Abstract: A multi-purpose pillow system. The pillow system comprises a pair of compressible, shape-sustaining pillows. One pillow is wedge-shaped with a knife-edge on its inner side. The second pillow has a broad flat bottom, so that it can maintain an upright position when standing alone, and an inwardly curved top. The system includes a connecting strap by which one of the pillows is removably and adjustably connected to the other. In this way, the distance between the pillows can be changed to suit the size of the user. When joined by the strap, the pair of pillows provides both back and abdominal support for a pregnant woman or can be used as back support for a sleeping infant. The second pillow with its curved top performs well as a nursing pillow or as a lap tray for an adult or child.

Abstract: A vacuum patient positioning cushion includes an integrated rigid or semi-rigid positioning element located within a gas-impermeable outer cover, making it possible to easily and correctly position a patient for a radiation therapy or other procedure without the need or use of external positioning devices. The gas-impermeable outer covering defines an airtight enclosure having a valve stem and closeable vacuum control valve in selective fluid communication with the enclosure. The enclosure houses a filler material and a rigid or semi-rigid positioning element. A method of positioning a patient using the vacuum patient positioning cushion is also provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for improving posture while sitting, having a foundation member including a front portion for upper legs and a bowl portion for lower pelvic area. The bowl portion has a central portion and an upwardly inclined lateral portion. The lateral portion and the front portion collectively surround the central portion. The central portion has regions of varying flexibility and the lateral portion has regions of varying flexibility. The bowl portion applies an upwardly and inwardly compressive force when the lower pelvic area is disposed in the bowl portion, and rotates on a supporting surface between a first position when the lower pelvic area is not disposed in the bowl portion, and a second position, rotationally forward of the first position, when the lower pelvic area is disposed in the bowl portion, to thereby cause a forward rotational tilting of the lower pelvic area into a forward lordotic position after the lower pelvic area is placed in the bowl portion.

Abstract: A carriage for a limb support includes a space for receiving a longitudinal member of a patient support apparatus, a plurality of rollers configured to engage the longitudinal member and a locking mechanism. The plurality of rollers is configured to maintain alignment of the carriage during movement of the carriage along the longitudinal member. The carriage also includes an elastomeric member that resists rotation to prevent unwanted motion of the carriage. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the carriage to the longitudinal member at any of an infinite number of positions along the length of the longitudinal member, the locking mechanism being lockable with a single action.

Abstract: A generally C-shaped infant support pillow ideal for small, premature or disabled infants. The pillow comprises a center section with two curved arms. The arms may be the same length or one may be longer than the other. Preferably, the end of one arm is receivable in a recess formed in or near the end of the other arm, so that the pillow has an open and a closed position. The arms may have opposing, inwardly-extending bulges that divide the central well into a larger and a smaller secondary well. The inner perimeter of the center section may be elasticized to “hug” the infant. The pillow may include a strap that extends from one arm and attaches to the other. The strap can be stored in a pocket and then unfurled and removably connected to the other arm to hold the ends of the pillow together.

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 device for supporting a breast during treatment. The device includes a support arm having one or more indexed joints for repeatably positioning the device relative a patient's breast. The device includes a scoop for wedging against the patient's breast for forming the breast to a preferred shape during treatment.

Abstract: A limb support device for patient care comprising a non-deformable, non-porous hollow polyhedron comprising a top surface, a bottom, and first, second, third and fourth sides; wherein the top surface and a first side are connected along an edge of each and form an obtuse angle; wherein the second side is connected to the top surface opposite the first side and forms an obtuse angle with the top; wherein the third and fourth sides are disposed opposite each other and between the first and second sides; wherein the bottom is open and further comprises one or more lips, each lip formed along the edge and extending outwardly from the opening in the bottom along the edge of at least one of the first, second, third and fourth sides to provide a handle; and wherein the top is defined further as comprising a channel for the support/positioning of a patient's extremity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a support pillow comprises a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms that form a well region, a first side and a second side. The pillow body further includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery outlining the well region. The pillow body further comprises a fill material and a cover enveloping the fill material. The cover comprises a main section that extends about the first and second sides and the outer periphery, and a center panel coupled to the main section so as to be located along the inner periphery. Also, the center panel is constructed of a woven fabric having two grain directions that are generally perpendicular to each other and a bias. The woven fabric is generally non-stretchable in at least one of the grain directions, and the center panel is coupled to the main section so as to be substantially on the bias.

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: A pediatric surgical table configured to allow easy and quick positioning of an infant prior to craniofacial surgery which includes a head cradle with cheek supports, a chest ramp and a body support pad. The body support pad is provided with an abdominal trough to facilitate unhindered abdominal movement during breathing and a genital trough to allow placement of a urinary catheter. The chest ramp stabilizes the infant once positioned and decreases the risk of hyperextension of the neck. The cheek supports reduce the risk of ocular compression and a open chin rest area allows unrestricted placement of endotracheal tube. Straps are provided to secure the infant in place. The orientation of the chest ramp and head cradle allows for substantial adjustment of cervical extension and provides the surgeon with clear and unobstructed access to the frontal, parietal and occipital portion of the infant's skull.

Abstract: In order to improve a support (2) for supporting a patient, particularly for surgical procedures in the shoulder region, said support comprising a substantially flat body part (4) and a bowl-shaped head part, said body part (4) comprising a back part (6) and a thorax part (8) tapered in relation thereto, the head part (10) being disposed on said thorax part by means of a transitional region, with the thorax part (8) and the transitional region sloping upwards such that the head part (10) is higher than the back part (6), and with said head part being adapted to the human profile and comprising a removable, inflatable support for adapting the position of the patient to the current positional or treatment requirements, the invention proposes that the transitional region be designed as neck part (12) and also be adapted to the human profile, comprising a removable, inflatable support for adapting the position of the patient to the current positional or treatment requirements.

Abstract: A cushioning element has a first gelastic cushion element made from a flexible, resilient, gel cushioning media having shape memory. The first gelastic cushion element has a first hub section, and a first spoke and a second spoke. Each spoke has a proximal end that extends from the first hub section. Each distal end and the spoke area between the distal end and the proximal end does not interconnect to the other spoke, and/or a second gelastic cushion element having a second hub section and corresponding spokes. Each distal end is positioned near and/or contacts the second gelastic cushion element. At least one of the first hub section, the first spoke and the second spoke is capable of buckling beneath a protuberance that is located on the object.

Abstract: A foot support device applicable to a surgery table for locating and supporting a patient's foot, which includes: a main body; a space being formed in the main body; a bottom end of the main body being connectable to the surgery table; an operation member up and down movably fitted around the main body, the operation member having an insertion pin therein; and a support including a bracket and at least one support body; an insertion hole is formed on the bracket. The bracket is rotatably mounted in the space of the main body. When the operation member is moved downward, the insertion pin is inserted into the insertion hole of the bracket to fix the support. By means of rotating the operation member, the operation member can be latched with the main body.

Abstract: A feeding pillow is constructed of a pillow body that is generally defined by a medial region and two opposing arms. The medial region is configured to be placed near or adjacent a user's stomach, with the arms generally near or adjacent the user's sides. The pillow body has a top surface that is adapted to hold a baby and a bottom surface that is adapted to be placed on the user's lap. The pillow body further includes a fabric cover and a fill material disposed within the fabric cover. Also, a support member is removably positioned at or above one of surfaces such that one surface is more firm than the other surface.

Abstract: An elongated angular multiple position body pillow embodying an enlarged center section having a curved top portion and a substantially straight base, two arms extending longitudinally from the center section and at an adjustable angle thereto, the terminal ends of each arm being provided with one half of a fabric tie which fabric ties, when brought into contact with one another, cause the pillow to be temporarily fixed in a semi-toroidal shape, the elongated angular multiple position body pillow being adapted to support a user when the user is lying on her side, in a seated position, reclining with her back elevated, or nursing an infant.

Abstract: An infant holding device, including an infant holding portion, including a ductile sheet covered with infant-compatible material and a stand portion, adapted to support the infant holding portion in a vertically diagonal position, so that the infant holding portion thereby has a top and a bottom. In one preferred embodiment the ductile sheet is made of aluminum.

Abstract: A breast support pillow includes a wedge-shaped rectangular even flat surface pad thicker at a top end with an inclined upper surface and being of sufficient length to support a torso and a head of an individual/woman. The pad has a double cup recess within the upper surface at about mid-point of the length of the pad to receive the different sizes of inserts in order to different breasts' sized of the woman in a comfortable manner therein.

Abstract: A pillow assembly with multiple configurations. The pillow assembly comprises a first elongate bolster pillow and a second pillow that is either a short cylindrical pillow or a wedge-shaped pillow. The two pillows are connected by an elastic panel, and the bolster pillow can be rolled up inside the elastic panel and snugged up to the side or end of the second pillow in a stowed position.

Abstract: A pillow kit for providing comfort to user featuring a back support pillow system for positioning a user's back in a comfortable position, a C-shaped neck pillow adapted to wrap around a user's neck; and a cylindrical knee pillow adapted to be placed under a user's knees. The back support pillow system features a base pillow with a head indentation, two opposing wings for supporting the user's arms, and a removable lumbar support bar.

Abstract: A vertebrae support device. The vertebrae support device includes a base made of a yielding material and having resting surface, a rail side, a first lateral side a second lateral side, a head end, and a foot end. A first rail extends from the rail side of the base from the resting surface of the base and adjacent the first lateral side and having a rounded surface opposite the base. A second rail extends from the rail side of the base from the resting surface of the base and adjacent the second lateral side and having a rounded surface opposite the base, a trough depending between the first and second rails and toward the base at least one inch. A headrest is formed on the head end of the base.

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 rest at a back side of the individual when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual. 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 configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine.

Abstract: Ribbed gel devices for cushioning purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.

Abstract: A adjustable hairstyle protecting pillow unit complete (FIG. 1) , design and function for providing adjustability to the user due to the many different comfort levels of consumers. A user of this invention can with a push of a button adjust the unit to their desired comfortable position at any comfort level when sleeping or relaxing anywhere the user desire. The unit provides to the user a high density triple layer extremely soft memory foam to sleep and relax on which conforms to the neck ,face or ear. Thus a considerably more versatile hairstyle protecting pillow unit is provided and arisen-that can be adjusted to provide more flexibility.

Abstract: A pneumatic accumulator integral to a structural member of a person-support apparatus to store air is disclosed. The accumulator serves as a reservoir available for rapid changes in demand for pressurized air, for use by a variety of devices integral or external to the person-support apparatus or for extension and retraction of at least one portion of the person-support apparatus. A pump supplies air to the accumulator. The pump and at least one pressure sensor are in communication with a controller. At least one valve in the fluidic path is in communication with the controller and meters the supply of air. The controller may further be connected with an alarming unit, hospital network, activity log, communication station nurse call system or electronic medical records.

Abstract: A kind of assembly kit group, for use as a back cushion, a sitting cushion, and a sitting cushion having a rotatable base, with a sitting cushion cover set to cover the outside section of a cushion body, and this cushion body having a concave hole in the central section, then a combining element combines to the inside of the concave hole in the central section position of the cushion body, so as to allow the central section position of this sitting cushion cover to slide into the inside of this concave hole.

Abstract: A spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.

Abstract: What is provided is a breast support apparatus comprising a pillow comprising an inner core and concave sides; wherein the pillow is shaped to be placed between a user's breasts to be capable of providing support to the user's breasts for a user in a substantially horizontal side lying position, wherein the concave sides are shaped to be capable of making contact with one or more portions of the user's breasts between the user's breasts; and one or more gripper portions located on at least part of the concave sides that are capable of gripping the user's skin to retain the pillow between the user's breasts without requiring the use of straps or a garment to hold the pillow between the user's breasts for a user in a substantially horizontal side lying position.

Abstract: A decorative object, most conveniently embodied as a decorative pillow, is constructed to maintain a substantially fixed spatial relationship to a supporting substrate within a vehicle interior while not requiring the use of fastening means. The supporting substrate may comprise a vehicle seat. A decorative pillow is provided with a surface or surfaces providing ornamentation. Components in the interior of the pillow interact to function efficiently as a fill chamber and a ballast chamber. The ballast chamber may be positioned to avoid engagement with surfaces exposed to a user. Ballast provides for inertia so that the pillow will tend to stay in place when acceleration forces are applied thereto.

Abstract: The invention features devices for positioning and supporting the limb (e.g., an arm or leg) of a patient. The devices provide adjustable support for, e.g., the upper and lower leg. In addition, the device provides unfettered access to the patient's extremities and joints (e.g., the knee and portions of the leg above and below the knee). The invention further features methods of using the devices during diagnostic review, surgery, and rehabilitation. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone or tissue defect by using a device described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for sacral and trochanteric support and off-loading. The system provides a ultra low pressure plenum and a positioner. The patient body size and size and corresponding surface area of the positioner control the amount of gas which is displaced evenly against the walls of the ultra low pressure plenum to allow the combination of the ultra low pressure plenum and the positioner to slightly lift a patient from a bed surface, thereby offloading the sacrum and trochanter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for customization of flow characteristics of a support using permanent and controlled evacuation of interstitial gas during the manufacturing process. The flow characteristics can be customized to provide a stiffer or less stiff support by a comparative degree. The flow characteristics can be permanently changed. The support includes a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate material. The medium of the fluidized particulate material includes interstitial spaces. A predetermined amount of gas can be removed to provide a support having a desired specific support characteristic.

Abstract: A feeding pillow is constructed of a pillow body that is generally defined by a medial region and two opposing arms. The medial region is configured to be placed near or adjacent a user's stomach, with the arms generally near or adjacent the user's sides. The pillow body has a top surface that is adapted to hold a baby and a bottom surface that is adapted to be placed on the user's lap. The pillow body further includes a fabric cover and a fill material disposed within the fabric cover. Also, a support member is removably positioned at or above one of surfaces such that one surface is more firm than the other surface.

Abstract: A meditation pillow using craniosacral therapy is disclosed. The meditation pillow includes a columna vertebralis supporting part formed in a user's neck direction to support a part of a columna vertebralis located thereon, an occipital region supporting part formed at a rear of the columna vertebralis supporting part to support an occipital region of a head located thereon, and an occipital region acupressure part protrudingly formed along a superior nuchal line between an atlas and an occipital bone to stimulate nerve fibers of the occipital region.

Abstract: A spine immobilizer with removable straps for efficiently providing removable straps upon a spine immobilizer for cleaning, maintenance, replacement, or inspection purposes. The spine immobilizer generally includes an immobilizer panel comprised of a semi-rigid structure, wherein the immobilizer panel has a central support, first wings laterally extending from a first end of the central support, and second wings laterally extending from a second end of the central support, a plurality of connectors extending from a back side of the immobilization panel along the first wings and the second wings, and a plurality of strap assemblies removably connected to the plurality of connectors. The plurality of strap assemblies are adapted to removably connect to a correlating strap assembly via a buckle-connector structure and join the first wings and join the second wings of the immobilization panel about a patient.

Abstract: A prayer cushion for use during Islamic ritual prayers to reduce pain and black marks on an individual's knees and ankles comprises a generally rectangular pad of hollow polyester fibers with a soft cotton layer on top of the hollow polyester fibers. The pad has a width of about 50 cm, a length of 25 to about 50 cm and an thickness of about 14 cm. The pad also defines two relatively short longitudinally extending floor engaging channels extending from a rear edge of the cushion and is adapted to receive a portion of an individual's foot therein. The channels also have a height of about 8 cm and width of about 12 cm and extend for a length that will accommodate a portion of an individual's foot.

Abstract: A localized patient support comprises a base, an annular ring supported above the base and defining a cavity, and a gel pad having a plurality of sections located in the cavity. In some embodiments, the localized patient support includes a plurality of inflatable bladders located in the cavity between the base and the gel pad. At least some of the sections of the gel pad are vertically movable substantially independently of adjacent sections of the gel pad due to inflation or deflation of at least one of a corresponding bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders. In some embodiments, the base and the annular ring comprise foam elements. In some embodiments, a cover is provided and has a stretchable anti-shear portion over situated above the gel pad.

Abstract: A pillow having a first pillow and a second smaller pillow attached to a face of the main pillow by an attachment member that is of sufficient length and flexibility to allow the second pillow to be positioned in an infinite number of parallel and/or skewed orientations relative to the first pillow. A third pillow, also smaller than the first pillow, can be attached to the first pillow on a face opposite the second pillow by another attachment member that is of sufficient length and flexibility to allow the second pillow to be positioned relative to the first pillow and second pillow in an infinite number of parallel and/or skewed orientations. The invention provides a fully formed pillow and a pillow cover.

Abstract: A combination of a treatment device and an anterior support device is disclosed. The combination includes a treatment device having an edge and an attachment member movably secured thereto and an anterior support device having an elongated member which interacts with the attachment member. The anterior support device has first and second pivotable connectors, one being secured to the elongated member and the other to a padded rest. The anterior support device also includes first and second movable rods secured to the first and second pivotable connectors. A second end of the first movable rod is rotatably connected to a second end of the second movable rod and an actuating mechanism is connected to both of the second ends of the rods. The actuating mechanism enables the first and second rods to be locked in a set position to maintain the padded rest in a desired orientation relative to the treatment device.

Abstract: A spinal support device for providing a guide to a user lying with the user's back on a surface for positioning the user's spine correctly over the surface. The device includes an elongated guide body having a first tubular portion, a second portion, and a third tubular portion parallel to the first tubular portion, wherein the first and third tubular portions are at least partially filled with a filler material such that the second portion forms a gutter or trough between the first and third tubular portions of the guide body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially “W” shaped pillow, a pillow that is comprised of two half moons on either side of a center support strip. The contour pillow was specifically designed for a woman's body and offers comfortable support for a woman's chest area following chest surgery or breast augmentation. The application side of the pillow is placed against a woman's chest and the pillow supports tender post surgical areas. The side wings rest comfortably under each arm reducing pain and swelling. When movement is restricted and healing muscles and incision sites are supported and protected, there is less pain. The pillow helps a woman rest more comfortably during recovery, helps her to get off of her back faster after surgery, and helps her to sleep in her favorite positions as soon as possible. Quality sleep speeds healing and reduces overall recovery time.

Abstract: In an X-rayable patient positioning plate with an outer shell, enclosing a hollow space filled with filler material, the shell consists of a tub-like upper part (36) and a tub-like lower part (38), each having a tub floor (40, 42) forming the plate top side and the plate bottom side, respectively, which forms with the tub margin (44, 46) an inner angle of more than 90°, while the top part (36) and the bottom part (38) are dimensioned and fitted into each other such that the tub margins (44, 46) of the two parts (36, 38) lie flat against each other and their tub floors (40, 42) bound the hollow space of the shell between them.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto.

Abstract: An anatomical body pillow designed to assist with the physical comfort of a practitioner lying on his or her side or back. The first embodiment comprises a torso portion with arm sections to support the user's neck, shoulders and head. The arm sections may be full-length or shorter sections, while the torso region includes quilt stitching to provide anatomical definition and a plurality of pockets. A second embodiment of the device includes a lower body pillow with a waist area and leg sections. The waist may be used as a pillow for a user's head while the leg portions act as arm supports. A faux skirt is attached to the waist region to provide an optional eye covering. Heat packs, cold packs, fragrance sachets and other devices may be inserted into pockets provided in both embodiments, supplying a user with physical and therapeutic comfort while resting in a prone position.

Abstract: A hip abduction pillow is used to prevent to post operative hip dislocation of a patient that received a hip prosthesis. The hip abduction pillow in may be integrally formed rigid foam or other suitable material and enables a single person to rotate the patient from side to side with virtually no risk of post operative hip dislocation while minimizing pressure on a patient's heels to virtually eliminate heel pressure sores. The hip abduction pillow includes a base portion; a support portion; and a spacer portion. The hip abduction pillow is self-supporting and can support the patient in two stable alternative rotated positions without the need for a pillow or other support material to maintain a patient in a rotated position.

Abstract: A system for assisting and controlling the movement of a portion of a body, such as the head or head and neck is disclosed. The system and the methods of using and controlling the system can be effective in preventing and treating various conditions relating to the movement and positioning of the body or parts of the body. As such, the system can be effective in preventing and treating occipital flattening, plagiocephaly, cervical muscle tightening, torticollis, and other conditions.

Abstract: A travel face pillow provides a portable soft cushion for resting while supporting the head.

Abstract: A pillow for female breasts, comprising a pillow comprising a first lateral wall, and top and bottom walls. The top wall has first and second openings. The first and second openings receive each breast of a woman when lying thereon. A protective cover comprises a first upper portion, a bottom portion, and a second lateral wall. The first upper portion has first and second interior sidewalls that align with and fit within the first and second openings respectively. An outer cover comprises a second upper portion and a third lateral wall. The second upper portion has first and second pocket members that align with and fit within the first and second interior sidewalls that in turn align with and fit within the first and second openings respectively. The protective cover is dressed on the pillow, and the outer cover is dressed on the protective cover and the pillow.

Abstract: One embodiment of a portable acrobatic training apparatus (I) with which to support and instruct athletes learning back handsprings having opposing flat vertical ends (16), a resilient arcuate uppermost surface (10), a flat horizontal base (12), and a convex near surface (14). Said trainer apparatus is of approximate elliptical shape, rests on its base until intentionally activated by user, is self-limiting rotationally, and returns to start position automatically following each usage.