This invention relates to an improved pillow having a multiple layer configuration. The pillow comprises an inner core, an intermediate layer and a surface layer. The inner core is integrally formed by three different materials each of which them has different elastic capability. The inner core has a corrugated outer surface. The inner core is further enclosed by an intermediate layer and is integrally formed by three different materials each of which them has different elastic capability. The intermediate layer has a smooth inner surface and a corrugated outer surface. The surface layer is made from son foam and has a smooth inner surface and a corrugated outer surface. By this arrangement, a supporting gradient is established in the resulting pillow. The pillow can be readily oriented to obtain suitable support for the head an neck portions to meet different requirements from the user. A plurality of air gaps are formed by the interference fit between the corrugated outer surface and smooth inner surface of two adjacent layers. When the pillow is compressed and released, the air trapped within the air gaps are squeezed and ventilated to provide an amiable contacting feeling to the head and neck portion. The resulting pillow can be cleaned and dehydrated by a washing machine without deforming. The resulting pillow can be readily packed by a vacuum process for storage and transportation.

A boot shaped pillow for use by a mother or some other person to aid in feeding an infant. The pillow is intended to rest on the person's lap and curve around his or her abdomen while the person is seated. The person rests his or her arm on the pillow and with the same arm supports the infant for an optimal feeding position. The pillow is made of a plurality of layers which together provide a constant firmness and machine washability.

A device and method are provided for mitigating the pain experienced by a patient, after surgery to portions of the patient's torso, when the patient coughs, and for increasing the effectiveness of the patient's cough. The device may include a back portion and two wing portion for compressing a portion of the patient's torso with inward and downward forces. A vest shaped device is also possible. Methods are also described for use of the aforementioned devices.

A container for integrated circuit wafers provides protection for the wafers from mechanical shock and electrical charges. The wafers are mechanically protected by top and bottom cushions and side cushions. The top and bottom cushions each have foam within a membrane or film enclosure. The enclosure has openings so as to allow gas to pass in and out. The side cushions have resilient projections that protect the edges of the wafers. The side cushions are interposed between flanges of the top and bottom cushions. The individual wafers are separated from each other by leaf separators made of film. The film for the separators and the top and bottom cushions can be the same type. The film has a first layer made of a polymer with dissipative material therein and a second layer made of a polymer without the dissipative material. The first and second layers are coupled together. The insulating layer is placed into contact with a circuit side of the wafer. The dissipative material can be carbon. The container has a grounding stud in a wall. The grounding stud contacts the film on the inside of the container and can contact a ground on the exterior of the container.

A surgical prone pillow structure utilizing a base member formed of a compressible resilient material which rapidly assumes an original configuration upon the release of pressure. A upper member formed of a molded resilient closed cell foam material is also employed. The upper member possesses a soft outer surface which is contoured to contact the head of a patient while the patient lies in a prone position. The base member and the soft upper member are connected to one another to form seams which are soft to the touch.