Patent Publication Number: US-2021161301-A1

Title: Cooling mattresses, pads or mats, and mattress protectors

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/722,177, filed on Aug. 24, 2018, entitled Bedding Component with Multiple Layers, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/726,270, filed on Sep. 2, 2018, entitled Automotive Components Gradient Cooling with Multiple Layers, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/770,707, filed on Nov. 21, 2018, entitled Bedding Component with Multiple Layers, PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2019/046242, filed on Aug. 12, 2019, entitled Cooling Body Support Cushions and Methods of Manufacturing Same, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/981,922, filed Feb. 26, 2020, entitled Cooling Body Support Cushions, Mattresses and Methods of Manufacturing Same, and is a continuation-in-part of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2019/048215, filed on Aug. 26, 2019, entitled Cooling Body Support Cushions, Mattresses and Methods of Manufacturing Same the entire contents of all of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to cooling cushions, such as cooling bedding cushions, that include phase change material (PCM) and thermal effusivity enhancing material and provide a relatively high level of long lasting cooling to a user during use. The present disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing such cooling cushions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many factors affect the amount and quality of sleep of a person. The type and quality of bedding, as well as climatic conditions at the bed or other sleeping space, can all affect a person&#39;s sleeping experience. Individuals having difficulty sleeping or enjoying a sound, uninterrupted sleep may experience physical discomfort. Such discomfort may arise as body-generated heat accumulates in the bedding cushions (e.g., a mattress and pillow(s)) on which the person is resting/laying, as air cannot circulate through the bedding to dissipate the person&#39;s emitted heat. It has been estimated that a resting human adult gives off about 100 Watts of energy. The heat absorbed or present in the bedding eventually radiates back to the user. 
     For example, in response to pillows becoming warm as body-generated heat accumulates in the pillow, sleepers often flip the pillow over in search of a “cool” side of the pillow. As another example, in response to a mattress becoming warm as body-generated heat accumulates in the mattress, sleepers often roll over or otherwise shift their position to a “cool” portion of the mattress and/or remove layers of bedding layers covering the sleeper (e.g., sheets, blankets, comforters and the like). Such activities thereby interrupt a period of sleep. 
     In prior bedding, body-generated heat accumulates in the bedding due to the nature and geometry of the materials used in bedding which have a tendency to store rather than dissipate heat. As the body of a sleeper contacts the surface of the bedding, body-generated heat is transferred to and stored in the immediate contact area of the bedding, resulting in a local temperature rise, which may cause sleeper discomfort. The heat that collects in the bedding (e.g., in the immediate contact area of the bedding) takes a significant amount of time to radiate to the environment, and thereby radiates back to the sleeper and warms the sleeper. 
     Traditionally, bedding has essentially consisted of layers or envelopes formed of various usually-dense natural materials, and/or synthetic foams and/or fibers, which store rather than dissipate heat. For example, various types of mattresses (and accessories therefore, such as mattress protectors and mattress pads) utilize layers of cotton, synthetic fiber, viscoelastic foam, poly urethane foam, latex foam, green bean shells and/or other stuffing materials in particular configurations in attempts to dissipate heat. However, such mattress constructs have only been able to dissipate relatively small amounts of heat for relatively short lengths of time and/or have been uncomfortable. For example, some such constructs may actually store heat over relatively long periods of time, resulting in higher temperatures, which make the user uncomfortable. The prior art thereby does not offer a simple, efficient, economical and comfortable bedding solutions that effectively deal with the heat-generated discomfort of a sleeper. 
     Other non-bedding body support cushions, such as furniture cushions, automobile/plane/boat seats (adult and child), child carriers, neck supports, leg spacers, apparel (e.g., shoes, hats, backpacks and clothing), pet accessories (e.g., pet beds, pet carrier inserts and pet apparel), exercise equipment cushions, blankets, pads, mats, construction materials (e.g., insulation, wall panels and flooring) and the like, suffer from the same heat-generated discomfort issues as bedding (as described above). 
     Therefore, there remains a need in the art for bedding products, such as mattresses, mattress components and accessories, and other body support cushions and mats/pads that dissipate at least a substantial portion of body-generated heat for a substantial amount of time to prevent sleeper discomfort (or provide sleeper comfort). 
     While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicants in no way disclaim these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimed invention may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein. 
     In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly, the present inventions satisfy the need for improved bedding cushions (such as mattresses, mattress cartridges, mattress covers, mattress fire resistant socks/caps, mattress protectors, mattress pads, mattress components, mattress accessories, pillows and the like), and other body support cushions, with phase change material (PCM) and relatively high thermal effusivity material that increase in heat dissipation effectiveness (e.g., heat storage/capacity, thermal effusivity, etc.) in a depth direction extending away from a user. The present cooling bedding cushions (such as mattresses, mattress components, and mattress accessories), mats/pads and other cushions address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the cooling cushions may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the disclosed cooling cushions and claimed inventions should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein. 
     Certain embodiments of the presently-disclosed cooling cushions, and methods for forming the cushions and aspects or components thereof, have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the cooling cushions and methods as defined by the claims that follow, their more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section of this specification entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the various embodiments disclosed herein provide a number of advantages over the current state of the art. 
     The present disclosure provides a mattress, comprising: a plurality of separate and distinct consecutive cooling layers overlying over each other in a depth direction that extends from a proximal portion of the mattress that is proximate to a user to a distal portion of the mattress that is distal to the user, wherein each layer of the cooling layers includes thermal effusivity enhancing material (TEEM) with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K) and a solid-to-liquid phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius, wherein the total thermal effusivity of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction, and wherein at least one layer of the cooling layers includes a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction. 
     A plurality of the cooling layers include the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM thereof. Each of the cooling layers includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM thereof. A plurality of the cooling layers include the gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM thereof. Each of the cooling layers includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM thereof. 
     The at least one layer of the cooling layers that includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction comprises: a proximal portion or segment that is proximate to the proximal portion of the mattress, the proximal portion or segment having a first total mass of the PCM and a first total mass of the TEEM of the layer; and a distal portion or segment that is proximate to the distal portion of the mattress, the distal portion or segment having a second total mass of the PCM and a second total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the second total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM. According to one embodiment, the second total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM. The second total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass of the PCM by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100% thereof, and the second total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100% thereof. The second total mass of the PCM is greater than the first total mass of the PCM by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50% thereof, and the second total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50% thereof. According to one specific embodiment, the first total mass of the PCM may be about 29,000 J/m2 and the second total mass of the PCM may be about 38,000 J/m2. 
     The at least one layer of the cooling layers that includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction further comprises: a medial portion positioned between the proximal and distal portions of the layer in the depth direction having a third total mass of the PCM and a third total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the third total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM. The third total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the TEEM. The third total mass of the PCM is at least greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100% thereof, and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100% thereof. The third total mass of the PCM is at least greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50% thereof, and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50% thereof. 
     The gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM of at least one layer of the cooling layers comprises an irregular gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM along the depth direction. 
     The gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM of at least one layer of the cooling layers comprises a consistent gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM along the depth direction. 
     The total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by at least 3%. 
     The total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100%. 
     The total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50%. 
     The total thermal effusivity of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by about at least about 3%. 
     The total thermal effusivity of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100%. 
     The total thermal effusivity of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50%. 
     The cooling layers comprise a first scrim layer, a first foam layer underlying the first scrim layer in the depth direction, a second foam layer underlying the first foam layer in the depth direction, and a second scrim layer underlying the second foam layer in the depth direction. 
     The first foam layer directly underlies the first scrim layer in the depth direction. The second foam layer directly underlies the first foam layer in the depth direction. The second scrim layer directly underlies the second foam layer in the depth direction. The first foam layer comprises a viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer, and the second foam layer comprises a latex foam layer. The first foam layer comprises a latex foam layer, and the second foam layer comprises a viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer. The first scrim layer and the second scrim layer are separate and distinct scrim layers. The first scrim layer and the second scrim layer are proximal and distal portions, respectively, of an integral scrim layer. The integral scrim layer extends fully about at least a portion of the first and second foam layers. The integral scrim layer extends fully about the entirety of the first and second foam layers. The cooling layers further comprise a batting layer underlying the second scrim layer in the depth direction. 
     Further comprising a base portion underlying the cooling layers in the depth direction, wherein the base portion is void of the PCM and the TEEM. The second scrim layer underlies the base portion in the depth direction. The cooling layers further comprise a proximal fabric cover layer, the first scrim layer underlying the proximal fabric cover layer in the depth direction. 
     The proximal fabric cover layer defines a proximal side surface of the mattress. The cooling layers further comprise a fire resistant sock layer comprising a fire resistant or fire proof material, the first scrim layer underlying the fire resistant sock layer in the depth direction. The first scrim layer directly underlies the fire resistant sock layer in the depth direction. The fire resistant sock layer is formed of the TEEM. 
     These and other features and advantages of the disclosure and inventions will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention(s), is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustrating the phase change cycle of a solid-liquid phase transitioning phase change material (PCM); 
         FIG. 2  is a graph illustrating the temperature and energy content profile of a solid-liquid phase transitioning PCM; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of separate and distinct exemplary layers of a cooling cushion with an inter-layer gradient distribution of phase change material and effusivity enhancing material according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary layer of a cooling cushion with an intra-layer gradient distribution of phase change material and effusivity enhancing material according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary layer of a cooling cushion with an intra-layer gradient distribution of phase change material and effusivity enhancing material according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an elevational perspective view of an exemplary cooling mattress according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional perspective view of the exemplary cooling mattress of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded elevational perspective view of the exemplary cooling mattress of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded elevational perspective view of an exemplary cartridge portion of the exemplary cooling mattress of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary cooling mattress of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cooling pad according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary quilted cooling pad according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cooling mattress protector according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress protector according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary cooling mattress protector according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of consecutive layers of another exemplary cooling cushion according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a magnified cross-sectional view of a cover layer of the plurality of consecutive layers of  FIG. 19  according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a magnified cross-sectional view of a foam layer of the plurality of consecutive layers of  FIG. 19  according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure and certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known materials, fabrication tools, processing techniques, etc., are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the details of the inventions. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific example(s), while indicating embodiments of inventions of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or arrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
     Approximating language, as used herein throughout disclosure, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” or “substantially,” is not limited to the precise value specified. For example, these terms can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. 
     Thermal energy storage is the temporary storage of high or low temperature energy for later use. It bridges the time gap between energy requirements and energy use. Among the various heat storage techniques, latent heat storage is particularly attractive due to its ability to provide a high storage density at nearly isothermal conditions. Phase change material (referred to herein as “PCM”) takes advantage of latent heat that can be stored or released from the material over a relatively narrow temperature range. PCM possesses the ability to change its state with a certain temperature range. These materials absorb energy during a heating process as phase change takes place, and release energy to the environment during a reverse cooling process and phase change. The absorbed or released heat content is the latent heat. In general, PCM can thereby be used as a barrier to heat, since a quantity of latent heat must be absorbed by the PCM before its temperature can rise. Similarly, the PCM may be used a barrier to cold, as a quantity of latent heat must be removed from the PCM before its temperature can begin to drop. 
     PCM which can convert from solid to liquid state or from liquid to solid state is the most frequently used latent heat storage material, and suitable for the manufacturing of heat-storage and thermo-regulated textiles and clothing. As shown in  FIG. 1 , these PCMs absorb energy during a heating or melting process at a substantially constant phase change or transition temperature as a solid to liquid phase change takes, and release energy during a cooling or freezing/crystalizing/solidifying process at the substantially constant transition temperature as a liquid to solid phase change takes place. 
       FIG. 2  shows a typical solid-liquid phase transitioning PCM. From an initial solid state at a solid-state temperature, the PCM initially absorbs energy in the form of sensible heat. In contrast to latent heat, sensible energy is the heat released or absorbed by a body or a thermodynamic system during processes that result in a change of the temperature of the system. As shown in  FIG. 2 , when the PCM absorbs enough energy such that the ambient temperature of the PCM reaches the transition temperature of the PCM, it melts and absorbs large amounts of energy while staying at an almost constant temperature (i.e., the transition temperature)—i.e., latent heat/energy storage. The PCM continues to absorb energy while staying at the transition temperature until all of the PCM is transformed to the liquid phase, from which the PCM absorbs energy in the form of sensible heat, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In this way, heat is removed from the environment about the PCM and stored while the temperature is maintained at an “optimum” level during the solid to liquid phase change. In the reverse process, when the environmental temperature/energy about the liquid PCM falls to the transition temperature, it solidifies again, releasing/emitting its stored latent heat energy to the environment while staying at the transition temperature until all of the PCM is transformed to the solid phase. Thus, the managed temperature again remains consistent. 
     As such, during the complete melting process, the temperature of a typical solid-liquid phase transitioning PCM as well as its surrounding area remains nearly constant. The same is true for the solidification (e.g., crystallization) process; during the entire solidification process, the temperature of the PCM does not change significantly. The large heat transfer during the melting process as well as the solidification process, without significant temperature change, makes these PCMs interesting as a source of heat storage material in practical textile applications. 
     However, the insulation effect reached by a PCM is dependent on temperature and time; it takes place only during the phase change and thereby only in the temperature range of the phase change, and terminates when the phase change in all of the PCM is complete. Since, this type of thermal insulation is temporary; therefore, it can be referred to as dynamic thermal insulation. In addition, modes of heat transfer are strongly dependent on the phase of the material involve in the heat transfer processes. For materials that are solid, conduction is the predominate mode of heat transfer. While for liquid materials, convection heat transfer predominates. Unfortunately, some PCMs have a relatively low heat-conductivity, which fails to provide a sufficient heat exchange rate between the PCM itself and/or a surrounding environment medium or environment. As such, incorporation of PCM in a cushion will not result in a large amount of cooling for an extended period of time (e.g., hours) as the PCM (and the cushion as a whole) will relatively quickly reach is maximum heat absorption ability, and them emit or radiate the heat back to the user. 
     The phrases “body support cushion,” “support cushion” and “cushion” are used herein to refer to any and all such objects having any size and shape, and that are otherwise capable of or are generally used to support the body of a user or a portion thereof. Although some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed body support cushions of the present disclosure are illustrated and/or described in the form of mattresses, mattress protectors, mattress pads and mats/pads, and thereby may be dimensionally sized to support the entire or the majority of the body of a user, it is contemplated that the aspects and features described therewith are equally applicable to pillows, seat cushions, seat backs, furniture, infant carriers, neck supports, leg spacers, apparel (e.g., shoes, hats, backpacks and clothing), pet accessories (e.g., pet beds, pet carrier inserts and pet apparel), blankets, exercise equipment cushions, construction materials (e.g., insulation, wall panels and flooring) and the like. 
