SUPPORT PILLOWS AND MATTRESSES FOR BODY ALIGNMENT

- Level Sleep LLC

A pillow used with a mattress that efficiently provides low pressure and alignment to achieve restful and less fragmented sleep. The mattress supports a recumbent body. The pillow aligns the head and neck and acts with the mattress for body alignment. The mattress comprises a composite and a cover encapsulating the composite. The composite includes a performance layer and a core layer. The performance layer includes a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body. The shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section have different displacement parameters to match the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region for alignment of the body with low body pressure. A core layer supports the performance layer.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mattresses, to mattresses for beds and to mattresses that efficiently provide low pressure and alignment to achieve restful and less fragmented sleep.

Normally, everyone spends a large percentage of everyday sleeping. Restful sleep is important to a person's good health, enjoyment of life and the ability to function normally. Sleep affects brain activity, heart rate, blood pressure, sympathetic nerve activity, muscle tone, blood flow, sexual arousal, body temperature and other body conditions. Poor sleep has a strong correlation to obesity, diabetes, stroke, depression, hypertension and other adverse conditions.

Restful sleep is dependent upon a person's comfort level while recumbent, usually in side-lying and back-lying positions. The concentration of pressure on certain parts of the body and poor body alignment are significant causes of restless sleep.

During sleep, a healthy person typically passes through four levels of sleep which include physically restorative stages I-III and which additionally includes a REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stage, the mentally restorative stage. Stages I and II are the lightest sleep and stage III is the deepest, the Stages I, II and III are non-REM stages (NREM). The REM stage is that level in which sleepers dream and receive mental health benefits. All levels of sleep are important, but stage III is the deepest and most physically restful sleep, when, for example, human growth hormone is secreted. Normal sleep cyclically passes through the stages from I to III and back from III to I and into and out of REM. This sleep cycle is repeated a number of times over a normal sleep period, but can be disrupted due, for example, to body discomfort.

Restfulness and the quality of sleep (mentally and physically restorative sleep) are dependent upon the comfort of sleepers. When sleepers become uncomfortable, they move to relieve the discomfort and the resulting moves are a normal part of sleep. When sleepers move, they frequently change to lighter stages of sleep or awaken. The more discomfort sleepers feel, the more they will move and the more time they will spend in lighter and less restful sleep. Good sleeping is normally associated with a minimum number of interruptions of sleep stages due to a low number of body shifts during the sleep period. The higher the number of interruptions, the more fragmented the sleep and the less restful the sleep.

Comfortable mattresses are important in establishing restful sleep. Bed-induced shifts due to discomfort caused by the bed are a significant cause of poor sleep quality. On conventional mattresses (including feather beds, inner spring mattresses, foam mattresses, orthopedic mattresses, waterbeds, airbeds and the like), most people experience as many as forty major postural body shifts in the course of a night's sleep. Poor sleepers experience as much as sixty percent more major shifts than good sleepers. While some shifts during a sleep period are beneficial, the quality of sleep can be greatly improved for many by reducing the number of bed-induced shifts.

There are two major causes of bed-induced shifting that cause poor sleep. The first major cause of shifting is excessive pressure on parts of the body and the second major cause of shifting is the body's spinal misalignment.

Considering the first major cause of shifting, the buildup of pressures results from prolonged lying in the same position. On conventional mattresses, the pressure tends to be greatest on the body's protrusions (such as shoulders and hips) where body tissues are put in high compression against the mattress. High compression tends to restrict capillary blood flow which is recognized by the body, after a period of time, as discomfort. The amount of pressure which causes a discontinuance of capillary blood flow is called the ischemic pressure. The ischemic pressure threshold is normally considered to be approximately thirty mmHg. The discontinuance of capillary blood flow is observable as a red spot on the skin (reactive hyperemia). After pressure is applied, a red spot on the skin is a precursor to tissue damage. When parts of the body (usually shoulders and hips in conventional mattresses) are subjected to pressures above the ischemic threshold, discomfort results and, hence, a person shifts to remove the discomfort and threat to tissue damage.

Considering the second major cause of shifting, body misalignment results from spinal misalignment due to lateral bending of the vertebral column of the body, particularly for a person in a side-sleeping position. Such lateral bending is typically caused by mattresses that allow sagging of the torso region of the body. Conventional mattresses allow such sagging regardless of the hardness or the softness of the mattress but the spinal sagging effect tends to be more pronounced on firm mattresses. A sagging mattress allows the upper torso (thoracic region) to drop relative to the hips and results in stress to muscles and ligaments. The stress from a sagging mattress frequently manifests as discomfort or even pain in the lumbar region of the back. Such discomfort causes the sleeper to shift in order to relieve the discomfort and avoid tissue damage.

Similarly, when lying in the supine position, the hips form a higher support point than the lumbar region of the spine. A flattening of the lumber spine due to gravity then occurs and this, again, brings stress to the soft tissues and causes a turning away from this position to avoid discomfort and tissue damage.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,698, a bed having low body pressure and alignment includes a mattress for supporting a recumbent body. The mattress includes a resilient top member having a top region possessing uniform placement parameters and also includes resilient supporting means supporting the top member with variable displacement. The combination of members with uniform displacement parameters over members with variable displacement parameters enables the mattresses to support the body in alignment and with uniform low pressure.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,172, a bed having low body pressure and alignment includes a mattress supporting a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment. The mattress extends in a lateral direction from side to side and extends in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot where the mattress includes a head part, a shoulder part, a thoracic part, a hip part and a leg part. The recumbent body has a displacement profile that causes the mattress to undergo differing displacements when supporting the recumbent body. The mattress composite has displacement parameters varying to match the displacement profile of the recumbent body while supporting the recumbent body with low body pressure. The composite has a plurality of regions where the displacement in one or more of the regions varies to match the displacement profile of the recumbent body to maintain the recumbent body in alignment.

An ideal mattress has a resiliency over the length of a body on the mattress to support the body in spinal alignment and also has a low surface body pressure over all or most parts of the body in contact with the mattress. Since a recumbent body has both varying density and varying contour in the longitudinal direction, the ideal mattress must conform to these variations. With such variations, in order to achieve spinal alignment, the supporting forces in the mattress, under load from the recumbent body, must vary along the body to match the varying body density and shape. Also, when the body is in spinal alignment, for an ideal mattress, the supporting pressures in the mattress against the skin must be low. The preferred pressure against the skin of a person in bed for an ideal mattress is generally below the ischemic threshold. The preferred side-lying spinal alignment for a person in bed is generally defined as that alignment in which the spine is generally straight and on the same center line as the legs and head, a condition that helps provide “spinal neutrality”. “Spinal neutrality” is a condition in which the forces on the spine and ligaments have minimum stress, for example, the shear forces on the L1 and L5 vertebrae are a minimum.

While the general principles of an ideal mattress have been recognized, actual embodiments of mattresses that have properties that approach the properties of an ideal mattress at reasonable costs have not been fully satisfactory.

Developments in the parameters of and manufacturing capabilities for foam and other materials have provided new components for mattresses that can be used to better approach the technical parameters required for an ideal mattress at economical costs and which can be manufactured with expected standard properties and with the attributes for mattresses that are desired by the public.

There are a number of properties useful in characterizing mattress materials including “Hardness”, “Density”, “Indentation Load Deflection (ILD)” and “Tensile Strength”. Hardness is the resistance against pressure. Density is the mass per unit volume. Hardness and density are interrelated. When density increases, hardness tends to increase. Generally for lower density materials, a growing loss in hardness arises after repeated loading. Tensile Strength is the measure of the resistance against stretching and changes in tensile strength are measured as Tensile % and changes in length after applying a tensile force are measured as Elongation %. Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is a hardness measurement defined in the ISO 2439 standard. ILD in the standard is defined as the force that is required to compress material a percentage of its original thickness, that is, compressed 25%, 40% and 60% from its original thickness (using in the standard a circular plate of 322 cm.sup.2). These ILD's are designated ILD.sub.25%, ILD.sub.40% and ILD.sub.60%.

In consideration of the above background, there is a need for improved mattresses that better approach the properties of ideal mattresses and that can be economically manufactured while satisfying the public expectations and demands for mattresses.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a pillow which in combination with a mattress achieves body alignment and low pressure to achieve restful and less fragmented sleep. The pillow acts in combination with a mattress. The mattress extends in a lateral direction from side to side and extends in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot for supporting a recumbent body. The recumbent body includes a shoulder region, a thoracic region and a hip region where the recumbent body has a displacement profile where the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region are different. The pillow is useful in the thoracic region to assist in alignment of body. In one embodiment, a knee and ankle pillow is also used to provide comfort for a side lying body.

The mattress comprises a composite and a cover encapsulating the composite. The composite extends in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction. The composite includes a performance layer and a core layer. The performance layer includes a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body, respectively. The shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section have different displacement parameters to match the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region for alignment of the body with low body pressure. A core layer supports the performance layer.

In one embodiment, the performance layer is separated from the body only by the cover.

In one embodiment, the displacement parameters include ILD and density and the ILD of the thoracic section is greater than the ILD of the shoulder section and is greater than the ILD of the hip section.

In one embodiment, the ILD of the shoulder section is approximately 18, the ILD of the thoracic section is approximately 27 and the ILD of the hip section is approximately 23 and the density of the shoulder section is approximately 2 lb/cf, the density of the thoracic section is approximately 2 lb/cf and the density of the hip section is approximately 2 lb/cf.

In one embodiment, the performance layer and the core layer are polyurethane or latex.

In one embodiment, the cover includes a stretch material that allows depression of the body into the composite without significantly modifying load deflection parameters of the composite.

In one embodiment, the stretch material has a tensile strength that allows the cover to stretch approximately 12% or more in the longitudinal direction and approximately 16% or more in the lateral direction when a recumbent body is on the mattress.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a pillow with a partially cut away pillow cover having shims.

FIG. 2 depicts the pillow of FIG. 1 with more of the pillow cover cut away.

FIG. 3 depicts the pillow core of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 without a pillow cover.

FIG. 4 depicts a sectional view along the section line 4-4′ of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts a sectional view along the section line 5-5′ of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 depicts a sectional view along the section line 6-6′ of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts a sectional view along the section line 7-7′ of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 depicts a rotated view of the sectional view of FIG. 6 together with a pouch within the head-well cavity.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of the internal truss members of the pillow of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 depicts a heart-shaped pouch for insertion into the internal head-well cavity of the pillow core for ILD adjustment of the pillow.

