Abstract: The lumbar support mechanism and an adjustable bed having the same. The lumbar support mechanism includes a lumbar support member; first, second, third and fourth support legs; a linkage member; and first and second lumbar support brackets operably attachable to a back platform of the adjustable bed. The first and second support legs are pivotally connected between the lumbar support member and the linkage member; and the third and fourth support legs are pivotally connected between the first and second support legs, and the first and second lumbar support brackets, respectively, such that the lumbar support member is operably movable between a retracted position and an expanded (ejected) position when the linkage member moves between first and second positions. The lumbar support is provided when the lumbar support member is in the ejected position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a support element and a conformable riser element adjacent the support element. The riser element and the support element collectively form a body support member configured to support a user and define a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the user's arm. The riser element and the support element are each disposed within a casing formed at least in part with a stretch material. In some embodiments, the riser element includes a polyester filler material and the stretch material includes a four-way stretch material. The four-way stretch material in combination with the polyester filler material enables the riser element to be conformable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a support element that has a first end portion and a second end portion and a top surface disposed at an angle relative to a bottom surface of the support element. The second end portion has a height greater than the first end portion. A riser element is configured to be coupled proximate to the second end portion of the support element. A body element is configured to be disposed on at least one of the support element or the riser element. The body element has a first arm and a second arm connected together by an arc portion.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the configuration of a patient support apparatus includes a patient support apparatus having at least one actuator configured to adjust the configuration of the patient support apparatus and a control unit to control the at least one actuator. The control unit has a memory that is configured to store patient support apparatus configurations. The control unit is also configured to: receive a first input including patient risk information of a patient to be supported; determine an optimum patient support apparatus configuration from the patient support apparatus configurations based on the patient risk information; receive a second input from a user to accept the determined optimum patient support apparatus configuration; and if the determined optimum patient support apparatus configuration is accepted by a user, control the at least one actuator to adjust the patient support apparatus into the determined optimum patient support apparatus configuration.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, includes an alert light assembly or an alert light module having separate zones that are individually illuminated to convey information regarding respective alert conditions. The zones each have indicia related to a particular condition of the patient support apparatus. The illuminated zones are each sufficiently large so as to be seen from afar, such as on the order of ten feet or more. Alternatively or additionally, a GUI of the patient support apparatus displays alert indicia as part of a screen saver. Further alternatively or additionally, the patient support apparatus illuminates an alert light in a manner indicating an optimal time for taking a patient's vital signs.

Abstract: A back rest assembly includes a base assembly mountable adjacent a resting surface and a back rest having a supported side pivotably supported by the base assembly and an unsupported side spaced laterally apart from the supported side along a lateral axis. When the base assembly is mounted, the back rest is positionable over the resting surface and selectively pivotable about the lateral axis for adjusting an angular position of the back rest relative to the resting surface.

Abstract: An adjustable body pillow that comprises a center section with first and second legs. One or both of the first and second legs includes an elasticized section that allows the length of the leg to extend or retract. One or both of the legs may include an inwardly extending curve or bulge along its inner perimeter. One or both of the legs may terminate in an inwardly turned toe or may include an inwardly curved foot at the end. In addition to the adjustable length afforded by the elasticized sections, these sections are flatter and amenable to folding or twisting to allow the body pillow to be arranged in multiple configurations.

Abstract: A condition correction unit includes a plan storage unit configured to store correction plans showing contents of correction of the body condition of a seated person, a presentation unit configured to read a correction plan based on a current value measured by a measurement unit from the plan storage unit and present the correction plan to the seated person, and a processing execution unit configured to execute processing to correct posture by controlling an operating unit. The plan storage unit stores the correction plan presented by the presentation unit in association with information identifying the seated person when the correction plan is presented. The processing execution unit reads the correction plan associated with the information identifying the seated person from the plan storage unit, and executes the processing to correct the posture according to correction contents shown by the correction plan.

Abstract: A system for hands-free nursing and breast pumping includes a breast compression device with a plurality of thermoformed fluid bladders designed to fit adjustably against each breast and inflate and deflate with minimal power requirements. The compression device and its controller fit inside of a nursing garment designed to receive the device and controller for optimal compression. The nursing garment and the compression device have openings over the nipples so that a breast pump flange can be inserted through them and used in a typical manner for the extraction of breast milk, thus increasing the amount of milk expressed.