     In one aspect, the disclosure provides body support cushions that include a plurality of separate and distinct (i.e., differing) layers  10 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The plurality of layers  10  include a plurality of separate and distinct consecutive layers  12  overlying over each other in a depth direction D 1  that extends from an outer or top (or proximate) portion  14  of the cushion that is proximate to a user to an inner or bottom (or distal) portion  16  of the cushion that is distal to the user along the thickness of the cushion. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the outer portion  14  of the cushion may be defined or include one or more additional layers of material(s) formed over or overlying a top layer  20  of the plurality of layers  10 , or may be a top or exterior surface or surface portion of the top layer  20  in the depth direction D 1 . In other words, the top or upper-most layer  20  of the plurality of layers  10  (in the thickness and/or the depth direction D 1 ) may define the outer portion  14  of the cushion, or the outer portion  14  of the cushion may be defined by a layer overlying the top or upper-most layer  20  of the plurality of layers  10  in the depth direction D 1 . 
     Similarly, as also shown in  FIG. 3 , the inner portion  16  of the cushion may be defined or include one or more additional layers of material(s) formed under or underlying a bottom layer  24  of the plurality of layers  10 , or may be a bottom or exterior surface or surface portion of the bottom layer  24  in the depth direction D 1 . In other words, the bottom or lowest layer  24  of the plurality of layers  10  (in the thickness and/or the depth direction D 1 ) may define the bottom or inner portion  16  of the cushion, or the inner portion  16  of the cushion may be defined by a layer underlying the bottom or lowest layer  24  of the plurality of layers  10  in the depth direction D 1 . The depth direction D 1  may thereby extend from the top exterior surface or surface portion of the outer portion  14  to the bottom or inner exterior surface or surface portion of the inner or bottom portion  16  (and through a middle or medial portion) of the cushion. 
     The plurality of layers  10  may include two or more layers. For example, while a top layer  20 , a medial layer  22  and a bottom layer  24  are shown and described herein with respect to  FIG. 3 , the plurality of layers  10  may only include two separate and distinct consecutive (and potentially contiguous) layers, or may include four or more layers separate and distinct consecutive (and potentially contiguous) layers  12 . Further, although the plurality of layers  10  are separate and distinct layers, at least one of the plurality of layers  10  may be coupled (removably or fixedly coupled) to at least one other layer of the plurality of layers  10  (or another layer of the cushion), or the plurality of layers  10  may not be coupled to each other (but may be contiguous). For example, the outer layer  20  and the inner layer  24  of the plurality of layers  10  may comprise portions of, or form, an enclosure or bag that surrounds (fully or partially) or encloses at least the medial layer  22  (and additional layer, potentially), and may (or may not) be directly coupled to each other. As another example, the plurality of layers  10  may be separate components and extend over each other (freely stacked or coupled to each other), and another additional layer (or a pair or layers) may enclose or surround (fully or partially) (or sandwich) the plurality of layers  10 . 
     The plurality of differing consecutive layers  12  comprise “active” layers that are effective in cooling a user (e.g., a human user or a non-human/animal user) who rests on or otherwise contacts the top or outer portion  14  of the cushion by drawing a substantial amount of heat (energy) away from the user substantially quickly and for a relatively long period of time, and storing and/or dissipating the heat remotely from the user for a substantial amount of time. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the plurality of differing consecutive layers  10  are “active” in that they each include PCM  26  and/or a material with a relatively high thermal effusivity (e)  28  (generally referred to herein as “thermal effusivity enhancing material” and “TEEM”). In some embodiments, the material with a relatively high thermal effusivity of a particular layer may include a thermal effusivity that is substantially higher than a base material of the layer (to which the TEEM may be coupled to) and, thereby, enhances the thermal effusivity of the layer as a whole. In some other embodiments, the material with a relatively high thermal effusivity (TEEM) of a particular layer may define the layer itself (i.e., may be the base material of the layer). 
     The PCM  26  of a layer of the plurality of layers  10  may comprise a plurality of pieces, particles, bits or relatively small quantities of phase change material(s). The TEEM  28  of a layer of the plurality of layers  10  may comprise a plurality of pieces, particles, bits or relatively small quantities of material having a relatively high thermal effusivity, or the layer itself may be comprised of the material having a relatively high thermal effusivity (i.e., the material having a relatively high thermal effusivity the (base) material of the layer). 
     Each of the plurality of layers  10  thereby includes a mass of PCM  26 , a mass of TEEM  28 , or a mass of PCM  26  and a mass of TEEM  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments some or all of the plurality layers  10  may comprise the PCM  26  and the TEEM  28 . In some other embodiments, all of the plurality of layers  10  may include the TEEM  28 , but one or more layer may be void of the PCM  26 . In some other embodiments, all of the plurality of layers  10  may include the PCM  26 , but one or more layer may be void of the TEEM  28 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more layers of the plurality of layers  10  that include the PCM  28  and the TEEM  28  may comprise a coating that couples the PCM  28  and the TEEM  28  to a base material thereof. In some such embodiments, the PCM  28  may comprises about 50% to about 80% of the mass of the coating, and the TEEM  28  may comprise about 5% to about 8% of the mass of the coating, after the coating has hardened, cured or is otherwise stable. In some such embodiments, the PCM  28  may comprises about 30% to about 65% of the mass of the coating, and the TEEM  28  may comprise about 3% to about 5% of the mass of the coating, when the coating is initially applied (i.e., the pre-hardened, cured or applied coating mixture) (and prior to application). The coating (as-applied and after curing) may further include a binder material that acts to chemically and/or physically couple or bond the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  to the base material of the respective layer. 
     The PCM  26  may be coupled to a base material forming a respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10 , or may be incorporated in/with the base material of the respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24 . The PCM  26  may be any phase change material(s). In some embodiments, the PCM  26  may comprise any solid-to-liquid phase change material(s) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius, or within the range of about 15 to about 45 degrees Celsius, or within the range of 20 to about 37 degrees Celsius, or within the range of 25 to about 32 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the PCM  26  may be or include at least one hydrocarbon, wax, beeswax, oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, long-chain alcohol or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the PCM  26  may be paraffin. However, as noted above, the PCM  26  may be any phase change material(s), such as any solid-to-liquid phase change material(s) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius. 
     In some embodiments, the PCM  26  may be in the form of microspheres. For example, in some embodiments, the PCM  26  may be packaged or contained in microcapsules or microspheres and applied to or otherwise integrated with the plurality of layers  10 . In some such embodiments, the PCM  26  may be a paraffinic hydrocarbon, and contained or encapsulated within microspheres (also referred to as “micro-capsules”), which may range in diameter from 1 to 100 microns for example. In some embodiments, the PCM  26  may be polymeric microspheres containing paraffinic wax or n-octadecane or n-eicosane. The paraffinic wax can be selected or blended to have a desired melt temperature or range. The polymer for the microspheres may be selected for compatibility with the material of the respective layer of the plurality of layers  10 . However, the PCM  26  may be in any form or structure. 
     The layers of the plurality of layers  10  that include the PCM  26  may each include the same PCM material, or may each include a differing PCM material. For example, each layer of the plurality of layers  10  that includes the PCM  26  may include the same PCM material, and/or at least one layer of the plurality of layers  10  that includes the PCM  26  may include a differing PCM material than at least one other layer of the plurality of layers  10  that includes the PCM  26 . The PCM  26  of at least one layer of the plurality of layers  10  may thereby be the same material or a different material than the PCM  26  of at least one other layer of the plurality of layers  10 . In this way, the latent heat storage capacity (typically referred to as “latent heat,” an expressed in J/g) of the PCM  26  of at least one layer of the plurality of layers  10  may thereby be the same material or a different latent heat storage capacity than the PCM  26  of at least one other layer of the plurality of layers  10 . In some embodiments that include two or layers with differing PCM  26  and/or differing latent heat storage capacities, the PCM material  26  with the lowest latent heat storage capacity may include a latent heat storage capacity that is within 200%, 100%, within 50%, within 25%, within 10% or within 5% the PCM material  26  with the greatest latent heat storage capacity. 
     A respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  that includes the PCM  26  material may include any total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM  26 . However, the total mass of the PCM  26  each of the plurality of layers  10 , and/or the total latent heat (absorption) potential of each of the plurality of layers  10  (as a whole) including the PCM  26  (i.e., the total latent heat (e.g., Joules) that can be absorbed by the PCM  26  thereof (during full phase change)) increases with respect to each other along the depth direction D 1 , as illustrated graphically in  FIG. 3  by the increasing number of X&#39;s in the outer layer  20 , the medial layer  22  and the inner layer  24 . Stated differently, the consecutive layers  12  of the plurality of layers  10  that contain the PCM  26  include an inter-layer gradient distribution of the total mass and/or the total latent heat (absorption) potential of the PCM  26  that increases in the depth direction D 1 , as illustrated graphically in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the outermost layer(s)  20  of the plurality of phase change layers  10  may include at least 25 J/m 2  (e.g., assuming the layers are flat) of the PCM  26 , at least 50 J/m 2  of the PCM  26 , or at least 100 J/m 2  of the PCM  26 . 
     The plurality of layers  20  can thereby include differing loadings (e.g., differing PCM materials) and/or amounts (by mass) of the PCM  26  such that the total latent heat (absorption) potential of the PCM  26  increases from consecutive layer to layer including the PCM  26  in the depth direction D 1  within the cushion (i.e., away from the user), as shown in  FIG. 3 . The cushion can thus include differing loading and/or amounts (by mass) of PCM along the thickness of the cushion. As noted above, in some embodiments two or more layers of the plurality of layers  10  may include the PCM  26  (which may or may not be contiguous), or each/all of the layers of the plurality of layers  10  may include the PCM  26  (which may or may not be contiguous). The bottom-most layer in the depth direction D 1  thereby contains the highest loading or amount of the PCM  26  (i.e., the largest mass of the PCM  26  and/or the greatest latent heat potential) as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     In some embodiments, the inter-layer gradient distribution of the total mass of the PCM  26 , and/or the total latent heat potential, of the plurality of layers  10  comprises an increase thereof along the depth direction D 1  between consecutive PCM-containing layers of at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. Stated differently, the total mass of the PCM  26 , and/or the total latent heat potential, of each of the plurality of layers  10  that contains PCM  26  increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , at least one layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  includes a gradient distribution of the mass of the and/or the latent heat potential of the PCM  26  thereof that increases in the depth direction D (i.e., away from the user). Stated differently, at least one layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the mass and/or the latent heat potential of the PCM  26  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , at least one layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the of the plurality of layers  10  includes a first lesser amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM  26  and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  in/on a proximal portion  30  of the layer this is proximal to the exterior portion  14  of the cushion (and the user) along the depth direction D 1 , and a second greater amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM  26  and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  on/in a distal portion  34  of the layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  that is distal to the exterior portion  14  of the cushion (and the user) along the depth direction D (i.e., the second amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  being greater than the first amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26 , respectively). The second total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  of the distal portion  34  of the layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  may be greater than the first total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the distal portion  30  thereof by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 4 , a layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  including the gradient PCM  26  along the depth direction D 1  may further include a medial portion  32  positioned between the proximal portion  30  and the distal portion  34  along the depth direction D 1  that includes a third total amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the total PCM  26  thereof that is greater than the first total amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the total PCM  26  of the proximal portion  30  but less than the second amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the total PCM  26  of the distal portion  34 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The third total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  of the medial portion  32  may be greater than the first total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  of the proximal portion  30  by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total amount (e.g., total mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  of the distal portion  34  by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. However, a layer of the plurality of layers  10  including an intra-layer gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the total PCM  26  thereof may include any number of portions along the depth direction D 1  that increase in total amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  along the depth direction D 1 . 
     The intra-layer gradient of the PCM  26  of one or more layers of the plurality of layers  10  (potentially the plurality of consecutive layers  12 ) that increases in the depth direction D 1  may comprise an irregular gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass) and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  along the depth direction D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In some such embodiments, a layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  may include two or more distinct bands or zones  30 ,  32 ,  34  of progressively increasing loading of the PCM  26  in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., away from the user) by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%, as shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the outer side portion  30 , the medial portion  32  and the inner side portion  34  may be distinct zones of the thickness of the respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  with distinct differing amounts (e.g., masses) and/or total latent heat potentials of the PCM  26  along the depth direction D 1  (such as amount that increase by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50% from layer to layer in the depth direction D 1 ). 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the intra-layer gradient of the PCM  26  of one or more layers of the plurality of layers  10  (potentially the plurality of consecutive layers  12 ) that increases in the depth direction D 1  may comprise a smooth or regular gradient distribution of at least a portion of the mass and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  thereof along the depth direction D 1 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , at least one layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  may include a relatively constant/consistent progressive gradient of at least a portion of the loading of the mass and/or the total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  along the depth direction D 1  within the cushion (i.e., away from the user). Such a layer with the relatively constant/consistent progressive gradient of at least a portion of the loading of the mass and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  along the depth direction D 1  may include the top/proximal portion  30  (of the thickness of the layer) that is proximate to the outer portion  14  of the cushion and the user that contains less total mass and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  than the bottom/distal portion  32  (of the thickness of the layer) proximate to the distal portion  16  of the cushion (such as by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%), as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In some embodiments (not shown), a layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  may include an intra-layer gradient of the PCM  26  thereof that includes a medial portion  32  that is positioned at or proximate to a middle or medial portion of the thickness of the cushion and contains the greatest total mass and/or total latent heat potential of the PCM  26  as compared to the proximal portion  30  and the distal portion  34  of the layer. The layer itself may thereby be positioned at or proximate to a middle or medial portion of the thickness of the cushion. In such embodiments, the cushion may comprise a two-sided cushion that provides cooling to a user from either the proximal side or the distal side of the cushion. 
     The TEEM  26  may be coupled to a base material forming a respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10 , or may be incorporated in/with the base material or form the base material of the respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24 . The TEEM  28  includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 1,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), greater than or equal to 2,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), greater than or equal to 3,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), greater than or equal to 10,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), greater than or equal to 10,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), greater than or equal to 12,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), or greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). In some embodiments, the TEEM  28  includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). 
     In some embodiments, the TEEM  28  includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). In some embodiments, the TEEM  28  includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). In some embodiments, the TEEM  28  includes a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). It is noted that the greater the thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  (for the same mass or volume thereto), the faster the plurality of layers  10  can pull or transfer heat energy away from the user (or proximate to the user) and to the PCM  26  or otherwise distal to the user, such as in the depth direction D 1 . 
