A transformation, referred to as depletion, is defined for comparison-based data structures that implement priority queue operations. The depletion transform yields
a representation of the data structure as a forest of heap-ordered trees. Under certain circumstances this transform can result
in a useful alternative to the original data structure. As an application, we introduce a new variation of skew-heaps that
effficiently implements decrease-key operations. Additionally, we construct a new version of the pairing heap data structure
that experimentally exhibits improved efficiency.