EDITION OR INSERT AND METHOD FOR MAKING AN EDITION OR INSERT

DE502023002995D1Active Publication Date: 2026-03-05ILLIEN PETER
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE502023002995
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-04-12
Filing Date
2023-04-12
Publication Date
2026-03-05
Estimated Expiration
2043-04-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing mattress constructions require separation of multiple layers with different materials, making recycling inefficient and costly, and are heavy, difficult to clean, especially in hygiene-sensitive environments.

Method used

A mattress constructed with at least three layers, including a middle layer of vertical nonwoven fabric between upper and lower spacer fabric layers, all made from the same base material, allowing for easy recycling and improved hygiene through vapor permeability and adhesive bonding.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables efficient recycling of the mattress without separating layers and facilitates easy cleaning, maintaining hygiene standards, especially in healthcare settings, while providing comfortable and durable support.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Patent Text Reader
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pad or insert, in particular a mattress, made of at least three layers, wherein a middle layer comprising at least a vertical fleece is arranged between an upper layer and a lower layer formed from a spacer fabric, and wherein the at least three layers are made of or based on the same base material.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pad or insert, in particular a mattress according to claim 14.

[0003] The construction of inserts or toppers, especially mattresses, from several layers is known. For example, EP 1 200 658 B1 discloses a bed mattress comprising a foam core or spring mattress core and a cover with a flexible spacer fabric, wherein a liquid-impermeable layer is arranged between the core and the cover.

[0004] For example, EP 2 352 403 B1 discloses a support system for supporting a person, which is composed of three layers, wherein the first layer is made of a vapor-permeable material, the second layer of a spacer material, and the third layer of a vapor-impermeable material. DE202012007510U1 and EP1500492A2 are considered prior art which is useful for understanding the invention.

[0005] The use of multiple layers with different properties necessitates the use of various materials to achieve the desired characteristics of the pad or insert. The individual layers and materials are firmly bonded together to form a single object, making separation either impossible or only feasible through a complex and therefore costly process.

[0006] Separating the individual layers is particularly important for resource conservation when recycling a mattress, as the different materials can only be recycled effectively and cost-efficiently if they can be separated into essentially pure types. The firm bonding of the individual materials or layers to form a mattress as a whole presents a particular disadvantage: the individual layers or different materials cannot be separated into essentially pure types. At the end of a mattress's lifespan, at best, a portion of it can be reused, if at all, to conserve resources. However, most mattresses end up in the general waste and / or are incinerated, meaning the resources are essentially lost.

[0007] A further disadvantage of the mattresses currently available is their heavy construction, which often makes them difficult to clean, requiring specialized equipment and considerable effort. This specialized cleaning process, in particular, involves significant logistical, time-consuming, and costly challenges. Especially when different people use a mattress in facilities with high hygiene standards, such as hospitals or nursing homes, it would be desirable for the mattress to be thoroughly cleaned by one person before each use. Ideally, the mattress could be cleaned automatically in a device or even through a fully automated process.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pad or insert, in particular a mattress, and a method for producing a pad or insert which has improved recyclability.

[0009] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pad or insert, in particular a mattress, and a method for producing a pad or insert which has improved hygiene properties.

[0010] These and other problems are solved by a pad or insert, in particular a mattress, according to claim 1, and by a method for manufacturing a pad or insert, in particular a mattress, according to claim 14. Advantageous embodiments of the pad or insert are set out in claims 2 to 13, and an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is found in claim 15.

[0011] The pad or insert according to the invention, in particular a mattress, can be produced, in particular, by means of the inventive method for producing a pad or insert, especially a preferred embodiment thereof. The inventive method is specifically designed for producing a pad or insert according to the invention, especially a preferred embodiment thereof.

[0012] The padding or insert according to the invention comprises at least three layers, wherein a middle layer comprises at least one vertical nonwoven fabric. The middle layer of the padding or insert is arranged between an upper layer and a lower layer, each of which is formed from a spacer fabric. Furthermore, the padding or insert is characterized in that the at least three layers are formed from or based on the same base material.

[0013] Because the pad or insert is constructed from the same base material, it is essentially homogeneous and therefore particularly suitable for recycling. The base material is recyclable. Specifically, the different layers, which vary in their structure, do not need to be separated for recycling; they can be directly recycled. This eliminates the need for costly preparations to separate different materials within the pad or insert. The entire pad or insert can thus be recycled without further intermediate steps, improving its sustainability and conserving resources.