     The TEEM  28  may comprise any material(s) with a thermal effusivity that is greater than or equal to 1,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), or that is greater than or equal to 1,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). For example, the TEEM  28  may comprise copper, an alloy of copper, graphite, an alloy of graphite, aluminum, an alloy of aluminum, zinc, an alloy of zinc, a ceramic, graphene, polyurethane gel (e.g., polyurethane elastomer gel) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the TEEM  28  may comprise pieces or particles of at least one metal material. 
     At least one of the plurality of layers  10  may be formed of a base material, and the TEEM  28  thereof may be attached, integrated or otherwise coupled to the base material. In such embodiments, the thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  of a respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  may be at least about 10%, at least about 25%, at least about 50%, at least about 100%, at least about 200%, at least about 300%, at least about 400%, at least about 500%, at least about 600%, at least about 700%, at least about 800%, at least about 900%, or at least about 1,000% greater than the thermal effusivity of the respective base material. In some embodiments, the thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  may be at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivity of the base material of its respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24 . In some embodiments, the thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  may be at least 1,000% greater than the thermal effusivity of the base material of its respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24 . In some other embodiments, the TEEM  28  may form or comprise the base material of at least one layer of the plurality of layers  10 . 
     The layers of the plurality of layers  10  that include the TEEM  28  may each include the same TEEM material, or may each include a differing TEEM material. For example, each layer of the plurality of layers  10  that includes the TEEM  28  may include the same TEEM material, and/or at least one layer of the plurality of layers  10  that includes the TEEM  28  may include a differing TEEM material than at least one other layer of the plurality of layers  10  that includes the TEEM  28 . In some embodiments that include two or more layers with TEEM  28  of differing TEEM materials, the TEEM material with the lowest thermal effusivity may include a thermal effusivity that is within 100%, within 50%, within 25%, within 10% or within 5% of the thermal effusivity of the TEEM material with the greatest thermal effusivity. 
     A respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  that includes the TEEM  28  material may include any total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM  28 . However, the total mass and/or volume and/or to total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  increases with respect to each other along the depth direction D 1 , as illustrated graphically in  FIG. 3  by the increasing number of O&#39;s in the proximal layer  20 , the medial layer  22  and the distal layer  24 . Stated differently, the consecutive layers  12  of the plurality of layers  10  that contain the TEEM  28  may include an inter-layer gradient distribution of the total mass and/or volume of the TEEM  28  (and/or the total thermal effusivity thereof) that increases in the depth direction D 1 , as illustrated graphically in  FIG. 3 . 
     The plurality of layers  20  can thereby include differing loadings or amounts of the TEEM  28 , by mass and/or volume, and/or total thermal effusivities of the TEEM  28 , such that the TEEM  28  loading increases from consecutive layer to layer including the TEEM  28  in the depth direction D 1  within the cushion (i.e., away from the user), as shown in  FIG. 3 . The cushion can thus include differing loading or amounts of TEEM, by mass and/or volume, along the thickness of the cushion. As noted above, in some embodiments two or more layers of the plurality of layers  10  may include the TEEM  28  (which may or may not be contiguous consecutive layers  12 ), or each/all of the layers of the plurality of layers  10  may include the TEEM  28 . The distal layer  24  and/or distal portion  16  of the plurality of layers  10  may thus include the highest loading of the TEEM  28  (i.e., the largest mass and/or volume of the TEEM  28  and/or the greatest total thermal effusivity) as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The inter-layer gradient distribution of the total mass and/or volume of the TEEM  28  (and/or the total thermal effusivity) of the plurality of layers  10  comprises an increase along the depth direction D 1  between consecutive TEEM-containing layers of at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. Stated differently, the total mass and/or volume of the TEEM  28  (and/or the total thermal effusivity) of each of the plurality of layers  10  that contains TEEM  28  increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , at least one layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  includes a gradient distribution of the mass and/or volume of the TEEM  28  thereof (and/or the thermal effusivity thereof) that increases in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., away from the user). Stated differently, at least one layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the mass and/or volume of the TEEM  28  thereof (and/or the total thermal effusivity of the layer) that increases in the depth direction D 1  as it extends away from the user. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , at least one layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  includes a first lesser amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or lower total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  in/on the proximal portion  30  of the layer this is proximate to the exterior portion  14  of the cushion and the user along the depth direction D 1 , and a second greater amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or higher total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  on/in a distal portion  34  of the layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  that is proximate to the distal portion  16  of the cushion and distal to the user along the depth direction D 1  (i.e., the second loading of the TEEM  28  being a greater amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or lower total thermal effusivity than the first loading of the TEEM  28 ). The second total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  of the distal portion  34  of the layer may be greater than the amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the first amount and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  of the proximal portion  30  along the depth direction D 1  by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 4 , such a layer including the gradient TEEM  28  along the depth direction D 1  may further include a medial portion  32  positioned between the proximal portion  30  and the distal portion  34  along the depth direction D 1  that includes a third total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of TEEM  28  that is greater than the first total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  of the proximal portion  30  but that is less than the second amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  of distal portion  34 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The third total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  of the medial portion  32  may be greater than the first total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  of the proximal portion  30  by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%, and less than the second total amount (e.g., total mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  of the distal portion  34  by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%. However, a layer of the plurality of layers  10  including an intra-layer gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  thereof may include any number of portions along the depth direction D 1  that increase in the total amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  thereof along the depth direction D 1 . 
     The intra-layer gradient of the TEEM  28  of one or more layers of the plurality of layers  10  (potentially the plurality of consecutive layers  12 ) that increases in the depth direction D 1  may comprise an irregular gradient distribution of the amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  along the depth direction D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In some such embodiments, a layer may include two or more distinct bands or zones  30 ,  32 ,  34  of progressively increasing loading of the TEEM  28  in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., away from the user) by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%, as shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the proximal portion  30 , the medial portion  32  and the distal portion  34  may comprise distinct zones of the thickness of the respective layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  with distinct differing amounts (e.g., mass and/or volumes) and/or total thermal effusivities of the TEEM  28  along the depth direction D 1  (such as amounts and/or total thermal effusivities that increase by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50% from layer to layer in the depth direction D 1 ). 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the intra-layer gradient of the TEEM  28  of one or more layers of the plurality of layers  10  (potentially the plurality of consecutive layers  12 ) that increases in the depth direction D 1  may comprise a smooth or regular gradient distribution of at least a portion of the mass and/or volume and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  along the depth direction D 1 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , at least one layer  20 ,  22 ,  24  of the plurality of layers  10  may include a relatively constant/consistent progressive gradient of at least a portion of the loading of the mass and/or volume and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  thereof along the depth direction D 1  within the cushion (i.e., away from the user). Such a layer with a relatively constant/consistent progressive gradient of at least a portion of the loading of TEEM  28  thereof along the depth direction D 1  may include the proximal portion  30  (of the thickness of the layer) that is proximate to the outer portion  14  of the cushion containing less total mass and/or volume and/or total thermal effusivity of the TEEM  28  than a bottom/distal portion  32  (of the thickness of the layer) that is proximate to the distal portion  16  of the cushion and distal to the user (such as by at least 3%, within the range of about 3% to about 100%, or within the range of about 10% to about 50%), as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In some embodiments (not shown), a layer of the plurality of layers  10  may include an intra-layer gradient of the TEEM  28  thereof that includes a medial portion  32  that is positioned at or proximate to a middle or medial portion of the thickness of the cushion and contains the greatest total mass and/or volume of the TEEM  28  as compared to the proximal portion  30  and the distal portion  34  of the layer, for example. The layer itself may thereby be positioned at or proximate to a middle or medial portion  44  of the thickness of the cushion. As explained above, such a cushion can form a two-sided cushion that provides cooling to a user from either the top/proximal side or the bottom/distal side of the cushion. 
     In some embodiments, the inter-layer and/or intra-layer gradient loading of the PCM  26  and the TEEM  28  of the plurality of layers  10  along the depth direction D 1 , such as the plurality of consecutive layers  12 , may correspond or match each other. For example, a first layer containing more (or a greater latent heat potential) of the PCM  26  than that of an adjacent/neighboring consecutive (and potentially contiguous) second layer in the depth direction D 1  may also include more (or a greater total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  28  than that of the second layer. Similarly, a first layer of the plurality of layers  10  along the depth direction D 1 , such as the plurality of consecutive layers  12 , containing a first portion or zone thereof (e.g., an exterior portion) with more (or a greater latent heat potential) of the PCM  26  than that of a second portion or zone thereof (e.g., an inner portion) may also include more (or a greater total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  28  than that of the second portion. However, in some embodiments, the inter-layer and/or intra-layer gradient loading of the PCM  26  and the TEEM  28  of the plurality of layers  10  along the depth direction D 1 , such as the plurality of consecutive layers  12 , may differ from each other. For example, the plurality of layers  10  along the depth direction D 1 , such as the plurality of consecutive layers  12 , may include a layer that does not include the PCM  26  but includes the TEEM  28  (or does not include the TEEM  28  but includes the PCM  26 ). As another example, a layer of the plurality of layers  10 , such as the plurality of consecutive layers  12 , may include an intra-layer gradient of the PCM  26  but not the TEEM  28 , or of the TEEM  28  but not the PCM  26 . 
     The inter-layer and intra-layer gradient loadings/distributions of the PCM  26  and the TEEM  28  of the plurality of layers  10  (i.e., inter-layer PCM  26  and TEEM  28  gradients of consecutive layers, and the intra-layer PCM  26  and TEEM  28  gradients of at least one layer thereof), and in particular the plurality of consecutive layers  12 , provides an unexpectedly large amount of heat storage for an unexpectedly long timeframe. 
     The layers of the plurality of layers  10  may be formed of any material(s) and include any configuration. For example, in some embodiments the plurality of layers  10  may comprise a flexible and/or compressible layer, potentially formed of a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, wool, cotton, linen, rayon (e.g., inherent rayon), silica, glass fibers, ceramic fibers, para-aramids, scrim, batting, polyurethane foam (e.g., viscoelastic polyurethane foam), latex foam, memory foam, loose fiber fill, polyurethane gel, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or organic material (leather, animal hide, goat skin, etc.). In some embodiments, at least one of the layers of the plurality of layers  10  may be comprised of a flexible foam that is capable of supporting a user&#39;s body or portion thereof. Such flexible foams include, but are not limited to, latex foam, reticulated or non-reticulated viscoelastic foam (sometimes referred to as memory foam or low-resilience foam), reticulated or non-reticulated non-viscoelastic foam, polyurethane high-resilience foam, expanded polymer foams (e.g., expanded ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene), and the like. In some embodiments, the layers comprise flexible layers, and at least some of the layers may compress along the thickness thereof (in the depth direction D 1 ) under the weight of the user when the user rests, at least partially, on the cushion. 
     As noted above, the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  may be coupled to a base material of at least one layer of the plurality of layers  10 . For example, the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  may be coupled to an exterior surface/side portion of a respective layer, within an internal portion of the respective layer, and/or incorporated in/within the base material forming the layer. As also described above, in some embodiments, the TEEM  28  material may form at least one layer of the plurality of layers  10 . For example, one layer of the plurality of layers  10  may comprise a liquid and moisture (i.e., liquid vapor) barrier layer that is formed of the TEEM material  28  (e.g., a vinyl layer, polyurethane layer (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane layer), rubberized flannel layer or plastic layer, for example), and it may comprise the PCM material  26  coupled thereto (e.g., applied to/on an inner distal surface thereof). The liquid and moisture barrier layer may include additional TEEM material  28  coupled to the base TEEM material  28 . As another example, one layer of the plurality of layers  10  may comprise a gel layer that extends directly about, on or over a foam layer that includes the PCM material  26  and/or the TEEM material  28  coupled or otherwise integrated therein. The gel layer may thereby comprise a coating on the foam layer, and may be formed of the TEEM  28  material (e.g., comprise a polyurethane gel). While the as-formed gel layer may not include additional TEEM  28 , and potentially any PCM material  26 , the TEEM  28  and/or PCM  26  of an overlying and/or underlying layer (e.g., the foam layer) may migrate or otherwise translate from the overlying and/or underlying layer into the gel layer. As such, the gel layer, at some point in time after formation, may include or comprise the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28 . 
     The PCM  26  and/or TEEM  28  of a layer may be coupled, integrated or otherwise contained in/on a respective layer via any method or methods. As non-limiting examples, a respective layer may be formed with the PCM  26  and/or TEEM  28 , and/or the PCM  26  and/or TEEM  28  may be coupled integrated or otherwise contained in/on a respective layer, via at least one of air knifing, spraying, compression, submersion/dipping, printing (e.g. computer aided printing), roll coating, vacuuming, padding, molding, injecting, extruding, for example. However, as noted above, any other method or methods may equally be employed to apply or couple the PCM  26  and/or TEEM  28  to a layer. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a respective layer of the plurality of layers  10  with an intra-layer gradient of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  thereof may be formed by applying the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  to the layer via a first operation, step or process (e.g., a first air knifing, spraying, compression, submersion/dipping, printing, roll coating, vacuuming, padding, or injecting process or operation), and then applying the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  to the layer in at least one second operation with at least one parameter of the operation altered as compared to the first operation such that the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  applied in the at least one second operation is coupled to a differing portion of the layer as compared to the first operation (potentially as well as to at least a portion of the same portion of the layer as compared to the first operation). In this way, the intra-layer gradient of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  may be created. 
     For example, with respect to a fiber scrim or batting layer (or another relatively porous and/or open structure layer), a first mass of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  may be applied to proximal side of the layer via at least one first operation (e.g., via air knifing, spraying, roll coating, printing, padding or an injection operation, for example), and a second mass of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  that is greater than the first mass may similarly be applied to a distal side of the layer opposing the proximal side thereof via at least one second operation. Some of the first mass of PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  and the second mass of PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  may penetrate or pass through the proximal and distal sides and into a medial portion of the layer between the proximal and distal side portions (via the at least one first and second operations). The distal side portion may thereby include the highest mass of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28 , the proximal side portion may thereby include the lowest mass of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28 , and the medial portion may include less mass of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  than the distal side portion but less mass of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  than the proximal side portion. 
     As another example, a first mass of PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  may be applied to a distal side portion of a layer (such as a relatively porous and/or open structured layer) via at least one first operation (e.g., dipping, vacuuming, injecting, compressing, etc.), and a second mass of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  may similarly be applied to the distal side portion and a more-proximal portion of the layer via at least one second operation (e.g., by dipping the layer deeper, vacuuming longer and/or at a higher vacuum pressure, injecting longer and/or at a higher pressure, etc.). The distal side portion may thereby include a larger mass of the PCM  26  and/or the TEEM  28  as the more-proximal portion. 
