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Title:
A MATTRESS AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/068003
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An aspect of the present disclosure describes a mattress ( 100) comprising: a body (102) comprising a lower portion (106) and an upper portion (104) integrally formed with each other; and a heat exchange element (108) having a planar profile and formed within the body (102) such that the heat exchange element (108) interposes the upper and lower body portions (104,106), the heat exchange element (108) comprising an inlet (110) and an outlet (112). The inlet (110) and outlet (112) are connectable to a heat exchange device (114) for communicating a fluid through the heat exchange element (108) for heat exchange with the body (102).

Inventors:
MISSORTEN ALAIN (TH)
Application Number:
PCT/TH2019/000020
Publication Date:
April 02, 2020
Filing Date:
July 03, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
MISSORTEN ALAIN (TH)
International Classes:
A47C21/04
Domestic Patent References:
WO2010075289A22010-07-01
Foreign References:
DE102009024675A12010-12-16
KR20150144662A2015-12-28
KR101302361B12013-09-06
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
UTTASART, Chavalit (TH)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. A mattress comprising;

a body comprising a lower portion and an upper portion integrally formed with each other; and

a heat exchange element having a planar profile and formed within the body such that the heat exchange element interposes the upper and lower body portions, the heat exchange element comprising an inlet and an outlet,

wherein the inlet and outlet are connectable t a heat exchange device for communicating a fluid through the heat exchange element for heat exchange with the body.

2. The mattress according to claim 1 , wherein the inlet and outlet exten away from the body for connecting to the heat exchange device.

3. The mattress according to claim f or 2, wherein the upper body portion has a thickness of approximately 25 mm or less.

4. The mattress according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein the heat exchange element comprises a single continuous tube connected to the inlet and outlet.

5. The mattress according to claim 4, wherein the single continuous tube follows a serpentine profile distributed over the planar profile of the heat exchange element.

6. The mattress according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the heat exchange element comprises a supporting structure for supporting the single continuous tube.

7. The mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat exchange element comprises a network of tubes connected to the inlet and ou tlet.

8. T he mattress according to claim 7, wherein the network of tubes are interconnected to form au array of pads distributed over the planar profile of the heat exchange element.

9. The mattress according to clai 7 or 8, wherein the heat exchange dement comprises a supporting structure for supporting the network of tubes.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heat exchange element comprises holes for enabling the lower and upper body portions to be integrally formed with each other.

1 1. The mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an adaptor attachable to an opening of the body where the inlet and outlet are located.

12. The mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body is formed from a latex material

33. A method of manufacturing a mattress, the method comprising: pro viding a mould for forming a body of the mattress;

forming a first portion of the body in the mould;

disposing a heat exchange element having a planar profile on the first body portion, the heat exchange element comprising an inlet and an outlet; and

forming a second portion of the body on the first body portion in the mould such that the first and second body portions are integrally formed with each other, and the heat exchange element interposes the first and second body portions; and

wherein the mattress comprises the body and the heat exchange element; and wherein the inlet and outlet are connectable to a heat exchange device for communicating a fluid through the heat exchange clement for heat exchang with the body.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first body portion is formed by discharging a latex material into the mould.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the second body portion is formed by discharging a latex material into the mould over the first body portion and the heat exchange element, such that the hea exchange dement is formed within the latex material.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the heal exchange element comprises a single continuous tube connected to the inlet and outlet.

17. The method according to claim .16, wherein the single continuous tube follows a serpentine profile distributed over the planar profile of the heat exchange element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the heat exchange element comprises a network of tubes connected to the inlet and outlet.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the network of tubes are interconnected to form a array of pads distributed over the planar profile of the heat exchange element

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the heat exchange element comprises holes for enabling the lower and upper body portions to be integrally formed with each other.

Description:
A MATTRESS AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a mattress. More particularly, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of a mattress and a method of manufacturing the mattress.