[0014] A spacer fabric is, in particular, a three-dimensional textile in which spacer-holding threads or fibers are arranged between the flat outer surfaces.

[0015] The base material is preferably a group of materials or a single material, in particular a single material, for example a plastic. In particular, the base material comprises exactly one component or is composed of one component. Based on the base material, elements are considered that essentially comprise the base material and only contain other components in a subordinate and smaller quantity.

[0016] Vertical nonwoven fabric is a nonwoven material that has a vertical component. Specifically, a flat fiber pile is folded vertically, preferably perpendicular to an original base plane of the fiber pile, with the vertical nonwoven fabric having multiple folds. The original fiber pile plane is oriented substantially vertically. Preferably, the fiber pile is folded accordion-style during the production of the vertical nonwoven fabric.

[0017] The insert or pad can be, in particular, a mattress. It can also be a cushion or pad, for example, for a sofa or armchair, especially for outdoor furniture. The pad or insert can also constitute only a part of a mattress or pad; in particular, the core of the mattress or pad can be formed by a pad or insert according to the invention. The areas of application for the pad or insert according to the invention extend essentially to all areas of seating and reclining furniture.

[0018] The combination of spacer fabric as the top and bottom layers, along with an intermediate layer comprising a vertical fleece, ensures optimal pressure distribution across the entire pad or insert, while simultaneously providing comfortable sitting or lying. This combination of individual elements also gives the pad long-lasting stability in terms of its properties, particularly its firmness. Even after prolonged and sustained use, the pad retains its firmness.

[0019] In a further advantageous development, the layers of the pad or insert are bonded together with an adhesive, particularly across their entire surface, with the adhesive also being based on the base material. Thus, the same base material is used for both the layers and the adhesive, resulting in a pad or insert that is essentially a single-material product with respect to the base material. This is particularly advantageous for recycling the pad or insert. Furthermore, by using an adhesive based on the base material, separating the layers is unnecessary, as the materials are virtually indistinguishable and can therefore be processed in the same recycling process, for example, to recover the base material.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the upper, middle, and lower layers are vapor-permeable. In particular, no vapor-impermeable layers are arranged between the individual layers. Ideally, the entire pad is vapor-permeable. This allows the pad or insert to be exposed to moisture, especially during cleaning, while the complete vapor permeability enables rapid drying. Particularly when the pad or insert is used in outdoor furniture, a completely vapor-permeable structure allows for rapid drying. For example, the pad can easily come into contact with water or other liquids without this having any medium- to long-term detrimental effect on the pad.Furthermore, the vapor permeability increases moisture transport, ensuring that the pad or insert remains comfortable for the user even during prolonged use. The pad or insert according to the invention can also be completely cleaned in an autoclave, with the complete vapor permeability allowing for rapid drying.

[0021] The base material is preferably a plastic, preferably a thermoplastic, in particular polyester. The use of plastic as a base material has the advantage that this material is resistant in a wide variety of environments and is therefore suitable for a broad range of applications. Furthermore, thermoplastics, especially polyester, can be processed into a variety of products, in particular spacer fabrics, vertical nonwovens, and adhesives. These materials are also available on the market in sufficient quantities, thus enabling cost-effective production of the overlay or insert. Specifically, the polyester can be polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and / or polyethylene naphthalate.

[0022] Furthermore, the base material, plastic, is highly recyclable, provided it is essentially pure. For example, the layer or insert made from the base material can simply be melted down. The material obtained through melting can then be processed back into the base material and, if necessary, further refined. This can then be used, for instance, to manufacture vertical nonwovens, spacer fabrics, or adhesives. Recycled plastic can be used in the production of vertical nonwovens and spacer fabrics in a particularly effective way.

[0023] Preferably, the thickness of the middle layer is in the range of 1 to 30 cm, more preferably 5 to 25 cm, and particularly preferably 10 to 20 cm. The middle layer serves, in particular, to provide the hardness of the pad or insert. The thickness of each layer is determined in a thickness direction that is essentially perpendicular to a surface, especially the largest surface area, of the insert or pad.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the upper and / or lower layer is in the range of 0.1 cm to 6 cm, preferably from 0.5 cm to 5 cm, and particularly preferably from 1 cm to 4 cm. In particular, the thickness of the upper and / or lower layer is less than the thickness of the middle layer.