     The inter-layer and intra-layer gradient distributions of the PCM  26  and the TEEM  28  of the plurality of layers  10  provides for a cushion that is able to absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The cushion unexpectedly feels “cold” to a user for a substantial timeframe. For example, in some embodiments, a cushion with the inter-layer and intra-layer gradient distributions of the PCM  26  and the TEEM  28  of the plurality of layers  10  thereof can be capable of absorbing of at least 24 W/m 2  per hour for at least 3 hours, such as from a portion of a user that physically contacts the proximal portion  14  of the cushion and at least a portion of the weight of the user is supported by the cushion such that the user at least partially compresses the plurality of layers  10  along the thickness of the cushion (and along the depth direction D 1 ). 
     Unexpectedly, depending upon the particular loadings of the PCM  26  and TEEM  28  thereof, the cushions can absorb at least 24 W/m 2 /hr., or at least 30 W/m 2 /hr., or at least 35 W/m 2 /hr., or at least 40, or at least 50 W/m 2 /hr. for at least 3 hours, at least 3½ hours, at least 4 hours, at least 4½ hours, at least 5 hours, at least 5½ hours, or at least 6 hours. 
       FIGS. 6-10  illustrate a cooling mattress  100  according to the present disclosure. The cooling mattress  100  incorporates a plurality of layers  110  (consecutive layers) to absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The mattress  100  may comprise and/to be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , and/or the plurality of layers  110  may comprise and/to be similar to the plurality of layers  10  described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , and the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the mattress  100  and the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , and/or the plurality of layers  110  and the plurality of layers  10  of  FIGS. 3-5 , are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “1.” 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 10 , the mattress  100  includes or defines a width W 1 , a length L 1  and a thickness T 1 . As also shown in  FIGS. 6 and 10 , the depth direction D 1  extends along the along the thickness T 1  of the mattress  100  from an outer proximal side portion or surface  140  that is proximate to a user (i.e., a user rests thereon) to a distal inner side portion or surface  144  that is distal to the user (i.e., spaced from the user, and potentially opposing the proximal side  140 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the mattress  100  includes a plurality of separate and distinct portions or layers overlying each other or arranged in the depth direction D 1  that make up or define the thickness T 1  of the mattress  100 . The mattress  100  includes a proximal or top cover portion  114  that forms a cover of the mattress  100 . The mattress  100  further includes a cooling cartridge portion  110  of a plurality of consecutive cooling layers each including the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  that underlies (e.g., directly or indirectly) the proximal top portion  114  in the depth direction D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Underlying (e.g., directly or indirectly) the cooling portion  110 , the mattress  100  includes a base portion  116  that physically supports the proximal top portion  114  and the cooling portion  110 . As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , each of the proximal top portion  114 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  and the base portion  116  may comprise a plurality of consecutive layers overlying each other in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., thickness T 1  of the mattress). In some alternative embodiments, at least one of the proximal top portion  114 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  and the base portion  116  may comprise a single layer. 
     At least a plurality of consecutive layers  112  of the cooling cartridge portion  110  include the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and the TEEM  128  of the mattress  100  that increases in the depth direction D 1 . Further, at least one of the layers  112  of the cooling cartridge portion  110  also include the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . In some embodiments, the proximal top portion  114  also includes the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  such that the cooling cartridge portion  110  comprises a greater total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  than the proximal top portion  114  and/or the cooling cartridge portion  110  comprises a greater total amount (mass and/or volume) (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  than the proximal top portion  114  such that the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  of the mattress  100  that increases in the depth direction D 1  is maintained. In such embodiments, the distal-most layer or portion of the proximal top portion  114  including the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereby includes a lesser total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  and/or a lesser total amount (mass and/or volume) (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  than the most-proximal layer or portion of the proximal top portion  114  including the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 . In some embodiments, at least one layer of the cooling cartridge portion  110  further comprises the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . 
     The distal base portion  116  may define the outer distal side portion or surface  142  of the mattress  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 6, 9 and 10 . The distal side surface  142  may be substantially planar and/or configured to lay on a bed base or support member or structure, such as a bed frame and/or box-spring for example. In some embodiments, the bed base and/or the distal base portion  116  is configured to raise the height of the mattress  100  (along thickness T 1  dimension) to make it more comfortable for a user to get on and/or off the mattress  100 . In some embodiments, the bed base and/or the distal base portion  116  is configured to absorb forces, shock and/or weight along the depth direction D 1  and/or to reduce wear to the mattress  100 . In some embodiments, the bed base and/or the distal base portion  116  is configured to create a substantially flat (i.e., planar) and firm structure for the mattress  100  to lie upon and/or to configure the mattress  100  itself as a substantially flat and firm structure. For example, the outer distal side portion or surface  142  may be a substantially stiff and planar surface portion. 
     The distal base portion  116  may be configured of any structure and/or material that at least partially physically supports the cooling portion  110 , the proximal top portion  114  and a user laying thereon or thereover. For example, the distal base portion  116  may comprise at least one layer  164  of springs and/or resilient members, one or more layers of foam (e.g., one or more layers of pressure-relieving foam, memory foam, supportive foam, combinations of foam layers, etc.), a structural framework (e.g., a wooden, metal and/or plastic framework) or a combination thereof, as shown in  FIGS. 7-10   
     In the exemplary illustrative embodiment, the distal base portion  116  is void of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 . However, in alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the distal base portion  116  immediately adjacent to the cooling cartridge portion  110  in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., directly underlying the cooling cartridge portion  110 ) comprises the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 . In distal base portion  116  embodiments that include the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 , the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  of the layer or portion of the distal base portion  116  immediately adjacent to the cooling cartridge portion  110  in the depth direction D 1  includes a greater mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  and/or a greater amount (e.g., mass and/or volume) of the TEEM  128  (and/or total thermal effusivity) than the immediately adjacent layer or portion of the cooling cartridge portion  110  including the PCM  126  and/or TEAM  128  (such as the second batting layer  120 B as described below). In this way, an inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  that increases in the depth direction D 1  of the mattress  100  is maintained (as explained further below). Further, in some embodiments, the distal base portion  116  may include at least one layer or portion with an intra-layer distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10  in some embodiments the proximal top portion  114  may extend directly over the cooling cartridge portion  110 , and thereby indirectly over the distal base portion  116 . In some embodiments, the proximal top portion  114  may extend over or about the lateral sides of the width of the cooling cartridge portion  110  and the distal base portion  116  and the longitudinal lateral sides of the width of the cooling cartridge portion  110  and the distal base portion  116 . In some such embodiments, the proximal top portion  114  may extend over the distal side or side surface of the distal base portion  116  and define the distal side portion or surface  142 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . The proximal top portion  114  may thereby form an enclosure or sleeve that surrounds or encases (e.g., fully or at least along one dimension (e.g., width W 1  and/or length L 1 )). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8-10 , in some embodiments, the proximal top portion  114  may comprise an outer cover layer  160  and an underlying (directly or indirectly) fire resistant sock/cap layer  164 . The cover layer  160  may thereby define the outer proximal side portion or surface  140  of the mattress  100  on which a user lays (directly or indirectly) to utilize the mattress  100 . It is noted that a user may utilize one or more sheets, a mattress protector, a mattress pad or any other layer or material, or combination thereof, over the proximal side surface  140  of the mattress  100 . The cover layer  160  and the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  may be contiguous consecutive layers. The cover layer  160  and the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  may be coupled together (e.g., sewn, glued, buttoned or otherwise affixed together), or the cover layer  160  and the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  may loosely or freely be arranged in the stacked or overlying/underlying arrangement. For example, the outer cover layer  160  may extend about and/or be affixed to the distal base portion  116 , and the fire resistant sock/cap layer  164  may be trapped or contained between the fire resistant sock/cap layer  164  and the cooling cartridge portion  110  in the depth direction D 1 . 
     The cover layer  160  may comprise any base material(s) and configuration, and be comprised of a single layer or a plurality of layers (which may be coupled together). In some embodiments, the cover layer  160  comprises a compressible fabric layer, such a woven or non-woven fabric layer. In some embodiments, the cover layer  160  comprises a quilted compressible fabric layer. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover layer  160  comprises a cotton or cotton blend fabric. In some embodiments, the cover layer  160  may define a thickness and a loft that are less than a thickness and a loft, respectively, of a first scrim layer  120 A and a second scrim layer  120 B of the cooling cartridge portion  110 . The cover layer  160  may comprise a fabric weight that is greater than a fabric weight of the first scrim layer  120 A and the second scrim layer  120 B. In some embodiments, the cover layer  160  comprises a fabric weight that is greater than or equal to than about 220 GMS. In some embodiments, the cover layer  160  comprises a moisture-proofing material (e.g., vinyl and/or polyurethane (such as a thermoplastic polyurethane)) configured to prevent or resist liquid and/or moisture from passing through the cover layer  160  in the depth direction D 1 . 
     The fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  may be configured as a fire proof or resistant layer that prevents, or at least resists, the mattress  100  from burning (i.e., resist catching on fire, igniting and/or remaining on fire). The fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  may comprise any base material(s) and configuration, and be comprised of a single layer or a plurality of layers (which may be coupled together). The fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  comprises a fire proof or resistant material (i.e., is formed of fire resistant material and/or is treated (e.g., coated or impregnated) with fire proof or resistant material). For example, the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  may comprise one or more layers and/or coatings of wool (e.g., sheep&#39;s wool), glass fibers (e.g., fiberglass), ceramic (potentially ceramic fibers), silica (potentially silica fibers), Kevlar®, nylon, boric acid, antimony, chlorine, bromine, decabromodiphenyl oxide, any other fire proof, fire resistant or fire retardant material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  may be formed of the fire proof or resistant material. In some other embodiments, the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  may be formed of a base material (e.g., cotton or a cotton blend) and the fireproof or resistant material may be coupled or otherwise integrated therewith. 
     In some embodiments, the cover layer  160  and the fire resistant sock/cap  162  include the PCM  126  (solid-to-liquid phase change material with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius) and the TEEM  128  (material with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K)), as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In such embodiments, the cover layer  160  and the fire resistant sock/cap  162  include an inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 , with the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  including a greater total amount (e.g., mass) of the PCM  126  (and/or total latent heat potential) and a greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  as compared to the cover layer  160 . In some such embodiments, the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential/capacity) of the PCM  126  of the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  is greater than that of the cover layer  160  by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162  is greater than that of the cover layer  160  by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some embodiments, the cover layer  160  may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or TEEM  128  thereof. For example, the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  of the cover layer  160  may be coupled or provided on a distal side portion of the cover layer  160  (via any method) that faces distally along the depth direction D 1  and is positioned proximate to the fire resistant sock/cap layer  162 , and a medial portion of the thickness T 1  of the cover layer  160  proximally-adjacent to the distal side portion thereof. In some such embodiments, the distal side or face of the cover layer  160  may include a total mass (and/or total latent heat potential/capacity) of the PCM  126  of the cover layer  160  and/or a total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the cover layer  160  that is greater (e.g., by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%) than that of the medial portion of the cover layer  160 . However, the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  of the cover layer  160  may be provided anywhere in/on the cover layer  160 , and the cover layer  160  may not include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof. 
     Similarly, in some embodiments, the fire resistant sock/cap  162  may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or TEEM  128  thereof. For example, the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  of the fire resistant sock/cap  162  may be coupled or provided on a proximal side portion thereof (via any method) that faces proximally and is positioned distally-adjacent to the cover layer  160  along the depth direction D 1 , and a distal side portion thereof (via any method) that faces distally and is positioned proximately-adjacent to the cooling cartridge  110  along the depth direction D 1 . In some such embodiments, the distal side portion of the fire resistant sock/cap  162  may include a total mass (and/or total latent heat potential/capacity) of the PCM  126  of the fire resistant sock/cap  162  and/or a total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the fire resistant sock/cap  162  that is greater (e.g., by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%) than that of the proximal side portion of the fire resistant sock/cap  162 . However, the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  of the fire resistant sock/cap  162  may be provided anywhere in/on the fire resistant sock/cap  162 , and the fire resistant sock/cap  162  may not include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof. 
     As noted above, the mattress  100  includes a cooling cartridge portion  110  of a plurality of consecutive cooling layers  112  each including the PCM  126  (solid-to-liquid phase change material with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius) and the TEEM  128  (material with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K)), as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . The consecutive cooling layers  112  comprise separate and distinct layers  120 A,  122 ,  124 ,  120 B arranged in the depth direction D 1 . The cooling cartridge portion  110  may be underlie (potentially directly) the proximal top portion  114  (if provided) and overly the base portion  116  (if provided) in the depth direction D 1 . As discussed above, the plurality of layers  112  of the cooling cartridge portion  110  comprise an inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and TEEM  128  that increases in the depth direction D 1 , and at least one of the layers  112  includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and TEEM  128  that increases in the depth direction D 1 . In some embodiments, a plurality of the plurality of layers  112  of the cooling cartridge portion  110  includes the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 , or each of the plurality of layers  112  includes PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 . In some embodiments, a plurality of the plurality of layers  112  of the cooling cartridge portion  110  includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or TEEM  128  thereof, or each of the plurality of layers  112  includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or TEEM  128  thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-10 , the plurality of layers  112  of the cooling cartridge portion  110  comprises a proximal (potentially most-proximal) first scrim layer  120 A underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the top proximal cover portion  114  (e.g., directly underlying the fire resistant sock/cap  162  thereof if provided, or the cover layer  160  if the fire resistant sock/cap  162  is not provided) in the depth direction D 1 , a first foam layer  122  (potentially viscoelastic foam) directly underlying the first scrim layer  120 A in the depth direction D 1 , a non-viscoelastic second foam layer  124  directly underlying the first foam layer  122  in the depth direction D 1 , and a second scrim layer  120 B directly underlying the second foam layer  124  in the depth direction D 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the first scrim layer  120 A may comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 20 GSM and about 80 GSM. In some embodiments, the first scrim layer  120 A comprises an air permeability of at least about 1½ ft 3 /min. 