Background

Mattresses are common household items and there is a wide variety of mattresses with different features to serve the varying preferences of consumers to ensure they can get ideal rest or sleep conditions from the mattresses. In tropical climate regions where temperatures are consistently warm / cold throughout the year, consumers may live in apartments with air- conditioning / heating facilities to keep their apartments, or rooms thereof, cool / warm. However, some users live in houses or rooms without air-conditioning / heating facilities and would feel uncomfortable sleeping in there due to the warm / cold temperatures. Furthermore, in other regions with temperate climates where consumers experience extreme hot and cold temperatures, it can be costly to have the entire house, apartment, or ail rooms installed with air-conditioning / heating facilities to provide comfort to all consumers in the family, especially when they are resting or sleeping.

Therefore, in order to address or alleviate a least the aforementioned problem or disadvantage, there is a need to provide an improved mattress as well as a method of manufacturing such a mattress.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is a mattress comprising: a body comprising a lower portion and an upper portion integrally formed with each other; and a heat exchange element having a planar profile and formed within the body such that the heat exchange element Interposes the upper and lower body portions, the heat exchange element comprising an inlet and an outlet. The inle and outlet are connectable to a heat exchange device for communicating a fluid through the heat exchange element for heat exchange with the body.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is a method of manufacturing a mattress. The method comprises providing a mould for forming a body of the mattress; forming a first portion of the body in the mould; disposing a heat exchange element having a planar profile on the first body portion, the heat exchange element comprising an inlet and an outlet; and forming a second portion of the body on the first body portion in the mould such that the fust and second body portions are integrally formed with each other, and the heat exchange element interposes the first and second body portions. The mattress comprises the body and the heat exchange element; and the inlet and outlet are connectable to a heat exchange device for communicating a fluid through the heat exchange element for heat exchange with the body.

An advantage of one or more of the above aspects of the present disclosure is that a person resting or sleeping on She mattress can experience the heating or cooling effects caused by the heat exchange element. This is advantageous if the perso does not have air- conditioning facilities where the mattress is iocated. Depending on the weather or season, the heat exchange element can he heated or cooled to provide thermal comfort to the person resting or sleeping on the mattress.

A mattress and a method of manufacturing the mattress according to the present disclosure are thus disclosed herein. Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by way of non -limiting examples only, along with the accompanying dra w ings .

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1A to Figure 1C are illustrations of a mattress in accordance with embodiments of the pres en t di sc Insure.

Figure 2A to Figure 2D are illustrations of a heat exchange element of the mattress, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 A to Figure 3F are illustrations of a heat exchange element of the mattress, in accordance with some other embodi ments of the present disclosure.

Figures 4A and Figure 4B are illustrations of an adaptor of the mattress, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustration of a method of manufacturing the mattress, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 A to Figure 6f are additional illustrations of the manufacturing method, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In the present disclosure, depiction of a given element or consideration or use of a particular dement number in a particular figure or a reference thereto in corresponding descriptive material can encompass the same, an equivalent, or an analogous element or element number identified in another figure or descriptive materia! associated therewith The use of ‘Y ' in a figure or associated text is understood to mean“and/or” unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, the term“set” corresponds to or is define as a non-empty finite organization of elements that mathematically exhibits a cardinality of at least one (e.g. a set as defined herein can correspond to a unit, singlet, or single element set, or a multiple element set), in accordance with known mathematical definitions. The recitation of a particular numerical value or value range herein is understood to include or be a recitation of an approximate numerical value or value range.

For purposes of brevity and clarity, descriptions of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a mattress and a method of manufacturing the mattress, in accordance with the drawings. While aspects of the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments provided herein, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is Intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents to the embodiments described herein, which are included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be recognized by an individual having ordinary skill in the art, i.e. a skilled person, that the present disclosure may be practiced without specific details, and/or with multiple details arising from combinations of aspects of particular embodiments. In a number of instances, well-known systems, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

