Air mattress with pillow top

Abstract

An air mattress includes a first inflatable compartment having a first layer, a second layer, a strip extending from the first layer to the second layer such that the strip defines sides, the length of the strip defining a height of the first inflatable layer, and a periphery defining a length and a width, the strip being air-impervious. The air mattress also includes a second inflatable compartment having at least one additional layer and extending generally the length and width of the periphery, the second inflatable compartment being tufted, the second inflatable compartment having a vertical extent substantially less than the height of the first inflatable compartment. The air mattress also includes a layer of cushioning material in one of the first and the second inflatable compartment, wherein the other of the first and the second inflatable compartment is inflated but does not contain a layer of cushioning material.

1 . An air mattress comprising: 
 a first inflatable compartment having a first layer, a second layer, a strip extending from the first layer to the second layer such that the strip defines sides, the length of the strip defining a height of the first inflatable layer, and a periphery defining a length and a width, said strip being air-impervious;    a second inflatable compartment having at least one additional layer and extending generally said length and width of said periphery, said second inflatable compartment being tufted, said second inflatable compartment having a vertical extent substantially less than the height of the first inflatable compartment; and    a layer of cushioning material in one of said first inflatable compartment and said second inflatable compartment, wherein the other of said first inflatable compartment and said second inflatable compartment is inflated but does not contain a layer of cushioning material;    wherein said second layer forms a boundary surface between said first inflatable compartment and said second inflatable compartment and contains a plurality of fluid communication channels between said first compartment and said second compartment, said fluid communication channels providing fluid communication between the first and second inflatable compartments to enable fluid in one of the first and second inflatable compartments flow into the other of the first and second inflatable compartments.    
   
   
       2 . The air mattress as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said layer of cushioning material is selected from the group consisting of foams, gels, and liquids.  
   
   
       3 . The air mattress as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a valve between said first inflatable compartment and said second inflatable compartment and a pump in fluid communication with said valve.