     If the top proximal cover portion  114  includes the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 , the first scrim layer  120 A includes a greater total amount (e.g., mass) (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  and/or a greater total amount (e.g., mass or volume) (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  than that of the distal-most layer or portion of the top proximal cover portion  114  (and/or the top proximal cover portion  114  as a whole). In some such embodiments, the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first scrim layer  120 A is greater than that of the distal-most layer or portion of the top proximal cover portion  114  (and/or the top proximal cover portion  114  as a whole) by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A is greater than that of the distal-most layer or portion of the top proximal cover portion  114  (and/or the top proximal cover portion  114  as a whole) by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     The PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A may be provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., the intra-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1 ). For example, the first scrim layer  120 A may include a proximal scrim portion (e.g., a proximal surface portion) that is positioned proximate to the top proximal cover portion  114  (if provided) having a first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first scrim layer  120 A, and a distal scrim portion (e.g., a distal surface portion) that is positioned distal to the top proximal cover portion  114  (if provided) and underlying the proximal scrim portion in the depth direction D 1  having a second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first scrim layer  120 A, the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  126 . In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first scrim layer  120 A is greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  122  of the of the first scrim layer  120 A by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. As another example, the proximal scrim portion may have a first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A, and the distal scrim portion  134  may have a second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A, the second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128 . In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A is greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the of the first scrim layer  120 A by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some such embodiments, the first scrim layer  120 A may include a medial scrim portion positioned between the proximal and distal scrim portion in the depth direction D 1 , such as at or proximate to a medial portion of the thickness T 1  of the first scrim layer  120 A. The medial scrim portion may include a third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first scrim layer  120 A, the third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  and less than the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first scrim layer  120 A. For example, the third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  may be greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first scrim layer  120 A, and less than the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first scrim layer  120 A, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The medial scrim portion  132  may also include a third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A, the third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A being greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A. For example, the third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  may be greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A, and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first scrim layer  120 A, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. It is noted that the first scrim layer  120 A may include any number of portions along the depth direction with differing loadings of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 , such as just two of the proximal, medial and distal portions, or at least one additional portion beyond the proximal, medial and distal portions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the first foam layer  122  directly underlying the first scrim layer  120 A in the depth direction D 1  also may include the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 . As described above, the first foam layer  122  comprises the PCM  126  and the TEEM  128  in greater total amounts or loadings than the overlying layers of the cooling cartridge portion  110  (and the proximal top cover portion  114  if it includes the PCM  126  or the TEEM  128 ). For example, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first foam layer  122  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the first scrim layer  120 A, such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first foam layer  122  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the first scrim layer  120 A, such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     The first foam layer  122  may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, the first foam layer  122  may include a proximal foam portion having a first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first foam layer  122  and a first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) of the second total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first foam layer  122 , and a distal foam portion having a second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first foam layer  122  that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and a second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first foam layer  122  that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first foam layer  122  may be greater than first portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  may be greater than first portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some such embodiments, the first foam layer  122  may further comprise a medial foam portion positioned between the proximal and distal foam portions in the depth direction D 1 , such as at or proximate to the medial portion of the thickness T 1  of the first foam layer  122 . The medial foam portion may have a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM  126  of the first foam layer  122 , and a third total mass portion (and/or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the TEEM  128  of the first foam layer  122 . The third total mass portion (and/or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first foam layer  122  being greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) and the less than the second mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the first foam layer  122 , and third total mass portion (and/or third thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first foam layer  122  being greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) and the less than the second mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the first foam layer  122 . In some embodiments, the third total mass portion (and/or latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  may be greater than first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and less than the second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion (and/or third thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  may be greater than first portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof and less than the second total mass (and/or second thermal effusivity) portion by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. It is noted that the first foam layer  122  may include any number of portions along the depth direction with differing loadings of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 , such as just two of the proximal, medial and distal portions, or at least one additional portion beyond the proximal, medial and distal portions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the second foam layer  124  directly underlying the first foam layer  122  in the depth direction D 1  also may include the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 . As described above, the second foam layer  124  comprises the PCM  126  and the TEEM  128  in greater total amounts or loadings than the overlying layers of the cooling cartridge portion  110  (and the proximal top cover portion  114  if it includes the PCM  126  or the TEEM  128 ). For example, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second foam layer  124  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the first foam layer  122 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second foam layer  124  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the first foam layer  122 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     The second foam layer  124  may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, the second foam layer  124  may include a proximal foam portion having a first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second foam layer  124  and a first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) of the second total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second foam layer  124 , and a distal foam portion having a second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second foam layer  124  that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and a second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second foam layer  124  that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second foam layer  124  may be greater than first portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  may be greater than first portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some such embodiments, the second foam layer  124  may further comprise a medial foam portion positioned between the proximal and distal foam portions thereof in the depth direction D 1 , such as at or proximate to the medial portion of the thickness T 1  of the second foam layer  124 . The medial foam portion may have a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM  126  of the second foam layer  124 , and a third total mass portion (and/or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the TEEM  128  of the second foam layer  124 . The third total mass portion (and/or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second foam layer  124  being greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) and the less than the second mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second foam layer  124 , and third total mass portion (and/or third thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second foam layer  124  being greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) and the less than the second mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second foam layer  124 . In some embodiments, the third total mass portion (and/or latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  may be greater than first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and less than the second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion (and/or third thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  may be greater than first portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof and less than the second total mass (and/or second thermal effusivity) portion by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. It is noted that the second foam layer  124  may include any number of portions along the depth direction with differing loadings of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 , such as just two of the proximal, medial and distal portions, or at least one additional portion beyond the proximal, medial and distal portions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the first foam layer  122  and the second foam layer  124  comprise distinct compressible foam layers that are separate and distinct from each other and the other layers of the plurality of layers  112  of the cooling cartridge portion  110  of the mattress  100 , including any other foam layer(s). In some embodiments, the first foam layer  122  comprises a layer of viscoelastic polyurethane foam (or memory foam), and the second foam layer  124  comprises a layer of latex polyurethane foam (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the foam of the first foam layer  122  and/or the second foam layer  124  may be an open cell foam. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the second scrim layer  120 B directly underlying the second foam layer  124  in the depth direction D 1  also may include the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128 . As described above, the second scrim layer  120 B comprises the PCM  126  and the TEEM  128  in greater total amounts or loadings than the overlying layers of the cooling cartridge portion  110  (and the proximal top cover portion  114  if it includes the PCM  126  or the TEEM  128 ). For example, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second scrim layer  120 B is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the second foam layer  124 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the second foam layer  124 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     The PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B may be provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., the intra-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1 ). For example, the second scrim layer  120 B may include a proximal scrim portion (e.g., a proximal surface portion) having a first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second scrim layer  120 B, and a distal scrim portion (e.g., a distal surface portion) and underlying the proximal scrim portion in the depth direction D 1  having a second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second scrim layer  120 B, the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  126 . In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second scrim layer  120 B is greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  122  of the of the second scrim layer  120 B by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. As another example, the proximal scrim portion may have a first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B, and the distal scrim portion  134  may have a second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B, the second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128 . In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B is greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the of the second scrim layer  120 B by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some such embodiments, the second scrim layer  120 B may include a medial scrim portion positioned between the proximal and distal scrim portion in the depth direction D 1 , such as at or proximate to a medial portion of the thickness T 1  of the second scrim layer  120 B. The medial scrim portion may include a third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second scrim layer  120 B, the third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  and less than the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second scrim layer  120 B. For example, the third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  may be greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second scrim layer  120 B, and less than the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  126  of the second scrim layer  120 B, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The medial scrim portion  132  may also include a third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B, the third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B being greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B. For example, the third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  may be greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B, and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the second scrim layer  120 B, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. It is noted that the second scrim layer  120 B may include any number of portions along the depth direction with differing loadings of the PCM  126  and/or the TEEM  128  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 , such as just two of the proximal, medial and distal portions, or at least one additional portion beyond the proximal, medial and distal portions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the first and second scrim layers  120 A,  120 B  122  comprise separate and distinct scrim layers that are separate and distinct from each other and the other layers of the plurality of layers  112  of the cooling cartridge portion  110  of the mattress  100 . In some embodiments, the entirety of the first scrim layer  120 A is spaced from the entirety of the second scrim layer  120 B in the depth direction via the thicknesses of the first and second foam layers  122 ,  124 . In some embodiments, the material and/or configuration (but for the loading of the PCM  126  and/or TEEM  128  thereof) of the second scrim layer  120 A is substantially the same or similar to the first scrim layer  120 . For example, in some embodiments, the second scrim layer  120 B may comprises a fabric weight within the range of about 20 GSM and about 80 GSM, and/or an air permeability of at least about 1½ ft3/min. In some other embodiments, the material and/or configuration (including the loading of the PCM  126  and/or TEEM  128  thereof) of the second scrim layer  120 A differs from that of the first scrim layer  120 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another cooling mattress  200  according to the present disclosure. The cooling mattress  200  incorporates a cooling cartridge portion  210  comprising a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct layers  210  that absorbs or draws an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The mattress  200  may comprise and/to be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , and is substantially similar to the mattress  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 6-10 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies to the mattress  200  of  FIG. 11  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the mattress  200 , and the cooling cartridge portion  210  to the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5  and the mattress  100  of  FIGS. 6-10 , are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “2.” 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the mattress  200  differs from the mattress  100  in that the cooling cartridge portion  210  contains a scrim layer  220  that extends about the width W 1  and/or length L 1  of the first and second foam layers  222 ,  224 . The scrim layer  220  may form an enclosure, sleeve or bag that contains the first and second foam layers  222 ,  224 , for example. The first scrim layer  220 A may thereby compromise a first portion of the scrim layer  220  (directly) overlying the first foam layer  222 , and the second scrim layer  120 B may thereby comprise a second portion of the scrim layer  220  (directly) underlying the second foam layer  224  in the depth direction D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The first and second scrim layer portions  220 A,  220 B of the scrim layer  220  may include different differing loadings of the PCM  226  and or TEEM  128 , as described above. The first and second scrim layer portions  220 A,  220 B may be formed via differing processes or operations (or with different parameters thereof) such that their PCM  226  and/or TEEM  128  loadings differ. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 11 , the scrim layer  220  may include lateral and/or longitudinal side portions  220 C extending between the first and second scrim layer portions  220 A,  220 B in the thickness T 1  along the width W 1  and/or length L 1  of the mattress  200 . In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the lateral and/or longitudinal side portions  220 C of the scrim layer  220  portion are void of the PCM  226  and or TEEM  228 . However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the lateral and/or longitudinal side portions  220 C of the scrim layer  220  may include the PCM  226  and or TEEM  228 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates another cooling mattress  300  according to the present disclosure. The cooling mattress  300  incorporates a cooling cartridge portion  310  comprising a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct layers  310  that absorbs or draws an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The mattress  300  may comprise and/to be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , and is substantially similar to the mattress  100  of  FIGS. 6-10  and the mattress  200  of  FIG. 11 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies to the mattress  300  of  FIG. 12  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the mattress  300  and the cooling cartridge portion  310  thereof to the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , the mattress  100  of  FIGS. 6-10  and/or the mattress  200  of  FIG. 11  are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “3.” 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the mattress  300  differs from the mattress  100  and the mattress  200  in that the cooling cartridge portion  310  comprises a distal batting layer  325  overlying (e.g., directly overlying) the base portion  364  and/or underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the second scrim layer/portion  120 B in the depth direction D 1 . The batting layer  325  may be comprised of any matting material, such as a woven or non-woven fiber batting. The batting layer  325  may be comprised of one or more batting layers loosely overlying each other in the depth direction D 1  or coupled together. 
     In some embodiments, the batting layer  325  may define a thickness along the thickness T 1  of the mattress  300  that is greater than a thickness of the first scrim layer/portion  320 A and/or a thickness of the second scrim layer/portion  320 B. In some embodiments, the batting layer  325  may comprise a loft along the depth direction D 1  that is greater than that of the first scrim layer/portion  320 A and/or that of the second scrim layer/portion  320 B. In some embodiments, the batting layer  325  may comprise a volumetric airflow (i.e., CFM) along the depth direction D 1  that is less than that of the first scrim layer/portion  320 A and/or that of the second scrim layer/portion  320 B. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the batting layer  325  may include the PCM  326  and/or the TEEM  328 . As described above, the batting layer  325  may comprise the PCM  326  and the TEEM  328  in greater total amounts or loadings than the overlying layers of the cooling cartridge portion  310  (and the proximal top cover portion  314  if it includes the PCM  326  or the TEEM  328 ). For example, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the batting layer  325  may be greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the second scrim layer/portion  320 B, such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  32  may be greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the second scrim layer  320 B, such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     The PCM  326  and/or the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325  may be provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., the intra-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1 ). For example, the batting layer  325  may include a proximal batting portion (e.g., a proximal surface portion) having a first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the batting layer  325 , and a distal batting portion (e.g., a distal surface portion) and underlying the proximal batting portion in the depth direction D 1  having a second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the batting layer  325 , the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  326 . In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the batting layer  325  is greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the of the batting layer  325  by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. As another example, the proximal batting portion may have a first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325 , and the distal batting portion  134  may have a second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325 , the second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328 . In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325  is greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the of the batting layer  325  by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some such embodiments, the batting layer  325  may include a medial batting portion positioned between the proximal and distal batting portions in the depth direction D 1 , such as at or proximate to a medial portion of the thickness T 1  of the batting layer  325 . The medial batting portion may include a third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the batting layer  325 , the third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  and less than the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the batting layer  325 . For example, the third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  may be greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the batting layer  325 , and less than the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  326  of the batting layer  325 , by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The medial batting portion may also include a third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325 , the third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325 . For example, the third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  may be greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325 , and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  328  of the batting layer  325 , by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. It is noted that the batting layer  325  may include any number of portions along the depth direction with differing loadings of the PCM  326  and/or the TEEM  328  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 , such as just two of the proximal, medial and distal portions, or at least one additional portion beyond the proximal, medial and distal portions. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another cooling mattress  400  according to the present disclosure. The cooling mattress  400  incorporates a cooling cartridge portion  410  comprising a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct layers  412  that absorbs or draws an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The mattress  400  may comprise and/to be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , and is substantially similar to the mattress  100  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the mattress  200  of  FIG. 11  and the mattress  300  of  FIG. 12 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies to the mattress  400  of  FIG. 13  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the mattress  400  and the cooling cartridge portion  410  thereof to the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , the mattress  100  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the mattress  200  of  FIG. 11  and/or the mattress  300  of  FIG. 12  are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “4.” 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the mattress  400  differs from the mattress  100 , the mattress  200  and the mattress  300  in that the second scrim layer/portion  420 B of the scrim layer  420  is underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the base portion  416  in the depth direction D 1 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the scrim layer  420  of the mattress  400  may extend about the width W 1  and/or length L 1  of the first and second foam layers  422 ,  424  and the base portion  416  (and the batting layer, if provided). The scrim layer  420  may thereby form an enclosure, sleeve or bag that contains the first and second foam layers  422 ,  424  and the base portion  416  (and the batting layer, if provided), for example. The first scrim layer  420 A may thereby compromise a first portion of the scrim layer  420  (directly) overlying the first foam layer  422 , and the second scrim layer  420 B may thereby comprise a second portion of the scrim layer  420  (directly) underlying the base portion  416  in the depth direction D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . As also shown in  FIG. 13 , in some embodiments, the second scrim layer/portion  420 B may overlay (e.g., directly overlay) the fire resistant sock/cap  462  (if provided) and/or the cover layer  460  (if provided) in the depth direction D 1 . 