Abstract: An adjustable body pillow with connectors for arranging the pillow in multiple configurations. The pillow includes a center section, a first shorter leg, a second longer leg, and a plurality of connectors. Each connector is connectable to each other connector. The connectors include a first connector on the free end of the shorter leg, a second connector on the outer periphery of the body pillow at the junction between the other end of the shorter leg and one end of the center section, a third connector in the body receiving space at the junction between one end of the longer leg and the other end of the center section, and a fourth connector on the free end of the longer leg. Using the connectors, the body pillow can be arranged in various positions depending on the changing needs of the user.

Abstract: The cervical spine assistive device is a supporting pad providing relaxation and rehabilitation to cervical spine. The cervical spine assistive device includes a semi-cylindrical base member having a saddle-shaped middle section conforming to the curvature of the cervical spine. A number of semi-spherical bulges are arranged on the middle section. The heights of the bulges gradually decrease from around the user's shoulder to the user's head so as to ensure contact and support from the neck to the head, achieving enhanced relaxation and rehabilitation.

Abstract: A post-surgical support member is configured to be placed a post-surgically between a supine patient and a support surface so as to isolate an anatomical load from a post-surgical wound against the support surface, the anatomical load produced by the weight of the supine patient.

Abstract: A health pillow includes a supine portion and two side-lying portions symmetrically arranged on the two opposite sides of the supine portion. Each of the side-lying portions has a front surface. The supine portion has a supporting protrusion extending beyond the two front surfaces, and the supporting protrusion has a flat surface extending outwardly and away from the two front surfaces. Whereby, the health pillow can help people to get better sleep quality.

Abstract: A device and related method for supporting a patient in an upright, seated position during a treatment, for example, during a physical therapy session is provided. The support device can include a base frame, a support arm, a center bolster and a back support pivotally joined with the base frame and/or the center bolster so that the center bolster is supported in an upright position by the base frame. The base frame can be configured to secure to a support structure thereby preventing the device from sliding across a surface of a support bed on which a patient is disposed. Lateral bolsters can be joined with the center bolster and/or base frame to laterally stabilize the patient. The device can be void of a seat bottom disposed under the patient. The related method can include steps of using the device.

Abstract: A positioning cushion for patient undergoing an imaging procedure in a medical imaging apparatus, with a first positioning unit that has a foam material and a second positioning unit, wherein the second positioning unit has at least one fluid cushion able to be filled with a fluid.

Abstract: A multi-position adjustable pillow intended to support a user's head, neck, shoulders, lower back, legs, and/or knees is provided. The pillow may include a cover sized to fit around a plurality of support pieces, including a top support piece and one or more removable bottom support pieces. The cover includes an aperture adapted to allow at least a bottom support piece to be inserted or removed. The aperture may be securable by a zipper or other fastening means. The support pieces may be made of a soft material, such as foam. The bottom support pieces may be made of a material that is of greater density and of lower firmness than the top support piece.

Abstract: A lower leg elevation and support device for elevating and supporting a lower leg includes a lift and a plurality of wedges. The lift and each wedge having a thick end, a thin end, a bottom, a top, and a pair of opposing sides. The tops, the bottoms and the thick ends are substantially rectangular. The opposing sides are triangular, such that the lift and the wedges are cuneal. A slot extends from the thick end of the lift to proximate to the thin end of the lift, defining an upper section and a lower section of the lift. Each wedge is insertable into the slot, elevating the upper section of the lift relative to the lower section of the lift. A plurality of fasteners is configured to secure the lift to a leg of a user.

Abstract: A post shoulder surgery rehabilitation apparatus in the form of a bed wedge having a shoulder support wedge structure attachment to provide the optimal support and comfort to a patient while resting or sleeping on a bed or similar structure. An exemplary embodiment of the bed wedge apparatus is capable of being inflated and deflated to the optimal angle for comfort and support for the repaired shoulder by means of a remote control switch by the patients themselves without assistance from a caregiver. Alternate embodiments of the bed wedge apparatus include ones without the need for inflation or deflation and ones that have shoulder support wedge structures for both shoulders after surgery.

Abstract: A patient support surface includes a cushion and an inflatable patient positioning unit. The cushion is adapted to support a patient. The inflatable patient positioning unit is arranged over a portion of a top side of the cushion at a foot end of the cushion. The inflatable patient positioning unit includes a plurality of positioner bladders shaped so that when inflated a distal end of each positioner bladder is taller than a proximal end of the positioner bladder.

Abstract: An adjustable positioning roll including a support portion having a support side and a substantially flat base surface, and one or more separately formed base portions, or elevating portions, configured to have a substantially same length and width as the flat base surface, the one or more base portions being detachably coupled to the flat base surface of the support portion.