in representative or exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a mattress 100 as illustrated in Figure 1 A and Figure IB. The mattress 100 is useable by a person for resting or sleeping. As a non-limiting example, the mattress 100 is Queen-sized and has approximate length 2000 mm, breadth 1500 mm, and height 150 mm. The mattress 100 comprises a body 102 which comprises a first portion 104 and a second portion 106 integrally formed with each other. More clearly, the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 are integrally formed such that they are joined in such a way to form a single unit. In one embodiment as shown in Figure IB which is a eross-sectiona! view of the mattress 100, the first body portion 104 is disposed above or overlays the second body portion 106, such that the first body portion 104 forms the upper portion of the body 102 and the second body portion 106 forms the lower portion of the body 102. in another embodiment, the second body portion 106 is disposed above or overlays the first body portion 104, such that the first body portion 104 forms the lower portion of the body 102 and the second body portion 106 forms the upper portion of the body 102, The lower body portion is arranged for supporting the mattress 100, such as on an external structure which may be a bed structure or a floor. The upper body portion is arranged for a person to rest or sleep thereon, with the weight of the person and mattress 100 supported by the lower body portion.

In one embodiment as shown in Figure 1 A, the First body portion 104 and second body portion 106 are formed from a latex material to enable the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 to be integrally formed with each other. The latex material may comprise natural latex, synthetic latex, or a mixture of natural and synthetic latex. It will be appreciated that the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 may be formed from other suitable materials or moulding materials in particular, such as but not limited to polyurethane (PU) foam and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The latex material provides advantages such as temperature control, breathabiiity, moisture control, and durability, as will be readily understood by the skilled person. The first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 may be partially perforated to form external patterns on the mattress 100, such as to define certain comfort zones for the consumer or person resting or sleeping on the mattress 100.

The mattress 100 further comprises a heat exchange element 108 having a planar profile and formed within the body 102 such that the heat exchange element 108 interposes the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106. in other words, the heat exchange element 108 is casted or encased within the body 102 and is disposed between the upper and lower portions of the body 102.

The heat exchange element 10 comprises an inlet 1 10 and an outlet 112. The inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12 are fluidly communicable through the heat exchange element 108. Specifically with reference to Figure 1C, the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12 are connectable to a heat exchange device 1 14 for communicating a fluid through the heat exchange element 108 for beat exchange with the body 102, The fluid is a fluid that is suitable for heat exchange, such as liquid water that has been heated or cooled by the heat exchange device 1 14. The heat exchange device 1 14 is thus configured for heating or cooling the fluid by communicating the fluid through the heat exchange device 1 14. The heal exchange device 114 may further be configured for adjustin the temperature of the heated or cooled fluid to achieve the desired heating or cooling effects it will be appreciated that the temperature of the fluid is correlated with the thickness of the upper body portion of the mattress 100.

In one embodiment, the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12 are Hush or aligned with a peripheral surface of the body 102, such that the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12 form ports or sockets for connecting to the heat exchange device 1 14. In another embodiment, the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12 extend away from the body 102 such that they form tubular portions for connecting to the heat exchange device 1 14. in some embodiments as shown in Figure 2 A and Figure 2B, the heat exchange element 108 comprises a single continuous tube 1 16 connected to the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12. The single continuous tube 1 16 follows a serpentine profile, such as sinusoidal or zigzag profile, distributed over the planar profile of the heat exchange element 108. It will be appreciated that the single continuous tube 1 16 may follow other profiles, such as but not limited to square, rectangular, polygonal, circular, aud spiral. As a non-limiting example, the single continuous tube 1 16 is distributed over an area of approximately 1600 mm by 1300 mm.

In the serpentine profile, the space 1 18 between parallel portions of the single continuous mbe 1 16 may he constant or different throughout. The space 1 18 may range from 30 m to 120 m depending on consumer preferences, although other ranges are possible as will be apparent to the skilled person. Narrower spaces 1 1 8 Jesuits in a longer single continuous tribe 1 16 that is packed closer within the body 102, which thereby results in more heat exchange between the heat exchange element 108 and the body 102. The serpentine profile of the single continuous tube 1 16 may also be modifie to vary the heat exchange between the heat exchange element 108 and the body 102. Figure 2C and Figure 2D illustrate various non- limiting examples of the heat exchange element 108.