[0025] Advantageously, the hardness of the pad is in the medium range, preferably in the softer range. The hardness can be adjusted by combining spacer fabric and vertical fleece in the individual layers. In particular, the hardness is determined by the density of the vertical fleece. The pad or insert is essentially designed to have a hardness level between H2 and H4.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the pad is free of foams and spring cores. Preferably, the pad is free of elements that are not made from the base material. The pad or insert should thus consist essentially of nonwovens and spacer fabrics, all of which are made from or based on the same base material. In particular, the pad or insert should not include any elements that could negatively affect its recyclability.

[0027] Alternatively, or preferably, the overlay or insert consists only of elements made from or based on the same base material. The overlay can then be recycled without complex intermediate steps using the recycling method preferred for the base material.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, an additional outer layer is arranged on the upper layer, which is preferably formed from a spacer fabric. The properties, in particular the support and comfort properties, of the pad or insert can be positively influenced by the additional outer layer and, in particular, adapted to individual needs. Because the outer layer is made of a spacer fabric, the pad remains vapor-permeable overall and allows for continued easy and quick cleaning.

[0029] Preferably, the outer layer is made of the same base material as the upper, middle, and bottom layers. Preferably, the outer layer is firmly bonded to the upper layer with the adhesive or connected to it by a bonding agent. Particularly in the case of a permanent bond between the outer layer and the upper layer, it is necessary that the outer layer also consists of the same base material as the upper, middle, and bottom layers, so that the entire layer or insert can be recycled without requiring further processing.

[0030] Alternatively, the outer layer can have a non-permanent, detachable connection to the upper layer, using fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners, straps, or clips. This allows the outer layer to be easily separated from the upper layer at any time, for example, to adapt it to individual needs, particularly regarding the firmness of the pad, the season, or hygiene requirements.

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the pad or insert is characterized by the fact that the pad is encased by a bottom cover and / or a top cover. Advantageously, the bottom cover and / or the top cover is also formed from the base material. The bottom cover and / or top cover can, in particular, be detachable from the pad, for example by means of a zipper, so that the bottom cover and / or the top cover can be easily separated from the pad. A detachable arrangement of the bottom cover and / or the top cover also allows the use of materials other than the base material for the bottom cover or top cover.

[0032] Preferably, the top and / or bottom cover is also vapor-permeable. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the top cover has a 3D structure. This ensures optimal air circulation and humidity regulation.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the lower layer has a greater thickness than the upper layer, or the upper layer has a greater thickness than the lower layer. Different thicknesses of the lower and upper layers significantly influence, for example, the seating and / or lying comfort on the pad and can also be adapted to individual needs and the respective areas of application. In particular, different thicknesses of the upper and lower layers can influence and adjust the pressure distribution across the pad.

[0034] Preferably, the middle layer comprises two vertical fleeces, which are separated from each other, in particular by a separating layer. The middle layer itself can thus have a multi-layered structure. By forming the middle layer with at least two vertical fleeces, the firmness and comfort of the surface can be substantially influenced and adapted to the respective application. The two vertical fleeces can be arranged directly on top of each other. In particular, however, they are separated by at least one separating layer. The separating layer allows the at least two vertical fleeces to bond better to each other and prevents them from fraying.

[0035] Preferably, the separating layer is designed as a spacer fabric. A spacer fabric separating layer further improves pressure distribution, thus preventing, in particular, persistent depressions in the vertical nonwovens caused by one-sided use. Even with a multi-layered structure of the middle layer consisting of several vertical nonwovens and / or separating layers, these layers are made of the same base material or are based on the same base material.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the padding or insert, the two vertical nonwovens of the middle layer are distinguishable from each other, in particular they have a different density and / or thickness.

[0037] A preferred embodiment is characterized by a density of at least one vertical nonwoven fabric in the range of 10 kg / m³ to 40 kg / m³, preferably in the range of 20 kg / m³ to 32 kg / m³. The density of the at least one vertical nonwoven fabric particularly influences the hardness of the padding or insert.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the weight of the support is less than 15 kg, preferably less than 12 kg. In this case, the support can preferably be designed as a mattress measuring 90 cm by 200 cm and thus have a correspondingly low weight. Compared to previously known mattresses, the support according to the invention is therefore significantly lighter with respect to the aforementioned size, making it easier to handle. In particular, it can be transported and replaced more easily. Despite its low weight, the support offers a high level of comfort and long-lasting durability.

[0039] Preferably, the padding or insert is made of essentially, and in particular completely, a single material. The padding or insert is thus formed from the same material and is free of other materials, which further increases its recyclability.