FIG. 11 depicts a sectional view, analogous to the FIG. 5 view, of an alternate embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 12 depicts a sectional view, analogous to the FIG. 6 view, of the alternate embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 13 depicts a sectional view, analogous to the FIG. 7 view, of the alternate embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 14 depicts a rotated view of the sectional view of FIG. 12 with a heart-shaped pouch inserted into the core head-well cavity for ILD adjustment.

FIG. 15 depicts an isometric view of the internal truss members of the alternate embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 16A depicts a core having a heart-shaped cavity and a heart-shaped pouch insert that matches the shape of the heart-shaped cavity.

FIG. 16B depicts a core having a double heart-shaped cavity and a double heart-shaped pouch inserted within the heart-shaped cavity.

FIG. 16C depicts an isometric view of the core, double heart-shaped insert pouch and cavity 5′ of FIG. 16B.

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of a back-lying person with his head on the pillow where the angle of the head is disadvantageously flexed above the spinal alignment line.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of a back-lying person with the head on the pillow where the angle of the head is advantageously extended below the spinal alignment line.

FIG. 19 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including an air-inflatable bladder for controlling the head-well cavity and the pillow at one setting.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including an air-inflatable bladder for controlling the head-well cavity and the pillow at another setting.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of a different shape.

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of a still different shape.

FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of another different shape.

FIG. 24 depicts a front view of a side-lying person with her head on the pillow advantageously aligned with the spinal alignment line.

FIG. 25 depicts an end view of a side-lying person with the face on the pillow advantageously rotated down from the plane of the pillow top.

FIG. 26 is a front sectional view of a pillow having multiple shims and multiple ear wells.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a pillow of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the pillow of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an end view of the pillow of FIG. 26 showing a pillow cover having a pocket containing shims.

FIG. 30 is a front view of the pillow of FIG. 26 showing a pillow cover having pockets containing shims.

FIG. 31 depicts a front view of the pillow of FIG. 26 where the shims are pushed flat on a bed surface.

FIG. 32 depicts an isometric top view, taken at a small angle to normal, of a pillow core formed by a mold.

FIG. 33 depicts a side view of the pillow core of FIG. 32 with a pillow cover added.

FIG. 34 depicts an end view of the pillow core of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 depicts the pillow core of FIG. 33 with a pillow cover having shims in pillow cover pockets.

FIG. 36 depicts the pillow core of FIG. 34 with shims in the pillow cover pocket.

FIG. 37 depicts a pillow for helping to support a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment.

FIG. 38 depicts a knee and ankle pillow for helping to support a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment.

FIG. 39 depicts a side view of the pillow of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 depicts an end view of one end of the pillow of FIG. 38.

FIG. 41 depicts an end view of the other end of the pillow of FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 depicts a top view of another pillow within a pillow cover.

FIG. 43 depicts an end view of the pillow of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 depicts a front view of the pillow of FIG. 42.

FIG. 45 depicts a back view of the pillow of FIG. 42.

FIG. 46 depicts a top view of a core of the pillow of FIG. 42.

FIG. 47 depicts an end view of the core of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 depicts a front view of the core of FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 depicts a back view of the core of FIG. 46.

FIG. 50 depicts a bottom view of the core of FIG. 46.

FIG. 51 depicts a bottom view of the core of FIG. 46 with the bottom spacers shown exploded.

FIG. 52 depicts a flipped view of one of the bottom spacers of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 depicts a flipped view of another one of the bottom spacers of FIG. 51.

FIG. 54 depicts a bottom view of the core of FIG. 46 with the neck spacers shown exploded.

FIG. 55 depicts a view of the neck spacers of FIG. 54 shown flipped.

FIG. 56 depicts a front view of the neck spacers of FIG. 54 collapsed.

FIG. 57 depicts an end view of the neck spacers of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 depicts an end view of the neck spacers of FIG. 56 modified to show only two spacers.

FIG. 59 depicts an end view of the neck spacers of FIG. 56 modified to show only one spacer.

FIG. 60 depicts a top view of one of the bottom spacers of FIG. 51.

FIG. 61 depicts an end view of the bottom spacer of FIG. 60 viewed along the section line 61-61′.

FIG. 62 depicts an end view of the bottom spacer of FIG. 60 viewed along the section line 62-62′.

FIG. 63 depicts a front view of the bottom spacer of FIG. 60.

FIG. 64 depicts a front view of two of the bottom spacers of FIG. 63 stacked together.

FIG. 65 depicts a front view of two of bottom spacers that are an alternate embodiment for the spacers of FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow operating to bend the head and neck upward and out of natural alignment.

FIG. 67 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 68 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment but with a slight downward extension that tends to open the air passage and reduce or eliminate snoring and other sleep difficulties.

FIG. 69 depicts a cross-sectional end view of an uncovered pillow core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 70 depicts a cross-sectional end view of the same pillow as in FIG. 69 with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the head behind the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 71 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a pillow with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 72 depicts a female in a back-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 73 depicts a female in a side-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 74 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 75 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 76 depicts an isometric view of a bed including a mattress formed from foam layers having varying displacement parameters capable of supporting a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment.

FIG. 77 depicts an isometric view of the mattress of FIG. 76.

FIG. 78 depicts an expanded view of an indicator in the cover of the mattress of FIG. 76 and FIG. 77.

FIG. 79 depicts a top view of a mattress composite for a Twin size mattress.

FIG. 80 depicts a front view of the mattress composite of FIG. 79.

FIG. 81 depicts an end view of the mattress composite of FIG. 79 and FIG. 80.

FIG. 82 depicts a top view of a mattress composite for a Twin Long size mattress.

FIG. 83 depicts a front view of the mattress composite of FIG. 82.

FIG. 84 depicts an end view of the mattress composite of FIG. 82 and FIG. 83.

FIG. 85 depicts a top view of a mattress composite for a Full size mattress.

FIG. 86 depicts a front view of the mattress composite of FIG. 85.

FIG. 87 depicts an end view of the mattress composite of FIG. 85 and FIG. 86.

FIG. 88 depicts a side lying female recumbent body on a mattress composite.

FIG. 89 depicts a side lying male recumbent body on a mattress composite.

FIG. 90 depicts the side lying male recumbent body on a mattress composite of FIG. 89 with a cutaway to show the skeleton of the body.

FIG. 91 depicts side by side male and female bodies on a mattress with cutaway views of the mattress cover.

FIG. 92 depicts the male body of FIG. 39 with a cutaway view to show the skeleton and its position over the mattress composite.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, a pillow 1 includes a core 3 with a pillow cover 2. The core 3 has a truss member 4 located in a truss region extending generally internal to and along the length of the core 3. The pillow 1 externally has the dimensions and appearance of conventional pillows and in this regard satisfies the public expectations and demands for the “standard properties” and expected attributes of pillows.

Although the pillow 1 of FIG. 1 appears to have a standard appearance and hence would be expected to have uniform and non-varying displacement parameters and a uniform concentration of fill internal to the pillow, the truss member 4 imparts a varying structural support and variable displacement parameters that provides sleep comfort assisting in achieving a neutral anatomic position and the natural alignment of the head and body of a reclining person. The pillow cover 2 is made from a low tension material which, although neatly fitted about the core 3 for a clean and snug appearance, easily stretches and conforms to allow a head and neck to appropriately rest in the pillow and be supported by the structure of the internal truss member 4. In FIG. 1, the pillow cover 2 in some embodiments includes a zipper 44 which when unzipped allows access to the core 3.

In FIG. 2, the pillow 1 includes the core 3 with the pillow cover 2 farther removed. The end surface of the truss member 4 is flush with and forms a flat surface with the end of the outer portion of the core 3.

In FIG. 3, the core 3 has the pillow cover 2 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 completely removed revealing that the external appearance of the core 3 is smooth and regular like the outward appearance of conventional pillows.

In FIG. 4, a sectional view of core 3, along the section line 4-4′ of FIG. 3, is shown to reveal a portion of the truss member 4 recessed in and forming an internal cavity 5 within the core 3. The internal cavity 5 is a well located beneath the area of the pillow that receives the head of a reclining body in supine position and hence is sometimes called a “head well” The internal cavity 5 is typically filled with air and hence structurally provides less support for a head located above cavity 5. Alternatively, as hereinafter described, the head-well cavity 5 receives a pouch for ILD modification of the structural support provided by the pillow in the head-well region.

In FIG. 5, the sectional view of core 3, along the section line 5-5′ of FIG. 3 reveals the head-well cavity 5 located in an inner region starting approximately 1 inch below the upper surface of the core 3 and surrounded by the outer region 3′. The truss member 4 within the inner region includes a first truss part 41 having a leg 4-1 and a leg 4-2 separated by a spacer 11-1 and a second truss part 42 having a leg 4-3 and a leg 4-4 separated by a spacer 11-2. The first and second truss parts are located within the inner region and at opposite ends along the length of the core 3 providing walls for the internal head-well cavity 5. In one particular embodiment, the core 3 is 23.5 inches in length with a height of 5.5 inches high.

In FIG. 6, the sectional view of core 3 along the section line 6-6′ of FIG. 5 reveals the internal head-well cavity 5. The cavity 5 has a top surface defined by an arc which approximately matches the arc of the outer surface of core 3. The head-well cavity 5 has symmetrical side surfaces with rises of 3.5 and runs of 4. An opening of 1.5 inches constitutes the bottom of head-well cavity 5. Cavity 5 is not centered within core 3 and is asymmetrical with respect to core 3. The bottom opening on the left of cavity 5 is 6 inches from the left side of core 3 and the bottom opening on the right of cavity 5 is 7.5 inches from the right side of core 3. The asymmetry of the core 3 forms a pillow with different characteristics as a function of which of the two sides, left or right in FIG. 6, receives the head and neck of a reclining body. In FIG. 6, if a person has a head over head-well cavity 5 with neck, body and feet extending to the right, the core 3 includes a greater volume under the neck, providing greater neck support, than if the same reclining body has a head over cavity 5 with neck, body and feet extending to the left. Also, in FIG. 6 it is apparent that a head reclining into the core 3 has less support when first touching the pillow above the core 3 and has more support the farther the head sinks into the core 3. In one particular embodiment, the core 3 is 15 inches wide by 5.5 inches high.

