Abstract: A traction pillow for creating gravity induced traction across the upper anterior region of the torso to stretch the muscles residing in that region. Tightening muscles caused by unhealthy posture and sleeping habits can cause musculoskeletal system imbalances, which can lead to chronic pain and or degenerative disease. Imbalances across the upper torso region can further cause rounded shoulders. An underpinning underlay orients a torso support and a neck and head support along an inclined plane to properly align the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spines of a supine resting body and to gradually elevate the torso, neck, and head above a horizontal resting surface to enable the outer extremities of the upper torso, not supported by the torso support, to be pulled downward by the force of gravity and droop unobstructed above the horizontal resting surface. The torso is generally of a higher weight in comparison to the combined weight of the head and neck. Therefore, the mechanical properties - i.e.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a travel pillow for sleeping in a vertical or near-vertical reclined position. When sleeping in these positions, gravity tends to pull the head forward of the shoulders causing it to droop. The current state of the art travel pillow does not provide a support means to counter this forward drooping tendency. Moreover, its rear support displaces the cervical spine forward, further increasing the tendency for the head to slump forward. The present invention holds a resting head in an upright and stable position to prevent forward head drooping and does so without forwardly displaying the cervical spine. The five novel elements of the present invention are integrally configured to maintain a healthy alignment between the occipital bone of the head, the cervical spine of the neck, and the thoracic spine of the upper back.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a travel pillow for sleeping in a vertical or near-vertical reclined position. When sleeping in these positions, gravity tends to pull the head forward of the shoulders causing it to droop. The current state of the art travel pillow does not provide a support means to counter this forward drooping tendency. Moreover, its rear support displaces the cervical spine forward, further increasing the tendency for the head to slump forward. The present invention holds a resting head in an upright and stable position to prevent forward head drooping and does so without forwardly displaying the cervical spine. The five novel elements of the present invention are integrally configured to maintain a healthy alignment between the occipital bone of the head, the cervical spine of the neck, and the thoracic spine of the upper back.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a travel pillow for sleeping in a vertical or near-vertical reclined position. When sleeping in these positions, gravity tends to pull the head forward of the shoulders causing it to droop. The current state of the art travel pillow does not provide a support means to counter this forward drooping tendency. Moreover, its rear support displaces the cervical spine forward, further increasing the tendency for the head to slump forward. The present invention holds a resting head in an upright and stable position to prevent forward head drooping and does so without forwardly displacing the cervical spine. The five novel elements of the present invention are integrally configured to maintain a healthy alignment between the occipital bone of the head, the cervical spine of the neck, and the thoracic spine of the upper back.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a travel pillow for sleeping in a vertical or near-vertical reclined position. When sleeping in these positions, gravity tends to pull the head forward of the shoulders causing it to droop. The current state of the art travel pillow does not provide a support means to counter this forward drooping tendency. Moreover, its rear support displaces the cervical spine forward, further increasing the tendency for the head to slump forward. The present invention holds a resting head in an upright and stable position to prevent forward head drooping and does so without forwardly displacing the cervical spine. The five novel elements of the present invention are integrally configured to maintain a healthy alignment between the occipital bone of the head, the cervical spine of the neck, and the thoracic spine of the upper back.