Abstract: The surgical orientation system is used to assist a surgeon to orient a prosthetic component relative to a patient's anatomy during surgery. An embodiment is particularly suited for assisting surgeons to locate an acetabular cup into a reamed acetabulum. The system includes: an implement (1) for releasable attachment of a prosthetic component; an electronic orientation monitor (2) attached to the implement (1); and a brace (3). The brace (3) is releasably attachable to the patient so as to define a reference point (4) relative to the patient's anatomy. This reference point (4) is external of the patient and includes at least one surface (5) defining a reference plane that is used to orient the monitor (2) into a reference orientation to calibrate the monitor (2).

Abstract: A planar support assembly for use with a patient body support, an extension support assembly, and a plurality of interchangeable head supports is provided. The extension support assembly is releasably mounted on a portion of the patient body support such that the extension support assembly extends outwardly from the patient body support. The planar support assembly includes a generally planar support configured to releasably attach to an end of the extension support assembly opposite the patient body support. The planar support is configured to receive and support one of a plurality of interchangeable head supports, and the planar support is adjustable with respect to the patient body support in two or more dimensions.

Abstract: The present embodiment is a therapeutic cushion for relieving lower back pain. The therapeutic cushion comprises a flat, elongated base, a rounded arc, and two semicircles slopping downwards on both sides of a rounded arc. The flat, elongated base of the therapeutic cushion is positioned on a surface of mattresses, sofas, and seats. When a user utilizes the therapeutic cushion in the supine position, the rounded arc elevates the lumbar spine, thus providing support for the lumbar area. The two semicircles serve to provide support for the sacroiliac joint and upper lumbar area.

Abstract: An extra-oral medical device is disclosed for treating respiratory conditions and maintaining an open airway. The device comprises a pair of jaw thrusters that affix to a headgear appliance encircling or otherwise attaching around a user's head. The thrusters include a pair of pads that attach to the headgear via two adjustable ear surrounds and place a forward load against the angle of a user's mandible. The forward load forces the mandible and the tongue forward, displacing the tongue from the posterior oropharynx and performing a jaw thrust maneuver for airway management. The device is adapted for medical and personal use, wherein the headgear can be worn while sleeping to treat sleep apnea, excessive snoring and other respiratory disorders, or alternatively may be used by medical professionals to maintain an open airway during a procedure or medical emergency.

Abstract: An acupressure pillow includes pressure members that are interconnected by an elastic member and arranged so that, when the user rests a body part (e.g., head or neck) on the pillow between the pressure members, the pressure members automatically adjust to accommodate the body part and produce pressure on the body part due at least in part to the elastic member, which biases the pressure members toward one another. Thus, the pressure exerted on the body part may have different vector components, including some pressure produced essentially perpendicular to the pillow surface on which the body part rests and some pressure produced at other angles due to the shape of the pressure members and the inward force on the pressure members produced by the elastic member.

Abstract: A reconfigurable support pillow comprising an elongate center section with a short, curved arm on each end. Between each of the arms and the center section is a substantially flat connecting section with inwardly curved side edges. This shape allows the pillow to be placed into several configurations. In a first configuration, the center section is bent and the connecting sections overlap each other without creating a thickened area at the point where the connecting sections cross. Additionally, the curved ends of the pillow arms can be overlapped providing an oval configuration with a double thickness at one side. Still further, the pillow can be used with the center section straight and curved arms turned inward towards each other. Each configuration provides different advantages and use. The pillow may comprise a washable cover with removable inserts.

Abstract: An accessory flat-top panel for use with a surgical table includes a board adapted to support a patient, a left attachment pylon coupled to the board, and a right attachment pylon coupled to the board. The left and right attachment pylons are each formed to include channels sized to receive a rail included in a surgical table. The width of the board between a left side and a right side of the board is greater than the width of a pair of rails included in a surgical table to support portions of a patient wider than pair of rails included in the support top.

Abstract: A method and a system have been described to determine a pressure relief set point for a person-support apparatus. The method includes determining the change in pressure or volume in a zone from a vacant mode to a person occupied mode and computing the weight supported there from.

Abstract: A surgical assembly (20) comprises a post (100) having a longitudinally extending axis (104), a support (56) for resisting movement of the post in a negative longitudinal direction, and a platform (70) offset from the support in a positive longitudinal direction. The platform includes an opening (82) through which the post projects. The opening includes a throat (86). The post has a first dimension which renders the post incapable of passing through the throat and a second dimension which renders the post capable of passing through the throat. Alternate embodiments in which the post can be removably engaged with the support and platform and disengaged therefrom without translating the post in the longitudinal direction are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic pillow designed to address the limitations in current available shoulder pillows. An orthopedic pillow according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has a bottom surface bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges; a first end surface intersecting with the leading edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; a second end surface intersecting with the trailing edge and oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface; and a contoured upper surface extending from the first side edge to second side edge, the contoured upper surface intersecting with the first end surface and the second end surface.