In FIG. 7, a sectional view of core 3 is shown along the section line 7-7′ of FIG. 5. In FIG. 7, the sectional view of core 3 reveals the internal cavity 5. In one embodiment, the internal cavity 5 is 9.5 inches square. The cavity 5 is offset from the center of core 3 with a measurement of 3.5 inches from the right (see FIG. 6) or the top (see FIG. 7) and is offset from the center of core 3 with a measurement of 2 inches from the left (see FIG. 6) or the bottom (see FIG. 7). The cavity 5 typical receives the head of a back-lying reclining body dictated by the amount of neck support desired. The asymmetry of the core 3 renders a pillow with different characteristics for a reclining body as a function of which of the two sides (left or right in FIG. 6 and top and bottom FIG. 7) receives the head and neck of the reclining body. Typically, the core 3 is a standard size measuring 23.5 inches long by 15 inches wide.

In FIG. 7, the truss member 4 includes a first truss part having a leg 4-1 and a leg 4-2 separated by a spacer 11-1 and a second truss part having a leg 4-3 and a leg 4-4 separated by a spacer 11-2. The first and second truss parts are located at opposite ends of the core 3 leaving the internal cavity 5 in between. The truss parts provide additional cavities 5-1R and 5-1L for the first truss part and cavities 5-2R and 5-2L for the second truss part. The cavities 5-1R, 5-1L, 5-2R and 5-2L are ear well cavities and are positioned so as to be opposite the ears of side-lying reclining bodies.

In FIG. 8, the right end sectional view of FIG. 6 is rotated 90 degrees to show the asymmetry together with FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, in one alternate embodiment, the cavity 5 includes a fill material 41, either loose or in a fabric pouch or other container 42, that conforms to fill the cavity 5. The fill material 41 is for example, loose foam pieces, down or other soft and resilient material for adjusting the effective ILD of the pillow core 3. The fill material 41 and container 42 are advantageously available with different ILD values whereby adjustments for the firmness of the pillow are readily made by selection of differed ILD values. In FIG. 8, the opening 43 into the cavity 5 is convenient for inserting the container 42 for altering the pillow ILD and softness. In order to enable end users to insert and remove containers 42, the pillow cover 2 preferably includes a zipper 44 as shown in FIG. 1 or other opening means to allow access to the bottom of core 3.

In FIG. 9, an isometric view of the internal truss member 4 of the pillow of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is shown. The truss member 4 includes a first truss part having a leg 4-1 and a leg 4-2 separated by a spacer 11-1 and a second truss part having a leg 4-3 and a leg 4-4 separated by a spacer 11-2. The first and second truss parts are located at opposite ends of the core 3 of FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 and FIG. 7. The truss parts provide additional cavities 5-1R and 5-1L for the first truss part and cavities 5-2R and 5-2L for the second truss part. The cavities 5-1R, 5-1L, 5-2R and 5-2L are ear well cavities and are positioned so as to be opposite the ears of side-lying reclining bodies.

The pillow 1 described in connection with FIG. 1 through FIG. 9, in one embodiment has a length (for example, 23.5 inches), a width (for example, 15 inches) and a height (for example, 5.5 inches) for supporting a head of a reclining body (see bodies 35 and 36 in FIG. 18 through FIG. 25). The core 3 is formed with variable displacement parameters along the length and width in the direction of the height. In FIG. 5, for example, when proceeding along the length from left to right in the plane of the figure, the ILD as measured from top to bottom for the height in the plane of the figure varies. More particularly, the ILD over the leg 4-1 is greater than the ILD over the spacer 11-1. Similarly, the ILD over the leg 4-2 is greater than the ILD over the spacer 11-1 and the ILD's over both leg 4-2 and the spacer 11-1 are greater than the ILD over the cavity 5. The core 3 includes an outer region 3′ surrounding, at least in part, an inner region including cavity 5 and other cavities 5-1 and 5-2 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 7) and including truss member 4. The variable displacement parameters are effective in allowing the head to deform the pillow in the direction of the height in proximity to the head-well cavity 5 thereby controlling alignment of the head in a comfortable sleeping position and providing traction to fill the intervertebral discs.

The pillow 1 in the direction of the height has a top and a bottom. One or more of the cavities 5, 5-1, 5-2 and the other cavities has a greater dimension near the top and a lesser dimension near the bottom. In FIG. 6, for example, cavity 5 is about 9.5 inches at the top and about 1.5 inches at the bottom. The cavity 5 is bounded by the truss members 41 and 42 (see FIG. 5) and these members also have greater dimensions near the top and lesser dimensions near the bottom (see FIG. 9). The greater dimensions on the top with an incline of the sidewalls toward the lesser dimensions at the bottom provide an incline that tends to support the neck so as to allow the head to be rotated downward toward a 4° angle for a back-lying body. This natural alignment allows the neck functions, including those of the nerves, arteries, and the breathing tube (oropharynx and hypopharynx), to perform optimally. The incline structure of the trusses fosters natural alignment. The natural alignment reduces stress, reduces compression on the neck muscles and nerves and thus reduces pain and stiffness and provides traction and filling of intervertebral discs.

In FIG. 10, pouch 42′ is an alternate embodiment of the container 42 of FIG. 8 is shown. The container (or pouch) 42′ has a heart shape. The heart shape, besides having marketing appeal, functionally provides structural properties for supporting the head of a reclining body. The pouch 42′ is filled with a material (not shown) as described for the material 41 of FIG. 8, that determines the ILD of the pouch 42′ and hence the ILD of the pillow.

In FIG. 11 a sectional view, analogous to the FIG. 5 view, of an alternate embodiment of a pillow is shown. In FIG. 11, the sectional view of core 3 reveals the internal cavity 5 located below the outer region approximately 1 inch below the upper surface of the core 3. The truss member 4 includes a first truss part 41 having a leg 4-1 and a leg 4-2 separated by a spacer 11-1 and a second truss part 42 having a leg 4-3 and a leg 4-4 separated by a spacer 11-2. The first and second truss parts 41 and 42 are located at opposite ends of the core 3 forming the sidewalls of the internal cavity 5. In the embodiment described, the core 3 is 23.5 inches long by 5.5 inches high.

In FIG. 12, a sectional view of core 3 along the section line 6-6′ of FIG. 11 reveals the internal cavity 5. The cavity 5 has a top surface which is flat. The cavity 5 has symmetrical side surfaces with rises and runs that are approximately the same as the rises and runs for the side surfaces of cavity 5 in FIG. 6. An opening of 1.5 inches constitutes the bottom of cavity 5. Cavity 5 is not centered within core 3. The edge of the bottom opening on the left of cavity 5 is 7 inches from the left side of core 3 and the edge of the bottom opening on the right of cavity 5 is 6.5 inches from the right side of core 3. The edge on the leftmost part of cavity 5 is 3 inches from the left side of core 3 and the edge on the rightmost side of cavity 5 is 2.5 inches from the right side of core 3. The asymmetry of the core 3 renders a pillow with different characteristics to a reclining person as a function of which of the two sides, left or right in FIG. 11, receives the head and neck of the reclining body. In FIG. 11, if a person has a head over cavity 5 with neck, body and feet extending to the right, the core includes a greater volume under the neck than if the same reclining body has a head over cavity 5 with neck, body and feet extending to the left. Also, in FIG. 12 it is apparent that a head reclining into the core 3 has less support when first touching the pillow above the core and has more support the farther the head sinks into the core 3. The core 3 is 15 inches wide by 5.25 inches high.

In FIG. 13, a sectional view of core 3 is shown along a section line 13-13′ in FIG. 11. In FIG. 13, the sectional view of core 3 reveals the internal cavity 5. The internal cavity 5 is 9.5 inches square. The cavity 5 is offset from the center of core 3 with a measurement of 2.5 inches from the right (see FIG. 6) or the top (see FIG. 7) and is offset from the center of core 3 with a measurement of 3 inches from the left (see FIG. 6) or the bottom (see FIG. 7). The cavity 5 typical receives the head of a back-lying reclining body. The asymmetry of the core 3 renders a pillow with different characteristics for a reclining body as a function of which of the two sides (left or right in FIG. 6 and top and bottom FIG. 7) receives the head and neck of the reclining body. The core 3 is typically a standard size measuring, for example, 23.5 inches long by 15 inches wide.

In FIG. 14, the right end sectional view of FIG. 12 is rotated 90 degrees to show the asymmetry together with FIG. 13. In FIG. 14, in one alternate embodiment, the cavity 5 includes a pouch 42′ that is shaped to fill the cavity 5. The pouch 42′ in one embodiment has a heart shape. The double heart shape, besides having marketing appeal, functionally provides structural properties for supporting the head of a reclining body by providing an ear well in the top of each heart. If the head is extended from the right side (see FIG. 12 or the top side in FIG. 14) the right lobe 42R supports the head and if the head is extended from the left side (see FIG. 12 or the bottom side in FIG. 14) the left lobe 42L supports the head. The fill material in the container 42 is advantageously available with different ILD values whereby adjustments for the firmness of the pillow are readily made by selection of differed ILD values. In FIG. 8, the opening 43 into the cavity 5 is convenient for inserting the container 42 for altering the pillow ILD and softness. In order to enable end users to insert and remove containers 42, the pillow cover 2 preferably includes a zipper 44 as shown in FIG. 1 or other opening means to allow access to the bottom of core 3.

In FIG. 15, the truss member 4 includes a first truss part having a leg 4-1 and a leg 4-2 separated by a spacer 11-1 and a second truss part having a leg 4-3 and a leg 4-4 separated by a spacer 11-2. The first and second truss parts are located at opposite ends of the core 3 leaving the internal cavity 5 in between. The truss parts provide additional cavities 5-1R and 5-1L for the first truss part and cavities 5-2R and 5-2L for the second truss part. The cavities 5-1R, 5-1L, 5-2R and 5-2L are ear well cavities and are positioned so as to be opposite the ears of side-lying reclining bodies.

In FIG. 16A, the core 3 has the heart-shaped insert pouch 42″ that matches the cavity 5. The shape of the core 3 in the outer region is the same as the shape of the core 3 in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. The core in the inner region includes heart-shaped cavities. In the embodiment of FIG. 16A, the core 5 and pouch 42″ is equally centered (not shown) or is asymmetrically located (as shown) within the core 3. The pouch 42″ includes (not shown) cavities like cavities 5-1R, 5-1L, 5-2R and 5-2L for ear wells of the type described in connection with FIG. 15.

