Abstract: Adjustable mattress assemblies are described in which a mattress incorporates regions where additional pressure reduction is adjustable via pliable fluid bladders filled with a gas or fluid. Such areas of the mattress where additional pressure reduction is desired may include regions of the mattress which support areas of the body which may be particularly susceptible to pressure ulcers such as the heels, sacral regions, etc.

Abstract: A pillow formed by a folded over foam substrate, has attached at its respective distal end an openable inner compartment. The inner compartment can be filled with variable inserts for back of head and neck support, wherein the inserts includes loose fibrous materials or loose pieces of viscoelastic foam, either loose or in discrete closed pouches. This utilizes the softness and support of the materials, to individually vary the softness and support as the user of the pillow chooses. This promotes interchangeability of the interior pillow materials. The pillowcase may include an internal opened sleeve at one end of the pillowcase, to enhance the ease and speed of inserting pillows within pillowcases, with extra manual shoving and manipulation.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data associated with a sleep session of a user. The method also includes determining that the user is experiencing or has experienced an event based at least in part on the data. The method also includes causing pressurized air to be directed from a respiratory device to a multi-compartment bladder in response to determining that the user is experiencing or has experienced the event to aid in modifying a position of a head of the user.

Abstract: A pillow component includes a material layer having a top layer, a bottom layer and one or more sides separating the top layer from the bottom layer, and an interior spaced defined between the top layer and the bottom layer, the interior space configured to receive a filler. The material layer is formed by seamless knitting and is seamless about an entirety of a periphery extending in a first direction around the top layer, the bottom layer and the one or more sides. The characteristics of the knit material layer or fabric can be widely varied. A pillow includes the pillow component and a filler in the interior space.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a travel pillow. The travel pillow comprises a connecting rod having a first end and a second end, and a first pillow body and a second pillow body. Each of the first pillow body and the second pillow body comprises a frame and a soft cushion mounted on the frame. One end of the frame of the first pillow body is coupled to the first end of the connecting rod. The first pillow body is configured to be rotated at the first end of the connecting rods and locked at a predetermined angle. One end of the frame of the second pillow body is coupled to the second end of the connecting rod. The second pillow body is configured to be rotated at the second end of the connecting rods and locked at a predetermined angle. The travel pillow has a height which is adjusted by changing the angle between the first pillow body and the connecting rod and the angle between the second pillow body and the connecting rod. Moreover, a fastening means is used for carrying and securing the travel pillow.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow is invented to provide an effective and efficient method to improve the oral intubation procedure in the pre-hospital setting, both in the ground and air ambulances along with emergency rooms in hospitals to eliminate intubation failures. The inflatable pillow comprises a bladder body and an air valve. The air valve is distally positioned on the body so that the air valve is not in the way when a user is positioning a patient's head on the pillow. Thus, the inflatable pillow can be positioned or moved more towards the patient's neck and shoulder area for a better head position or view of the vocal cords. Additionally, the inflatable pillow can be used to adjust the height of the patient's head by inflating and/or deflating the pillow through the air valve prior to and/or during the first pass intubation procedure, thus, making the intubation procedure more reliable.

Abstract: Method of repairing a seat cushion; and, in particular, method of repairing a flattened seat cushion having a fill which has been compressed over time, for example. Method of repairing a seat cushion include providing a cushion having a flattened fill, opening the cushion, removing the flattened fill, providing an inflatable insert, and inflating the inflatable insert to fill the cushion.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a cushioned component having a lattice matrix, wherein the lattice matrix includes a first portion defined by a first pattern of interconnected links which defines a first set of cells, and a second portion defined by a second pattern of interconnected links which defines a second set of cells. The first portion of the lattice matrix includes a density profile that is different than a density profile of the second portion of the lattice matrix. An air bladder is disposed within a core portion of the lattice matrix and includes a non-porous outer casing surrounding an interior cavity. The outer casing of the air bladder and the lattice matrix are integrated components comprised of a common material to define a monolithic structure created using an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: The utility model provides an airbag for a pillow with adjustable height, wherein it is comprised: multiple airbag units arranged in stack, multiple supporting and connecting holes arranged in array in the opposite direction as the airbag units; two adjacent airbag units communicating through the said supporting and connecting holes; during the inflation or deflation process of the said airbag unit, the gas flows into or out of the airbag from the multiple supporting and connecting holes simultaneously, so that the inflation velocity of each part of the airbag unit is uniform, and the overall height of the airbag changes synchronously with the inflation or deflation. The utility model provides an airbag and a pillow for the height adjusting pillow, during the inflation or deflation process of the airbag unit, the overall height of the airbags changes synchronously with the inflation or deflation.

