication with each of the left and right chambers. As shown in FIG. 3, pumps 68 and 70 can be provided in the walls of the chambers (such as bottom wall 32 of each chamber). Alternatively, the pumps 68 and 70 could be disposed inside or outside of their respective chambers and connectors 72 and 74 provided to allow the external pumps to communicate with their respective chambers. At least one pressure sensor can be provided in association with each pump 68, 70 for sensing the pressure in the chambers 22 and 24, and a control can be provided in each pump that actuates the pump in response to the pressure sensor to maintain a predetermined minimum pressure in the chamber. At least one pressure relief valve can be provided with each pump, and the control can also actuate the pressure relieve valve in response to the pressure sensor to maintain the pressure below a predetermined maximum pressure in each chamber. Of course a single pump 80 could be provided to pressurize both chambers, and valving 82 could be provided to alternately connect each chamber with the single pump to allow different pressures to be maintained in the chambers.
The pumps can be a piston action/diaphragm pump, small enough to be mounted on the side surface of the topper, and quiet enough that it would not disturb/wake the sleeper if it turned on during the night. The pump can have a wired or wireless control for simple operation by the user.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 the inflatable mattress topper can include an integral or removable pillow 90, for example comprising at least one inflatable wedge shaped envelope on one of the upper or lower walls of at least one of the chambers, and preferably on the upper wall of each chamber, adjacent the head wall 30. In some embodiments this pillow 90 provide a support surface sloped at about 10° with respect to the upper surface of the chambers to help reduce snoring. Where multiple pillows 90 are provided, they are preferably independently inflatable. Valves 39 can be provided so that they can be temporarily connected to a portable pump to fill or refill the pillows 90 As shown in FIG. 8, flanges 92 with grommets 94 can be provided on the topper to allow a strap 96 (for example a nylon strap) to connect to the grommets and under the mattress at both the head and foot of the bed, to help secure the topper to the mattress
In addition the topper can include a secondary comfort layer, for example polyurethane foam, memory foam, micro coils (metal or plastic springs) encapsulated with an air permeable fabric; or latex foam or other foams.
A sixth embodiment of a topper according to the principles of this invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, as it would be mounted on a mattress. The topper of this sixth embodiment comprises left and right chambers 22 and 24. The chambers 22 and 24 each comprise an upper wall 26, a lower wall 28, and head, foot, left, and right sidewalls 30, 32, 34, and 36, in this sixth embodiment the upper wall 26 of each of the chambers 22 and 24 are part of the same ply or layer. Similarly, the lower wall 28 of each of the chambers 22 and 24 are part of the same ply or layer. A plurality of beams 38 connect the upper wall and the lower wall of each chamber. The beams 38 are preferably flexible panels, and are substantially the same height as the head, foot, left, and right sidewalls 30, 32, 34, and 36. The beams are preferably spaced from each other about the same distance as the height of the beams. The beams help maintain a substantially constant thickness of the topper, and in particular between the head of the topper and the footer of the topper. The chambers 22 and 24 are separated by a gap 50. An air chamber 58 is formed in the gap 50 between the left and right chambers 22 and 24, to prevent a crease or crevice from forming in the center of the topper. A perimeter air chamber 61 surrounds the chambers 22 and 24, and is preferably in fluid communication with the air chamber 58. The air chambers 58 and 61 are preferably also in communication with one of the chambers 22 or 24.
There are valves 39 communicating with the chambers 22 and 24, to permit a portable pump to be removably connected to the chambers to file or refile them. The valves 39 also allow the user to release pressure form the chambers to adjust the pressure.
As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments the topper comprises a perimeter chamber and left and right chambers, and the perimeter chamber is in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers (FIGS. 11A, C, D, and E); or the perimeter chamber is isolated from the left and right chambers (FIG. 11B). As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11E, two valves 39 can be provided for temporary connection to a removable pump, one for the left chamber and the perimeter chamber, and one for the right chamber. The embodiment shown in FIG. 11E further includes pressure relieve valves. As shown in FIG. 11B, three valves 39 can be provided for temporary connection to a removable pump, one for the left chamber, one for the right chamber, and one for the perimeter chamber. As shown in FIG. 11C instead of valve 39C, integral pumps 68 and 70 can be provided to inflate the left chamber and perimeter chamber, and the right chamber, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11D an external pump 80 can be provided to inflate the left chamber and perimeter chamber, and the right chamber, respectively.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 11F shows the perimeter chamber and left and right chambers are covered with an optional additional layer, such as memory foam, latex or polyester fiber batting. This foam or fiber layer may be encapsulated as a separate chamber from the chambers below this layer. The top chamber would have a valve to release excess air within the chamber or closed to create a contouring top chamber consisting of air and a comfort material.
The embodiment of FIG. 12A shows a topper with left and right chambers, and a perimeter chamber that communicates with one of the left and right chambers to provide two effective chambers. An integral pump is provided with two separate pump controls for separately controlling the pressure in each of the two effective chambers.
The embodiment of FIG. 12B shows a topper with left and right chambers, and a perimeter chamber that communicates with one of the left and right chambers to provide two effective chambers. An integral pump is provided with a wired remote control and/or a wireless remote control for separately controlling the pressure in each of the two effective chambers.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 13A shows a topper with left and right chambers, and a perimeter chamber which are isolated from each other to provide three isolated chambers. An integral pump is provided with three separate pump controls for separately controlling the pressure in each of the three chambers.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 13B shows a topper with left and right chambers, and a perimeter chamber which are isolated from each other to provide three isolated chambers. An integral pump is provided with a wired remote control and/or a wireless remote control for separately controlling the pressure in each of the three effective chambers.
Thus various embodiments of the invention provide an air topper that provides additional comfort, but are preferably 4 inches thick or less, so that they are thinner than a conventional mattress. Various embodiments provide side by side air (dual) chambers that can be separately inflated to desired firmness levels, providing features of larger, more complicated and expensive air mattresses, as an add-on to a conventional mattress. Embodiments of the toppers provide foam members, inflatable elements, or means for securing the independent chambers together to avoid an uncomfortable “crevasse” in the middle of the bed, between the chambers. Embodiments of the topper provide a thick edge (due to the thickness of the head, foot, left and right side walls 30, 32, 34, and 36), and further edge support is provided in some embodiments with foam edge members or inflatable edge members.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An inflatable mattress topper having a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of a mattress so that the inflatable mattress topper can overlie the upper surface of the mattress, substantially within the perimeter of the mattress, and comprising: separate left and right inflatable chambers disposed side by side, each of the left and right chambers having a common upper and lower walls, and separate head, foot, left and right side walls, and a plurality of beams of substantially the same height as the left and right side walls of the chambers, extending between the upper wall and the lower wall, maintaining a substantially constant thickness between the plane of the tops of the chambers and the plane of the bottoms of the chambers of between about one inch and about six inches, the upper surfaces of the left and right chambers being formed of the same ply of material, and the lower surfaces of the left and right chambers being formed of the same ply of material.

2. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 1 wherein there is a perimeter chamber extending around the entire perimeter of the topper, encircling the left and right chambers.

3. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 1 further comprising an elongate chamber of substantially the same height as the left and right side walls of the left and right chambers extending from one side of the perimeter chamber to the other side of the perimeter chamber, between the left and right chambers.

4. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 3 wherein the perimeter chamber is in fluid communication with the elongate chamber.

5. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 4 wherein the perimeter chamber and the elongate chamber are in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers.

6. An inflatable mattress topper having a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of a mattress so that the inflatable mattress topper can overlie the upper surface of the mattress, substantially within the perimeter of the mattress, and comprising separate left and right inflatable chambers having common upper and lower walls, and each of the chambers having a head, foot, left and right side walls, and a plurality of generally elongate parallel beams of substantially the same height as the head, foot, left and right side walls of the chambers, extending between the upper wall and the lower wall, the beams maintaining a substantially constant thickness between the plane of the tops of the chambers and the plane of the bottoms of the chambers.

7. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 wherein the beams are substantially parallel, and extend substantially across the chamber from a point adjacent one wall to a point adjacent the opposite wall.

8. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 7 wherein the width of the topper is between 1 and 3 inches narrower than the width of the bed on which the topper is designed to be used, and wherein the length of the topper is between 1 and 3 inches shorter than the length of the bed on which the topper is designed to be used.

9. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 wherein the width of the topper is between 1 and 3 inches narrower than the width of the bed on which the topper is designed to be used, and wherein the length of the topper is between 1 and 3 inches shorter than the length of the bed on which the topper is designed to be used.

10. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 wherein each beam extends between about 75% and about 95% of the distance across its respective chamber.

11. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 wherein the height of each of the beams is substantially the same.

12. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 11 wherein the distance between each beam and its adjacent beam is greater than or equal to the height of the beams.

13. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 12 wherein the distance between each beam and its adjacent beam is substantially equal to the height of the beam.

14. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 wherein the first and second chambers are spaced apart.

15. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 14 wherein there is a gap between the left and right chambers, and further comprising an elongate foam member disposed in the gap between the left and right chambers.

16. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 14 wherein there is a gap between the left and right chambers, and further comprising an elongate inflatable element disposed in the gap between the left and right chambers.

17. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 16 wherein the perimeter air chamber is in fluid communication with the elongate inflatable element disposed in the gap between the left and right chambers.

18. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 17 wherein the perimeter air chamber is in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers.

19. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 16 wherein the elongate inflatable element is in fluid communication with one of the left and right chambers.

20. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 wherein the width of the perimeter chamber is substantially the same as the spacing between the beams.

21. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 wherein the right wall of the left chamber and the left wall of the right chamber are in opposed, facing relationship, and further comprising mating portions of hook and loop fastening material on the opposed, facing walls.

22. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 wherein the thickness of the inflatable topper is less than four inches.

23. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 further comprising at least one pump in communication with the left and right chambers.

24. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 23 wherein there is a separate pump in communication with each of the left and right chambers.

25. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 23 further comprising at least one pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the chambers, and a control that actuates the at least one pump in response to the pressure sensor to maintain a predetermined minimum pressure in each chamber.

26. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 23 further comprising at least one pressure relief valve, and wherein the control actuates the at least one pressure relieve valve in response to the pressure sensor to maintain the pressure below a predetermined maximum pressure in each chamber

27. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 23 wherein each of the chambers has a pressure relief valve that opens when the pressure in the chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold.

28. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 6 further comprising at least one inflatable wedge shaped envelope on one of the upper or lower walls of at least one of the chambers.

29. The inflatable mattress topper according to claim 28 wherein in there is an inflatable wedge shaped envelope on the upper wall of each chamber, adjacent the top wall.