In FIG. 16B, the core 3 has the double heart-shaped insert pouch 42″ that matches the double heart-shaped cavity 5′. The shape of the core 3 in the outer region is, in one embodiment, the same as the shape of the core 3 in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. The core in the inner region includes a double heart-shaped cavity. The ear wells 31-1 and 31-2 in the double heart-shaped insert pouch 42″ are for receiving ears of a side-lying head. In the embodiment of FIG. 16B, the core 5 and pouch 42″ can be equally centered (not shown) or alternatively is asymmetrically located (shown) within the core 3.

In FIG. 16C, the core 3, the double heart-shaped insert pouch 42″ and double heart-shaped cavity 5′ are shown in an isometric view.

In FIG. 17, a back-lying person 35 has his head on the pillow 1 where the angle of the head is disadvantageously flexed 8° above the spinal alignment line. In FIG. 17, the pillow 1 may be any conventional pillow or a pillow as shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 8 with excessive fill material, as described in connection with FIG. 8, added to the cavity 5. Such excessive fill prevents the head in FIG. 17 from adequately extending down into the pillow and hence causes the disadvantageous angle of 8° flexion relative to the spinal alignment line.

In FIG. 18, a back-lying person 35 has his head on the pillow 1 (with the pillow cover 2 of FIG. 1 removed for clarity) where the angle of the head is advantageously extended 4° downward below the spinal alignment line. In FIG. 18, the pillow 1 is a pillow as shown and described in connection with FIG. 1 through FIG. 15 with an appropriate amount of fill material, if any, as described in connection with FIG. 8, added to the cavity 5. Such a pillow allows the head in FIG. 18 to extend down into the pillow with an advantageous 4° extension angle relative to the spinal alignment line. While 4° downward is believed to be the optimum extension, any rotation downward from 8° or more upward flexion in the direction of a 4° downward extension is an improvement.

In FIG. 18, the neck region designated by arrows 45 is a critical region for supporting the head and neck for proper extension of the head into the pillow. In this region, a significant transition in ILD can occur. If this transition is too acute, an uncomfortable pressure point is created for the neck and soft tissues in the region of arrows 45. In FIG. 18, the lower view depicts the non-deformed core 3′ and the arrows 45′ in the transition region are analogous to the arrows 45 in deformed core 3. The region of arrows 45 where the pillow core 3 is deformed by the weight of the head is the same as the region of arrows 45′ in the same non-deformed pillow core 3′. In order to achieve a good transition in the region of arrows 45 and 45′, it has been found that a slope of the sidewall of the cavity 5 preferably has a rise of about 4.5 and a run of about 4 for the pillow with dimensions described. However, many variables can affect the support in the neck region. For example, the cavity 5 is asymmetrically located within the cores 3 and 3′ so that the regions of arrows 46 and 46′ is more narrow than the region of arrows 45 and 45′. A smaller and lighter head may be more comfortably supported and extend to an optimum angle of 4° when using the region of arrows 46 and 46′ while a larger and heavier head may be more comfortably supported and extend to an optimum angle of 4° when using the region of arrows 45 and 45′.

In general, all the geometries and material properties affect the support in the neck region of the pillows of the present invention. For example, the flat (see FIG. 12) or curved (see FIG. 6) shape of the top surface of the cavity 5, the rounded see FIG. 12) or straight (see FIG. 6) intersection of the walls of the the cavity 5 and the top of cavity 5, the heart shape (see FIG. 16) and so forth.

FIG. 19 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including an air-inflatable bladder 47 for adjusting the angle, α1, of the sidewall of the head-well cavity 5 and the initial angle β1 between the cavity top and sidewall. These adjustments control the displacement parameters of the core 3. The bladder 47 is inflated or deflated through air valve 48 and hand pump 49. When a head and neck are positioned over core 3 and generally above bladder 47, the cavity 5 collapses shrinking the initial angle β1 and pushing a portion of the top of cavity 5 into the sidewall. The inflation amount of the bladder 47 controls the displacement parameters of the core 3. One of the displacement parameters is the height of the core 3 when a neck and head are lying on the pillow. By adjusting the inflation, the neck support is raised or lowered the angle that the head is extended downward can be adjusted, ideally adjusted to 4° downward as shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including an air-inflatable bladder 47 for controlling the angle α2 of the sidewall of the head-well cavity 5 and the initial angle β2 between the cavity top and sidewall. In FIG. 20, the bladder 47 has been inflated more than in FIG. 19 so that angle α2 is less than α1 while angle β2 remains about the same as pi.

In FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the bladder 47 has been located at one sidewall of the cavity 5. In other embodiments, for example in FIG. 16, the entire pouch 42″ is a bladder that is inflated or deflated to control the height and other displacement parameters of the pillow.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of a different shape. The cavity 5 is an example of a class of cavities that deform gently for a back-lying person such that the head and neck are extended at an angle that approaches the optimum of 4° as shown, for example in FIG. 18, or optimizes neutral anatomic position, the sniffing position, and/or user comfort.

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of a still different shape. The cavity 5 is another example of a class of cavities that deform gently for a back-lying person such that the head and neck are extended at an angle that approaches the optimum of 4° as shown, for example in FIG. 18, or optimizes neutral anatomic position, the sniffing position, and/or user comfort.

FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of another different shape. Again, the cavity 5 in FIG. 23 is another example of a class of cavities that deform gently for a back-lying person such that the head and neck are extended at an angle that approaches the optimum of 4° as shown, for example in FIG. 18, or optimizes neutral anatomic position, the sniffing position, and/or user comfort.

In FIG. 24, a side-lying person 36 with her head on the pillow 1 (with the pillow cover 2 of FIG. 1 removed for clarity) is advantageously aligned with the spinal alignment line. The person's ear is positioned over the right ear well 5-2R between the right edge of core 3 and the center divider 11-2. Shims 30-1 and/or 30-2 are provided to adjust the height for people with different offsets between the shoulder and the head and to compensate for mattresses with different firmness. The shims 30-1 and/or 30-2 are attached directly, by hook and loop or other fasteners, to the core or are located in pockets of a cover (as shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30). The shims 30-1 and/or 30-2 have dimensions which adjusts the pillow thickness to equal the OFFSET as shown for proper alignment of the person as shown.

In FIG. 25, side-lying person 36 has her face on the pillow 1 advantageously rotated downward from the top plane of the pillow 1 at an angle of 8°. The ear of the side-lying person 36 is positioned above the ear well 5-2R.

The various angles encouraged by the pillows of the present invention, including the 4° downward angle of a back-lying person in FIG. 18, a straight alignment in FIG. 24 and an 8° downward rotation in FIG. 25 are optimum angles. While any particular person may experience different angles, the pillows of the present invention are designed to encourage angles for reclining bodies that tend toward the optimum angles.

Furthermore, the core inserts such as the heart-shaped insert 42′ of FIG. 10 are used to adjust the ILD and structural parameters of pillows so that each person can select a pouch having an ILD value particularly suited adjust the pillow so that it tends toward the optimum angles and comfort for such person.

In FIG. 26, a front sectional view is shown of a pillow core 200 having multiple shims 205-1 and 205-2 and multiple ear wells 206-1 and 206-2. The shims 205-1 are tapered and the shims 205-2 are flat. The core 200 has core members 202-1, 202-2, 202-3 and 203. The core members 202-1, 202-2 and 202-3 are typically latex and the core members 203 are typically latex or memory foam. The core members 202-1, 202-2, 202-3 and 203 are typically glued together to form one unitary body having a support base 207. The support base 207 is polyurethane or other firm foam. The shims 205-1 and 205-2 are provided to adjust the height of the pillow core 200 for different neck to shoulder dimensions of different side-lying bodies. The tapered shims 205-1 are also used to adjust the angle of a side-lying body head lying with an ear over an ear well 206 and facing away from the core 200.

In FIG. 27, a top view is shown of a pillow core 200 of FIG. 26. The pillow core 200 has multiple ear wells 206-1, 206-2, 206-3 and 206-4. The regions between the ear wells 206-1 and 206-3 and the ear wells 206-2 and 206-4 have different firmnesses. The outer regions 211 and 212 are firmer than the softer inner region 213. A body lying in the supine position with the neck over the firmer region 211 or 212 allows the head to tilt down into the softer region 213 thereby tending to open the nasal air passages for better and more comfortable sleeping.

In FIG. 28, a cross-sectional view is shown of the pillow core 200 of FIG. 27 taken along the section line 28-28′ in FIG. 27. Note that the region 212 is somewhat wider than the region 211 so that region 212 provides greater support for the neck than the region 211 provides. The head and neck over region 212 tilts less into the region 213 than the head and neck over region 211. A person can select a different neck support and head tilt by rotating the pillow 180°.

In FIG. 29, an end view is shown of the pillow core 200 of FIG. 26. The pillow core 200 has multiple shims 205-1 and 205-2 and multiple ear wells 206-4 and 206-2. The shims 205-1 are tapered and the shims 205-2 are flat. The core 200 has one or more core members, such as member 202-1 supported by a base 207. The pillow core 200 has a pillow cover 208 surrounding the core member 202-1 and the base 207. The pillow cover 208 is attached a pillow pocket 209 containing shims 205-1 and 205-2.

In FIG. 30, a front view is shown of the pillow core 200 of FIG. 26 having a pillow cover 208 attached to pockets 209 and 210. The pockets 209 and 210 each contain shims 205-1 and 205-2. The pillow core 200 has multiple ear wells 206-1 and 206-2. The shims 205-1 are tapered and the shims 205-2 are flat. The core 200 has one or more core members, such as member 202-1 supported by a base 207. The pillow core 200 has a pillow cover 208 surrounding the core member 202-1 and the base 207.

In FIG. 31, a front view is shown of the pillow core 200 of FIG. 30 where the shims 205-1 and 205-2 are pushed flat on a bed or other flat surface. The shims 205-1 are tapered and the shims 205-2 are flat. With the weight of a side-lying head with an ear in the ear well 206-2, the angle of the mattress core 200 top tends to be inclined downward at an angle of approximately 6°.

