Abstract: A multi-function pillow for therapeutic neck and head support is provided. The pillow generally includes first and second pillow sides united so as to form a sealable pillow cavity, and fluid retaining and neck support elements receivable within the cavity. The first pillow side includes a chamber containing a fill material therethrough. The second pillow side includes at least two chambers, at least one chamber of the at least two chambers containing a fill material therethrough, and one chamber of the at least two chambers defining a central depression for the second pillow side. The fluid retaining element, which is substantially co-extensive with the pillow sides, includes a fluid chamber circumscribing a central region thereof which is to underlie the central depression of the second pillow side.

Abstract: A neck supporting pillow apparatus that provides support for both the head and neck by way of adjustable inflation of the resting surface of the pillow is disclosed. An inflatable pillow structure has a head support section and a raised neck support section. The head support section includes a generally concave mid-portion bordered by generally planar side surfaces. The raised neck support includes a top surface that is generally convexly shaped to provide proper neck support. The pillow body defines an internal chamber with an openable cover to allow for insertion of a heat pack or cold pack. Independently inflatable firmness bladders allow for customization of support by increasing or decreasing the pressure in bladders.

Abstract: A face cradle insert device for providing extra support to the neck and head area of a person during a massage and/or when lying down. The face cradle insert device includes a pad and a receiver opening, wherein the pad is removably attached to a face cradle of a massage table. The receiver opening vertically extends through the pad and includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion and the second portion are comprised of a configuration to comfortably fit the face of a user. The pad also includes at least one passageway horizontally extending through the pad, wherein the passageway fluidly connects with the receiver opening.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to pillow devices comprising a pair of opposing lobe cushions connected by a cross member comprising a neck supporting cushion. In some embodiments the cushions may define a region for receiving a back portion of a human head in a cradling relation. Furthermore, according to some embodiments the cradle region can optionally be adjustable by the user.

Abstract: A personal comfort device having a neck support portion and an arm and upper body support portion. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the neck support portion may comprise a U-shaped pillow having a pair of opposing arms. The neck support portion may be placed onto the back a user's neck such that the two opposing arms pass on either side of the user's neck and such that the free ends of the two opposing arms are located on the front side of the user. The neck support portion may support the head and neck of a user in a comfortable manner. The arm support portion may be interconnected to the neck support portion such that it hangs approximately on the user's torso. The arm support portion may be functional to receive the user's arms and maintain them in approximately a folded position across the user's torso. The arm support portion may be integrated into a blanket to thereby provide additional comfort to a user.

Abstract: An inflatable resting mattress designed for indoor and outdoor use, which allows a user to support his head within a facial aperture while lying in a prone position. The facial aperture includes several breathing tubes designed to allow a user to maintain normal breathing. Three support pillows are provided for a user to place under his head, lumbar and legs to support proper spine alignment while lying in a prone position. These pillows are adapted to secure to the body mat to prevent slippage.

Abstract: This pillow is comprised of two separate three dimensionally casings. The smaller case comprised of a four-way stretch material is filled with polyethylene microbeads or similar granule. This smaller case fits inside of the second larger case. The outer larger case is made of a cotton or other appropriate pillow material and encompasses both the smaller case and a quantity of polyester filler material as a top layer adjacent to the smaller case.

Abstract: The pillow stiffener has an elongated cushion with a large rounded shape; two elongated arms each having a small rounded shape and being connected to and extending away from a long side of the elongated cushion. A flexible dull-finished web extends between the arms for retaining the arms at a fixed relationship with each other and with the elongated cushion. A joiner having the mentioned small rounded shape extends between and joins the extremities of both arms. Both arms and the joiner define with the elongated cushion a stabilizing rim around the dull-finished web for better retaining the pillow stiffener to a pillow. In another aspect, the pillow stiffener is made of a pair of flexible air-impermeable sheets and the elongated cushion, the arms and joiner form a single inflatable chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first section having a hollow interior that is filled with air, and a second section attached to the top of the first section and having a hollow interior that retains a liquid.

Abstract: A dynamic infant head support for preventing, or correcting, the abnormal shape of a head of an infant, and a method of using the support for treating deformational plagiocephaly. The support is an oval-shaped pillow, with a central opening to receive the head of the infant to be treated. Spaced barriers divide the interior of the pillow into a plurality of compartments. A ring-like manifold passes through the interior of the pillow and communicates with each compartment. A plurality of valves is operatively associated with the manifold; one valve is located in each compartment. The valves allow fluid, such as pressurized air, in the manifold, to inflate individual compartments. The manifold is pressurized by a pump, at a remote location; a heater warms the pressurized air. A remote controller is connected to the valves by electrical leads. The controller governs the sequence of operation of the valves, and regulates the duration of time that each valve is open.