[0040] Another solution to the aforementioned and other tasks is given by a method for manufacturing a pad or insert, in particular a mattress, comprising the following process steps: A) Providing at least three layers, wherein a middle layer comprises at least one vertical nonwoven fabric and an upper and a lower layer are formed from a spacer fabric; B) Arranging the layers on top of each other, wherein the middle layer is positioned between the upper layer and the lower layer; and C) Bonding the layers together, preferably using an adhesive for bonding. wherein at least three layers and the adhesive are made of or based on the same base material.

[0041] This process produces a pad or insert made from a single base material, resulting in a material that is essentially, and in particular completely, homogeneous. Such a pad or insert can be easily recycled, for example, to recover the base material, without further intermediate steps such as separating individual layers. The choice of base material can improve the lifespan and overall sustainability of the pad or insert.

[0042] Preferably, the layers are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the layer is completely vapor-permeable, in particular vapor-permeable in one thickness direction.

[0043] Alternatively or preferably additionally, a plastic, preferably a thermoplastic, in particular polyester, serves as the base material. This base material is readily available in large quantities and is particularly suitable for the production of vertical nonwovens, spacer fabrics, and adhesives. Furthermore, polyester in particular is highly recyclable, for example, by being melted down and then reprocessed into vertical nonwovens, spacer fabrics, or adhesives.

[0044] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the figures. These show: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a support according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the support shown in Figure 1Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a support according to the invention; Figure 4 shows yet another embodiment of a support according to the invention; and Figure 5 shows a mattress based on the support shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 illustrated embodiment of the support.

[0045] In the following figures, the term "edition 1" is always used. This can also refer to an insert, as explicitly claimed here.

[0046] In Figure 1Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a support 1 according to the invention. The support 1 comprises a lower layer 2 and an upper layer 4, each of which is formed from a spacer fabric with a thickness of 3 cm in a thickness direction 10. A middle layer 3 is arranged between the upper layer 4 and the lower layer 2, which in this case is formed only from a vertical nonwoven fabric 8 having a thickness of 15 cm in the thickness direction 10. An outer layer 5 is arranged above the upper layer 4, which is also formed from a spacer fabric. The spacer fabric of the outer layer 5 differs from the spacer fabrics of the upper layer 4 and the lower layer 2 in its thickness. In this case, the outer layer 5 has a thickness of 5 cm in the thickness direction 10.

[0047] The bottom layer 2, middle layer 3, top layer 4, and outer layer 5 are all made of the same base material, in this case polyester. The different layers 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the overlay 1 are therefore all based on the same material, resulting in a uniform material composition for the overlay 1. This material uniformity is further ensured by the use of an adhesive, also based on the base material, to bond the individual layers 2, 3, 4, and 5. Thus, the individual layers 2, 3, 4, and 5 are bonded together using a polyester adhesive.

[0048] The lower layer 2, middle layer 3, upper layer 4, and outer layer 5 are each individually vapor-permeable and arranged in such a way that the entire layer 1 is vapor-permeable, at least in the thickness direction 10. The complete vapor permeability of the layer 1 allows it to be thoroughly cleaned by, for example, passing water or steam through it in the thickness direction 10. Thus, the layer 1 can be easily cleaned with a water jet. It is also possible to completely clean the layer 1 in an autoclave, where the complete vapor permeability allows for rapid drying. Due to the uniform material composition of the layer 1, made from the base material polyester, cleaning agents specifically formulated for polyester can also be used, ensuring that the polyester is not damaged.

[0049] In Figure 2 Another version 1 according to the invention is shown. This version 1 essentially features the version shown in Figure 1 The structure of the cushion 1 shown is based on the diagram and is completely covered by a cover 7. The cover 7 has a 3D structure, which is also vapor-permeable. This 3D structure ensures optimal air circulation both within and on the surface of the cushion 1, making it comfortable for users to sit or lie on. Furthermore, the complete vapor permeability allows the cushion 1 to dry quickly, which is particularly advantageous for outdoor use.

[0050] In Figure 3 is shown a further embodiment of the inventive layer 1, which differs in the structure of the middle layer 3 from those in the Figures 1 and 2 The depicted embodiments differ. Also, the one in Figure 3The illustrated embodiment of edition 1 shows how Figures 1 and 2 a lower layer 2, upper layer 4 and outer layer 5. The difference to the ones in the Figures 1 and 2 The difference in the illustrated embodiments lies in the design of the middle layer 3, which in this case is multilayered. The structure of the middle layer 3 comprises, as shown in Figure 3 The figure shows three vertical fleeces 8, 8a, 8b and two separating layers 9, 9a. The thickness of the middle layer 3 is 25 cm, with each separating layer 9, 9a having a thickness of 2 cm in the thickness direction 10 and the vertical fleeces 8, 8a, 8b each having a thickness of 7 cm in the thickness direction 10. The density of the vertical fleeces 8, 8a, 8b is also identical and is 26 kg / m³.