In FIG. 32, an isometric top view, taken at a small angle from normal to the sheet of the drawing, of a pillow core 300. The core 300 is typically a mold formed as a unitary member produced by mold processing. The core 300 has multiple ear wells 306-1, 306-2, 306-3 and 306-4 and has an inner cavity 303. The outer region 311 between the ear wells 306-1 and 306-2 and the outer region 312 between the ear wells 306-3 and 306-4 have different firmnesses. The outer regions 311 and 312 are firmer than the softer inner region 313 in the cavity 303. A body lying in the supine position with the neck over the firmer region 311 or over the firmer region 312 allows the head to tilt down into the softer region 313 thereby tending to open the nasal air passages for better and more comfortable sleeping in the supine position. The outer region 311 and the outer region 312 are different in that the outer region 311 is narrower than the outer region 312. Note that the region 312 is somewhat wider than the region 311 so that region 312 provides greater support for the neck than the region 211 provides. The head and neck over region 312 tilts less into the region 313 than the head and neck over region 311. A person can select a different neck support and head tilt by rotating the pillow 180°.

In FIG. 33, a sectional view of the pillow core 300 of FIG. 32 is shown taken along the section line 33-33′ in FIG. 32 and with a pillow cover 308 added. The pillow cover 308 surrounds the core member 302 and the base 307. The pillow cover 308 is attached to pockets 309 and 310. The pockets 309 and 310 are provided with openings 315 and 316, respectively, for inserting and removing shims. The base 307 is thicker near the edges and is manufactured separately from the molded member 302. By varying the thickness of the base 307, adjustments to the slope angle of the core 300 for side-lying bodies. In the example shown, the slope angle is approximately 6°.

In FIG. 34, a sectional view is shown of the pillow core 300 of FIG. 32 taken along section line 34-34′ of FIG. 32. The mold member 302 has ear wells 306-3 and 306-1 and is supported by base 307.

In FIG. 35, a side view is shown of the pillow core 300 of FIG. 32 with a pillow cover 308 having shims 305-1 and 305-2 in pillow cover pockets 309 and 310. The pillow cover 308 surrounds the core member 302 and the base 307 and covers the cavity 303. The pillow cover 308 is attached to pockets 309 and 310. The pockets 309 and 310 are provided with openings 315 and 316, respectively, for inserting and removing shims 305-1 and 305-2.

In FIG. 36, the pillow core 300 of FIG. 34 is shown with shims 305-1 and 305-2 in a pillow cover pocket 309. The core 300 mold member 302 has the ear wells 306-1 and 306-3.

FIG. 37 depicts a pillow 50 for helping to support a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment. The pillow 50 includes a base 51 of memory foam, a body 52 of memory foam and a thin, washable cover 53 (shown partially cut away). Alternate embodiments include one piece of memory foam (curved body 52) with firmer polyurethane flat rectangular shim base 51 below. The curved body 52 of the pillow is 2″ thick×6″ wide×23″ long. The rectangular shim is ½″ thick and may be removed to adjust to user comfort. The pillow 50 is small, soft and easily rolled up into a 4″ diameter×6″ roll to store in luggage for a trip. The pillow 50 typically weighs less than half a pound with a manufacturing cost typically lower than $5.

The pillow 50 has a number of uses. The pillow 50 is used as an adjustable lumbar support when lying in the supine position on conventional, undifferentiated mattress surface. The pillow 50 is used as support for the lower thoracic region to maintain spinal alignment and avoid sheer at L4 and L5 when side-lying on a conventional mattress. If the pillow is in position for supine, simply rolling to the side position finds the pillow in place for that side position as well without need for moving or searching for the pillow. The pillow 50 is used under the knees when lying in the supine position on a conventional mattress or on a differentiated mattress (as herein after described) and helps avoid hyper-extension of the knees. The pillow 50 under the ankles when lying in the prone position to avoid the hyper-extension of knees and ankles on any mattress. People who usually sleep on a differentiated mattress become accustomed to the technology and when traveling or sleeping in conventional beds, the pillow 50 becomes a small, easily transportable “differentiated mattress substitute” to help a person sleep better than without it.

The pillow 50 is used in combination with other devices helping to support a recumbent body comfortably with low body pressure and in alignment. The pillow 50 is used with a differentiated mattress as described in connection with FIG. 76, a knee and ankle pillow as described in connection with FIG. 2, an antisnoring pillow as described in connection with FIG. 42 and with other devices. When sleeping, it is possible to sleep in the supine position for longer periods if you have lower back (lumbar) support, either from a differentiated mattress, from the pillow 50 or from a combination thereof. Further, pillow 50 may be the used in combination with other pillows and mattresses. The purpose is to encourage women (and even men) to sleep longer in the supine to avoid wrinkles and to receive a gravity induced anti-wrinkle session to counter the days' vertical influences of gravity on facial tissues (aka “drooping” and “sagging”).

In FIG. 38, a knee and ankle pillow 60 is shown for helping to support a recumbent body with comfort while achieving low body pressure and while in alignment. The pillow 60 has two raised regions, region 61 and region 62, running lengthwise. The region 61 and region 62 form a central trough 67-1 running lengthwise along the top of pillow 60. The top and bottom sides of the pillow 60 have the same raised regions on the sides with the trough in the middle extending between the ends 64 and 65. The trough 67-1 runs along the top and the trough 67-2 runs along the bottom. The dimensions of the pillow 60 are typically 27″×11″×3½″. The pillow 60 is used with the legs below the knees fitting into the troughs 67-1 and 67-2. A cutout 63-1 occurs on the top of and near one end 65 of the pillow 60. A similar cutout 63-2 (see FIG. 3) occurs on the bottom of and near one end of the pillow 60. The cutouts 63-1 and 63-2 are designed to receive the feet of a reclining body.

In FIG. 39, a side view is shown of the pillow 60 of FIG. 38. The pillow 60 extends between the ends 64 and 65 with the foot cutouts 63-1 and 63-2 near the end 65.

In FIG. 40, an end view 64 is shown of one end of the pillow 60 of FIG. 38.

In FIG. 41, an end view 65 is shown of the other end of the pillow 60 of FIG. 38.

In FIG. 42, a top view of pillow 10 is shown and externally has a normal shape and appearance. The pillow 110 fits within a conventional pillow cover 108. Internally, the pillow 110 has a structurally varying core 112 and a core case 111 all within the pillow cover 108.

In FIG. 43, an end view is shown of the pillow 110 of FIG. 42.

In FIG. 44, a front view is shown of the pillow 110 of FIG. 42.

In FIG. 45, a back view is shown of the pillow 110 of FIG. 42. The pillow cover 108 includes a zipper 114 for accessing the core 112 and the core case 111. Typically, the core case 111 also has a zipper (not shown) for accessing the core 112.

In FIG. 46, a top view of the core 112 of the pillow 110 of FIG. 42 is shown. The core 112 includes ear recesses 116.

In FIG. 47, an end view of the core 112 of FIG. 42 is shown. The core 112 includes a body 104 and core spacers 102L-1 and 102L-2. The core spacers are removably attached to the body 104 and to each other so as to enable the height of the core to be adjusted. Such adjustment is to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and body alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features integral to the mattresses.

In FIG. 48, a front view of the core 112 of FIG. 47 is shown. The core 112 includes a body 104 and spacers 102L-1 and 102L-2 and spacers 102R-1 and 102R-2. Additionally, the core 112 includes neck spacers 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3. The neck spacers are removably attached to the body 104 and to each other so as to enable the height of the neck region of the core to be adjusted. Such adjustments are to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and neck alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features.

In FIG. 49, a back view of the core 112 of FIG. 47 is shown. The core 112 includes a body 104 and spacers 102L-1 and 102L-2 and spacers 102R-1 and 102R-2. Additionally, the core 112 includes neck spacers 103-1, 103-2 and 103-3. The neck spacers are removably attached to the body 104 and to each other so as to enable the height of the neck region of the core to be adjusted. Such adjustments are to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and neck alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features.

???

In FIG. 50, a bottom view of the core 12 of FIG. 5 is shown. The core 12 includes a body 4 and spacers 2L-1 and 2L-2 and spacers 2R-1 and 2R-2. Additionally, the core 12 includes neck spacers 3. The core spacers are removably attached to the body 4 and to each other so as to enable the height of the core to be adjusted. Such adjustment is to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and body alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features integral to the mattresses. Also, the body 4 has a hollowed region 4′ outlined by the edge 4-1 that provides room for the head to tip backward and thereby facilitate positioning the head in an anti-snoring position.

In FIG. 51, a bottom view of the core of FIG. 5 is shown with the core spacers 2-L1 and 2-L2 shown exploded. The core spacer 2-L1 is removably attachable to the core base 4, for example, by Velcro or other fasteners. The fastener strip 5-1 is attached to core base 4 for attaching core spacer 2L-1 to base 4. The core spacer 2L-1 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener 5-2 in FIG. 53) for engaging fastener 5-1. The core spacer 2L-1 includes a fastener 5-3 for attaching core spacer 2L-1 to core spacer 2L-2. The core spacer 2L-2 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener 5-4 in FIG. 52) for engaging fastener 5-3.

In FIG. 52, a flipped view of core spacer 2L-1 is shown revealing fastener 5-2 that engages the fastener 5-1 of FIG. 51.

In FIG. 53, a flipped view of core spacer 2L-2 is shown revealing fastener 5-4 that engages the fastener 5-3 of FIG. 10.

In FIG. 54, a bottom view of the core 12 of FIG. 41 is shown with the neck spacers 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3 exploded. The neck spacer 3-1 is removably attachable to the core base 4, for example, by Velcro or other fasteners. The fastener strip 6-1 is attached to core base 4 for attaching neck spacer 3-1 to base 4. The neck spacer 3-1 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener 6-2 in FIG. 14) for engaging fastener 6-1. The neck spacer 3-1 includes a fastener 6-3 for attaching neck spacer 3-1 to neck spacer 3-2. The neck spacer 3-2 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener 6-4 in FIG. 14) for engaging fastener 6-3. The neck spacer 3-2 includes a fastener 6-5 for attaching neck spacer 3-2 to neck spacer 3-3. The neck spacer 3-3 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener 6-6 in FIG. 55) for engaging fastener 6-5.

In FIG. 55, the neck spacers 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3 of FIG. 54 are shown flipped to reveal the fasteners 6-2, 6-4 and 6-6, respectively.

In FIG. 56, a front view of the neck spacers 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3 of FIG. 54 are shown collapsed with all three spacers present. The neck spacers 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3 are individually removable from the body 4 and from each other so as to enable the height of the neck region of the core 12 to be adjusted. Such adjustments are to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and neck alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features.

In FIG. 57, an end view of the neck spacers 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3 of FIG. 56 are shown for maximum height.

In FIG. 58, an end view of the neck spacers 3-1 and 3-2 of FIG. 56 are shown and are modified to show only two the height of two spacers.