Abstract: An airbag includes: a welding portion that bonds peripheral edges of a pair of sheet portions to each other to form a bag shape, in which the airbag is formed to have a pair of holding portions that holds a held body portion therebetween, and at least one of the two sheet portions is formed with a pair of melting portions extending in directions away from mutually facing portions of the two holding portions in the welding portion.

Abstract: A novel pillow is provided to easily adjust its height by pulling a lever on the side of the pillow to activate the air control valve configured to personalize the head support needed for that individual. Pulling the lever to a fully open position creates a larger air passage to the inflatable bladder and activates an air pump for rapid inflation of the pillow so as to increase its height. With a user head laying over the pillow, pulling a lever slightly opens up a smaller opening suitable for gradual deflation of the pillow and reducing its height caused by the pressure generated by the head. Soft comfort portion on top of the pillow enclosed in a stretchable fabric reduces surface tension and creates a softer feeling for the user thereby improving comfort and consequently sleep quality. An altimeter may be incorporated with the bladder to easily monitor sleep patterns of the user.

Abstract: An air bed is provided, including: an upper sheet, a lower sheet, a left side sheet, a right side sheet, a first structural pull belt and a second structural pull belt, wherein the upper sheet, the lower sheet, the left side sheet and the right side sheet define one air chamber. The upper sheet and the lower sheet are connected with each other at the front and the back, and an inner edge of a joint between the upper sheet and the lower sheet is provided with the first structural pull belt. The left side sheet is connected with the upper sheet and the lower sheet to form a left side wall of the air bed, and an inner edge of a left joint is provided with the second structural pull belt.

Abstract: A CPAP pillow relies on a shell shaped to provide large reservoirs of fill particles near or against the shoulders of a user and around and under the neck. The system and method uncouple the spring forces supporting a user from the forces used to configure the shape of the pillow in use. Thus, a user can fit the pillow to the body profile in three dimensions with substantially no residual pre-loading to cause discomfort, pressure points, or unsupported regions. The pillow supports, contacts, and cradles the head and neck. It accommodates shoulder intrusion without moving the pillow away from supporting the neck.

Abstract: A support pillow has a pillow-fill unit comprising pillow fill material, a neck support unit comprising an inflatable air bladder and a pillow case having a first sleeve for receiving the pillow-fill unit and a second sleeve for receiving the cervical or neck support unit. The second sleeve of the pillow case includes padding on an inner sleeve surface. The inflatable air bladder includes a valve that operates in a first state to allow an input of pressurized air and in a second state to allow an exit of bladder-stored air. Adding air to the inflatable air bladder, in the first state, increases a size of and pressure in the inflatable air bladder. Also, the padding on the inner sleeve surface of the second sleeve is soft, and compressible.

Abstract: A support pillow has a pillow-fill unit comprising pillow fill material, a neck support unit comprising an inflatable air bladder and a pillowcase having a first sleeve for receiving the pillow-fill unit and a second sleeve for receiving the cervical or neck support unit. The second sleeve of the pillowcase includes padding on an inner sleeve surface. The inflatable air bladder includes a valve that operates in a first state to allow an input of pressurized air and in a second state to allow an exit of bladder-stored air. Adding air to the inflatable air bladder, in the first state, increases a size of and pressure in the inflatable air bladder. Also, the padding on the inner sleeve surface of the second sleeve is soft, and compressible. One or more foam substrates are added to support the skull above the nape of the neck.

Abstract: CNH Donut is a pressure and pain relieving prosthesis, and sleep aid, to be used with a standard pillow, for persons suffering with Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronic helicis, (CNH) Invention is a novel assemblage, comprised of 2 contiguous foam strips, curved into a “lachrymiform” shape, covered in cylindrical nylon spandex, then affixed with a headstrap, allowing patients to sleep directly on the injured ear, to roll over, and sleep on their preferred side, without pain. Invention is lightweight, yet firm enough to support a head. The smaller size, and unique “contiguous” placement of thick foam bands, as opposed to stuffing or fill, creates CNH Donut's distinctive strength, and “teardrop shaped” inner circle, using the natural arc, and firm properties of the foam to best advantage.

Abstract: A novel pillow is provided to easily adjust its height by pulling one or both levers of a unique double-lever air valve. Pulling a first lever opens up a smaller opening suitable for gradual deflation of the pillow and reducing its height under a pressure of a user head laying over the pillow. Pulling both levers together activates an electrically driven air pump to rapidly inflate the pillow through a larger opening so as to increase its height.

Abstract: A wheelchair cushion comprises a dual stiffness fluid. A cushion also comprises an ability to adjust fluid volume.

Abstract: A stretchable pillowcase with an inflatable pillow or bladder having an attached pouch that can be folded onto itself and enclose the pillow and cover therein during non-usage. But, the pillow and case can be removed from the pouch, the pillow inflated, to provide a cushion use of the pillow for comfort, and to use as a flotation device, for recreational purposes. The pillow is made of a water-proof and inflatable material, such as polymer and rubber, and the case may be formed of a resilient fabric material. Its pouch likewise, is fabricated from an expandable material, to allow it to fold onto itself, and enclose the pillow and case therein, once the former has been deflated.

Abstract: A furniture element is characterized in that it comprises a first flexible inner envelope (30) defining therein a first volume (22) adapted to receive a material comprising a fluid with a first density and a second flexible outer envelope (10), the inner envelope and the outer envelope defining together a second volume (21) surrounding the first volume (22) and adapted to receive a second material comprising a fluid and flexible particles with a second density higher than the first density, a first closable port (40) for entry or exit of fluid into/from said first volume, opening to the outside, and a second closable port (50) for the entry or exit of fluid into/from said second volume, opening to the outside. The invention can be used in particular for improving the comfort and facilitating the transportation of large volume seat-type or cushion type elements (typically from 0.2 to 1 m2) for outdoor use (terraces, swimming pools, etc.).

Abstract: A personal seasonal pillow for accommodating different temperatures occurring during different seasons is disclosed comprising a cool side and a warm side opposite the cool side. A gel layer is associated with the cool side containing a fluid gel, and a layer of insulating fill is associated with the warm side. A cool side indicator is associated with the cool side; and a warm side indicator is associated with the warm side whereby the person may easily identify the desired side.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conforming 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: 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 foam-air mattress includes a mattress housing, including a top layer and a bottom layer; a plurality of air chambers, disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the plurality of air chambers are configured to be connected to a pumping system via a tubing assembly; and a plurality of compartments formed by the mattress housing and the plurality of air chambers, configured to accept foam inserts. The plurality of air chambers, when inflated by the pumping system, are configured to compress foam inserts disposed within the plurality of compartments so as to increase the density of the foam inserts. This arrangement has applications in both the consumer and medical airbed contexts, as well as in other support system contexts, such as seat cushions for chairs.

Abstract: A pillow assembly that utilizes a hood to inhibit certain movements of the head. The pillow assembly utilizes a pillowcase having a top surface and a bottom surface. The pillowcase can be stuffed to become a pillow or can be used to cover a preexisting pillow. A hood structure is sewn onto the pillowcase. The hood structure is sewn onto the pillowcase along a single main seam. The sewing of the hood to the pillowcase along a single seam creates features in the hood structure that are beneficial to the comfortable restraint of the user's head. Furthermore, the hood structure has a forward opening, a hood apex, and a rear seam that extends from the apex down to the single main seam. The rear seam also helps to reinforce the hood structure so it can better prevent unintentional movements of the user's head.

Abstract: A support apparatus, for use in supporting a device such as a sex toy, the inflatable apparatus comprising an attachment portion and a holding portion which is attached to the attachment portion, and which defines an aperture therethrough, the holding portion having an inflatable element which is operable to adjust the size of said aperture.

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: A personal seasonal pillow for accommodating different temperatures occurring during different seasons is disclosed comprising a cool side and a warm side opposite the cool side. A gel layer is associated with the cool side containing a fluid gel, and a layer of insulating fill is associated with the warm side. A cool side indicator is associated with the cool side; and a warm side indicator is associated with the warm side whereby the person may easily identify the desired side.

Abstract: A multipurpose, ergonomic, adjustable head, neck, and face pillow for use in sleeping and resting positions, both supine and upright. The pillow includes a contoured pillowcase that is used to adjust for pillow firmness. The pillowcase has a hook-and-loop closure that is used to adjust the pillow's firmness and thickness. The contoured pillowcase can be made of materials including cotton, satin, water resistant fabric, etc. The pillow insert is generally rectangular in shape with a U-shaped offset cutout along one side that can be rotated to accommodate a variety of sleeping and resting positions. The pillow insert can be filled with an array of soft loose fill including polyester fill, down, down alternative, wool, etc.