     In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the second scrim layer/portion  420 B is void the PCM  426  and/or the TEEM  428 . However, in some alternative embodiments (not shown), the second scrim layer/portion  420 B may include the PCM  426  and/or the TEEM  428 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cooling pad or mat  500  according to the present disclosure. The cooling pad or mat  500  incorporates a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct layers  512  that absorbs or draws an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The pad or mat  500  may comprise and/or be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , and the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies to the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the cooling pad or mat  500  to the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , and the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13  are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “5.” 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the cooling pad or mat  500  may define a width W 1 , length L 1  and thickness T 1  extending between a proximal side portion or surface  540  and a distal side portion or surface  540  along the depth direction D 1 . The cooling pad or mat  500  may be sized and otherwise configured to overly a bed, chair, couch, seat, ground/floor, bench, or any other surface or structure that supports at least a portion of a user to add (or enhance) a cooling function/mechanism thereto. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the cooling pad or mat  500  may comprise a proximal fabric layer  520 A, a medial layer  522  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the proximal fabric layer  520 A, and a distal fabric layer  520 B underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the medial layer  522 . The proximal fabric layer  520 A, medial layer  522  and the distal fabric layer  520 B each include the PCM  526  and the TEEM  528 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The cooling pad or mat  500  includes the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  526  and the TEEM  528  that increases in the depth direction D 1 , and the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  526  and the TEEM  528  of at least one layer thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the proximal fabric layer  520 A may not include the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  526  and the TEEM  528 . For example, only a distal portion of the proximal fabric layer  520 A may include a mass of the PCM  526  and/or the TEEM  528 . In some other embodiment, the PCM  526  and/or the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A may be provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., the intra-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1 ). 
     For example, the proximal fabric layer  520 A may include a proximal fabric portion (e.g., a proximal surface portion) that is positioned at or proximate to the top proximal surface  540  having a first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, and a distal fabric portion (e.g., a distal surface portion) that is positioned distal to the top proximal surface  540  and underlying the proximal fabric portion in the depth direction D 1  having a second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  526 . In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A is greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  122  of the of the proximal fabric layer  520 A by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. As another example, the proximal fabric portion of the proximal fabric layer  520 A may have a first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, and the distal fabric portion  134  may have a second total mass  528  (or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  128  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, the second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528 . In some such embodiments, the second total mass portion (or second thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A is greater than the first total mass portion (or first thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some such embodiments, the proximal fabric layer  520 A may include a medial fabric portion positioned between the proximal and distal fabric portions in the depth direction D 1 , such as at or proximate to a medial portion of the thickness T 1  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A. The medial fabric portion may include a third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, the third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  being greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  and less than the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A. For example, the third total mass portion (or third latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  may be greater than the first total mass portion (or first latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, and less than the second total mass portion (or second latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. The medial fabric portion  132  may also include a third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, the third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A being greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A. For example, the third total mass portion (or third total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  may be greater than the first total mass portion (or first total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, and less than the second total mass portion (or second total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the proximal fabric layer  520 A, by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. It is noted that the proximal fabric layer  520 A may include any number of portions along the depth direction with differing loadings of the PCM  526  and/or the TEEM  528  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 , such as just two of the proximal, medial and distal portions, or at least one additional portion beyond the proximal, medial and distal portions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the medial layer  522  directly underlying the first scrim layer  520 A in the depth direction D 1  may also include the PCM  526  and/or the TEEM  528 . As described above, the medial layer  522  comprises the PCM  526  and the TEEM  528  in greater total amounts or loadings than the first scrim layer  520 A. For example, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the medial layer  522  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the first scrim layer  520 A, such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the medial layer  522  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the first scrim layer  520 A, such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     The medial layer  522  may also include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  526  and/or the TEEM  528  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, the medial layer  522  may include a proximal portion having a first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the medial layer  522  and a first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) of the second total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the medial layer  522 , and a distal foam portion having a second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the medial layer  522  that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and a second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the medial layer  522  that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the medial layer  522  may be greater than first portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) or the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  may be greater than first portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some such embodiments, the medial layer  522  may further comprise a medial portion positioned between the proximal and distal portions thereof in the depth direction D 1 , such as at or proximate to the middle of the thickness T 1  of the medial layer  522 . The medial portion may have a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM  526  of the medial layer  522 , and a third total mass portion (and/or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the TEEM  528  of the medial layer  522 . The third total mass portion (and/or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the medial layer  522  being greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) and the less than the second mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the medial layer  522 , and third total mass portion (and/or third thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the medial layer  522  being greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) and the less than the second mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the medial layer  522 . In some embodiments, the third total mass portion (and/or latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  may be greater than first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and less than the second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion (and/or third thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  may be greater than first portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof and less than the second total mass (and/or second thermal effusivity) portion by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. It is noted that the medial layer  522  may include any number of portions along the depth direction with differing loadings of the PCM  526  and/or the TEEM  528  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 , such as just two of the proximal, medial and distal portions, or at least one additional portion beyond the proximal, medial and distal portions. 
     The medial layer  522  may comprise any material or configuration. For example, medial layer  522  may comprise one or more layers of batting, scrim, foam or a combination thereof, for example. In one exemplary embodiment, the medial layer  522  comprises a batting layer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the second scrim layer  520 B directly underlying the medial layer  522  in the depth direction D 1  also may include the PCM  526  and/or the TEEM  528 . As described above, the second scrim layer  520 B comprises the PCM  126  and the TEEM  528  in greater total amounts or loadings than the overlying layers of the cooling pad or mat  500 . For example, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  526  of the second scrim layer  520 B is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the medial layer  522 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  528  of the second scrim layer  520 B is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the medial layer  522 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     The PCM  526  and/or the TEEM  528  of the second scrim layer  520 B may also be provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., the intra-layer gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1 ), as described above with respect to the first scrim layer  520 A, for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the first and second scrim layers  520 A,  520 B may be proximal and distal portions of a scrim layer  520 . The scrim layer  520  may thereby extend about or around the medial layer  522  along the width W 1  and/or length L 1  directions. For example, the scrim layer  520  may include third portions  520 C that extend between the first and second scrim layers  520 A,  520 B along the thickness T 1  of the mat or pad  500 . In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the first and second scrim layers  520 A,  520 B may be separate and distinct layers, which may be directly coupled to each other or indirectly coupled to each other (e.g., via the medial layer  522 ). 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a quilted cooling pad or mat  600  according to the present disclosure. The quilted cooling pad or mat  600  incorporates a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct layers  612  that absorbs or draws an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The pad or mat  600  may comprise and/or be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , and the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies to the cooling pad or mat  600  of  FIG. 15  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the cooling pad or mat  600  to the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , and the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14  are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “6.” 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the cooling pad or mat  600  is substantially similar to the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , but differs in that is includes quilting, stitching or the like  676  that forms or defines distinct areas or chambers of the pad or mat  600 . The quilting, stitching or the like may extend through the first scrim layer  620 A, the medial layer  622 , and the second scrim layer  620 B, as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     As described above with respect to the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , the proximal first fiber layer  620 A (e.g., a woven fiber layer) may include the PCM  626  and/or the TEEM  628  provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  626  and/or the TEEM  628  that increases in the depth direction D 1 ). For example, the proximal first fiber layer  620 A may include a distal surface portion of the thickness T 1  thereof that is adjacent to the medial layer  622  with a mass portion (and/or latent heat potential) of the PCM  626  and/or a mass portion (e.g., a thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  628  that is greater than that of a medial portion and/or proximal portion of the proximal first fiber layer  620 A. 
     Similarly, as also described above, the distal second fiber layer  620 B (e.g., a woven fiber layer) may include the PCM  626  and/or the TEEM  628  provided or arranged in the gradient distribution that increases in the depth direction D 1  (i.e., an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  626  and/or the TEEM  628  that increases in the depth direction D 1 ). For example, the distal second fiber layer  620 B may include a distal surface portion of the thickness T 1  thereof that is adjacent to the medial layer  622  with a mass portion (and/or latent heat potential) of the PCM  626  and/or a mass portion (e.g., a thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  628  that is greater than that of a medial portion and/or proximal portion of the distal second fiber layer  620 B. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the cooling pad or mat  600  may be configured to removably or selectively couple, or fixedly couple, to a first base fiber layer  672 . For example, the distal side portion  642  and/or the distal second fiber layer  620 B may be configured to couple to, or be coupled to, the first base fiber layer  672  underlying the distal second fiber layer  620 B in the depth direction D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . In some such embodiments, the distal second fiber layer  620 B may be configured to removably couple with the first base fiber layer  672 , such as via at least one zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, button fastener, another removable or selective coupling mechanism, or a combination thereof, for example. In some other embodiments, the distal second fiber layer  620 B may be fixedly coupled with the first base fiber layer  67 , such as via stitching and/or glue/adhesive, for example. 
     In some embodiments, the first base fiber layer  672  may be configured to couple to a portion of a base structure (e.g., a mattress, cushion or the like) or a second distal base fiber layer  674  underlying the first base fiber layer  672  in the depth direction D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The second fiber layer  674  may be configured to couple to, or be coupled to, (fixedly or removably) a base structure (e.g., a mattress, cushion or the like) underlying the second fiber layer  674  in the depth direction D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the first base fiber layer  672  may comprise a fabric top mattress sheet, and the second fiber layer  674  may comprise a fabric bed or mattress skirt configured to couple to a mattress and/or a mattress base structure. In some such embodiments, the first base fiber layer  672  and the second fiber layer  674  may be configured to removably couple together via at least one first zipper, and/or the second fiber layer  674  may be configured to removably couple to a mattress or mattress base structure via at least one other/second zipper. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the first base fiber layer  672  and/or the second fiber layer  674  may be void of the PCM  626  and/or the TEEM  628 . In some other embodiments (not shown), the first base fiber layer  672  and/or the second fiber layer  674  may comprise the PCM  626  and/or the TEEM  628  such that the inter-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  626  and/or the TEEM  628  that increases in the depth direction D 1  is maintained. In such embodiments, the first base fiber layer  672  and/or the second fiber layer  674  may comprise the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  626  and/or the TEEM  628  that increases in the depth direction D 1 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a cooling cushion protector  700  according to the present disclosure. The cooling cushion protector  700  incorporates a plurality of cooling layers  710  that include a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct cooling layers  612  that absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The cooling cushion protector  700  may comprise and/or be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , and the quilted cooling pad or mat  600  of  FIG. 15 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies to the cooling cushion protector  700  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the cooling cushion protector  700  to the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14  and/or the quilted cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 15  are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “7.” 
     The cooling cushion protector  700  may define a width, length and thickness T 1  extending between a proximal side portion or surface  740  and a distal side portion or surface  742  along the depth direction D 1 . The cooling cushion protector  700  may be sized and otherwise configured to overly a mattress/bed, chair, couch, seat, ground/floor, bench, or any other surface or structure that supports at least a portion of a user to add (or enhance) a cooling function/mechanism thereto. In some embodiments, the cooling cushion protector  700  is configured as a cooling mattress protector that overlies a mattress to protect the mattress and provide (or enhance) a cooling function/mechanism therefor. In some embodiments, the cooling cushion protector  700  is configured as washable cushion protector such that the cooling effectiveness is not significantly decreased or lessened (e.g., by less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 2%) by the washing of the protector  700 , such as in a traditional washing machine. For example, the cooling cushion protector  700  may configured to retain a substantially amount (e.g., at least about 90%, or at least about 95%, or less than about at least about 97%) of the mass of the PCM  726  and/or TEEM  728  during washing of the protector  700 , such as in a traditional washing machine. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the plurality of consecutive separate and distinct cooling layers  612  comprise at least one top proximal fabric cover layer  720 , and at least one medial scrim layer  722  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the proximal fabric cover layer  720  in the depth direction D 1 . As also shown in  FIG. 16 , at least the proximal fabric cover layer  720  and the scrim layer  722  comprise the PCM  726  and/or the TEEM  728  such that the scrim layer  722  comprises a greater mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  and/or a greater mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  than that of the proximal fabric cover layer  720 . As such, the cooling cushion protector  700  includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  726  and/or the TEEM  728  that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  of the scrim layer  722  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  of the scrim layer  722  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     Further, as also shown in  FIG. 16 , each of the proximal fabric cover layer  720  and the scrim layer  722  include the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  726  and/or the TEEM  728  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, in some embodiments, the proximal fabric cover layer  720  includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  726  and the TEEM  728  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, the proximal fabric cover layer  720  may include at least a proximal portion  730  of the thickness of the layer  720  along the depth direction D 1  having a first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  thereof and a first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) of the second total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  thereof, and a distal portion  734  of the thickness of the layer  720  along the depth direction D 1  having a second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  of the layer  720  that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and a second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  of the layer  720  that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720  may be greater than first portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) or the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720  may be greater than first portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     In some such embodiments, the proximal fabric cover layer  720  may further comprise a medial portion  734  of the thickness thereof positioned between the proximal and distal portions thereof in the depth direction D 1 , such as at or proximate to the middle of the thickness T 1  of the layer  720 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . The medial portion  732  may have a third total mass portion of the total mass of the PCM  726  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720 , and a third total mass portion (and/or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the TEEM  728  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720 . The third total mass portion (and/or third latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720  being greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) and the less than the second mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720 , and third total mass portion (and/or third thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720  being greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) and the less than the second mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  of the proximal fabric cover layer  720 . In some embodiments, the third total mass portion (and/or latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  726  may be greater than first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and less than the second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) thereof by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the third total mass portion (and/or third thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  728  may be greater than first portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof and less than the second total mass (and/or second thermal effusivity) portion by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. It is noted that the proximal fabric cover layer  720  may include any number of portions along the thickness/depth direction D 1  with differing loadings of the PCM  726  and/or the TEEM  728  thereof that increase in the depth direction D 1 , such as just two of the proximal  730 , medial  732  and distal portions  734 , or at least one additional portion beyond the proximal  730 , medial  732  and distal portions  734 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the cooling cushion protector  700  further includes at least one moisture barrier layer  724  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the scrim layer  722  in the depth direction D 1 . The moisture barrier layer  724  comprises a liquid and liquid vapor barrier layer (i.e., waterproofing layer or barrier) configured to prevent or resist liquid and/or liquid vapor (i.e., moisture) from passing through the moisture barrier layer  724  in the depth direction D 1 . For example, the moisture barrier layer  724  may be configured to prevent at least 99% vol. of water contacting the proximal surface thereof at atmospheric pressure for 12 hours from passing through the moisture barrier layer  724  in the depth direction D 1 . 
