Abstract: A pelvic positioning system for positioning a patient's pelvic area for a pelvic or rectal exam featuring a base with an indentation disposed in the front end for providing the physician access to the patient's pelvic region. Two peaks for the patient's thighs are disposed at the front end of the base and are separated by the indentation. An inward curvature is disposed in the top surface of the base between the indentation and the back end of the base. The system functions to position a patient's pelvic region comfortably and effectively.

Abstract: A pillow system includes a slipcover, a pillow body, and a torso pillow. The slipcover is disposed about the pillow body. The slipcover has a pocket for holding the torso pillow. The torso pillow can be removed from the pocket and the pocket stowed within the slipcover.

Abstract: An ergonomic body support comprises a deformable cushion module and a flexible cover closely encasing the cushion module. The cushion module has an undeformed state and forms an undeformed configuration along with the cover in the undeformed state. The undeformed state comprises a pair of substantially identical V-shaped panels, each defining a vertex having a width W1 and first and second diverging arms. The arms terminate in first and second ends of equal widths W2. The panels are equidistantly spaced a height h and the undeformed configuration is symmetric to a central plane through the vertices and equidistantly spaced between the ends. The undeformed configuration has a generally rectangular profile along the arms. The panels each have a boundary length defined by an outer circumference C1, an inner circumference C2 and the ends.

Abstract: An encounter and contact mattress or pillow, is made up of at least one cloth-like or blanket-like base body having two functional sides that are configured to be the same, similar, or different, and serve for support, wherein the one side is suitable for facing toward a contact person and the other side is suitable for offering a premature or newborn baby or infant a support surface. The base body is divided up into at least three regions, namely into an edge zone region (8), a transition region (6), and an encounter region (5), and the encounter region (5) is configured in such a manner that a transfer of tactile and/or acoustic stimuli and/or heat from one side to the other side of the encounter and contact mattress (1) is possible.

Abstract: The invention involves a folding patient transfer apparatus with a material top layer and a material bottom layer. A plurality of inserts has handhold openings that are formed in the inserts that are positioned between the material top layer and the material bottom layer utilizing a sewn plurality of insert seams. The seams form enclosed material chambers containing the inserts. The materials can be disposed of due to contamination; however the inserts can be sterilized reducing hospital waste and cost. The apparatus is configured to slide and/or lift and/or carry a patient from a non-planer surface to a second planer or non-planer surface.

Abstract: An invention designed for head, neck, chest and abdomen; providing support and protection for sleeping children while being transported. The said invention comprises of head, neck, chest and abdomen safety. It is constructed in the shape of a heart and extends between the head and abdomen of child. The invention is comprised of filling and cushion and is able to separate between sections for washing capability. It is worn over the front of the child, secured by elastic straps that slip over each arm of the child, represented on the backside of invention. It is further secured by seatbelts that are placed under confinement of the situated seatbelt safety controllers located on the front side of the invention.

Abstract: A pillow system includes a head pillow having a top end, a bottom end, and a connector disposed at the bottom end. A leg pillow has a top end, a bottom end, and sides extending between the top end and the bottom end. The leg pillow also includes a top connector at the top end, and a side connector at one of the sides. The connector of the head pillow is configured to be coupled to the top connector of the leg pillow. The pillow system also includes a torso pillow having a top end, a bottom end and two sides, and a connector disposed at one of the sides. The connector of the torso pillow is configured to be coupled to the side connector of the leg pillow.

Abstract: A pillow (10) in the form of a ring (20) extending around a vertical axis (22), with a gap (24) between front ends (26, 28) of the pillow. A person can lie in a prone position with his/her face lying facedown in the vertical aperture (54) formed by the ring and with the periphery of the person's face supported by the upper surface of the ring. The pillow front ends and a rear portion (32) project downward to leave tunnels (Q) at opposite sides though which the person can breath. The person's chin projects into the gap between the pillow front ends. A separate chest support (12) has a rear portion of a soft elastomer that can support the person's abdomen, and has a front portion of a stiffer elastomer for supporting the chest.