Abstract: A body pillow includes an outer enclosure, first, second and third chambers disposed within the outer enclosure, the first and second chambers disposed adjacent to one another, and the second and third chambers disposed adjacent to one another, each of the first, second and third chambers adapted to be filled by respective filling material, a first baffle disposed between the first and second chambers, and a second baffle disposed between the second and third chambers, the first and second baffles adapted to prevent filling material within each of the first, second and third chambers from shifting to an adjacent one of the chambers. Beneficially, among other benefits, the body pillow's baffles prevent filling material disposed within each of the chambers from shifting to adjacent chambers, both during normal use of the body pillow and during washing.

Abstract: A neck-support pillow comprising a resilient pillow body having a column-shaped medial portion and two cantilever arms, each arm attached proximate to an end of the medial portion, is described herein. In various embodiments, the arms may encircle a vertical axis, the vertical axis being perpendicular to a plane comprising a line formed between attachment locations of the two arms to the medial portion. Also, the arms and medial portion may form a well that is a size of a user's neck. Further, an arm height may be equal to a distance between the user's shoulder and jaw, the arm height being measured in a direction parallel to the vertical axis. Additionally, a medial portion height may be equal to a distance between an upper portion of the user's ear and the user's shoulder, the medial portion height being measured in a direction parallel to the vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: A patient incline device includes an incline ramp and a centerline spinal support located on a base member. The incline ramp supports the upper torso and head of a patient such that the upper torso and head are elevated with respect to the base member. The centerline support is located adjacent the inline ramp for contact with a central portion of the patient's back located adjacent the spine to elevate the central back portion. According to one embodiment, the incline ramp and the spinal support are inflatable. The width of the spinal support is less than that of the incline ramp to define lateral spaces along opposite sides of the centerline support to receive the arms and side portions of the patient for lateral extension of the chest wall.

Abstract: A facial support cushion for supporting the face of a person lying in a prone position, wherein the cushion is an annular, generally torus shaped body having a hollow interior with a plurality of generally radially extending partitions extending across the interior of the body, dividing it into a plurality of individual chambers spaced sequentially around the body. Apparatus is connected with the chambers to sequentially expand and contract them in an alternating pattern so that some of the chambers are expanded to contact and support the face while other chambers are contracted to relieve the pressure exerted against the face by the other chambers, whereby the formation of pressure sores and other deleterious effects are avoided by periodically and temporarily relieving pressure exerted by the chambers against different areas of the face.

Abstract: A lumbar support pillow for supporting the lumbar spine of a person. The support pillow includes a fillable elongate first chamber longitudinally configured to engage and support the person along the longitudinal axis of the person's lumbar spine in a manner substantially conforming to the natural curvature of the spine when filled. The pillow also includes a second chamber that extends downwardly and away from the first chamber on both sides of the first chamber; is independent of the first chamber, and is configured to engage and support the person in a region laterally adjacent to the person's lumbar spine.

Abstract: A disposable or limited use sleeping bag kit including a sleeping bag made of a multi-layered material, an inflatable pillow and storage pouch from which air may be evacuated. The layered material of the sleeping bag may be made of an inner layer for contacting a user, an outer layer providing water and abrasion resistance, and a middle insulating layer between the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a body support and comfort device. The device comprises an inflatable bladder having a shape and size to substantially cover at least one support surface of a body support device so as to conform to and provide a comfort and support layer to the body support device. The body support and comfort device also includes at least one comfort layer shaped and arranged to substantially cover a surface of the inflatable bladder that is to interact with a user. According to one embodiment, a self-sealing valve is coupled to a port of the inflatable bladder, and is constructed and arranged to enable all of inflation, deflation, and comfort of the surface comfort device.

Abstract: A surgical positioning aid includes a n inflatable pillow with a non-inflatable sleeve. The non-inflatable sleeve has two substantially parallel attachment regions secured to a panel of the inflatable pillow and two open end portions to provide access between the non-inflatable sleeve and the inflatable pillow. The space between the non-inflatable sleeve and the inflatable pillow can be telescoped onto a surgical support post in proximity to an operating table. Air then can be directed into the inflatable pillow so that a patient can be supported relative to the post without creating pressure points on the patient.

