Abstract: A therapeutic pillow is disclosed. The therapeutic pillow provides support to a user's head, neck, back, and spine when lying down on the pillow. The pillow includes a head support, an elongated spine support, a firm support member for supporting the elongated spine support, and a lower member for manipulating the pillow. When lying down on the pillow the force exerted onto the elongated spine support compresses the elongated spine support. This compression causes an end of the elongated spine support that is connected to the head support to bend, which in turn causes the head support to bend at an angle towards the vertical axis of the pillow. Further, when lying on the pillow the lower member protrudes through a user's legs, which enables users to grasp the lower member with their legs and perform therapeutic exercises with the pillow.

Abstract: A bed defining a negative space to accommodate side sleepers and stomach sleepers by providing a space into which the user's arms and shoulders can extend. Channel pillows can be placed inside the negative space to provide support for the user's head while allowing the user's hands and shoulders to slide in between the channel pillow and the wall that define the negative space. The negative space is formed into a foundation having an upper torso region, a lower torso region, and a transition region therebetween. The transition region can comprise an angled wall. A cushion layer with a slanted wall is configured to cover the transition region and lower torso region of the foundation. An upper, comfort layer can be provided with a cutout that aligns with the negative space when placed on top of the foundation and cushion layer.

Abstract: A mattress includes a mattress body having a top substrate and a bottom substrate separated by a resilient layer having a mattress thickness to resiliently conform to a body of a person. The mattress includes an aperture formed in the top substrate and the resilient layer mattress that is oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person. The mattress includes an insert that is shaped to be received in the aperture and has an upwardly open recess to receive an upper portion of the body of the person. An upwardly open recess can be formed directly in the top resilient layer of the mattress body oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person.

Abstract: A system to cause instability for a person supported by a person support surface is disclosed. The system is configured to cause the person supported by the person support surface to compensate for the instability caused by the system in order to exercise their core or trunk region.

Abstract: A portable massage bed having a plurality of pressure point pads that protrude from a surface of the massage bed and contact one or more key pressure points of a user to relieve pain in muscles and tendons in pain afflicted areas.

Abstract: A shoulder pain alleviating mattress assembly includes a mattress assembly frame, a foot mattress portion carried by the mattress assembly frame, a head mattress portion carried by the mattress assembly frame in spaced-apart relationship to the foot mattress portion and at least one depth-adjustable arm gap between the foot mattress portion and the head mattress portion.

Abstract: A body support pillow assembly is provided for holding a person in an upright position facilitating eating, performing certain tasks, or inhibiting acid reflux. The assembly includes a wedge having a top surface and a bottom surface. A pair of opposed side walls is coupled to the wedge and each of the side walls extends upwardly from a perimeter edge of the upper surface of the wedge. A pair of opposed arms grooves is provided. Each arm groove is positioned in a respective one of the side walls. A neck support is coupled to and extends between upper ends of the side walls.

Abstract: A method of integrating a pillow, including stuffing, within an encapsulated mattress having a core and covering surrounding the core is disclosed. A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core, the pillow containing stuffing, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow. Also disclosed is a mattress including a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core using a sleeve, the pillow containing stuffing, the sleeve retaining the pillow to the core, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow.

Abstract: A positioning system for a body comprises a flexible bag of a gas-impermeable material/including a valve to permit evacuation of the interior thereof, the bag containing a flowable granular material and at least one bolster. The body can be at least part of a human form, such as a patient. Systems are generally provided for specific body regions such as the hip or thorax, and for the whole body. The bolster is larger than the grains of the granular material. A size dimension of the bolster is therefore preferably at least 5 times the- size dimension of the granular material, although it sill usually be one or more orders of magnitude larger. Various forms of bolster are possible. A bolster that includes a generally flat section and an upstanding section extending therefrom can be used to locate a shoulder region of the patient in a reproducible yet comfortable form. A bolster that is generally cylindrical in shape can be used to support various areas of a patient such as the neck or knee.

Abstract: A rectangular sleeping pad includes a plurality of projections on one end; a plurality of through holes each correspondingly adjacent to the projection; a plurality of tongues each correspondingly distal the through hole; and a plurality of units each having a first slot at one side of the tongue and a second slot at the other side of the tongue, whereby partially pulling out the tongues will leave a plurality of spaces, and bending one end of the sleeping pad to insert the projections into the spaces, and inserting the tongues through the through holes will temporarily form a pillow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating spinal alignment is disclosed. The contoured sleep system facilitates alignment of a person's spine along the Sagittal plane when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary contoured sleep system has a unibody trunk rest, head rest and spacing member.