Abstract: Provided is a pillow to support the head and neck of a user. The pillow includes an inflatable bladder assembly, a sheet, a fill material and a pillow casing. The inflatable bladder assembly includes an inflatable bladder. The sheet has a pocket securing the inflatable bladder. The fill material has a fold defining a first panel and a second panel of the fill material. The sheet is disposed in the fill material such that the sheet spans the first panel and the second panel and the inflatable bladder is disposed about the fold. The pillow casing secures the fill material, the sheet and the bladder, wherein the first panel and the second panel provide a friction surface to the sheet that secure the sheet and the inflatable bladder secured in the pocket within the fill material in a friction fitting.

Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.

Abstract: An ergonomical pillow for head rest, comprising: a pillow surface, a pillow, a shock absorbing and pressure relief cushion, the pillow surface and the pillow are made from soft buffer material, the pillow has at least one hollow pore, the shock absorbing and pressure relief cushion covers top of the hollow pore, the pillow surface covers top of the shock absorbing and pressure relief cushion. The pillow surface and shock absorbing and pressure relief cushion can settle into a groove, where the level of which is subject to user's weight, to provide appropriate support for a body type. The present invention provides excellent extent for coverage and user's head positioning such that the head and neck are settled in a proper position, and guides user to rest his/her shoulder near bottom edge of the pillow to avoid neck muscle spasm, and can offer equalized pressure relief.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pillow (10), comprising two sheets of flexible material, joined together to define a space, suitable for inflating to provide a cushioned support. The pillow has a head zone (16) for providing cushioning means to a users head and two wings (18), configured to extend away from the head zone such that the pillow is substantially U-shaped in the plane of the pillow, when deflated. A channel (22) is provided between the sheets of flexible material to connect the wings (18). The channel (22) is positioned at a point in the head zone (16) furthermost from the wing ends (20). The width of the channel increases from the centre line (24) such that when the pillow is inflated, the pillow has a substantially V-shaped profile, formed about the centre line (24) and centerred on the channel (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pillow (10), comprising two sheets of flexible material, joined together to define a space, suitable for inflating to provide a cushioned support. The pillow has a head zone (16) for providing cushioning means to a user's head and two wings (18), configured to extend away from the head zone such that the pillow is substantially U-shaped in the plane of the pillow, when deflated. A channel (22) is provided between the sheets of flexible material to connect the wings (18). The channel (22) is positioned at a point in the head zone (16) furthermost from the wing ends (20). The width of the channel increases from the center line (24) such that when the pillow is inflated, the pillow has a substantially V-shaped profile, formed about the center line (24) and centered on the channel (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decubitus cushion comprising a core and a jacket, wherein the core comprises viscoelastic material and the jacket comprises a cover layer of material promoting air circulation fixedly or reversibly removable at at least the side facing the skin.

Abstract: A sleeping aid device for use when a person is in a seated position, which may provide support for one side of the person's head and/or neck in a semi-lateral direction toward one shoulder through a pillow having a filled shape adapted to rest on the shoulder and support the side of the head, and a counterweight sling strap that goes across the body, connected to the pillow, forming a loop for holding the person's forearms. The sling strap may have a length sufficient to allow both forearms when crossed to be rested on its looped length, and a width sufficient to form a sling to stably support both forearms crossed thereon. The length of the sling strap may be adjusted for better balance in holding the person's forearms.

