A support structure (100; 200), the support structure comprising: a contact surface (120; 220) configured to deform; a base section (122; 222) configured to receive the contact surface (120; 220); a first means for softening a deformation of the contact surface (120; 220) disposed on the contact surface (120; 220); and a second means for softening a deformation of the contact surface (120; 220) disposed on the contact surface (120; 220), wherein the first and second means for softening are disposed such that the first means and second means for softening have no contact in a relaxed position, and wherein the first and second means for softening contact upon deformation of the contact surface (120; 220) or upon application of a force to the contact surface (120; 220); characterised in that the first means for softening and the second means for softening comprise: a first set of ribs (125; 225) extending from the contact surface (120; 220) toward the base section (122; 222), each rib of first set of ribs (125; 225) being inclined in a first direction in the relaxed position; and a second set of ribs (135; 235) extending from the contact surface (120; 220) toward the base section (122; 222),each rib of second set of ribs (125; 225) being inclined in a second direction in the relaxed position, wherein each rib of the first set of ribs (125; 225) deforms in a direction (X1; X21) that intersects with a direction (X2, X22) in which a rib of the second set of ribs (135; 235) deforms so that their respective tips contact each other upon application of a force to the contact surface (120; 220). a contact surface (120; 220) configured to deform; a base section (122; 222) configured to receive the contact surface (120; 220); a first means for softening a deformation of the contact surface (120; 220) disposed on the contact surface (120; 220); and a second means for softening a deformation of the contact surface (120; 220) disposed on the contact surface (120; 220), wherein the first and second means for softening are disposed such that the first means and second means for softening have no contact in a relaxed position, and wherein the first and second means for softening contact upon deformation of the contact surface (120; 220) or upon application of a force to the contact surface (120; 220); characterised in that the first means for softening and the second means for softening comprise: a first set of ribs (125; 225) extending from the contact surface (120; 220) toward the base section (122; 222), each rib of first set of ribs (125; 225) being inclined in a first direction in the relaxed position; and a second set of ribs (135; 235) extending from the contact surface (120; 220) toward the base section (122; 222),each rib of second set of ribs (125; 225) being inclined in a second direction in the relaxed position, a first set of ribs (125; 225) extending from the contact surface (120; 220) toward the base section (122; 222), each rib of first set of ribs (125; 225) being inclined in a first direction in the relaxed position; and a second set of ribs (135; 235) extending from the contact surface (120; 220) toward the base section (122; 222),each rib of second set of ribs (125; 225) being inclined in a second direction in the relaxed position, wherein each rib of the first set of ribs (125; 225) deforms in a direction (X1; X21) that intersects with a direction (X2, X22) in which a rib of the second set of ribs (135; 235) deforms so that their respective tips contact each other upon application of a force to the contact surface (120; 220).