Abstract: Conformable support systems for conforming to a body are described in which a support assembly may be provided to support particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The conforming support may generally comprise a central portion, a first side portion attached to the central portion, and a second side portion attached to the central portion opposite to the first side portion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a Compartmented Cushioning Device and Method offering one or more cool or warm feeling compartments, formed between or surrounded by one or more components, with each component, including filler material encased in surface material. The presence of one or more compartment openings provide access to the one or more compartments; whereby a user has multiple options when placing all or part of one or more of their fingers, hands, wrists, or arms into either the same or separate compartments to cushion, insulate, or protect them; while in addition, allowing the user to cushion, insulate, or protect, as well as support, adjust, or precisely position their head, face, or other parts of their body. An assortment of configurations, ranging from soft to firm, can be designed in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes, for a wide variety of uses: indoors, outdoors, or in vehicles.

Abstract: An adjustable positioning roll including a support portion having a support side and a substantially flat base surface, and one or more separately formed base portions, or elevating portions, configured to have a substantially same length and width as the flat base surface, the one or more base portions being detachably coupled to the flat base surface of the support portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an inexpensive orthopedic pillow comprising multiple cushion elements surrounding or associated with an inner air chamber in a composite pillow that is easily adjusted, reconfigured, broken-down, and customized such that the pillow can be conformed to suit the needs of any person in any environment wherever a pillow is necessary or desirable, whether for sitting, reclining, sleeping, or any other purpose. A covering sheath may or may not be included and an inflation control valve may regulate the volume and pressure of the inner air chamber. Each of the internal components may be adjusted and swapped for other components at any time according to user preferences or physician specifications.

Abstract: A combination sleeve/glove pillow allows extra comfort for arm sleepers and in situations like workbreaks or unusual sleeping quarters. A padded cylindrical pillow material between 1 and 3 cm thick and between 20 to 30 cm long is covered with cloth, allowing an arm to slide through. The cylindrical section is then attach to an upper and lower hand portion, each of which include pillow material covered with cloth, and attached to each other. The pillow provides comfort under multiple scenarios while allow the user free hand movement.

Abstract: A portable boot style stirrup assembly with leg support for use during medical procedures. The portable boot style stirrup assembly affixes to the existing stirrup footrests found about medical examination tables, resultantly increasing procedural efficiency and decreasing doctor cost of the performance of in-office medical procedures, increasing patient comfort during prolonged procedures, and increasing doctor and patient safety during procedures. The portable boot style stirrup assembly includes a boot shell structure which supports a patient's foot and calf and a receptacle constructed and arranged to receive the existing stirrup footrest of medical procedure tables and allow for adjustment of the adductive and abductive angle positioning of a patient's leg for examination and surgical procedures.

Abstract: This application relates to operating tables and accessories designed to facilitate surgical procedures on a limb, especially, but not exclusively, orthopaedic procedures involving the distraction, dislocation or replacement of a joint. A such accessory includes a table-mounted component (200) including a patient support (103) and a floor-standing component (200) including an articulated limb support beam (205). Cooperating locating features including a notch 118 and guide channels (217) on the two components locate the components relative to each other. They are designed so that with the patient support (103) supporting at least some of the weight of the patient, the articulated limb support beam (205) is properly positioned to support and manipulate the limb. Moreover, they are so configured as to allow the table to be tilted relative to the floor-standing component (200) while continuing to locate the components relative to each other.

Abstract: A surgical operating table has a plurality of sections, connected to each other and capable of being pivoted at least in vertical plane, and upon which the patient is rested while a surgical procedure is performed. These sections include a back support, which comprises a lower back section, a middle back section protruding therefrom, and two shoulder sections disposed on either side of the middle back section and releasably secured to the lower back section. In the releasing process, the shoulder section is first pivoted to an inclined angle downward from a plane of the lower back section and the middle back section, thus enabling a protrusion on the shoulder section to be released from a clamping of the frame portion and the rod, on the lower back section after which the shoulder section is capable of being pulled away and removed from the lower back section.

Abstract: A support apparatus configured to support a prone user in a position that is conducive to interacting with a media item that is also supported thereon. The apparatus includes an upper body support that is configured to support an upper body of a prone user. The upper body support includes a base support member that provides a cushioned surface. The upper body support includes a chest support member extending upwardly from the base support member. The apparatus includes a strip extending frontwardly from the upper body support. The strip is a sheet of flexible material is a width that is substantially equal to the base support member. The apparatus includes a media support member that is coupled to the strip, opposite of the upper body support. The media support member includes a media support structure that is configured to support a media item in a viewable position.