Abstract: An adjustable air mattress device comprising a main air mattress component having an inflatable inner cavity; a first torso elevation component disposed on a top surface of the main air mattress component at a front end having art inflatable inner cavity; a second torso elevation component disposed on a top surface of the first torso elevation component having an inflatable inner cavity; a first leg elevation component disposed on the top surface of the main air mattress component at a back end having an inflatable inner cavity; and a second leg elevation component disposed on a top surface of the first leg elevation component having an inflatable inner cavity; wherein the user can independently inflate the main air mattress component, the first torso elevation component, the second torso elevation component, the first leg elevation component, the second leg elevation component, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of integrating a pillow, including stuffing, within an encapsulated mattress having a core and covering surrounding the core is disclosed. A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core, the pillow containing stuffing, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow. Also disclosed is a mattress including a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core using a sleeve, the pillow containing stuffing, the sleeve retaining the pillow to the core, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow.

Abstract: A pad for a pet, for example a cat, to rest on includes a foam block encased in a fabric covering with generally parallel top surface portions that includes a head top surface portion for the front part of the cat to rest on and a rear main body top surface portion at a lower elevation for the remainder of the cat to rest on. The top part of the head portion is trapezoidal in longitudinal cross section with its major base being below it minor base which provide a part of the pad top surface. The main body portion has a generally planar rectangular top surface portion that is generally parallel to the minor base top surface portion.

Abstract: A device for correcting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shaped cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas of bony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces on the areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth. This causes the cranium to return to a normal symmetric cranial shape. The material that contacts the infant's cranium is semi-rigid, relatively non-flexible, and maintains its overall shape under stress. For an infant with an already normally-shaped cranium, the device causes the infant's cranium to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape, and thus prevents abnormal cranial shaping.

Abstract: A composite mattress with or without a pillow made of flexible or compressible filling material covered by a pliable transparent polymeric cover material with a visual clarity to allow one to detect, locate, and identify contraband items hidden under the cover material.

Abstract: A support system for surgical patients, a convertible support for surgical patients, and a method for providing a convertible support for surgical patients is provided. The support system includes an arm cradle adapted to hold an arm of a patient at an angle when the patient is in a supine position and a side bolster adapted to be positioned against a side of a patient opposite the arm cradle. The side bolster is adapted to stabilize the patient in the supine position. The arm cradle is adapted to hold an arm of a patient at an angle conducive to recovery from shoulder surgery when the patient is in a supine position. The arm cradle is also adapted to be worn as a sling when the patient is ambulatory. The arm cradle, side bolster, and an optional head support may be secured to a mat in a temporary manner.

Abstract: A mattress to support a user that includes a core positioned within an interior space formed by a cover. The cover protects the core from damage that could result from contact with liquid or debris. A vent extends through the cover to allow airflow into and out of the interior space. The vent 40 includes a plurality of pores that allow the airflow, but limit ingress of liquid and debris.

Abstract: A mattress to support a user that includes a body pillow contained within a cover. The body may include first and second sides that are both configured to support the user. The body may also include a height measured between the first and second sides. The pillow may also include first and second sides that are both configured to support the user's head and neck. The pillow includes a height measured between these first and second sides that may be larger than the height of the body. The pillow may also include one or more chamfers. A cover may form an interior space to contain the body and the pillow. The cover may be sized to position the pillow outward from an end of the body in a non-overlapping arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating spinal alignment is disclosed. The contoured sleep system facilitates alignment of a person's spine along the Sagittal plane when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary contoured sleep system has a unibody trunk rest, head rest and spacing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating spinal alignment is disclosed. The contoured sleep system facilitates alignment of a person's spine along the Sagittal plane when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary contoured sleep system has a trunk rest having a trunk rest surface and a trunk rest face.

Abstract: A device for correcting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shaped cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas of bony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces on the areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth. This causes the cranium to return to a normal symmetric cranial shape. The material that contacts the infant's cranium is semi-rigid, relatively non-flexible, and maintains its overall shape under stress. For an infant with an already normally-shaped cranium, the device causes the infant's cranium to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape, and thus prevents abnormal cranial shaping.