In FIG. 59, an end view of the neck spacer 3-1 of FIG. 56 is shown modified to show only the height of one spacer.

In FIG. 60, a top view the spacer 2L-1 of FIG. 51 is shown.

In FIG. 61, an end view of spacer 2L-1 of FIG. 60 is viewed along the section line 61-61′ of FIG. 60. The width of the spacer in FIG. 60 is approximately 1 inch.

In FIG. 62, an end view of the spacer 2L-1 of FIG. 60 is shown viewed along the section line 62-62′ of FIG. 60. The width of the spacer 2L-1 in FIG. 62 is approximately ⅝ inch.

In FIG. 63, a front view of the spacer 2L-1 of FIG. 60 is shown. The taper of the spacer 2L-1 adds a slope of approximately 3.1° to the core 12 of FIG. 37 and the other figures described.

In FIG. 64, a front view of two spacers of the FIG. 63 type are shown stacked together to form spacers 2L-1 and 2L-2. Together, the spacers add a slope of approximately 6.2° to the core 12 of FIG. 37 and the other figures described.

In FIG. 65, a front view of two spacers 2L′-1 and 2L′-2 are shown that are an alternate embodiment for the spacers of FIG. 64 still obtaining a 6.2° slope. Of course, any height and slope can be obtained by adjusting the size of the spacers.

FIG. 66 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow operating to bend the head and neck upward and out of natural alignment.

FIG. 67 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 68 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment but with a slight downward extension that tends to open the air passage and reduce or eliminate snoring and other sleep difficulties.

FIG. 69 depicts a cross-sectional end view of an uncovered pillow core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 70 depicts a cross-sectional end view of the same pillow as in FIG. 69 with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the head behind the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 71 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a pillow with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 72 depicts a female in a back-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 73 depicts a female in a side-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 74 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 75 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 76 depicts an isometric view of a bed 1 having a mattress 1-1 which is capable of supporting a recumbent body (not shown) where the recumbent body is supported by low body pressure and where the recumbent body is maintained in alignment. The terminology “low body pressure” means a pressure which is below a pressure threshold (typically the ischemic threshold) for comfortable sleep and of a level which materially reduces the causes of bed-induced shifting. The terminology “maintained in alignment” means an alignment from head to foot of a body that avoids or reduces lateral bending of the vertebral column of the body, particularly for a person in a side-sleeping position, and that eliminates or reduces sagging of the body.

In FIG. 76, the bed 1 has a mattress 1-1 supported by a supporting foundation 26 and frame 21. The foundation 26 is a box spring, firm box, board or other conventional mattress support. The supporting frame 21 may be any frame and as shown in one embodiment is a conventional “Hollywood” or “Harvard” style of bed frame that is made from right-angled channels and is supported by legs 6 having casters. The bed 1 and mattress 1-1 extend in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) from a mattress head 5-1′ at bed head 5-1 to a mattress foot 5-2′ at bed foot 5-2. The bed 1 and mattress 1-1 also extend in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) normal to the X-axis and extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis.

The mattress 1-1 is for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part, a thoracic part, a hip part and a leg part. The mattress 1-1 supports a recumbent body positioned in the longitudinal direction with the head part toward the mattress head 5-1′ and the leg part toward the mattress foot 5-2′. A body reclining on mattress 1-1 depresses portions of the mattress 1-1 causing the mattress to compress in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis).

In the FIG. 76, the mattress 1-1 includes a composite 11 formed of foam member 10, including sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 and a foam member 11. The term “foam” means rubber, plastic, latex, memory foam, urethane, polyurethane, polymer or other material having a cellular structure containing voids to make it soft and resilient, for example, a material filled with many small bubbles of air. The mattress 1-1 has a top side 4-1 and a bottom side 4-2. The members 10 and member 11 support and distribute the weight of a recumbent body (not shown). The members 10 have displacement parameters for providing supporting surface pressure to the recumbent body. The term “displacement parameters” refers to any and all the properties and characteristics of materials that determine the static and dynamic tension and compression properties of a mattress. The mattress 1-1 includes an outer cover 3 that encloses the inner foam member 10 and the foam member 11. The cover 3 is formed of stretch material which stretches in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions which sometimes is called a four way stretch. The amount of the stretch allows depression of a recumbent body into the composite 11 without significantly modifying the load deflection parameters of the composite 11.

The member 10 extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) from the head 5-1′ to the foot 5-2′. The sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 of the member 10 extend in rows in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) to establish displacement parameters that vary in a least the vertical (Z-axis) direction as a function of the longitudinal position (X-axis position). The sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 undergo different vertical compressions as a function of the longitudinal position (X-axis position) in order to follow the curvature of the recumbent body so as to establish alignment of the shoulder, thorax, hip and leg parts of a the body and so as to establish uniform low supporting surface pressure on the body.

In the embodiment of FIG. 76, the foam member 10 has different displacement parameters that determine the compression that occurs in the mattress 1-1 in response to a recumbent body. The sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 of the member 10 function to divide the mattress 1-1 into 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions. The 1ST region is established by section 10-1 extending to the head of the mattress 5-1′ and is for location beneath the head and shoulder parts of a recumbent body. The 2ND region is established by the section 10-2 for location beneath the thoracic part of a body. The 3RD region is established by the member 10-3 for location beneath the hip and leg parts of the body and extending to the foot of the mattress 5-2′. The sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 of the member 10 have different displacement parameters that help establish the different compressions that occur in each of the 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions in order to achieve alignment of a recumbent body with low supporting body pressure.

The mattress 1-1 includes a cover 3 formed, at least on the top portion, by a stretch fabric. The cover 3 is about 1/16 inch thick extending along the top, sides and bottom portions of the mattress 1-1. The cover 3 functions to cover and contain the inner members 10 and 11 of the mattress and the cover 3 has displacement parameters that provide a soft surface without interfering with the displacement parameters of the inner members 10 and 11 of the mattress 1-1. In some embodiments, the mattress 1-1 includes a fire retarding sock 37 encapsulating the composite 11. The sock 37 is a material that provides fire retardation and provides high stretch. The fire retarding sock 37 stretches in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions which sometimes is called a four way stretch. The amount of the stretch allows depression of a recumbent body into the composite without significantly modifying the load deflection parameters of the composite 11.

In FIG. 77, the mattress 1-1 from the bed 1 of FIG. 89 is shown. The mattress 1-1 is for supporting a recumbent body positioned in the longitudinal direction with the head part toward the mattress head 5-1′ and the leg part toward the mattress foot 5-2′. The mattress 1-1 includes 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part intended for the 1ST region, a thoracic part intended for the 2ND region and a hip part and a leg part intended for 3 region. A body reclining on mattress 1-1 depresses portions of the mattress 1-1 causing the mattress to compress in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis).

In FIG. 77, the mattress 1-1 has a length L in the X-axis direction, a width W in the Y-axis direction and a thickness T in the Z axis direction. The L, W and T dimensions can be any values but typical values in the United States for one embodiment of mattresses are as set forth in the following TABLE 1.

TABLE 1 L 1ST 2ND 3RD W T Twin 75 20 8 47 39 10 Twin Long 80 22 10 48 39 10 Full 75 20 8 47 54 10 Queen 80 22 10 48 60 10 Eastern King 80 22 10 48 76 10 California King 84 22 10 52 72 10

In FIG. 77, the mattress 1-1 includes an indicator stripe 10-M that indicates the location of the thoracic section 10-2 of the layer 10 of mattress 1-1 of FIG. 89. The indicator stripe 10-M includes indicia such as text which identifies the head direction 5-1′ of the mattress 1-1 as well as indicating the location of the thoracic section 10-2 beneath it. Typically, the indicator stripe 10-M is part of the cover 3 and in one embodiment is weaved into the cover material 3.

In FIG. 78, an expanded view of the indicator stripe 10-M in the cover 3 of FIG. 77 is shown. The indicator stripe 10-M includes indicia 10-S which in the embodiment shown is text “LEVELsleep Levelsleep” on the top and “Smart Support Smart Support” underneath. The text “LEVELsleep LEVELsleep” and “Smart Support Smart Support” is repeated multiple times in the Y-axis direction. As indicated in FIG. 78, the text is on the side of and extends all the way across the top of the mattress 1-1. A person standing on the side of the mattress 1-1 would tend to read text “LEVELsleep LEVELsleep” and “Smart Support Smart Support” in the right side up orientation when the indicator stripe 10-M is closer to the top 5-1 in the bed 1 of FIG. 89. Hence the text tends to identify the head direction 5-1′ of the mattress 1-1. A person standing on the side of the mattress 1-1 would tend to read text “LEVELsleep LEVELsleep” and “Smart Support Smart Support” in the up side down orientation when the indicator stripe 10-M is closer to the bottom 5-2 in the bed 1 of FIG. 89. The up side down orientation tends to identify when the mattress 1-1 is being positioned in the wrong direction on the bed 1. The indicator stripe 10-M and indicia 10-S improves a user's appreciation of the biomechanical nature of the mattress.

In FIG. 79, a top view of a mattress composite 11 is shown in the XY-plane for a Twin size mattress 1-1 of the type shown in FIG. 89 and FIG. 90. The mattress composite 11 includes 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across in the Y-axis direction. The 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions of the mattress composite are for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part intended for the 1ST region, a thoracic part intended for the 2ND region and a hip part and a leg part intended for 3RD region. A body reclining on a mattress having the composite depresses portions of the sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis). The 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction each extend across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section 10-1 is 20″, the section 10-2 is 8″ and the section 10-3 is 47″ whereby the composite 11 is 75″ long in the X-axis direction.

In FIG. 80, a front view of a mattress composite 11 of FIG. 79 is shown in the XZ-plane. The mattress composite 11 includes layer 10 having 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section 10-1 is 20″, the section 10-2 is 8″ and the section 10-3 is 47″. The layer 10 and each of the sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 a 3″ thick foam and are supported by a 7″ foam layer 11.

The layer 10 is the performance layer which in one preferred embodiment is 3″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 2″ and 4″. In the embodiment described, the section 10-1, for the head and shoulder region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 18, and a density of 2 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section 10-2, for the thoracic region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 17, and a density of 2 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section 10-3, for the hip and leg region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 23, and a density of 2 lb/cf. While the ILD's and densities are preferred for the embodiment described, these values may be different typically in a range of ±20%. While polyurethane foam is used in one particular embodiment, latex and other foams are also employed in other embodiments.