Abstract: A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing MAD therapy via an adjustable mandibular advancement device structured to advance the position of the patient's lower jaw, providing CPAP therapy via a mask system structured to deliver a supply of pressurized air to a patient, and selectively adjusting the mask system and/or the mandibular advancement device to alternate and/or balance between CPAP therapy and MAD therapy.

Abstract: A thermal pillow apparatus comprising a pillow element, a heat exchanger, a thermal liquid, a fluid pump and a controller is disclosed. The thermal liquid circulates between the heat exchanger and the pillow element in a closed loop, transferring thermal energy between the heat exchanger and the pillow element. A fluid pump is disposed in the closed loop to aid in circulating the thermal liquid within the closed loop. A Peltier device is the typical heat pump element used in the heat exchanger. The controller coordinates the operation of the thermal pillow apparatus, for example monitoring the temperature of the thermal liquid, and activating the heat exchanger and the fluid pump.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use to relieve fatigue and or strain of the wrists, fingers, arms, and upper body due to repetitive motion or position. A support is provided comprised of an inflatable main support, a medium dispensing assembly, and a conduit assembly. The support's intended use is in conjunction with devices that require the user to maintain a position on a work surface, such as computer keyboards, pointing devices, and associated device pads. The support features an attached medium dispensing assembly and pressure release valve to allow the user repeatable inflation/deflation cycles and fine adjustments of the support inflation pressure.

Abstract: A body support for positioning beneath a patient undergoing endotracheal intubation is dimensioned to extend beneath the patient's torso and head while in a substantially upward-facing prone position. An inflatable bladder is adapted to elevate the patient as the bladder is inflated and thereby expands. An expandable headrest is positioned for placement beneath the patient's head. The headrest further includes a head support air bladder which is operative to elevate the patient's head as the head support bladder is inflated and the headrest expands. A source of compressed air is in selective fluid communication by way of valve means with the torso support bladder whereby the patient's torso/head position may be altered to achieve optimal anatomical alignment of the patient's larynx for intubation. The valve means are preferably electromechanical valves which are actuated by thumbswitches located on a housing which is snap-fit to the top of the intubation handle.

Abstract: A multi-airbag inflatable pillow is formed by adding at least one second airbags on one side of a first airbag so that a user can freely adjust the inflation of the first airbag according to personal requirement to obtain the most comfortable air pressure. Moreover, the second airbag can solve the problem of insufficient height of the inflated first airbag to achieve the objective of fully support so that the user can get effective relaxation and rest.

Abstract: Fillable neck pillows are described which are adapted for travel use are described. The pillows are constructed for compact storage and/or for accepting at least two different types of fill media.

Abstract: A travel pillowcase, pillow system and kit. The travel pillowcase includes a first sheet of a water resistant fabric and a second sheet of a substantially flexible water resistant fabric disposed in substantially parallel relation to the first sheet. A substantial portion of the outer edges of the first and second sheets are aligned and joined together such that the first sheet and the second sheet form a pouch having an opening defined by the portions of the outer edge of the first sheet and the outer edge of the second sheet that are not joined together. A third sheet of a substantially flexible fabric that is soft and non-irritating to human skin is attached to the outside surface of the second sheet. A closure is attached to the outer surface of the first sheet for securing the pillowcase in a closed position when the pillowcase is folded.

Abstract: A pillow for supporting at least one user's head and neck, the pillow having fluid-inflatable first and second chambers disposed about corresponding portions of the perimeter of the pillow. The first chamber has a maximum cross-sectional dimension when inflated that is greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the second chamber when inflated. Preferably, a plurality of fluid-inflatable support chambers extend between the first and second chambers. In one embodiment, the first and second chambers are U-shaped with open ends disposed opposite one another. In another embodiment, the first and second chambers are L-shaped with joined end portions. In yet another embodiment, the first and second chambers extend parallel to one another along opposite sides of the pillow.

Abstract: An inflatable air cushion has at least two sets of tension members therein. Each set of tension members includes multiple and parallel tension members. The tensile directions generated by the two sets of tension members are perpendicular. One of the tension members can be a strap member, and the other tension member can be a sheet member.

Abstract: A side-protective head restraint pad, pad assembly and safety seat. The restraint pad includes an air bladder with a pump for selectively inflating the air bladder and a release valve for selectively deflating the air bladder, an energy-absorbing component and a comfort component. A flexible enclosure is provided within which the air bladder, energy-absorbing component and comfort component are positioned in overlaid configuration to define a unit. The head restraint pad is adapted for being placed in a seat in lateral alignment with one side of the head of an occupant and inflatable or deflatable as appropriate to restrain the head against injurious lateral movement caused by a side impact relative to the seat.