[0051] In an embodiment not shown, the vertical tiles 8, 8a, 8b can also have different thicknesses and, in particular, different properties, especially with regard to their density. By using vertical fleeces 8, 8a, 8b with different properties, the hardness of the support 1 can be substantially influenced, which is selected depending on the specific application. Thus, different combinations of vertical fleeces 8, 8a, 8b and separating layers 9, 9a can be used to realize and enable various embodiments of the support 1.

[0052] The separating layers 9 and 9a can also have different properties and, in particular, different thicknesses. In this case, the separating layers 9 and 9a are each formed from spacer fabrics, which are designed analogously to the lower layer 2 and the upper layer 4. The multilayered structure of the middle layer 3 is stabilized and held together by bonding the individual elements of vertical nonwovens 8, 8a, 8b and separating layers 9 and 9a with an adhesive, whereby the adhesive, as well as the vertical nonwovens 8, 8a, 8b and separating layers 9 and 9a, are made of the same base material, in this case polyester.

[0053] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a layer 1 according to the invention, wherein the middle layer 3 in this embodiment is composed of two vertical nonwovens 8, 8a, which are separated from each other by a separating layer 9. The separating layer 9 is in turn formed from a spacer fabric, which is identical to the upper layer 4 in both its thickness of 3 cm in the thickness direction 10 and its density. The lower layer 2 has a lesser thickness of 2 cm in the thickness direction 10 than the upper layer 4. An outer layer 5 is arranged on the upper layer 4. The outer layer 5 is formed analogously to the lower layer 2 from a thin spacer fabric.

[0054] The combination of different spacer fabrics as the lower layer 2, upper layer 4, and separating layer 9, in conjunction with the vertical fleeces 8 and 8a, ensures good pressure distribution across the entire support 1. This pressure distribution is primarily achieved through the spacer fabrics in the lower layer 2, the upper layer 4, the outer layer 5, and the separating layer 9. Distributing the pressure across the entire surface of the support 1 prevents the formation of permanent depressions, especially under one-sided and consistently uniform loads, as the respective vertical fleeces 8 and 8a are subjected to uniform pressure. Without the use of spacer fabrics in the various layers 2, 3, 4, and 5, the vertical fleeces 8 and 8a would fatigue over time and lose their ability to return to their original position, ultimately leading to depressions in the support 1.

[0055] The firmness of the pad 1 is essentially determined by the vertical fleeces 8, 8a. The density of the vertical fleeces 8, 8a should be higher the greater the desired firmness of the pad 1. When using the pad 1 as a mattress or for sofas, a medium to softer firmness is preferred, for which the density of the vertical fleeces 8, 8a should be in the range of 20 kg / m³ to 32 kg / m³, in this case 22 kg / m³. When using the pad 1 according to the invention for seating furniture or similar items, the vertical fleeces 8, 8a should have a higher density to make the pad 1 firmer overall.

[0056] Also in the Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the individual layers 2, 3, 4, 5 of the support 1 are arranged such that the support 1 is vapor-permeable in the thickness direction 10. The support 1 is free of vapor-impermeable layers. Due to its vapor-permeable and uniform material composition of a single plastic, in this case polyester, the support 1 is easy to clean and is particularly suitable for applications in the field of healthcare, especially as mattresses for hospital beds.

[0057] In Figure 5 Finally, a further embodiment of the inventive version 1 is shown, the core of which is based on the in Figure 4 The edition shown is based on the first edition. Figure 5 in addition to the Figure 4The depicted layer 1 also includes a core consisting of an underlayer 6 and an overlayer 7, which can be detached individually or together from layer 1. Both the underlayer 6 and the overlayer 7 completely enclose the core made of spacer fabric and vertical fleeces 8, 8a.

[0058] The underlay 6 and the toplay 7 are also made of the same base material as the vertical fleeces 8, 8a and the layers 2, 4, and 5. Therefore, the entire mattress topper 1 can be recycled without requiring further processing steps such as separating the layers. Specifically, the underlay 6 and the toplay 7 can remain attached to the mattress topper 1 at the end of its lifespan, as the mattress topper 1 is made of a single material and can thus be recycled in its entirety. Alternatively, the underlay 6 and the toplay 7 can be made of a different material than the base material, provided they are detachable from the core consisting of the bottom layer 2, middle layer 3, top layer 4, and outer layer 5. In this case, the toplay 7 or underlay 6 can be removed before the mattress topper 1 is recycled.For this purpose, both the outer cover 7 and the inner cover 6 are equipped with a connecting element, in this case a zipper. This allows for easy removal of the outer cover 7 and the inner cover 6.