Abstract: The female cushion/pillow support devices described herein may provide comfort and/or support to a woman's breasts while lying in a prone position, e.g., on their stomach. For example, the support devices herein may enhance comfort for women after an operation and/or experiencing other medical issues, women with breast augmentation, and the like, to facilitate them lying in the prone position. In addition, the support devices may protect the breasts when flattened by the woman's weight. The support device may have a thickness sufficient to raise the user's body away from the support surface to reduce or substantially eliminate pressure on the breasts received within the openings.

Abstract: A system for preventing pressure ulcers, where the system includes one or more actuators, one or more bearings assemblies each including a multiplicity of movable bearings and optionally an enveloping strip operatively associated with the actuator. The bearings can be rotated to allow shifting locations of the bearings in respect to a part of the patient's body laid thereover for changing pressured touch points between the part of the patient's body and the bearings over time for preventing development of pressure ulcers. This is done by moving the patient's body caused by the rotation of the bearings.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a multi-functional bed apparatus with a back support, comprising a head supporting pad, a neck supporting pad attached to one side of the head supporting pad, a waist supporting pad movably attached to the head supporting pad and a hip supporting pad movable attached to another lateral side of the waist supporting pad away from the head supporting pad; wherein the neck supporting pad comprises an arched portion adjacent to a lateral side of the waist supporting pad. The user can alter the curvature between any one of the pads such that the bed apparatus conforms to human ergonomics of an ergonomic bed or chair for the user body. The arched portion further provides adequate support to the arms of the user to prevent arm muscle pains. Therefore, the present invention is applicable to various fields and uses with simplified operations and great comforts.

Abstract: An axillary support device is provided for decompressing the axilla (armpit) and associated structures in a sidelying position. A thoracic cushion provides firm axillary support to a user at the level of the mid to upper thorax, distal to the axilla. A head cushion connected to the thoracic cushion supports the user's head and may maintain a neutral cervical spine alignment position. A connector connecting the cushions creates a valley to receive an upper arm of the user. A back support may be used to maintain the sidelying position. An inflatable bladder may be used to adjust the axillary support device in order to appropriately relieve pressure on the user's axilla and associated structures. With the axillary support device, the upper arm of the user is relatively free to extend perpendicularly in front of the body in the sidelying position with reduced stress on the lateral shoulder and axilla.

Abstract: A pillow device for supporting a person's head without compression of nerves or arteries includes a main section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge coupled to and extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. A projection extends from the perimeter edge of the main section. The projection is substantially T-shaped having a distal section relative to the main section and a connection section coupled to and extending between the distal section and the perimeter edge. Each of a pair of opposed end sections of the distal section of the projection is configured for positioning under an arm of a user when a head of the user is supported by the main section.

Abstract: A pillow system includes a head pillow having a top end, a bottom end, and a connector disposed at the bottom end. A leg pillow has a top end, a bottom end, and sides extending between the top end and the bottom end. The leg pillow also includes a top connector at the top end, and a side connector at one of the sides. The connector of the head pillow is configured to be coupled to the top connector of the leg pillow. The pillow system also includes a torso pillow having a top end, a bottom end and two sides, and a connector disposed at one of the sides. The connector of the torso pillow is configured to be coupled to the side connector of the leg pillow.

Abstract: A body enveloping sleeping device has a generally pear shaped body member that has a mat, cushioned or uncushioned, that is encompassed by a cushion about the mat's outer periphery with a pocket formed between the mat and the cushion on an interior area of the device. A scalloped pillow is located atop the cushion at the cushion's wide end. At least one side opening is located in the body member for allowing the user's arms to pass therethrough. A blanket is attached, fixedly or removably, to the body member.

Abstract: A diaper changing system utilizes a diaper holder member on which a diaper is to be positioned. Flaps extend outward from the holder member and are foldable over the diaper to maintain it in position on the holder member. The system also includes a unique baby supporting pad configured to be placed on the user's lap. The supporting pad can be utilized to maintain a diaper or in combination with the holder member supporting the diaper. A strap circumscribes the leg of the user to maintain the holder member and supporting pad on the user's leg. Once the supporting pad and/or the holding member, with diaper attached, is secured on the user's leg, the baby is placed on the diaper. The diaper is then wrapped around the baby and secured. The baby is removed from the system's components, which are then folded and compacted for storage and transport.

Abstract: A positioning device is described for supporting an infant with myelomeningocele during surgery, transport and pre- and post-operative procedures. The device allows the patient to be expeditiously re-positioned from prone to supine and lateral positions and vice versa before, during and after surgery. The device allows access to the myelomeningocele while the patient is secured in the device.

Abstract: A multipurpose mat including: a first side made from a water-resistant material; a second side fixedly secured to the first side and made from an absorbent material; a plurality of first straps fixedly secured to the first side; and a plurality of second straps fixedly secured to the second side. The first and second sides form a perimeter including first and second protrusions with a recess between the first and second protrusions. Respective straps in the plurality of first straps are connectable to each other or to another strap in the plurality of first straps. Respective straps in the plurality of second straps are connectable to each other or to another strap in the plurality of second straps.

Abstract: A pillow device supports a person's head without pinching of nerves or arteries. The device includes an envelope and a filling positioned in the envelope wherein the envelope and filling define a pillow. A main section of the pillow has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge. A projection of the pillow extends from the perimeter edge and the filling extends into the projection. The projection is substantially L-shaped wherein a distal section of the projection is configured for positioning under an arm of a user when a head of the user is positioned on the main section of the pillow.

Abstract: A support apparatus configured to support a prone user in a position that is conducive to interacting with a media item that is also supported thereon. The apparatus includes an upper body support that is configured to support an upper body of a prone user. The upper body support includes a base support member that provides a cushioned surface. The upper body support includes a chest support member extending upwardly from the base support member. The apparatus includes a strip extending frontwardly from the upper body support. The strip is a sheet of flexible material is a width that is substantially equal to the base support member. The apparatus includes a media support member that is coupled to the strip, opposite of the upper body support. The media support member includes a media support structure that is configured to support a media item in a viewable position.

Abstract: A body support system for relieving contact pressure on a joint in a body, according to various aspects of the present invention, may be configured to elevate a chest portion of the body with a chest support that may be configured to form a taper disposed between a top portion and a bottom portion such that the weight of the body compresses the chest support, which may result in the chest support assuming a substantially inverted arc shape. The compressed edges of the arc may be occupied by the joint. The chest support may further be adjustable for positioning substantially between a collarbone portion of the body and a xiphoid process portion of the body when the body is in a side rest position.

Abstract: A pillowcase having one or more pockets is provided. In one embodiment, the pillowcase includes a first panel, a second panel, an open end adapted to receive a pillow, and a pocket. The pocket is coupled to the pillowcase to form a pocket cavity, and an entry thereto. The pocket cavity is adapted to receive, through the entry, an appendage of a user.

Abstract: This invention relates to a postural system which can advantageously be used by both properly walking persons and non-ambulant and partially ambulant persons, and in the latter case is suitable for use with or incorporation with medical support devices for mobility, medical devices for rehabilitation and social or domestic life and the like: this system may also be advantageously used with or incorporated with transport means. The postural system according to the invention provides a supporting structure comprising a flat base plate (10) and a plurality of modular blocks (20a-20f, 30a-30d, 40a-40f, 50a-50e, 80a-80b) intended to support various segments of the user's body (legs, pelvis, spine and so on). The number, shape, size and orientation of the said modular blocks can be suitably selected to obtain a perfect fit for the user's shape (whether male or female) and encourage perfect housing of the body and a correct weight distribution over the entire surface of the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating sleep is disclosed. Embodiments of the sleep system receive a person's lower arm in an arm cavity of a person laying in a sleep-on-side position. An exemplary sleep system has a trunk rest and head rest. Two separated cantilevered supports extending outwardly from the base portion of the head rest are in contact with and supported by a top edge of the trunk rest, thereby defining an arm aperture that receives the person's lower arm when laying in a sleep-on-side position. An arm cavity is defined by lower surfaces of the two cantilevered supports and a trunk rest cantilevered arm cavity surface that extends generally downward and inward.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head and neck of a user for airway management includes a head-supporting surface dimensioned to receive and support the head of the user and a neck-supporting surface connected to the head-supporting surface, wherein the neck-supporting surface is dimensioned to receive and support the neck of the user; wherein the head-supporting surface and neck-supporting surface are configured so that when the user is lying on his or her side with a side of his or her head positioned on the head-supporting surface and a side of his or her neck on the neck-supporting surface, the user's head and neck are automatically aligned in the sniff position for improved airway management.

Abstract: A multi-purpose pillow system. The pillow system comprises a pair of compressible, shape-sustaining pillows. One pillow is wedge-shaped with a knife-edge on its inner side. The second pillow has a broad flat bottom, so that it can maintain an upright position when standing alone, and an inwardly curved top. The system includes a connecting strap by which one of the pillows is removably and adjustably connected to the other. In this way, the distance between the pillows can be changed to suit the size of the user. When joined by the strap, the pair of pillows provides both back and abdominal support for a pregnant woman or can be used as back support for a sleeping infant. The second pillow with its curved top performs well as a nursing pillow or as a lap tray for an adult or child.

Abstract: A generally C-shaped infant support pillow ideal for small, premature or disabled infants. The pillow comprises a center section with two curved arms. The arms may be the same length or one may be longer than the other. Preferably, the end of one arm is receivable in a recess formed in or near the end of the other arm, so that the pillow has an open and a closed position. The arms may have opposing, inwardly-extending bulges that divide the central well into a larger and a smaller secondary well. The inner perimeter of the center section may be elasticized to “hug” the infant. The pillow may include a strap that extends from one arm and attaches to the other. The strap can be stored in a pocket and then unfurled and removably connected to the other arm to hold the ends of the pillow together.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a support element that has a first end portion and a second end portion and a top surface disposed at an angle relative to a bottom surface of the support element. The second end portion has a height greater than the first end portion. A riser element is configured to be coupled proximate to the second end portion of the support element. A body element is configured to be disposed on at least one of the support element or the riser element. The body element has a first arm and a second arm connected together by an arc portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a face-down therapeutic system for improved posture and spine alignment. The system includes a face-piece including at least one cushion operable to receive a face of a user. The face-piece is adapted to be positioned on a flat surface. The system also includes two padded shoulder pieces, where each of the shoulder pieces is operable to receive a shoulder of the user. The shoulder pieces are adapted to be positioned on the flat surface. The system includes a padded pelvic-piece operable to receive a pelvis of the user. The pelvic-piece is adapted to be positioned on the flat surface.

Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongated pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to assume a rest position at a back side of the individual and proximate to an adjacent surface of a bed when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation. The pillow includes a hinge-like attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual's bed clothing. The attachment structure provides sufficient rotation to allow the pillow to rotate to the rest position in response to the force of gravity, ready to be engaged in a partial captured configuration between the individual's back and bed surface upon initial rotation of the individual from the side-sleeping orientation toward a supine sleeping position.

Abstract: An external immobilizer for cancer treatment has a plurality of inflatable bladders that are independent finable depending on computer instruction based on patient position data provided from integrated or separate position determining means, such as external cameras or sensors, optionally with internal and/or external markers. In preferred embodiments, the immobilizer is fully integrated with an imaging means as well as the external beam radiation source, thus allowing both real time, independent anatomical compensation or correction for patient movement and fine control of beam shape and position to accurately target the tumor, even if the patient moves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a functional pillow made of a material having elasticity. The functional pillow helps a user sleep in a correct sleeping position in which the user maintains a proper arrangement and angle of the cervical spine while sleeping in any sleeping environment, including on a hard floor or on a soft bed. The functional pillow includes a shoulder protecting portion, a cervical spine protecting portion, and a head protecting portion. The cervical spine protecting portion includes a cervical spine support that inclines upward in a front support portion which is relatively near a body side and inclines downward in a rear support portion which is relatively near a head. The inclination angle of the rear portion and the height of the pillow at the highest point are differently set depending on use of the pillow.

Abstract: A system for preventing pressure ulcers, where the system includes one or more actuators, one or more bearings assemblies each including a multiplicity of movable bearings and optionally an enveloping strip operatively associated with the actuator. The bearings can be rotated to allow shifting locations of the bearings in respect to a part of the patient's body laid thereover for changing pressured touch points between the part of the patient's body and the bearings over time for preventing development of pressure ulcers. This is done by moving the patient's body caused by the rotation of the bearings.

Abstract: A prone positioning device is described for supporting the chest and head of a patient in a prone position during a medical procedure. The device allows medical personnel to view the face of the patient while the patient is in the prone position by means of a reflective surface disposed in a cavity in the device beneath the patient's face.

Abstract: A surgical support system including a positioning pillow to support a patient on an operating table. An example embodiment of the positioning pillow includes a head supporting surface and a bottom surface disposed opposite to the head supporting surface, the head supporting surface being angled relative to the bottom surface to align the patient's thoracic and cervical spine at a predetermined angle with respect to the operating table when the patient's head is positioned on the head supporting surface, including one or more inclined removable members to adjust the height and angle of the head supporting surface relative to the bottom surface.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a portable sleeping device. The portable sleeping device includes a headrest, where the headrest is configured to support the head of a user. The portable sleeping device also includes a trunk support, where the trunk support is configured to support the trunk of the user while sleeping in a sitting position.

Abstract: A garment for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring includes a member for attachment to an individual afflicted with sleep apnea and an elongate, position control member at the rear of the garment and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate member is a continuous member having transversely spaced-apart side surfaces, and the side surfaces are joined to an outer wall of the position control member at elongate side edges. The side surfaces and/or side edges are located to engage a mattress or other sleeping surface when an individual wearing the garment is sleeping in a lateral position to aid in supporting the individual in a lateral position.

Abstract: A modular lounge mat including a pair of cushions attached to each other with a section of mesh, further includes a carrying case, a removable cover, and a headrest. The mesh allows the first cushion to be folded against the second cushion, thereby allowing the folded pair of cushions to be transported within the carrying case. The headrest includes a pair of speakers, audio wiring, and a means of connecting the speakers to an outside audio source.

Abstract: An axillary support device is provided for decompressing the axilla (armpit) and associated structures in a sidelying position. A thoracic cushion provides firm axillary support to a user at the level of the mid to upper thorax, distal to the axilla. A head cushion connected to the thoracic cushion supports the user's head and may maintain a neutral cervical spine alignment position. A connector connecting the cushions creates a valley to receive an upper arm of the user. A back support may be used to maintain the sidelying position. An inflatable bladder may be used to adjust the axillary support device in order to appropriately relieve pressure on the user's axilla and associated structures. With the axillary support device, the upper arm of the user is relatively free to extend perpendicularly in front of the body in the sidelying position with reduced stress on the lateral shoulder and axilla.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anatomically shaped pillow that, in particular, can be used as a whole-body pillow comprising, when viewed in plan view, at least one curved portion and at least one comparatively elongated middle portion for the body region, which middle portion makes a transition to the curved portion, wherein at least one limb of the pillow is provided for the head region, and at least one limb of the pillow is provided for the body region. It is the object of the invention to create an anatomically shaped pillow that provides a resting person in a largely stretched-out state or with the legs only slightly bent in a natural sleeping position both with support along the body, and with support in the head region. According to the invention, for this purpose the limb of the head region and the limb of the body region form an acute angle relative to each other.

Abstract: An adjustable back platform device featuring a base panel having side wall extending from side edges, the walls being positioned generally parallel to one another; a hole disposed in both the first side panel and in the second side panel, the holes function as handles to allow the adjustable back platform device to be lifted; and a first adjustable leg, a second adjustable leg, and a third adjustable leg, each adjustable leg being disposed on a bottom surface of the base panel, the adjustable legs allow a distance between the base panel and a floor surface to be modified; wherein when a user lies atop the base panel, the back platform device functions to raise the user's back a certain distance off the floor surface so as to align the user's back with a bottom floor of a cabinet.

Abstract: A device avoiding the use of any motor or perpendicular or rectangular elements, having a convex asymmetrical longitudinal curve, a central longitudinal groove, and mirrored perpendicular and latitudinal, symmetrically-matched convex curves extending from the central groove to the sides, and optimally surfaced with a soft dense foam, uses gravitational force on the body of a user to provide an effective, yet gentle stretch along the length and across the width of the back, particularly at the thoracic vertebrae thereby relieving postural mechanical shoulder, back or spine pain. Additional alternative embodiments using a heating, cooling, or vibrational element along the central longitudinal groove are also described and claimed herein.

Abstract: An axillary support device is provided for decompressing the axilla (armpit) and associated structures in a sidelying position. A thoracic cushion provides firm axillary support to a user at the level of the mid to upper thorax, distal to the axilla. A head cushion connected to the thoracic cushion supports the user's head and may maintain a neutral cervical spine alignment position. A connector connecting the cushions creates a valley to receive an upper arm of the user. A back support may be used to maintain the sidelying position. An inflatable bladder may be used to adjust the axillary support device in order to appropriately relieve pressure on the user's axilla and associated structures. With the axillary support device, the upper arm of the user is relatively free to extend perpendicularly in front of the body in the sidelying position with reduced stress on the lateral shoulder and axilla.

Abstract: A supporting device includes a planar member having two end portions and an outer peripheral portion, and a fastening device attached to the end portions of the planar member for adjusting and maintaining the planar member at a curved structure and for engaging with and supporting or massaging various portions of the user. The fastening device includes a flexible member for being coupled between the end portions of the planar member, a buckle attached to one end portion of the flexible member, and a locking member attached to the other end portion of the flexible member for attaching the flexible member to the end portions of the planar member.

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: An innovative pillow which contains openings for a person to place their face as well as side openings which enable air to enter the cavity so that the person can breathe. The device contains a fan which blows air into the cavity of the pillow so that a person can have cooling air while their face is in the pillow. The device can also be impregnated with essential oils such as eucalyptus so that the various beneficial therapeutic effects can be blown into a person's face while they rest their face within the pillow.

Abstract: An elongated angular multiple position body pillow embodying an enlarged center section having a curved top portion and a substantially straight base, two arms extending longitudinally from the center section and at an adjustable angle thereto, the terminal ends of each arm being provided with one half of a fabric tie which fabric ties, when brought into contact with one another, cause the pillow to be temporarily fixed in a semi-toroidal shape, the elongated angular multiple position body pillow being adapted to support a user when the user is lying on her side, in a seated position, reclining with her back elevated, or nursing an infant.

Abstract: An infant holding device, including an infant holding portion, including a ductile sheet covered with infant-compatible material and a stand portion, adapted to support the infant holding portion in a vertically diagonal position, so that the infant holding portion thereby has a top and a bottom. In one preferred embodiment the ductile sheet is made of aluminum.

Abstract: A body enveloping sleeping device has a generally pear shaped body member that has a mat, cushioned or uncushioned, that is encompassed by a cushion about the mat's outer periphery with a pocket formed between the mat and the cushion on an interior area of the device. A scalloped pillow is located atop the cushion at the cushion's wide end. At least one side opening is located in the body member for allowing the user's arms to pass therethrough. A blanket is attached, fixedly or removably, to the body member.

Abstract: A portable backrest gives upper body support to a person sitting sideways on a sofa or like furniture, the portable backrest placed and retained on the sofa through a cushion of the sofa on which the person eventually sits. A lower, support or base portion of the portable backrest forming a bracket that is received under and around a part of the cushion that is adjacent an armrest of the sofa while an upper portion of the portable backrest extends upwardly and outwardly from the lower portion and armrest to support the upper body, neck and head of a sitting person. In one form, a back portion of the backrest is pivotally connected to a lower portion of the backrest while in another form, the back portion is integral with the lower portion. The upper portion may have back, neck and head cushioning.