In the performance layer 10, the thoracic section 10-2 is more firm than the head and shoulder section 10-1 and the hip and leg section 10-3. With this relationship, the head and shoulder section 10-1 and the hip and leg section 10-3 are able to depress in the Z-axis direction greater than the depression of the thoracic section 10-2. This relationship helps to establish proper alignment of the recumbent body.

The core layer 11 is the base layer, for supporting the performance layer 10, and in one preferred embodiment is 7″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 6″ and 10″. In the embodiment described, the core layer 11 is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 36, and a density of 1.8 lb/cf and these values may vary typically in a range of ±20%.

In FIG. 81, an end view of a mattress composite 11 of FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 is shown in the YZ-plane. The mattress composite 11 includes layer 10 and shows the section 10-3 extending across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction with a height of 3″ in the Z-axis direction. The foam core layer 11 supports the layer 10 and extends across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction with a height of 7″ in the Z-axis direction.

In FIG. 82, a top view of a mattress composite 11 is shown in the XY-plane for a Twin Long size mattress 1-1 of the type shown in FIG. 76 and FIG. 77. The mattress composite includes 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across in the Y-axis direction. The 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions of the mattress composite 11 are for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part intended for the 1ST region, a thoracic part intended for the 2ND region and a hip part and a leg part intended for 3RD region. A body reclining on a mattress having the composite depresses portions of the sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis). The 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction each extend across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section 10-1 is 22″, the section 10-2 is 10″ and the section 10-3 is 48″ whereby the composite 11 is 80″ long in the X-axis direction.

In FIG. 83, a front view of a mattress composite 11 of FIG. 82 is shown in the XZ-plane. The mattress composite 11 includes layer 10 having 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section 10-1 is 22″, the section 10-2 is 10″ and the section 10-3 is 48″. The layer 10 and each of the sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 are 3″ thick foam and are supported by a 7″ foam core layer 11.

The layer 10 is the performance layer which in one preferred embodiment is 3″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 2″ and 4″. In the embodiment described, the section 10-1, for the head and shoulder region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 18, and a density of 2.0 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section 10-2, for the thoracic region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 27, and a density of 2.0 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section 10-3, for the hip and leg region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 23, and a density of 2.0 lb/cf. While the ILD's and densities are preferred for one embodiment described, these values may be different typically in a range of ±20%. While polyurethane foam is used in one particular embodiment, latex and other foams are also employed in other embodiments.

In the performance layer 10, the thoracic section 10-2 is more firm than the head and shoulder section 10-1 and the hip and leg section 10-3. With this relationship, the head and shoulder section 10-1 and the hip and leg section 10-3 are able to depress in the Z-axis direction greater than the depression of the thoracic section 10-2. This relationship helps to establish proper alignment of the recumbent body.

The core layer 11 is the base layer, for supporting the performance layer 10, and in one preferred embodiment is 7″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 6″ and 10″. In the embodiment described, the core layer 11 is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 36, and a density of 1.8 lb/cf and these values may vary typically in a range of ±20%.

In FIG. 84, an end view of a mattress composite 11 of FIG. 82 and FIG. 83 is shown in the YZ-plane. The mattress composite 11 includes layer 10 and shows the section 10-3 extending across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction with a height of 3″ in the Z-axis direction. The foam core layer 11 supports the layer 10 and extends across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction with a height of 7″ in the Z-axis direction.

In FIG. 85, a top view of a mattress composite 11 is shown in the XY-plane for a Twin Long size mattress 1-1 of the type shown in FIG. 76 and FIG. 77. The mattress composite includes 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across in the Y-axis direction. The 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions of the mattress composite 11 are for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part intended for the 1ST region, a thoracic part intended for the 2ND region and a hip part and a leg part intended for 3RD region. A body reclining on a mattress having the composite 11 depresses portions of the sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis). The 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction each extend across the 54″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section 10-1 is 20″, the section 10-2 is 8″ and the section 10-3 is 47″ whereby the composite 11 is 75″ long in the X-axis direction.

In FIG. 86, a front view of a mattress composite 11 of FIG. 85 is shown in the XZ-plane. The mattress composite 11 includes layer 10 having 1ST, 2ND and 3RD sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across the 54″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section 10-1 is 20″, the section 10-2 is 8″ and the section 10-3 is 47″. The layer 10 and each of the sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 are 3″ thick foam and are supported by a 7″ foam core layer 11.

The layer 10 is the performance layer which in one preferred embodiment is 3″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 2″ and 4″. In the embodiment described, the section 10-1, for the head and shoulder region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 18, and a density of 2 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section 10-2, for the thoracic region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 27, and a density of 2 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section 10-3, for the hip and leg region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 23, and a density of 2 lb/cf. While the ILD's and densities are preferred for one embodiment described, these values may be different typically in a range of ±20%. While polyurethane foam is used in one particular embodiment, latex and other foams are also employed in other embodiments.

In the performance layer 10, the thoracic section 10-2 is more firm than the head and shoulder section 10-1 and the hip and leg section 10-3. With this relationship, the head and shoulder section 10-1 and the hip and leg section 10-3 are able to depress in the Z-axis direction greater than the depression of the thoracic section 10-2. This relationship helps to establish proper alignment of the recumbent body.

The core layer 11 is the base layer, for supporting the performance layer 10, and in one preferred embodiment is 7″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 6″ and 10″. In the embodiment described, the core layer 11 is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 36, and a density of 1.8 lb/cf and these values may vary typically in a range of ±20%.

In FIG. 87, an end view of a mattress composite 11 of FIG. 85 and FIG. 86 is shown in the YZ-plane. The mattress composite 11 includes layer 10 and shows the section 10-3 extending across the 39″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction with a height of 3″ in the Z-axis direction. The foam core layer 11 supports the layer 10 and extends across the 54″ width of the composite 11 in the Y-axis direction with a height of 7″ in the Z-axis direction.

In FIG. 88, a side lying female recumbent body 136 is supported on a mattress composite 11 of the FIG. 76 and FIG. 77 type. The female body 136 is recumbent on her side parallel to the XZ-plane (sagittal plane). The body 136 is in alignment as indicated by the axis 18 which is generally straight through the body 136. The axis 18 is slightly inclined (for example, approximately 2 degrees) relative to the XY-plane with the axis 18 near the head slightly elevated relative to the axis 18 near the legs. The composite 11 has varying displacement parameters that function to support a recumbent body 136 with low body pressure and alignment.

In FIG. 88, the composite 11 has 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions that receive body pressures P1, P2 and P3, respectively. The 1ST region extends to the head of the mattress 5-1′ and is located beneath the head and shoulder parts of a body 136. The shoulder part of a body 136 at one location exerts a pressure P1 against the composite 11. The 2ND region is located beneath the thoracic part of a body 136 and at one point exerts a pressure P2 against the composite 11. The 3RD region is located beneath the hip part of the body 136 in the trochanter region 19 and exerts pressure P3 against the composite 11. The varying displacement parameters of the composite 11 function to support the recumbent body 136 with low body pressure and alignment.

In FIG. 89, a side lying male recumbent body 135 is supported on a mattress composite 11 of the FIG. 76 and FIG. 77 type. The male body 135 is recumbent on his side parallel to the XZ-plane (sagittal plane). The body 135 is in alignment as indicated by the axis 18 which is generally straight through the body 135. The axis 18 is slightly inclined (for example, approximately 2 degrees) relative to the XY-plane with the axis 18 near the head slightly elevated relative to the axis 18 near the legs. The composite 11 has varying displacement parameters that function to support the recumbent body 135 with low body pressure and alignment.

In FIG. 89, the composite 11 has 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions that receive body pressures P1, P2 and P3, respectively. The 1ST region extends to the head of the mattress 5-1′ and is located beneath the head and shoulder parts of a body 135. The shoulder part of a body 135 at one location exerts a pressure P1 against the composite 11. The 2ND region is located beneath the thoracic part of the body 135 and at one point exerts a pressure P2 against the composite 11. The 3RD region is located beneath the hip part of the body 136 in the trochanter region 19 and exerts pressure P3 against the composite 11. The varying displacement parameters of the composite 11 function to support the recumbent body 135 with low body pressure and alignment.

In FIG. 89, the knee and ankle pillow 60 is shown extending from the knee to the ankle of the body 135.

In FIG. 90, the side lying male recumbent body 135 of FIG. 89 is shown with a partial cutaway to reveal the skeleton of the body. In FIG. 77, the composite 11 has 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions that receive body pressures P1, P2 and P3, respectively. The 1ST region extends to the head of the mattress 5-1′ and is located beneath the head and shoulder parts of a body 135. The shoulder part of a body 135 at one location exerts a pressure P1 against the composite 11. The 2ND region is located beneath the thoracic part of the body 135 and at one point exerts a pressure P2 against the composite 11. The 3RD region is located beneath the hip part of the body 136 in the pelvic girdle region 31 including the iliac crests 31-1 and 31-2 and the greater trochanter of the femur regions 19-1 and 19-2. The pressure P3 is exerted against the composite 11 in the pelvic girdle region 31. The varying displacement parameters of the composite 11 function to support the recumbent body 135 with low body pressure and alignment.

In FIG. 90, the thoracic section 10-2 of the performance layer 10 is located above the pelvic girdle region 31 and extends toward the head and terminates near the shoulder region 32. In order for a body to be properly located on the mattress relative to the thoracic section 10-2 of the performance layer 10, the difference in hardness can be felt by a hand or other part of the body. Also, the glue seem between section 10-2 and 10-3 is manufacture to leave a small glue bead extending across the width of the mattress that provides a tactile indication of the location of the thoracic region of the performance layer.

The thoracic section and the hip section provide a tactile indication of the location of the thoracic region of the performance layer.

In FIG. 91, a partially cutaway top view of one embodiment of the mattress 1-1 of FIG. 76 and FIG. 77 is shown with a female body 136 on her back on the right and a male body 135 on his back on the left. The mattress 1-1 is the same type as previously described. In FIG. 41, a partially cutaway top view of parts of the mattress 1-1 are shown. The foam sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 function to divide the mattress 1-1 into 1ST, 2ND and 3RD regions. The foam sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 superimposed on foam member 11 have varying displacement parameters that function to support the recumbent bodies 135 and 136 with low body pressure and alignment. In one embodiment when mattress 1-1 is a queen size, the length in the X-axis direction is about 80 inches and the width in the Y-axis direction is about 60 inches. Of course, the mattress 1-1 can be any conventional size.