     The moisture barrier layer  724  may be formed of any material or combination of materials that prevents or resists moisture from passing therethrough in the depth direction D 1 . For example, in some embodiments the moisture barrier layer  724  may be formed of vinyl and/or polyurethane (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane), at least in part. The moisture barrier layer  724  may be substantially thin and flexible. For example, in some embodiments the moisture barrier layer  724  may define a thickness of less than about 3 mm, or less than about 2 mm, or less than about 1 mm, or less than about ½ mm, or less than about 1/10 mm. In one exemplary embodiment, the moisture barrier layer  724  define a thickness of about 25 microns. 
     The moisture barrier layer  724  may or may not include the PCM  726  and/or the TEEM  728 . For example, in some embodiments, the moisture barrier layer  724  is void of the PCM  726 , and/or is formed of the TEEM  728  (at least in part) or includes the TEEM  728  coupled or otherwise integrated therewith. In some other embodiments, a proximal side surface of the moisture barrier layer  724  includes a mass of the PCM  726  (a mass and/or total latent heat potential greater than that of the scrim layer  722 ) and is formed of the TEEM  728  (at least in part). The moisture barrier layer  724 , the scrim layer  722  and the proximal fiber cover layer  720  may be coupled to each other, such as via an adhesive, stitching/quilting, thermal bonding or any other mechanism or mode. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another cooling cushion protector  800  according to the present disclosure. The cooling cushion protector  800  incorporates a plurality of cooling layers  810  that include a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct cooling layers  812  that absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The cooling cushion protector  800  may comprise and/or be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , the quilted cooling pad or mat  600  of  FIG. 15 , and the cooling cushion protector  700  of  FIG. 16 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies to the cooling cushion protector  800  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the cooling cushion protector  800  to the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , the quilted cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 15  and/or the cooling cushion protector  700  of  FIG. 16  are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “8.” 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the cooling cushion protector  800  is substantially similar to the cooling cushion protector  700  of  FIG. 16 , but includes additional cooling layers underlying the moisture barrier layer  824  in the depth direction D 1 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the cooling cushion protector  800  includes at least one second scrim layer  826  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the moisture barrier layer  824  in the depth direction D 1 , at least one batting layer  827  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the second scrim layer  826  in the depth direction D 1 , and at least one third scrim layer  828  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the batting layer  827  in the depth direction D 1 . The second scrim layer  826 , the batting layer  827  and the third scrim layer  828  may each comprise the PCM  826  and/or the TEEM  828 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     For example, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  826  of the second scrim layer  826  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  826  of the moisture barrier layer  824  (if provided) and/or the scrim layer  824 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  828  of the second scrim layer  826  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  828  of the moisture barrier layer  824 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  826  of the batting layer  827  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  826  of the second scrim layer  826 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  828  of the batting layer  827  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  828  of the second scrim layer  826 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  826  of the third scrim layer  828  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  826  of the batting layer  827 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  828  of the third scrim layer  828  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  828  of the batting layer  827 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     Further, as also shown in  FIG. 17 , at least one of the second scrim layer  826 , the batting layer  827  and the third scrim layer  828  includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  826  and/or the TEEM  828  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, in some embodiments, each of the second scrim layer  826 , the batting layer  827  and the third scrim layer  828  may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  826  and the TEEM  828  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, the second scrim layer  826 , the batting layer  827  and/or the third scrim layer  828  may include at least a proximal portion of the thickness of the layer along the depth direction D 1  having a first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  826  thereof and a first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) of the second total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  828  thereof, and a distal portion of the thickness of the layer along the depth direction D 1  having a second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  826  of the layer that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof and a second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  828  of the layer that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof (such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%). 
       FIG. 18  illustrates another cooling cushion protector  900  according to the present disclosure. The cooling cushion protector  900  incorporates a plurality of cooling layers  910  that include a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct cooling layers  912  that absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The cooling cushion protector  900  may comprise and/or be similar to the cushion described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , the quilted cooling pad or mat  600  of  FIG. 15 , the cooling cushion protector  700  of  FIG. 16 , and the cooling cushion protector  800  of  FIG. 17 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto equally applies to the cooling cushion protector  900  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the cooling cushion protector  800  to the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , the quilted cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 15 , the cooling cushion protector  700  of  FIG. 16  and/or the cooling cushion protector  800  of  FIG. 17  are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “9.” 
     The cooling cushion protector  900  is substantially similar to the cooling cushion protector  700  of  FIG. 16  and the cooling cushion protector  800  of  FIG. 17 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , cooling cushion protector  900  differs from the cooling cushion protector  700  and the cooling cushion protector  800  in that it includes at least first and second moisture barrier layers  922 ,  926 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , cooling cushion protector  900  comprises at least one proximal fiber cover layer  920 , at least the first moisture barrier layer  922  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the proximal fiber cover layer  920  in the depth direction D 1 , at least one batting layer  924  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the first moisture barrier layer  922  in the depth direction D 1 , and at least the second moisture barrier layer  926  underlying (e.g., directly underlying) the batting layer  924  in the depth direction D 1 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 18 , the proximal fiber cover layer  920 , the first moisture barrier layer  922 , the batting layer  924  and the second moisture barrier layer  926  may each comprise the PCM  926  and/or the TEEM  928 . For example, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  926  of the first moisture barrier layer  922  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  926  of the proximal fiber cover layer  920 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. Similarly, in some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  928  of the first moisture barrier layer  922  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  928  of the proximal fiber cover layer  920 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  926  of the batting layer  924  is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  926  of the second moisture barrier layer  926 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  928  of the batting layer  924  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  928  of the second moisture barrier layer  926 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  926  of the second moisture barrier layer  926  (if provided) is greater than the total mass (or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  926  of the batting layer  924 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  928  of the second moisture barrier layer  926  is greater than the total mass (or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  928  of the batting layer  924 , such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%. 
     Further, as also shown in  FIG. 18 , at least one of the proximal fiber cover layer  920  and the batting layer  924  includes the intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  926  and/or the TEEM  928  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, in some embodiments, each of the proximal fiber cover layer  920  and the batting layer  924  may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  926  and the TEEM  928  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1 . For example, the proximal fiber cover layer  920  and the batting layer  924  may include at least a proximal portion of the thickness of the layer along the depth direction D 1  having a first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  926  thereof and a first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  928  thereof, and a distal portion of the thickness of the layer along the depth direction D 1  having a second total mass portion (and/or second latent heat potential) of the total mass (and/or total latent heat potential) of the PCM  926  of the layer that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first latent heat potential) thereof (such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%), and a second total mass portion (and/or second thermal effusivity) of the total mass (and/or total thermal effusivity) of the TEEM  928  of the layer that is greater than the first total mass portion (and/or first thermal effusivity) thereof (such as by at least 3%, by about 3% to about 100%, or by about 10% to about 50%). 
     In some embodiments, the underside or distal side surface of the first moisture barrier layer  922  may include a mass of the PCM  926  coupled thereto. As discussed above, the first moisture barrier layer  922  and/or the second moisture barrier layer  926  may be formed of the TEEM  828  (at least in part). The proximal fiber cover layer  920 , the first moisture barrier layer  922 , the batting layer  924  and the second moisture barrier layer  926  may be coupled to each other, such as via an adhesive, stitching/quilting, thermal bonding or any other mechanism or mode. It is noted that the PCM  926  of the batting layer  924  may be trapped between the first moisture barrier layer  922  and the second moisture barrier layer  926 , and thereby prevented from dislodging or otherwise translating from the protector  900 . 
       FIGS. 19-21  illustrates another embodiment of a plurality of consecutive layers  1010  of a cushion according to the present disclosure. The plurality of cooling layers  1010  include a plurality of consecutive separate and distinct cooling layers  1012  that absorb or draw an unexpectedly large amount of heat away from a user for an unexpectedly long timeframe. The plurality of cooling layers  1010  may comprise and/or be similar to the plurality of cooling layers described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , the plurality of cooling layers of the quilted cooling pad or mat  600  of  FIG. 15 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cushion protector  700  of  FIG. 16 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cushion protector  800  of  FIG. 17 , and/or the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cushion protector  900  of  FIG. 18 , and therefore the description contained herein directed thereto may equally apply to the plurality of cooling layers  1010  but may not be repeated herein below for brevity sake. Like components and aspects of the plurality of cooling layers of the cushion of  FIGS. 3-5 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cartridge portion  110  of  FIGS. 6-10 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cartridge portion  210  of  FIG. 11 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cartridge portion  310  of  FIG. 12 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cartridge portion  410  of  FIG. 13 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 14 , the plurality of cooling layers of the quilted cooling pad or mat  500  of  FIG. 15 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cushion protector  700  of  FIG. 16 , the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cushion protector  800  of  FIG. 17  and/or the plurality of cooling layers of the cooling cushion protector  900  of  FIG. 18  are thereby indicated by like reference numerals preceded with “10.” 
     The plurality of consecutive cooling layers  1012  may comprise or form part of a bedding product, such as a mattress, mattress insert or mattress topper, for example. As explained further below, the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  include an inter-layer gradient distribution of PCM  1026  and TEEM  1028  that increases in the depth direction as described above (i.e., the total mass of the PCM  1026  and TEEM  1028  of each layer of the consecutive layers  1012  increases from layer to layer in the depth direction). Further, each layer of the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  also includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  1026  and TEEM  1028  thereof that increases in the depth direction D 1  as described above (i.e., each layer includes a plurality of portions or bands thereof that include differing total masses of the PCM  1026  and TEEM  1028  that increases in the depth direction. Further, each layer of the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  may include some mass of the PCM  1026  and TEEM  1028  thereof throughout the entire thickness thereof along the depth direction D 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19-21 , the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  include an outer fabric cover layer  1060  a fire resistant (FR) sock/cap layer  1062  directly underlying the cover layer  1060 , and a foam layer  1022  directly underlying the FR sock/cap layer  1062 . As noted above, the cover layer  1060 , the FR sock/cap layer  1062  and the foam layer  1022  each include microcapsule PCM  1026  and TEEM  1028 . 
     The outer fabric cover layer  1060  may be the same as or similar to the cover layer  160 , the cover layer  460 , the cover layer  720  and/or the cover layer  920  described above. In some embodiments, the cover layer  1060  may extend about the FR sock/cap layer  1062  and/or the foam layer  1022 . In some embodiments, at least the portion of the cover layer  1060  overlying the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may include a thickness within the range of about ¼ to about 1 inch along the depth direction D 1 , and/or include a weight within the range of about 400 to about 800 gsm (e.g., about 600 gsm). In some embodiments, at least the portion of the cover layer  1060  overlying the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may be formed of polyester fiber/yarn, e.g. 100% polyester. In some such embodiments, the cover layer  1060  may be formed of a blend of at least 75% polyester fiber/yarn and fiber/yarn formed of a differing material, such as elastic polyurethane e.g., Lycra®). In some embodiments, at least the portion of the cover layer  1060  overlying the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may comprise a double knit fabric. In some embodiments, at least the portion of the cover layer  1060  overlying the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may comprise fabric style MT101291-A from supplier Tricot Leisse. In some embodiments, at least the portion of the cover layer  1060  overlying the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may comprise fabric style MT101493-F from supplier Culp Inc. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the cover layer  1060  includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) that increases in the depth direction D 1  that includes an outer/upper band, portion or layer  1060 A, a medial band, portion or later  1060 B directly underlying the outer band  1060 A in the depth direction D 1 , and an inner/bottom band, portion or layer  1060 C directly underlying the medial band  1060 B in the depth direction D 1 . The medial band  1060 B includes a higher total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band  1060 A, and the inner band  1060 C includes a higher total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band  1060 B. In some embodiments, the medial band  1060 B may include at least 3% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band  1060 A, and the inner band  1060 C may include at least 3% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band  1060 B. In some embodiments, the medial band  1060 B may include at least 20% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band  1060 A, and the inner band  1060 C may include at least 20% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band  1060 B. In some embodiments, the medial band  1060 B may include at least 40% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band  1060 A, and the inner band  1060 C may include at least 40% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band  1060 B. In some embodiments, the cover layer  1060  may include a total of the PCM  1026  within the range of about 5,000 to about 16,000 J/m2, or within the range of about 8,000 to about 13,000 J/m2, or within the range of about 9,000 to about 12,000 J/m2, about 11,500 J/m2, or about 10,500 J/m2. 
     The outer band  1060 A may form the outer surface of the cover layer  1060 , and may be formed on and extend over an outer surface of fabric of the cover layer  1060 . Similarly, the inner band  1060 A may form the inner surface of the cover layer  1060 , and may be formed on and extend over an inner surface of the fabric of the cover layer  1060 . 
     In some embodiments, the outer band  1060 A and the medial band  1060 B may be formed by spraying a coating comprising the PCM  1026  (and potentially the TEEM  1028 ) and a binding agent onto the outer surface of the fabric of the cover layer  1060 . In some such embodiments, more mass of the sprayed coating (e.g., about ⅔ or 60%) may pass and/or absorb into the medial portion of the fabric to form the medial band  1060 B, while a lesser mass of the sprayed coating (e.g., about ⅓ or 30%) may collect on the outer surface of the fabric to form the outer band  1060 A. However, in some such embodiments the outer band  1060 A and the medial band  1060 B may be formed via a differing formation process than such a spraying process (either via the same process or via differing processes). In some embodiments, the inner band  1060 C may be formed by roll coating a coating comprising the PCM  1026  (and potentially the TEEM  1028 ) and a binding agent onto the inner surface of the fabric of the cover layer  1060 . However, in some such embodiments the outer band  1060 A and the medial band  1060 B may be formed via a differing formation process than such a roll coating process. 