Abstract: A patient lifter is provided which includes a pair of side members with a patient support extending therebetween. Arcuate front supports extend from a first end of each side member and the inside bend of each arcuate front support generally faces the patient support. A handle at a second end of the side members facilitates a lift. As the lift begins, a first mechanical advantage is effected by the patient being relatively close to a fulcrum of the lifter. Large vertical travel by the lifting force results in relatively little vertical travel by the patient. As the lift progresses, and the one doing the lift is in a better position to exert additional lifting force, the fulcrum shifts to provide a second, lower, mechanical advantage, but the patient moves further in the vertical direction relative to the vertical travel of the handle.

Abstract: A method of swaddling a baby includes providing a blanket having a pair of spaced-apart sleeves attached to the blanket and a pair of leg openings that extend fully through the blanket. Each leg opening is located generally beneath a respective one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A diaper changing station assembly includes a mat that has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge includes a front side, a back side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A top pad is attached to and covers a portion of the top side. A bottom pad has a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge. The bottom surface is attached to and covers a portion of the bottom side. A portion of the bottom pad is unattached to the mat adjacent to the peripheral edge to define a bag pocket extending between the mat and the bottom pad. The bag is removable from the pocket after the soiled diaper is changed to receive the mat. The bag is configured to receive the soiled diaper for disposal of the mat and the soiled diaper.

Abstract: A pillowcase having one or more pockets is provided. In one embodiment, the pillowcase includes a first panel, a second panel, an open end adapted to receive a pillow, and a pocket. The pocket is coupled to the pillowcase to form a pocket cavity, and an entry thereto. The pocket cavity is adapted to receive, through the entry, an appendage of a user.

Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongate pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to concurrently rest at a back side of the individual and an adjacent surface of a bed when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes a flexible attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual's bed clothing. The attachment structure provides sufficient flexibility to allow the pillow to rotate with respect to and rest against the individual's back to a laterally offset and suspended, partial captured configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine and in concurrent contact with the bed surface to prevent a supine sleeping position.

Abstract: An inflatable body contour support cushion comprises a bladder comprising a flexible material. Said bladder is configured to retain a quantity of material to maintain said bladder in a flaccid state in which the material flows freely within said bladder. Said bladder is further configured to support a body contour by filling the space between the body contour and a surface against which the body contour is resting. A valve mechanism is configured to enable addition and removal of the material from said bladder in which a user can adjust a level of the support.

Abstract: A post shoulder surgery rehabilitation apparatus in the form of a bed wedge with a shoulder support wedge attachment to provide the optimal support and comfort to a patient while resting or sleeping on a bed or similar structure. An exemplary embodiment of the bed wedge apparatus is capable of being inflated and deflated to the optimal angle for comfort and support for the repaired shoulder by means of a remote control switch by the patients themselves without assistance from a caregiver. Alternate embodiments of the bed wedge apparatus include ones without the need for inflation or deflation and ones that have shoulder support wedges for both shoulders after surgery.

Abstract: A sacrum support pillow comprises a three-sided deformable member having a length and a width. The length defines a central region disposed between first and second ends. The width in the central region is greater than the width in the first and second ends such that the width tapers to points near the first and second ends. The three sided deformable member defines three edges, and wherein a deformable member surface is located between the first and second edges, the second and third edges, and the third and first edges, and wherein each surface is concave and may have a different width. An outer covering encloses the three sided deformable member.

Abstract: A back support device (100) having a first convex region (160) and a concave region (200) being connected to the first convex region (160), the first convex region (160) and the concave region (200) being configured to support respective regions of a user's back, wherein a ratio between a straight line distance across the first convex region (160) and a straight line distance across the concave region (200) approximates a geometric progression.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head and neck of a user for airway management includes a head-supporting surface dimensioned to receive and support the head of the user and a neck-supporting surface connected to the head-supporting surface, wherein the neck-supporting surface is dimensioned to receive and support the neck of the user; wherein the head-supporting surface and neck-supporting surface are configured so that when the user is lying on his or her side with a side of his or her head positioned on the head-supporting surface and a side of his or her neck on the neck-supporting surface, the user's head and neck are automatically aligned in the sniff position for improved airway management.

Abstract: A portable, unitary, lightweight, weather-proof support mat to reduce physical stress on a user caused by standing, sitting or kneeling on a hard surface for prolonged periods. The support mat provides a non-slip surface and an integral handle opening. The support mat is manufactured of rubber or other resilient material and may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes.