Abstract: Presented herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration. More specifically, the method includes a first step of determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The method also includes a second step of adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow to achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.

Abstract: Presented herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration. More specifically, the method includes a first step of determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The method also includes a second step of adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow to achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a pillow apparatus that can be turned inside out to expose the internal filler material. Typically, the pillow apparatus in configured for thorough cleaning via a conventional home washing machine and dryer. In some embodiments, the cushion apparatus comprises an outer shell and a filter barrier connected to the outer shell so as to form at least one enclosed compartment. The pillow apparatus further comprises a filler material contained within the at least one enclosed compartment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device comprising a body that defines a first surface and a second surface and defines a first, second, third and fourth lateral sides. In one embodiment, the first surface defines a first aperture and a second aperture. In one embodiment, the thickness of the body along the first lateral side is greater than the thickness of the body along the third lateral side such that the first surface slopes downwards from the first lateral side towards the third lateral side. The device not only reduces the pressure on the tailbone or on the hemorrhoids for a person in a seated position, but also reduces the discomfort or pain associated with settling into a seated position or emerging from a seated position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device comprising a body that defines a first surface and a second surface and defines a first, second, third and fourth lateral sides. In one embodiment, the first surface defines a first aperture and a second aperture. In one embodiment, the thickness of the body along the first lateral side is greater than the thickness of the body along the third lateral side such that the first surface slopes downwards from the first lateral side towards the third lateral side. The device not only reduces the pressure on the tailbone or on the hemorrhoids for a person in a seated position, but also reduces the discomfort or pain associated with settling into a seated position or emerging from a seated position.

Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus for a user includes a cover defining a user-facing surface, at least a portion of the user-facing surface defining a plurality of raised members each defining a distal end, wherein the distal end of each raised member defines a planar surface. The apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism at least partially enclosed by the cover. The adjustment mechanism is structured to be urged toward or away from the user so as to urge the user-facing surface and plurality of raised members toward or away from the user, respectively, so as to increase or decrease, respectively, the spacing between the distal ends of the raised members to thereby increase or decrease, respectively, the force exerted by the raised members against the user so as to impart a stretching or lengthening effect or contraction effect, respectively, on the vertebral column and intervertebral discs of the user.

Abstract: Presented herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration. More specifically, the method includes a first step of determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The method also includes a second step of adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow to achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.

Abstract: A device for use with a respiratory mask comprises a pillow having at least one recess structured to receive the mask so that the pillow does not exert substantial pressure on the mask, and a cover that at least partially covers the exterior surface of the pillow and substantially follows the contours of the at least one recess. A method of using a respiratory mask comprises providing a pillow having at least one recess, positioning a cover on the pillow so that the cover substantially follows the contours of the at least one recess, positioning a respiratory mask on the head of a user, and positioning the user's head on the cover and pillow such that the mask is received in the at least one recess so that the pillow and cover do not exert substantial pressure on the mask.

Abstract: A device for use with a respiratory mask comprises a pillow having at least one recess structured to receive the mask so that the pillow does not exert substantial pressure on the mask, and a cover that at least partially covers the exterior surface of the pillow and substantially follows the contours of the at least one recess. A method of using a respiratory mask comprises providing a pillow having at least one recess, positioning a cover on the pillow so that the cover substantially follows the contours of the at least one recess, positioning a respiratory mask on the head of a user, and positioning the user's head on the cover and pillow such that the mask is received in the at least one recess so that the pillow and cover do not exert substantial pressure on the mask.

Abstract: A pillow is provided comprising a first member having first and second side portions and a medial portion extending therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the first and second side portions and the medial portion define a recess; and wherein the pillow further comprises an elongate second member, the second member being structured to be removably attached to the first member within the recess.

Abstract: Presented herein are various adjustable support apparatus and methods for using the same. The apparatus comprises a cover defining a user-facing surface, at least a portion of the user-facing surface defining a plurality of raised members. The apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism that enables a user to selectively and incrementally increase the pressure exerted by the user-facing surface of the support apparatus and, specifically, the raised members, on the back of the user. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises a bladder at least partially enclosed by the cover; and wherein the bladder is structured to be inflated or deflated so as to urge the user-facing surface and plurality of raised members toward or away from the user, respectively, so as to increase or decrease, respectively, the force exerted by the raised members against the user.

Abstract: A pillow is provided for use with a respiratory mask, comprising first and second members, wherein the first member is made from a first material and the second member is made from a second material and wherein the first material is different from the second material. The first member or second member may define a plurality of apertures extending at least partially therethrough.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a pillow case with multiple enclosures. In some embodiments, a pillow case comprises a first enclosure that comprises a first edge and a second edge, and a second enclosure that comprises a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the first enclosure is hinged to the first edge of the second enclosure via a first hinged connection. Additionally, both the first and second enclosures receive pillow-filling material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a storage unit that is adapted to be located in a refrigeration appliance. The storage unit includes a holding compartment for holding articles the temperature of which is to be controlled. The holding compartment is adapted to be placed in air flow communication with a source of cold air whereby the cold air may be delivered to the holding compartment. An air-flow passageway for recirculating air discharged from the holding compartment back to the holding compartment is provided along with a mixing area where the cold air and the recirculated air may be mixed in selected quantities. A user interface providing for the selection of a temperature-control procedure from a group of available temperature-control procedures for application to the interior of the holding compartment is included. The storage unit can include a controller for controlling the implementation of the temperature-control procedure selected by the user.

Abstract: Presented herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration. More specifically, the method includes a first step of determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The method also includes a second step of adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow to achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a vending machine includes a vend motor, a cradle, a load bar and a push arm. Upon selection of a particular product, the vend motor rotates the cradle, causing the product to emerge from the vending machine. The cradle is designed to accommodate a wide array of container sizes. The dispensing system incorporates a rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a lift arm. The sensors enable accurate rotation of the cradle through a plurality of vend angles depending upon the particular product being vended, while the lift arm cooperates with the push arm and load bar to refill the cradle after a series of product containers have been dispensed. In addition, the vend motor includes a soft start control that prevents instantaneous rotation of the output shaft so as to prolong an overall operational life of the motor.