Abstract: A support for supporting at least a part of the human body is provided. In some embodiments, the support may include a support body having a first resistance to deformation and at least one buoyancy cushion having a second resistance to deformation, wherein said buoyancy cushion is substantially disposed at least partially within said support body.

Abstract: Medical apparatus (1) for the relief, treatment and/or prevention of neck or back pain comprises a fluid inflatable support pillow (2) and an inflation device (3) connected to the pillow (2) The pillow (2) is adapted for interpositioning between a patient's head and a head rest (24) and supports the neck (23) and sides of the patient's head. The inflation device (3) includes a pump (4) and control means, such as a timer, for controlling the inflation and the deflation of the pillow (2) through a repetitive cycle utilizing two fluid inputs to the volumes of the pillow. Such movement of the patient's occiput (22) gently moves the patient's neck (23) to alleviate or prevent pain.

Abstract: A travel pillow has one or more air filters and a body with a soft material coupled to the one or more air filters. The air filters can be powered by a power source located within the pillow. The one or more air filters can have an air intake and an air outflow in communication with an exterior surface of the body. The air filters may be an electrostatic precipitator filter or use a filtering material to clean the air.

Abstract: A pneumatic surgical prone head support (100) (100?) (100?) is provided that includes a support body (110) within which is disposed a pneumatic pressure distribution network (130) that is fluidly coupled to a plurality of inflatable cells (122, 142) disposed on a top surface (1102) of support body (110). The pneumatic pressure distribution network (130) may be fluidly coupled to a pressurization system (200, 200?) to provide fluid pressure pulses in a timed sequence in order to sequentially deflate a portion of the inflatable cells (122, 142).

Abstract: An inflatable pillow that is of low cost, thus disposable. The inflatable pillow taught is one fabricated from very low cost materials and of a very low cost fabrication process resulting in a disposable inflatable pillow. The present invention teaches a user comforted seam, the seam either placing the seam allowance within the gas enclosure or finished such as by rolling. The pillow is fabricated by an assembly process of bonding a section of the perimeter seal, inverting the inflatable pillow, then bonding the remaining seams. A sealable valve is assembled prior to the bonding of the final seams. Artwork can be added for a number of desires including advertising.

Abstract: An inflatable beach pillow with a pocket to slip over a beach chair and having both water and air compartments is furnished with suction for supporting the pillow from the side of a tub so that it will serve as a combination chair pillow and tub pillow. The suction cups are disposed either on the air compartment side or on the water compartment side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pillow system for preventing snoring. For that purpose, the pillow system is provided with an adjustable pillow (2) that is placed on top of a basis element (1) made of a high-density foam product. On top, a flap (3) made of a low-density foam product or a traditional pillow is placed. Round these constituent parts (1, 2, 3), a cover (7), made for an elastic material is placed.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled intubation mat includes laryngoscope-mounted controls. A body supporting mat is positioned beneath the patient undergoing endotracheal intubation and is dimensioned to extend beneath the patient's torso and head while in a substantially upward-facing prone position. An inflatable bladder is positioned between the base and the mat board which is adapted to elevate the mat board with respect to the base as the bladder is inflated and thereby expands. An expandable headrest is affixed to a top surface of the mat board and is positioned for placement beneath the patient's head. The headrest further includes a head support air bladder which is operative to elevate the patient's head as the head support bladder is inflated and the headrest thereby expands. A source of compressed air is in fluid communication with the torso support bladder and the head support bladder by way of an air distribution manifold.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a pillow comprises cutting at least one piece of fabric to form a pair of skins that each comprise a midsection and two arm sections. The two skins are sewn together near their outer edges except for a portion of the mid section to form a shell defining and interior and having a middle region with an opening into the interior and two opposing arms extending from the middle region to form a well region. A fill material is blown into the interior of the shell until the pillow has a firmness defined by an IFD of at least about 20 Newtons with 25% deflection, and the opening in the middle region is closed.

Abstract: A pillow adapted for supporting the head of a user. In some embodiments, the pillow can have a visco-elastic body having a center portion elevated with respect to adjacent lateral side portions, each of which can have a recess. The recess can have a concave shape in both lateral and forward/rearward directions of the pillow, can extend and be open to the front and/or lateral sides of the pillow, and can be positioned and shaped to lie beneath the face of a user whose head is at least partially supported by the center portion of the body. Also, the center portion of the pillow can be separated from the laterally adjacent recesses by arcuate-shaped boundaries.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first section having a hollow interior that is filled with air, and a second section attached to the top of the first section and having a hollow interior that retains a liquid.

