A system for mitigating an impact force is provided. The system includes a device having a first layer, a second layer, and an intervening member. The intervening member is suspended between the first and second layers via a first biasing member. A first portion of a force initially received by the first layer is transferred to the intervening member. A fraction of the force transferred to the intervening member is returned to the first layer, the fraction returned to the first layer being less than the force received by the first layer. A second portion of the force initially received by the first layer is partially transferred to the second layer, the second portion being less than the initial force received by the first layer.