The spacing member 1606 has openings (shown below in FIG. 16B) that are dimensioned to receive and secure the cutaneous actuators 1602. A portion of each cutaneous actuator 1602 is therefore embedded in the spacing member 1606. In embodiments, the spacing member is made of a layer of rigid rubber having a thickness of about one quarter inch and a durometer of less than 50. The durometer value of the spacing member 1606 is selected to enable the spacing member 1606 to support the cutaneous actuators 1602 in place within the haptic communication device 1600 and make the spacing member 1606 generally resistant to indentation.