     The FR sock/cap layer  1062  may the same as or similar to the fire resistant layer  162  or the fire resistant layer  462  as previously described. In some embodiments, the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may extend about the foam layer  1022 . In some embodiments, at least the portion of the FR sock/cap layer  1062  underlying the cover layer  1060  and/or overlying the foam layer  1022  may include a thickness within the range of about 3 to about 6 mm along the depth direction D 1 , and/or include a weight within the range of about 250 to about 500 gsm (e.g., about 370 gsm). In some embodiments, at least the portion of the FR sock/cap layer  1062  underlying the cover layer  1060  and/or overlying the foam layer  1022  may be formed of a fabric and/or fiber/yarn that is treated with or others includes fire resistant material. In some such embodiments, the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may be formed of cotton fabric/fiber, e.g. 100% cotton, with fire resistant material integrated therein or coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may comprise an open width rib fire resistant sock. In some embodiments, at least the portion of the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may comprise FR resistant material product XT101226 from supplier XTinguish. 
     The FR sock/cap layer  1062  may include an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) that increases in the depth direction D 1  that includes an outer/upper band, portion or layer, a medial band, portion or later  1060  directly underlying the outer band in the depth direction D 1 , an inner/bottom band, portion or layer  1060 C directly underlying the medial band  1060 B in the depth direction D 1 , or a portion thereof. The medial band may include a higher total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band, and the inner band may include a higher total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band. In some embodiments, the FR sock/cap layer  1062  may include a total of the PCM  1026  within the range of about 7,000 to about 18,000 J/m2, or within the range of about 9,000 to about 15,000 J/m2, or within the range of about 10,000 to about 14,000 J/m2, or about 12,000 J/m2. 
     The foam layer  1022  may the same as or similar to the foam layer  122 , the foam layer  222  and/or the foam layer  422  described above. In some embodiments, the foam layer  122  may comprise a single discrete layer of foam. In some other embodiments, the foam layer  122  may comprise a plurality of layers of foam. 
     In some embodiments, the foam layer  122  may include a thickness within the range of about ½ to about 5 inches (e.g., about 1½ inches) along the depth direction D 1 , and/or include a density within the range of about 2 to about 5 lb./ft{circumflex over ( )}3 (e.g., about 3.6 lb./ft{circumflex over ( )}3) (about 11 to about 12 lb. force). In some embodiments, the foam layer  122  may be formed from urethane foam. In some such embodiments, the foam layer  122  may be formed polyurethane viscoelastic foam. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , the foam layer  1022  includes an intra-layer gradient distribution of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) that increases in the depth direction D 1  that includes an outer/upper band, portion or layer  1022 A, a medial band, portion or later  1022 B directly underlying the outer band  1022 A in the depth direction D 1 , and an inner/bottom band, portion or layer  1022 C directly underlying the medial band  1022 B in the depth direction D 1 . The medial band  1060 B includes a higher total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band  1022 A, and the inner band  1060 C includes a higher total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band  1022 B. In some embodiments, the medial band  1022 B may include at least 3% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band  1022 A, and the inner band  1022 C may include at least 3% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band  1022 B. In some embodiments, the medial band  1022 B may include at least 20% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band  1022 A, and the inner band  1022 C may include at least 20% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band  1022 B. In some embodiments, the medial band  1022 B may include at least 40% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the outer band  1022 A, and the inner band  1022 C may include at least 40% more total mass of the PCM  1026  (and/or the TEEM  1028 ) than the medial band  1022 B. In some embodiments, the foam layer  1022  may include a total of the PCM  1026  within the range of about 50,000 to about 130,000 J/m2, or within the range of about 70,000 to about 120,000 J/m2, or within the range of about 80,000 to about 110,000 J/m2, or about 90,700 J/m2. According to one specific embodiment, the foam layer  1022  may include a total of the PCM  1026  of about 67,000 J/m2. In some embodiments, the foam layer  1022  may include one of the following product numbers from supplier Latexco: 5802312-0010, 5802312-0020, 5802312-0030, 5802312-0050, 5802312-0060, 5802312-0070. 
     The outer band  1022 A may form the outer surface of the foam layer  1022 , and may be formed on and extend over an outer surface of the foam material of the foam layer  1022 . Similarly, the inner band  1022 A may form the inner surface of the foam layer  1022 , and may be formed on and extend over an inner surface of the foam material of the foam layer  1022 . 
     In some embodiments, the medial band  1022 B may be formed by infusing the PCM  1026  (and potentially the TEEM  1028 ) into an uncured foam composition material before it is cured or dried to from the foam material. In other embodiments, the medial band  1022 B may be formed by passing the PCM  1026  (and potentially the TEEM  1028 ) into/onto the medial portion of the foam material after it is formed. In some embodiments, the outer band  1022 A and/or the inner band  1022 C may be formed by roll coating a coating comprising the PCM  1026  (and potentially the TEEM  1028 ) and a binding agent onto the outer and/or inner surfaces, respectively, of the foam material of the foam layer  1022 . However, in some such embodiments the outer band  1022 A and the inner band  1022 C may be formed via a differing formation process than such a roll coating process. 
     According to various embodiments the total amount of PCM  1026  for the total/entire system of the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  may be within the range of about 150,000 to about 210,000 J/m2, or within the range of about 167,000 to about 203,038 J/m2. 
     Heat absorption tests conducted on the cover layer  1060  when incorporated into the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  provided unexpected results. In particular, the specific heat flux between 15 minutes and 120 minutes dropped from within the range of about 49.33 W/m 2  to about 61.38 W/m 2  at 15 minutes to within the range of about 14.97 Wm 2  to about 19.18 W/m 2  at 120 minutes. Under these testing conditions, the corresponding heat absorption during that time increased from within the range of about 91,862 J/m 2  to about 102,913 J/m 2  at 15 minutes to within the range of about 232,951 J/m 2  to about 275,387 J/m 2  at 120 minutes. The magnitude of these results were unexpected and surprising, given that the cooling capabilities of the cover lay  1060  when incorporated into the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  vastly improved upon any known mattress, pad or mat, or mattress protector cooling systems that would be known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Mattress fire tests conducted on the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  provided unexpected results. In particular, when the plurality of consecutive layers  1012  included an FR sock/cap layer  1062  having a total of the PCM  1026 , at the heat conductivity levels disclosed herein, between 12,400 J/m2 and 15,100 J/m2 had a horizontal burn rate of between 1.4-1.7 in/min and all tests self-extinguished. This result was unexpected and surprising given that that materials used in the PCM  1026  are often considered highly flammable, as would be known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Further, the range of thermal effusivity detected during the fire tests detected a range of 166-188 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K), with an average thermal effusivity detected being approximately 175 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K) or 176 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). 
     EXAMPLES 
     Certain embodiments are illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. 
     Example A. A mattress including a plurality of separate and distinct consecutive cooling layers overlying over each other in a depth direction that extends from a proximal portion of the mattress that is proximate to a user to a distal portion of the mattress that is distal to the user, wherein each layer of the cooling layers includes thermal effusivity enhancing material (TEEM) with a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 2,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K) and a solid-to-liquid phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature within the range of about 6 to about 45 degrees Celsius, wherein the total thermal effusivity of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction, and wherein at least one layer of the cooling layers includes a gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction. 
     Example B. The mattress of Example A, wherein a plurality of the cooling layers include the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM thereof. 
     Example C. The mattress of Example A, wherein each of the cooling layers includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM thereof. 
     Example D. The mattress according to any of Examples A-C, wherein a plurality of the cooling layers include the gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM thereof. 
     Example E. The mattress according to any of Examples A-C, wherein each of the cooling layers includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the TEEM thereof. 
     Example F. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples A-E, wherein the at least one layer of the cooling layers that includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction comprises: a proximal portion proximate to the proximal portion of the mattress having a first total mass of the PCM and a first total mass of the TEEM of the layer; and a distal portion proximate to the distal portion of the mattress having a second total mass of the PCM and a second total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the second total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM. 
     Example G. The mattress according to Example F, wherein the second total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM. 
     Example H. The mattress according to Example F, wherein the second total mass of the PCM is at least 20% greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is at least 10% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM. 
     Example I. The mattress according to Example F, wherein the second total mass of the PCM is at least 40% greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM is at least 20% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM. 
     Example J. The mattress according to any of Examples F-I, wherein the at least one layer of the cooling layers that includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction further includes: a medial portion positioned between the proximal and distal portions of the layer in the depth direction having a third total mass of the PCM and a third total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the third total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM. 
     Example K. The mattress according to Example J, wherein the third total mass of the PCM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the PCM and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM is at least 3% greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and at least 3% less than the second total mass of the TEEM. 
     Example L. The mattress according to Example J, wherein the third total mass of the PCM is at least greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM by at least 20% thereof, and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM by at least 10% thereof. 
     Example M. The mattress according to Example J, wherein the third total mass of the PCM is at least greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM by at least 40% thereof, and the third total mass of the TEEM is greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM by at least 20% thereof. 
     Example N. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-M, wherein the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM of at least one layer of the cooling layers comprises an irregular gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM along the depth direction. 
     Example O. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-N, wherein the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM of at least one layer of the cooling layers comprises a consistent gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM along the depth direction. 
     Example P. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-O, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by at least 3%. 
     Example Q. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-P, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100%. 
     Example R. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-Q, wherein the total mass of the PCM of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other along the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50%. 
     Example S. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-R, wherein the total thermal effusivity of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by about at least about 3%. 
     Example T. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-S, wherein the total thermal effusivity of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 3% to about 100%. 
     Example U. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-T, wherein the total thermal effusivity of each of the cooling layers increases with respect to each other in the depth direction by an amount within the range of about 10% to about 50%. 
     Example V. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-U, wherein the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 5,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). 
     Example W. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-V, wherein the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 7,500 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). 
     Example X. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-W, wherein the TEEM comprises a thermal effusivity greater than or equal to 15,000 Ws 0.5 /(m 2 K). 
     Example Y. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-X, wherein each of the plurality of plurality of consecutive layers is formed of a respective base material having a thermal effusivity, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 100% greater than the thermal effusivity of the respective base material. 
     Example Z. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-Y, wherein each of the plurality of plurality of consecutive layers is formed of a respective base material having a first thermal effusivity, and wherein the thermal effusivity of the TEEM is at least 1,000% greater than the first thermal effusivity. 
     Example AA. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-Z, wherein the TEEM comprises pieces of one or more minerals. 
     Example BB. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-AA, wherein the cooling layers each include a coating that couples the PCM and the TEEM to a base material thereof. 
     Example CC. The mattress according to Example BB, wherein the PCM comprises about 50% to about 80% of the mass of the coating and the TEEM comprises about 5% to about 8% of the mass of the coating. 
     Example DD. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-CC, wherein a furthest proximal layer of the cooling layers comprises at least 3,000 J/m 2  of the PCM. 
     Example EE. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-DD, wherein a furthest proximal layer of the cooling layers comprises at least 5,000 J/m 2  of the PCM. 
     Example FF. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-EE, wherein the cooling layers are configured to absorb at least 24 W/m2/hr. from a portion of a user that is physically supported by the mattress. 
     Example GG. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-FF, wherein the PCM comprises at least one of a hydrocarbon, wax, beeswax, oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, stearic anhydride, long-chain alcohol or a combination thereof. 
     Example HH. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-GG, wherein the PCM comprises paraffin. 
     Example II. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-HH, wherein the PCM comprises microsphere PCM. 
     Example JJ. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-II, wherein the cooling layers are fixedly coupled to each other. 
     Example KK. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-JJ, wherein the cooling layers form a mattress cartridge or insert. 
     Example LL. The mattress according to any of the preceding Examples, A-KK, wherein the cooling layers comprise an outer fabric cover layer, a fire resistant sock layer directly underlying the cover layer in the depth direction, and a foam layer directly underlying the fire resistant sock layer in the depth direction. 
     Example MM. The mattress according to Example LL, wherein the foam layer comprises a single viscoelastic polyurethane foam layer. 
     Example NN. The mattress according to Example LL or Example MM, wherein the cover layer defines a proximal side surface of the mattress. 
     Example OO. The mattress according to Examples LL-NN, wherein the fire resistant sock layer comprises a fire resistant or fireproof material. 
     Example PP. The mattress according to Examples LL-OO, wherein the fire resistant sock layer is formed of the TEEM. 
     Example QQ. The mattress according to any of Examples LL-PP, wherein the cover layer includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction, and comprises: a first proximal portion proximate to the proximal portion of the mattress having a first total mass of the PCM and a first total mass of the TEEM of the layer; a first distal portion proximate to the distal portion of the mattress having a second total mass of the PCM and a second total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the second total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM, and the second total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM; and a first medial portion positioned between the first proximal and first distal portions of the layer in the depth direction having a third total mass of the PCM and a third total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the third total mass of the PCM being greater than the first total mass of the PCM and less than the second total mass of the PCM, and the third total mass of the TEEM being greater than the first total mass of the TEEM and less than the second total mass of the TEEM. 
     Example RR. The mattress according to any of Examples LL-QQ, wherein the foam layer includes the gradient distribution of the mass of the PCM and the amount of the TEEM thereof that increases in the depth direction, and comprises: a second proximal portion proximate to the proximal portion of the mattress having a fourth total mass of the PCM and a fourth total mass of the TEEM of the layer; a second distal portion proximate to the distal portion of the mattress having a fifth total mass of the PCM and a fifth total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the fifth total mass of the PCM being greater than the fourth total mass of the PCM, and the fifth total mass of the TEEM being greater than the fourth total mass of the TEEM; and a second medial portion positioned between the second proximal and second distal portions of the layer in the depth direction having a sixth total mass of the PCM and a sixth total mass of the TEEM of the layer, the sixth total mass of the PCM being greater than the fourth total mass of the PCM and less than the fifth total mass of the PCM, and the sixth total mass of the TEEM being greater than the fourth total mass of the TEEM and less than the fifth total mass of the TEEM. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), “contain” (and any form contain, such as “contains” and “containing”), and any other grammatical variant thereof, are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or article that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of an article that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “has,” “including,” “containing,” and other grammatical variants thereof encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” 
     The phrase “consisting essentially of” or grammatical variants thereof when used herein are to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof but only if the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods. 
     All publications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as though fully set forth. 
     Subject matter incorporated by reference is not considered to be an alternative to any claim limitations, unless otherwise explicitly indicated. 
     Where one or more ranges are referred to throughout this specification, each range is intended to be a shorthand format for presenting information, where the range is understood to encompass each discrete point within the range as if the same were fully set forth herein. 
     While several aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been described and depicted herein, alternative aspects and embodiments may be affected by those skilled in the art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, this disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover all such further and alternative aspects and embodiments as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.