a belt for conveying elements in provided wherein the belt comprises a compressible layer attached to the top surface of the belt . preferably the compressible layer is resiliently deformable to cushion the impact of items on the belt . the belt preferably is a link belt and the top surface of the belt comprises a bonding layer for adhering the compressible element to the belt . the bonding layer may be a thermoplastic urethane that is heat fusible with the compressible layer to adhere the compressible layer to the belt .