The heat exchange element 108 further comprises a supporting structure 120 for supporting the single continuous tube 1 16. The supporting structure 120 may be a flexible wireframe or net which has an array of holes 1 19 and may be made of a lightweight material. For example, the supporting structure 120 is a flexible plastic net. The flexible and lightweight properties of the supporting structure 120 improves the user experience sleeping or resting on the mattress 100, as the user is less likely to feel the heat exchange element 108 underneath him. The arrangement of the supporting structure 120 within the body 102 is such that there is a border 121 of at least 100 ram (although other dimensions are possible) between the edges of the supporting structure 120 and the peripheral sides of the body 102. it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the border 121 may be modified according to manufacturing requirements, such as to improve adherence among the first body portion 104, second body portion 106, and heat exchange element. 108.

The border 121 , together with the array of holes 1 19 and the spaces 1 18, allow the material, e.g. latex, of the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 to mix together, thus enabling the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 to be integrally formed with each other. The border 121, holes 1 19, and spaces 1 18 improve the joining of the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 so that they form a single unit. Having the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 joined at the middle also mitigates the risk of the body 102 sagging in the middle as the latex materials are well mixed and joined together. in some embodiments as shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B, the hea exchange element 108 comprises network of tubes 122 connected to the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12. The network of tribes 122 are interconnec ted to form an array of pads or patches 124 distributed over the planar profile of the heat exchange element 108. As a non -limiting example, the network of tubes 122 is distributed over an area of approximately 1600 mm by 1 00 mm.

Each pad 124 is thus bordered by some of the network of tubes 122. The heat exchange element 108 may comprise a set of zones or regions 126 among the network of tubes 122 and each zone 126 comprises a set of holes 128. The number and dimensions of the pads 124, zones 126, and/or holes 128 are variable according to consumer preferences. Figure 3C to Figure 3F illustrate various non-limiting examples of the heat exchange element 108. it will be appreciated that such variations would affect the heat exchange, as desired by the consumers, between the heat exchange element 108 and the body 102. For example, smaller pads 124 and fewer holes 128 would result in more heat exchange between the heat exchange elemen 108 and foe body 102

The heat exchange element 108 further comprises a supporting structure 130 for supporting the network of tubes 122. The supporting structure 130 may be an insert for receiving the network of tubes 122 therein. Th insert may be formed of sheets which ma be made of a fabric or plastic material, such as but not limited to nylon, polyvinyl chloride fPVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyurethane (PU). The supporting structure 130 also comprises corresponding zones 126 and holes 128. The zones 126 may be arranged in an array over the supporting structure 130, and the holes 128 may be arranged in an array at each zone 126. The arrangement of the supporting structure 130 within the body 102 is such that there is a border 131 of at least 100 mm between the edges of the supporting structure 130 and the peripheral sides of the body 102.

Similar to that for the supporting structure 120, the border 131 and the holes 128 of the supporting structure 130 allow the latex material of the first body portion 104 and second body- portion 106 to mix together, thus enabling the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 to be integrally formed with each other. The border 131 and the holes 128 improve the joining of the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 so that they form a single unit. Having the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 joined at the middle also mitigates the risk of the body 102 sagging in the middle as the latex materials are well mixed and joined together. Additionally, the supporting structure 130 may be pre- treated, such as by lining it with a latex material, to improve the mixing and joining of the latex materials. Pre- treating the supporting structure 130 with a latex material improves adherence of the heat exchange element 108 to the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106. In some embodiments with reference to Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the mattress 100 further comprises an adaptor 132 attachable to an opening 134 of the body 102 where the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12 are located. The adaptor 132 may comprise an orifice 1.36 for extending the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12 from the body opening 134 an through the adaptor 132. The body opening 134 may be located on any peripheral side of the body 102.

in various embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Figure 5, there is a method 200 of manufacturing the mattress 100. The method 200 comprise a step 210 of providing a mould 202 for forming a body 102 of the mattress 1 0, a step 220 of forming a first portion 104 of the body 102 in the mould 202, a step 230 of disposing a heat exchange element 108 having a planar profile on the first body portion 104, the heat exchange element 108 comprising an inlet 1 10 and an outlet 1 12, and a step 240 of forming a second portion 106 of the body 102 on the first body portion 104 in the mould 202 such that the first body portion 104 second body portion 106 are integrally formed with each other, and the heat exchange ement 108 interposes the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106. The mattress 100 manufactured by the steps 210. 220, 230, and 240 comprises the body 102 and the heat exchange dement 108. The inlet 110 an outlet 1 12 are connectable to a heat exchange device for communicating a fluid through the heat exchange ement 108 for heat exchange with the body 102.