Abstract: A device for correcting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shaped cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas of bony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces on the areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth. This causes the cranium to return to a normal symmetric cranial shape. The material that contacts the infant's cranium is semi-rigid, relatively non-flexible, and maintains its overall shape under stress. For an infant with an already normally-shaped cranium, the device causes the infant's cranium to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape, and thus prevents abnormal cranial shaping.

Abstract: An infant mattress includes a core and a cover. The core is made from a resilient material and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is inclined with respect to the bottom surface and includes a depression. The cover covers the core and includes a mesh-like material that forms an inclined hammock over the depression. The head and torso of an infant are placed on the hammock. One or more sidewalls of the depression may have one or more openings to facilitate air circulation within the depression cavity. The external ends of the openings may connect to an air or aerosol source to inject air or aerosols into the depression cavity. The core may be coated with an impermeable water-proofing layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating spinal alignment is disclosed. The contoured sleep system facilitates alignment of a person's spine along the Sagittal plane when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary contoured sleep system has a trunk rest having a trunk rest surface and a trunk rest face.

Abstract: A standard child swing apparatus with a holder for supporting a baby on its abdomen. A vibration unit is also included within the holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating spinal alignment is disclosed. The contoured sleep system facilitates alignment of a person's spine along the Sagittal plane when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary contoured sleep system has a trunk rest having a trunk rest surface and a trunk rest face, the trunk rest surface operable to support a trunk of a person laying in a sleep-on-side position; and a head rest having a head rest surface and a head rest face, such that when placed in operative relation to the trunk rest, the head rest face opposes the trunk rest face and is separated from the trunk rest face by a separation distance such that the trunk rest and the head rest cooperate to define a cavity to receive a lower arm the person laying in the sleep-on-side position.

Abstract: A method of integrating a pillow, including stuffing, within an encapsulated mattress having a core and covering surrounding the core is disclosed. A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core, the pillow containing stuffing, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow. Also disclosed is a mattress including a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core using a sleeve, the pillow containing stuffing, the sleeve retaining the pillow to the core, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow.

Abstract: A bedding product having a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs has a length and a width and comprises a row of interconnected pockets. Each of the pockets contains at least one spring encased in fabric. The bedding product may have a plurality of inflatable members located underneath select portions of at least some of the strings of springs. Each of the inflatable members may be of a width substantially equal to the width one of the string of springs. The bedding product may have a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring and an air supply system operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and adapted to control a supply of air to the inflatable members.

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 multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. The multiple position air mattress system can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated and an inclined bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress. In the inclined bed position, the degree of elevation of the second mattress can be finely adjusted by increasing or decreasing the inflation level of the bellows unit. A fourth inflatable member may be positioned on the top side of the second mattress to support the lumbar section of the user's body. A fifth inflatable member may be positioned under the user's leg to provide adjustable elevation of the legs.

Abstract: A portable diaper changing pad with a memory foam insert. The diaper changing pad comprises a mat with a panel having a body of memory foam as a cushion. The memory foam insert preferably comprises a raised head rest section. In one embodiment, the diaper changing pad further comprises two side section panels which may be folded over the middle panel. When the side section panels are folded over the middle panel, the diaper changing pad may be rolled and securely closed for easy storage and portability. The diaper changing pad preferably has a terry cloth cover. Other preferred embodiments include a nonskid bottom surface, a storage bag, and accessories, such as toys.

Abstract: A device for correcting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shaped cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. The device applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas of bony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces on the areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth. This causes the cranium to return to a normal symmetric cranial shape. The material that contacts the infant's cranium is semi-rigid, relatively non-flexible, and maintains its overall shape under stress. For an infant with an already normally-shaped cranium, the device causes the infant's cranium to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape, and thus prevents abnormal cranial shaping.

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.

Abstract: A bed apparatus having a base and two inflatable members for elevating the torso and legs of a user is provided. The inflatable members are removably attachable to the base and can be selectively spaced apart, making the bed spatially adjustable. The extent to which a user's body is elevated is controlled by inflation of the inflatable members, making the bed vertically adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable patient turning and lifting device and associated methods for turning and lifting an immobilized patient. The device comprises at least one inflation bladder configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient supporting surface, such as a bed. The bladder is inflated with pressurized fluid. Preferably, the inflation bladder is secured by a body support having at least one support pad on which the patient is positioned. An embodiment provides two inflatable turning bladders oriented on the left and right sides of the back of the body support. Preferably, at least one fluid pump is provided in communication with the bladders, and it is preferably fitted with a controller to tailor the sequencing and timing of the inflation to reposition the patient's body.

Abstract: An inflatable bed unit includes an inflatable primary bed that has a main part, a head part connected to and in fluid communication with the main part and pivotable relative to the main part, a pillow part connected to the head part such that the head part is raised by the pillow part and is pivoted relative to the main part when the pillow part expands upon injection of air therein, and a check valve interconnecting the pillow part and the head part and defining a valve opening that is opened to permit air flow from the pillow part to the head part when the pressure in the pillow part is greater than that in the head part, and that is closed to prevent air flow from the head part to the pillow part when the pressure in the head part is greater than that in the pillow part.

Abstract: An article of commerce utilized by hunters as a support and barrier from the ground while hunting. The article of commerce comprises a mat and a support. The mat has a distal edge and a proximal edge. The proximal edge is longitudinally spaced from the distal edge in a first longitudinal direction. The support is attached to the mat along the proximal edge of the mat. The support has an inclined upper surface that slopes upwardly from the mat in the first longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.

Abstract: A full-body mattress for the prevention of conditions which may have a negative impact on health and for the improvement of the health and comfort of a user. The full-body mattress has a first end with a first height, a second end opposite the first end with a second height, a top surface disposed between the first end and the second end, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The first height is less than the second height, at least a portion of the top surface is inclined at an angle, the angle is located in a plane defined by a length and a height of the full-body mattress, the angle is between about 1 degree and about 44 degrees, and the bottom surface is not parallel with the inclined portion of the top surface. Also, in combination, a full-body mattress as described above, and a full-body mattress covering adapted to fit the full-body mattress.

Abstract: A set of bed sheets includes a lower sheet sized and configured to cover the bottom portion of a mattress and an upper sheet sized and configured to cover the top portion of the mattress. First and second separable fasteners about the respective continuous edges of the lower and upper sheets are removably attachable to secure the upper sheet to the lower sheet in a manner which encloses the mattress. The upper sheet includes a top surface which is formed of a material to define a third separable fastener. A collection of accessories include a crib rail bumper, a head support wedge, body position rolls, an insulated baby bottle/cup holder and a liquid impervious drool pad. Each of the accessories is provided with a fourth separable fastener adapted for releasable attachment to the third separable fastener on the top surface of the upper sheet.

Abstract: An inflatable therapeutic mattress for supporting a resting body in the prone position while maintaining proper spinal alignment, features an upper surface with a pair of opposing slanting surfaces originating from an elevated ridge, one slanting surface larger than the other. The larger slanting surface has a pillow to elevate the abdominal area of the resting body, and the smaller slanting surface has a pillow with a void to accommodate the face of the resting body.

Abstract: A mattress for a stretcher comprises a mattress back portion supported on the stretcher back frame, a mattress shoulder portion supported on the stretcher head frame and a mattress head portion supported on the stretcher head rest. The thickness of the mattress shoulder portion is reduced relative to the thickness of the mattress back portion so that upwardly facing top surfaces of the mattress back and shoulder portions are generally coplanar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress and neck support assembly. The mattress has a supporting surface and a head end. The neck support is fittable to the head end, and has a rigid surface, a cavity, which is defined partially by said rigid surface and is located beneath the rigid surface, and supporting means for supporting the rigid surface; the rigid surface supporting the head of a user lying on said mattress. According to the present invention, the mattress has a recess formed at the head end of the mattress. The supporting means, in use, locks the rigid surface in a work position in which the rigid surface allows the cavity to receive, through the recess, at least one upper limb of a user, the user lying on the supporting surface of mattress in a prone position or on one side.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.

Abstract: An infant bed of the present invention includes a frame, a mattress having a first portion and a second portion, and a mattress support that is supported on the frame for supporting the mattress. The mattress support has a first portion that supports the first portion of the mattress. The mattress support also has a second portion that is mechanically tilted about a central longitudinal axis so as to laterally tilt the second portion of the mattress to either side relative to the first portion of the mattress. The infant bed of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing positional plagiocephaly.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement is provided having a compressible foam mattress pad and compressible foam pillow pad integrated as a single bedding unit within a fluid resistant or impermeable cover whose seams are heat sealed together. Air ventilation through the cover and about the interior foam is permitted by a vent that restricts insect, article and fluid passage through the vent. By using foam of different densities and/or composition, optimum performance characteristics in terms of comfort and support can be obtained separately for the mattress portion and the pillow portion. By mounting two pillow pads within the cover, the bedding arrangement can be made reversible.