[0059] The embodiments of the support 1 according to the invention, as illustrated in the figures, create an object that can be easily recycled while simultaneously offering a high level of user comfort in terms of sitting or lying comfort. Furthermore, the support 1 meets the highest hygiene standards, as it is easy to clean, particularly without the need for special cleaning equipment. Reference symbol list

[0060] 1. Layer 2. Bottom layer 3. Middle layer 4. Top layer 5. Outer layer 6. Underlay 7. Top layer 8, 8a, 8b. Vertical fleece 9, 9a. Separation layer 10. Thickness direction

Claims

1. Overlay (1) or inlay, in particular mattress, of at least three layers (2, 3, 4), wherein a central layer (3) which comprises at least one vertical nonwoven material (8, 8a, 8b) is arranged between an upper layer (4) and a lower layer (2) which are formed from a spacer fabric, and wherein the at least three layers (2, 3, 4) are formed from an identical base material or are based thereon.

2. Overlay (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the layers (2, 3, 4) are connected to each other by means of an adhesive material, in particular connected to each other in a planar manner, wherein the adhesive is based on the base material or is formed from it.

3. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three layers (2, 3, 4) are vapour-permeable and in that between the layers (2, 3, 4) in particular no vapour-impermeable layers are arranged, preferably in that the overlay (1) is completely vapour-permeable.

4. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base material is a plastics material, preferably a thermoplastic plastics material, in particular polyester.

5. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a thickness of the central layer (3) is in the range from 1 cm to 30 cm, preferably from 5 cm to 25 cm, most preferably from 10 cm to 20 cm in the thickness direction (10) and / or in that a thickness of the upper layer (4) and / or the lower layer (2) is in the range from 0.1 cm to 6 cm, preferably from 0.5 cm to 5 cm, most preferably from 1 cm to 4 cm in the thickness direction (10).

6. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overlay (1) is free from foam materials and spring cores and / or in that the overlay (1) consists only of elements which are formed on the basis of the base material.

7. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that another outer layer (5) which is preferably formed from a spacer fabric is arranged on the upper layer (4), in particular in that the outer layer (5) is vapour-permeable.

8. Overlay (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the outer layer (5) is also formed from the base material or is based on it, wherein preferably the outer layer (5) is connected to the upper layer (4) using the adhesive or by means of connection means.

9. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overlay (1) is surrounded by a bottom cover (6) and / or a top cover (7), wherein the bottom cover (6) and / or the top cover (7) is / are preferably formed from the base material, in particular in that the bottom cover (6) and / or the top cover (7) is / are vapour-permeable and / or in that the top cover (7) has a 3D structure.

10. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower layer (2) has a greater thickness than the upper layer (4) or the upper layer (4) has a greater thickness than the lower layer (2).

11. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central layer (3) comprises two vertical nonwoven materials (8, 8a, 8b) which are in particular separated by a partition layer (9, 9a), wherein the partition layer (9, 9a) is preferably in the form of a spacer fabric.

12. Overlay (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least two vertical nonwoven materials (8, 8a, 8b) of the central layer (3) can be distinguished, in particular in that they have a different density and / or thickness.

13. Overlay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a density of the at least one vertical nonwoven material (8, 8a, 8b) is in the range from 10 kg / m3 to 40 kg / m3, preferably in the range from 20 kg / m3 to 32 kg / m3 and / or in that a weight of the overlay (1) is on the whole less than 15 kg, preferably less than 12 kg.

14. Method for producing an overlay (1) or inlay, in particular a mattress, comprising the method steps of: A) providing at least three layers, wherein a central layer (3) comprises at least one vertical nonwoven material (8, 8a, 8b) and an upper layer (4) and a lower layer (2) are formed from a spacer fabric, B) arranging the layers (2, 3, 4) one on the other, wherein the central layer (3) is arranged between the upper layer (4) and lower layer (4); and C) connecting the layers (2, 3, 4) to each other, wherein an adhesive is preferably used for connection, wherein the layers (2, 3, 4) and the adhesive are formed from the same base material or are based on it.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a plastics material, preferably a thermoplastic plastics material, is used as the base material, in particular polyester.