In FIG. 91, the mattress 1-1 includes an indicator stripe 10-M that indicates the location of the thoracic section 10-2 of the mattress 1-1. The indicator stripe 10-M includes indicia such as text which identifies the head direction 5-1′ of the mattress 1-1 as well as indicating the location of the thoracic section 10-2 beneath it generally as described in connection with FIG. 77 and FIG. 78. Typically, the indicator stripe 10-M is part of the cover 3 and is weaved into the cover material 3. The cover 3 is a stretchable fabric which stretches in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions so as not to interfere with the varying displacement parameters of the mattress 1-1 function in order to support the recumbent bodies 135 and 136 with low body pressure and alignment.

In FIG. 91, the pillow 50 is shown extending thoracic region of the body 135.

In FIG. 92, a sectional cutaway side view of the mattress 1-1 of FIG. 91 is shown with a male body 135 recumbent on his back. The cutaway reveals the thoracic and pelvic girdle regions including the lumbar vertebrae extending from the thoracic 2ND region into the hip and leg 3RD region. The 3RD region includes the coccyx, the sacrum and the coccygeal vertebrae. Because various relatively thick and wide muscles (glutei muscles), tendons and ligaments are present in the 3RD region for a back-lying body, the pressure exerted by the back-lying body on the mattress 1-1 is not as disturbing as the pressure for a side-lying body.

Referring generally to FIG. 76 and also to the other figures, the cover 3 is formed of a material which provides a soft, luxurious feel while allowing full-contour performance of the mattress. In order to permit full-contour performance, the cover 3 is formed of a material having a sretchabilty that does not interfere with operation of the performance layer 10. The performance layer 10 permits the shoulder region 10-1 and hip region 10-3 of the reclining body to depress deeper into the mattress at lower pressure than the depression of the thoracic region 10-2. A cover that does not adequately stretch increases the pressure on the shoulder region 10-1 and hip region 10-3 and impedes the depression in these regions. In general, it has been found that a cover that will stretch at least 12% in the X-axis direction and at least 16% in the Y-axis direction for male and female bodies with a full range of body weights within the 95 percentile is satisfactory. For example, a California King 84″ long in the X-axis direction would stretch at least about 10″ in the X-axis direction and a California King 72″ wide in the Y-axis direction would stretch at least about 12″ in the Y-axis direction.

The selection of the various materials and parameters for the mattress 1-1, including the cover 3, the performance layer 10, including the three sections 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 and including the core 11 are made to enable persons to sleep with body pressure below the ischemic threshold.

Although the embodiments described are representative, many variations in the mattresses are also included. One variation includes a performance layer 10 (referring generally to FIG. 89 and also to the other figures) in the composite 11 made of latex. In one latex embodiment for performance layer 10, the section 10-1 has a 19 ILD and a 3.5 lb/cf density, the section 10-2 has a 28 ILD and a 3.5 lb/cf density and the section 10-3 has a 24 ILD and a 3.5 lb/cf density. The core layer 11 is polyurethane and has an ILD of 36 and a 1.8 lb/cf density.

Although the embodiments described have used a core layer 11 of 7″ with a performance layer of 3″, the thickness of the core layer in the Z-axis direction is not critical to good full-contour performance. Other typical core layer sizes are 10″ and 12″ but any core level thickness is acceptable to adjust the overall height of the composite 11 and the mattress 1-1. The performance layer 10 is important for establishing good full-contour performance. Contour performance is achieved when a recumbent body is supported with low body pressure (generally below the ischemic threshold). In general, the performance layer can be increased in size by approximately 20% or more.

An efficient mattress which achieves good full-contour performance must also achieve efficient manufacturability and low cost. Embodiments of the mattress achieve these objectives due to a number of parameters and features. One feature is that the composite 11 is simple in that it is formed with only two layers, a performance layer 10 and a core layer 11. The performance layer 10 is located at the top of the composite 11. Being at the top and just below the cover, a need for other foam layers is eliminated thereby providing a simple structure which reduces parts and cost of assembly. The performance layer 10 is supported by the robust core layer 11. The core layer 11 in one embodiment is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 36, and a density of 1.8 lb/cf. These values for core layer 11 mean that core layer 11 will tend not to sag over the life time of the mattress and hence provide the mattress 1-1 with long life properties. The performance layer 10 is in itself simple in that only three sections, section 10-1, section 10-2 and section 1-3, are provided and hence only two vertical glue seems are required to form the performance layer 10, one between section 10-1 and section 10-2 and one between section 10-2 and section 10-3. Generally, the fewer the number of glue sections, the lower the cost. The performance layer 10 and cover 3 permit the dissipation of moisture and heat. The horizontal glue seem between the performance layer 10 and the core layer 11 is a sufficient distance from the mattress top, for example 3″, so that the glue does not form a significant barrier to air circulation and heat dissipation.

The simple and efficient structure of the mattress 1-1 results in a unidirectional mattress 1-1 since the head of a recumbent body needs to be toward the head 5-1′ of the mattress 1-1. The mattress is not reversible such that the head of the mattress 1-1 can be toward the foot 5-2 of the bed 1 (see FIG. 1) while the head of the recumbent body is toward the foot 5-2′ of the mattress 1-1.

The simple and efficient structure of the mattress 1-1 renders the mattress easily compressed, folded and roll packed for easy shipping and delivery in compact form. In the folding, the vertical seems of glue between section 10-1 and section 10-2 and between section 10-2 and section 10-3 are folded so as to be toward the outside. The mattresses of FIG. 89 and FIG. 2, for any of the sizes of TABLE 1, in such compact form is easily packaged in a 19″ by 19″ by 44″ box or smaller. The mattress is initially placed in a plastic bag. The mattress in the plastic bag is compressed from approximately 10″ or more in the Z-axis direction to approximately 4″ and then the plastic bag is sealed airtight to maintain the mattress in the compressed state. Thereafter, the compressed mattress is folded in the middle along the longitudinal direction. The folded mattress is then rolled with a diameter that is less than approximately 19″.

The foam mattress 1-1 has significant pressure reduction on the prominences of a body with simultaneous improvement of spinal alignment. Even though the mattress 1-1 is flat in appearance, a reclining body pleasantly feels the full-contour performance especially at the shoulder and the hip and the causes of sleep-disturbance common to other mattresses are dramatically reduced.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A mattress, extending in a lateral direction from side to side and extending in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot for supporting a recumbent body where the body includes a shoulder region, a thoracic region and a hip region, the recumbent body having a displacement profile where the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region, respectively, are different, the mattress comprising,

a composite extending in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction, the composite including, a performance layer including a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body, respectively, the shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section having different displacement parameters to match the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region, respectfully, for alignment of the body with low body pressure, a core layer for supporting the performance layer,
a cover for encapsulating the composite,
a pillow located in the thoracic region.

2. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the performance layer is separated from the body only by high stretch material.

3. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the displacement parameters include ILD and density and wherein the ILD of the thoracic section is greater than the ILD of the shoulder section and is greater than the ILD of the hip section.

4. The mattress of claim 3 wherein the ILD of the shoulder section is approximately 18, the ILD of the thoracic section is approximately 27 and the ILD of the hip section is approximately 23.

5. The mattress of claim 3 wherein the ILD of the shoulder section is approximately 18, the ILD of the thoracic section is approximately 27 and the ILD of the hip section is approximately 23 and wherein the density of the shoulder section is approximately 2 lb/cf, the density of the thoracic section is approximately 2 lb/cf and the density of the hip section is approximately 2 lb/cf.

6. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the core layer has an ILD of approximately 36 and a density of approximately 1.8 lb/cf.

7. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the performance layer and the core layer are polyurethane or latex.

8. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the layers are one or more of rubber, plastic, latex, memory foam, urethane, polyurethane and polymer.

9. The mattress of claim 1 wherein performance layer is latex and the core layer is polyurethane.

10. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the cover includes a stretch material that allows depression of the body into the composite without significantly modifying load deflection parameters of the composite.

11. The mattress of claim 10 wherein the stretch material has a tensile strength that allows the cover to stretch approximately 12% or more in the longitudinal direction and approximately 16% or more in the lateral direction when a recumbent body is on the mattress.

12. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the cover includes a top, sides and a bottom and includes a stretch material covering the top and the sides and including a non-stretch material on the bottom of the composite.

13. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the cover includes a top, sides and a bottom and includes a stretch material covering the top, sides and extending to the bottom of the composite and a non-stretch material on the bottom of the composite and including a zipper for zippering the stretch material to the non-stretch material on the bottom.

14. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the cover includes a top, sides and a bottom and includes a stretch material covering the top and the sides and includes an indicator stripe superimposed over the thoracic section of the performance layer and weaved into the stretch material for indicating a location of the thoracic section of the performance layer.

15. A pillow for supporting a head and neck of a reclining body on a mattress where the pillow has a pillow length, a pillow width and a pillow thickness comprising,

a core having core variable displacement parameters along the pillow length and the pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the head in a non-distorting aligned position,
a plurality of removable spacers for adjusting the height of the core.

16. The pillow of claim 15 wherein the pillow has a pillow cover including pockets for holding the spacers.

17. A mattress, extending in a lateral direction from side to side and extending in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot for supporting a recumbent body where the body includes a shoulder region, a thoracic region and a hip region, the recumbent body having a displacement profile where body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region are different, the mattress comprising,

a composite extending in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction, the composite including, a performance layer including a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body, respectively, the shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section having different displacement parameters to match body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region, respectfully, for alignment of the body with low body pressure, the displacement parameters including ILD and density wherein the ILD of the thoracic section is greater than the ILD of the shoulder section and is greater than the ILD of the hip section, the performance layer having a glue interface between the thoracic section and the hip section for providing a tactile indication of the location of the thoracic region of the performance layer, a core layer for supporting the performance layer wherein the core layer has an ILD and wherein the ILD of the core layer is greater than the ILD of the thoracic section, a cover for encapsulating the composite wherein the cover includes a stretch material that allows depression of the body into the composite without significantly modifying load deflection parameters of the composite.
Patent History
Publication number: 20160296031
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 15, 2016
Publication Date: Oct 13, 2016
Applicant: Level Sleep LLC (Sonoma, CA)
Inventor: Roger Anton SRAMEK (Tiburon, CA)
Application Number: 15/183,714
Classifications
International Classification: A47C 27/14 (20060101); A47C 27/15 (20060101); A47G 9/10 (20060101);