cushioning

If camping, you’ll want to pack the usuals, including: a tent, sleeping bags, an air mattress or other cushioning, extra blankets and pillows.

There are countless uses for something that can efficiently absorb energy -- say, cushioning for delicate electronics being shipped across the world or for knee pads and wrist guards for athletes.

She fell to the floor with a muffled bump, her hair at least cushioning the blow.

But recent studies suggest the tissue may be playing other biological roles besides mechanical cushioning, including promoting healing of injuries to the tendons in the shoulder.

Every so often, they wander outside to the concrete playground and to a jumble of old mattresses that the local kids use as cushioning.