Abstract: A compressible or retractable support is installed inside an air blower cavity of a body support system, such as a medical mattress with forced air flow. The support is compressed or retracted within the cavity when the air blower is inserted in the dynamic configuration of the body support system. The support rebounds to an uncompressed state to fill a greater portion of the air blower cavity when the air blower is removed to convert the body support system to a static configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a pillow to support the head and neck of a user. The pillow includes an inflatable bladder assembly, sheet, fill material and pillow casing. The inflatable bladder assembly includes an inflatable bladder. The sheet has a pocket securing the bladder. The fill material has a fold defining a first panel and a second panel of the fill material. The sheet is disposed in the fill material such that the sheet spans the first panel and the second panel and the bladder is disposed about the fold. The pillow casing secures the fill material, sheet and bladder. The pillow casing has a stitching that secures the sheet in relation to the fill material and secures the fill material in relation to the pillow casing. The stitching defines a depression at a predetermined position of one or more of a top surface and a bottom surface of the pillow casing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in various exemplary embodiments thereof, to an inventive configurable pillow case comprising an internally disposed primary compartment (for receiving a primary insert (e.g., a conventional pillow), and at least one secondary compartment, positioned proximally to the pillow case top surface, that is sized and configured to receive, and releaseably retain, one or more correspondingly sized and configured secondary inserts that provide one or more predefined desirable physical characteristics/properties/functions and/or features to the resulting “pillow assembly”. In various exemplary embodiments thereof, when the primary resilient insert is removed therefrom, the inventive configurable pillow case, along with the at least one secondary insert positioned in the at least one secondary compartment, may be rolled up and secured in a generally cylindrical form for storage, travel, and/or alternative uses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a method for securing a patient for a medical procedure and specifically for an innovative headrest system for securing a patient for an ocular imaging procedure. The approach avoids the need for linkages and sliding rods and such. Instead, it relies on three independently movable face rests (two for the forehead or temples and one for the chin) each with a deformable cushion that is urged into conformity with the patient's head and chin during an adjustment phase of operation. Once a comfortable position and suitable conforming shape is achieved, the positions of the face rests are rigidly fixed and the shape of the cushions are rendered rigid and non-deformable, by application of a light vacuum, for the procedural or imaging phase of operation.

Abstract: A device for supporting a patient during a radiological imaging procedure is disclosed. The device includes a base, a support member pivotally coupled to the base and configured to receive a portion of the patient undergoing the radiological imaging procedure and an adjustment device comprising an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder has a first portion acting on the base and a second portion acting on the support member. An inflatable state of the adjustment device is controllable to selectively adjust an angular positioning of the support member relative to the base.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a head and neck support cushion. The cushion includes a selectively inflatable cushion having: a central elongate portion having a first end opposite a second end, a first side portion extending from the first end of the central elongate portion, and a second side portion extending from the second end of the central elongate portion, wherein the first side portion is substantially parallel to the second side portion; one or more inflation actuators coupled to the cushion and operable to remotely inflate the cushion; at least two fastening members, wherein a first fastening member is coupled to the first side portion and a second fastening member is coupled to the second side portion; and wherein the first and second fastening members are operable to fasten to each other. A method of operating the same is provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A pillow having a bladder for containing fluid or gas and on top of which compressible fill is to float. The pillow includes an elongate neck support mat atop an upper surface of the bladder, under the compressible fill, and extending along the substantially the length of one side of the bladder. The elongate mat provides upwards neck support when a user's head displaces fluid or gas by applying a downwards force near the center portion of the bladder.

Abstract: A closed cushion system including a device for selectively opening a connection between adjacent fixed, pre-filled chambers is set forth. The connection selectively facilitates flow of a fill material between the pre-filled chambers in order to selectively alter the firmness of the pre-filled chambers.

Abstract: An orthotic device 10 comprising a body 20 having a base 30, a first support surface 40. In use, the first support surface 40 supports a selected region of a patient's neck 70 while suspending the patient's head 80.

Abstract: A support pillow providing head and neck support to a user laying upon it. The device employs a support pillow insert surrounded by a pillow casing having planar top and bottom surfaces and a sidewall extending between them. An insert engage able in the casing provides substantially planar support surfaces with a centrally located passage providing a relief for positioning one's head on the pillow. Proper support and spine alignment is provided by a shoulder portion of the pillow for the neck which may be formed of different material than the pillow, or varied in with or compressive force using inserts.

Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.

Abstract: The neck supporting pillow with some special features: inflatable, this will give complete control over firmness, soft sponge-like material on the outside, to make the contact points soft, neck-support part is like a ridge, approximate width of the curvature of the neck. Anterior convexity of this neck supporting ridge is the most important feature. When the user lies on his or her back, back of the head will slide into a center head rest recess. This completes the anatomical-specific features. On either side of the head-rest recess is a slightly raised area to rest face on lying-on the right or left side.

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: A pillow with simulated respiration includes a pair of impervious panels that are joined together to form a rectangular shaped enclosed body and a mechanism for inflating/deflating the body periodically to simulate an individual's breathing. The pillow may also include a cushion on top of the body with an electric heating pad on top of the cushion together with a pair of vibrators. The vibrators each have an elongated shape and are constructed and dimensioned to message an individual's neck and upper shoulders when the individual's head is placed on the cushion. The pillow also includes a textile cover with a zipper on one side thereof and a satin pillow case.