in the step 210 as shown in Figure 6 A, the mould 202 is used for forming the body 1 2 which may be made of a latex material. The mould 202 may he made of an aluminium material, although other known materials may be used instead. The mould 202 may comprise a set of embossed patterne structures 204 on each opposing side of the mould 202 that can be used to form partially perforated patterns on the body 102. The partially perforated patterns can he formed on the first body portion 104 and second body portion .106, specifically on the upper and lower surfaces of the mattress 100. The mattress 100 can thus he partially perforated to form external patterns on the external surfaces of the mattress 100, such as to define certain comfort zones for the consumer or person resting or sleeping on the mattress 100.

The embossed patterned structures 204 nay be in the form of one or more of, hut are not limited to, pins, hubbies, and waves. Moreover, the embossed patterned structure 204 on each opposing side of the mould 202 may be segregated into a set of distinc zones, each zone for forming a distinct partially perforated pattern o the corresponding area of the mattress 100. The distinct patterns of the zones may be achieve by varying the thickness andfor heights of the embossed patterned structures 204 on the mould 202. For example, to achieve a thickness of 25 mm for the first body portion 104, the height of the embossed patterned structure 204 is approximately 15 mm. In the step 220 as shown i Figure 6B, the first body portion 104 is formed by discharging a latex material 206 into the mould 202. The latex material 206 is discharged, from a pipe 207 connected to a latex source / supply, over the embossed patterne structures 204 on the respective side of the mould 202, such that the partially perforated patterns can be formed on the first body portion 104. The latex material 206 is discharged to a suitable height depending on consumer preferences. The height may range from 3 mm to 75 m , although other ranges such as 3 rnm to 50 mm are also possible. As shown in Figure 6B and 6C, the latex material 206 is flattened and height is precisely defined by tools 208.

In one embodiment, the first body portion 104 forms the upper body portion whereon the person rests or sleeps. The height of the latex material 206 thus affects the thickness of the upper body portion which thereby affects the heat exchange between the person and the mattress 100 For example, the upper body portion is thinner than the lower body portion such that the heat exchange element 108 is closer to the top surface and the person is in closer proximity to the heat exchange element 108, allowing for more effective heat exchange between the person 100 and the mattress 100 As a non-limiting example, the thickness of the upper body portion ranges from 3 mm to 75 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the upper body portion is approximately 25 or less so that it is thin enough for the person to be in close proximity to the heat exchange element 108. In another example, the upper and lower body portions have identical thicknesses of between approximately 25 rnm or less, such that the mattress 100 is approximately 50 mm thick. An upper body portion that is too thick would cause the heat exchange element 108 to be located too far away from the person. The latex material 206 in between would act as insulation to restrict heat transfer with respect to the heat exchange element 108 and the person would not be able to experience thermal comfort from the mattress 100. However, in some embodiments, it would be possible to use a thicker upper body portion, such as more than 25 mm, provided that the heat exchange element 108 communicates fluid that is heated to a higher temperature. More generally, it will be appreciated that there is correlation between the thickness of the upper body portion and the temperature of the fluid communicated by the heat exchange element 108.

Alter the latex material 206 is discharged into the mould 202, the latex material 206 is allowed to set for the next steps of the method 200. In the step 230, the beat exchange element 1 OS is placed on top of the first body portion 104. As shown in Figure 6D and as described above, the heat exchange dement 108 may comprise a single continuous tube 1 16 distributed over the planar profile. Alternatively as shown in Figure 6E and as described above, the heat exchange element 108 may comprise a network of tubes 122 distributed over the planar profile in one embodiment, the inlet 110 and outlet 1 12 are flush or aligned with a peripheral surface of the first body portion 104. In another embodiment, the inlet 1 10 and outlet 1 12 extend away from the first body portion 104.

in the step 240 as shown in Figure 6F, the second body portion 106 is formed by discharging the latex material 206 into the mould 202. Particularly, the latex material 206 is discharged from the pipe 20? over the first body portion 104 and the heat exchange element 108 such that the latex materials 206 of the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 can be mixed and joined together. This enables the first body portion 104 and secon body portion 106 to be integrally formed together. Additionally, the latex material 206 is joined such that the heat exchange element 108 is casted or encased within the latex material 206 of the body 102 and disposed between the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106.