Abstract: A lumbar support pillow for supporting the lumbar spine of a person. The support pillow includes an elongate, fillable first chamber configured to engage and support a person along the longitudinal axis of the person's spine. The pillow may also include a fillable second chamber extending laterally on both sides of the first chamber, and configured to engage and support a person in a region laterally adjacent to the person's lumbar spine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a top and base pillow construction to support a person reclining in a hemi side position. The unique construction includes support means to hold the form of the top pillow and fasten it to the base pillow while providing an unobstructed area for a person's nasal openings. Two sets of this unique top and base pillow construction can also be combined to result in a double top pillow construction for use by two individuals sharing the same reclining space.

Abstract: The bedding of the present invention comprises a sealed bag body having an elastic body with a plurality of continuous pores and gas sealed with looseness present in the upper part of the elastic body. The bedding also includes a water-sealed bag body disposed on an upper part of the bag body, the water-sealed bag body having an elastic body with a plurality of continuous pores and liquid sealed therein. The elastic body within the water-sealed bag body has upper and lower parts having looseness. This claimed bedding capable of providing comfortable sleep can be realized by uniformly supporting a human body, with the buoyancy of the liquid while reducing the amount of the liquid required therein.

Abstract: A water based pillow includes a common fluid retaining envelope which is divided into two elongate regions having different fluid support and fluid dynamic characteristics. One region is basically uninterrupted while a second region has a series of heat seal islands joining opposed sides of the envelope. These heat seal islands reduce the amount of fluid retained in the second region. This second region is preferably the head support region and under load. Some fluid is displaced from this region and enters the first region which is preferably the neck support region. The amount of fluid in the envelope can be adjusted or set to maintain a thin layer of fluid beneath the user's head.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow comprising a first layer comprising a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material welded together so as to form a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other. A second layer comprising a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material are also welded together so as to form a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other. The first and the second layers are welded together such that the first and the second layers are in fluid communication with each other at one or more openings in the first and the second layers.

Abstract: An elongated pillow has an insert through its interior adapted to slidably accommodate a strap which can releasably attach the pillow to a portion of a user's body. The ends of the straps can be releasably attached to each other with various fastener means. The pillow has pouches adapted to store the strap when coiled in a nonuse position. The pillow may be made from foam or may be filled with air.

Abstract: An adjustable air pillow includes an internal air bladder that can be incrementally inflated and deflated so that a conformable padding with a recessed upper surface that completely encloses the air bladder can support and elevate the individual's head, neck and spine for obtaining the proper alignment thereof for rest, relaxation or sleep. The incremental inflation and deflation of the air bladder is controlled from a control box that encloses an air pump interconnected to the air bladder by a flexible air line, and the control box can be powered by batteries or by plugging the control box into a standard wall outlet for being powered by normal house current.

Abstract: An inflatable, disposable pillow which can be conveniently carried and stowed by users in a deflated state, and used as a comfortable, clean pillow in an inflated state. The inflatable pillow includes a single folded sheet or two sheets sealed together to form side walls. A flat self-sealing valve comprising two sheets of flexible material is placed between the sidewalls. The sheet or sheets may be comprised of multiple plies, with an outermost ply being an absorbent material. Alternatively, an absorbent cover may be attached to the outermost surface of at least one side of the pillow.

Abstract: A description is given of a device for avoiding or limiting the tilting of the head forwards and/or to the side of a passenger sitting in a seat which has a backrest, having at least one one-piece or multi-piece head-support element which comprises one or more cushion-like elements (1a, 1b; 11a, 11b). The head-tilting protection described is distinguished by the fact that the one or more cushion-like elements are designed and dimensioned such that, in the position worn as intended, they are able to completely surround the side and front sections of the neck and/or of the head of the passenger, resting on the shoulders and/or the chest region of the passenger.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable bladder, and method for making same, having an interior sheet and an exterior sheet extending from a left direction toward a right direction and where the exterior sheet has an inner side and an outer side. The interior sheet is coupled to the inner side of the exterior sheet where the outer side is facing upwardly and the inner side is facing downwardly. The exterior sheet has at least one fold where, upon being subjected to bending, the at least one fold unfolds to provide additional material so that exterior sheet maintains a distance from the interior sheet.