Optionally, a adaptor mould is used during forming of the first body portion 104 and second body portion 106 to form the opening 134 of the body 102 for the inlet 110 and outlet 1 12. The adaptor mould is larger than the adaptor 132 to allow for shrinking of the latex material after cooling and to allow the adaptor 132 to fit into the opening 134 formed by the adaptor mould. Similar to the first body portion 104, partially perforated patterns may be formed on the second body portion 106 by the embossed patterned structures 204 on tire respective side of the mould 202 during forming of the second body portion 106.

The mattress 100 comprising the body 102 and the heat exchange element 108 is subsequently transferred for further treatment. The mattress i 00 is transferred to a vulcanizing chamber for vulcanizing or baking the latex aterial 206 of the body 102. Said vulcanizing is performed at a suitable temperature such as 100 °C to 120 °C, as will be readily known to the skilled person. The partially perforated patterns of the mattress 100 formed by the embossed patterned structures 204 increase the total surface area of the mattress 100 and facilitate diffusion of heat during said vulcanization of the mattress 100. The vulcanized mattress 100 is removed from the mould 202 and transferred for washing and drying. Said drying may be performed by steam or hot air or by radio frequency, as will be readily known to the skilled person. Depending on the type of heat exchange clement 108, the respective holes of the heat exchange element 108 facilitate permeation of the steam or hot air through the mattress 100 during said dying, so that moisture in the latex material 206 can more easily evaporate.

In one embodiment, the body 102 is formed in the mould 202 such that the first body portion 104, which is below the second body portion 106, is the upper body portion. This requires overturning the mattress 100 during or after the treatment processes in another embodiment, the body U)2 is formed such that tire first body portion 104 is the lower body portion of the mattress 100. In the mattress 100 manufactured by the method 200, the heat exchange element 108 is formed within the body 102 and positioned close to the top surface of the mattress 100, such that a person resting or sleeping on the mattress 100 is in dose proximity to the heat exchange dement 108. The heat exchange element 108 can be heated or cooled in cooperation with the heat exchange device 1 14. Specifically, the heat exchange device 1 14 heats or cools a fluid, such as liquid water, and communicates the heated or cooled fluid through the heat exchange element 108. This enables the heat exchange element 108 to perform heat exchange with the body 102. The heat exchange is either heating the body 102 b transferring heat from the heated fluid to the body 102, or cooling the body 102 by transferring heat from the body 102 to the cooled fluid.

The person resting or sleeping on the mattress 100 can experience the heating or cooling effects cause by the heat exchange dement 108. This is advantageous if the person does not have air-conditioning / heating facilities where the mattress 100 is located. In cold weathers or winter season, the heat exchange element 108 can be heated and provide warmth to the person resting or sleeping on the mattress 100. Conversely, in warm weathers or summer season, the heat exchange element 108 can be cooled and provide cool comfort to the person resting or sleeping on the mattress 100. This can be more cost-effective than having to install and operate air-conditioning / heating facilities, and thus the mattress 100 is suitable for use by the lower income population. Moreover, some people may prefer not to have heated or cooled ai in the room, such as due to health issues. The mattress 100 is able to provide thermal comfort by performing heat exchange directly with the person on the mattress 100, obviating the need to have air-conditioning / heating facilities in the room which could cause discomfort to the person.

In the foregoing detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure i n relation to a mattress 100 and a method 200 of manufacturing the mattress 100 are described with reference to the provided figures. The description of the various embodiments herein is not intended to call out or be limited only to specific or particular representations of the present disclosure, hut merely to illustrate non- limiting examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure serves to address at least one of the mentioned problems and issues associated with the prior art. Although only some embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that a variety of changes and/or modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure as well as the scope of the following claims is not limited to embodiments described herein.