Abstract: Systems and methods for providing traction to the lower back, where in one embodiment, a lumbar traction device has a back support, a base and a movable support structure connected between the base and the underside of the back support. The support structure enables the back support to move with respect to the base. When a user lies on the lumbar traction device, the user's weight causes the back support to move with respect to the base to apply tension to the user's back. The back support may have two separate portions on which the upper and lower back rest. The two portions of the back support move in opposite directions to provide traction on the back.

Abstract: A side extension device for a seat of a vehicle, may include a seat cushion frame for forming a framework, a cushion pad provided with a bolster formed on each of opposite sides thereof, and a seat cover for covering a surface of the cushion pad, wherein a plurality of slits is formed in the bolster of the cushion pad, and divided bolster parts are formed between the slits, wherein the divided bolster parts are successively inclined outward by contact pressure of side parts of hips of an occupant, so that the bolster spreads outward.

Abstract: A person support for supporting a person includes a first layer and a resilient second layer. The first layer has a surface topography with a first region with a curvature configured to correspond and generally conform, in an unloaded state, to the shape of a first portion of a person's body. The surface topography has a second region configured to correspond and generally conform, in an unloaded state, to the shape of a second portion of a person's body. The resilient second layer overlays the first layer and forms a person support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose cushion formed from a contiguous material having a general shape of a rectangular or oblong base with a triangular portion that rises from a first end of the base toward a second end, the triangular portion covering a majority of the base portion. The cushion may be adapted for any of several uses including upright, vertical placement as an armrest and/or seat divider, or downward vertical placement as a head rest. The cushion may be adapted for applications using a horizontal placement, such as a seat cushion, a laptop device support, a foot rest, and a lumber or neck support for exercise and/or lying down activities. The cushion may further include a belt for use as a belted support in freely moving activities and exercises.

Abstract: A mattress pad for supporting a human body includes an upper layer, a lower layer, and a wadding layer therebetween. The wadding layer includes three distinct zones arranged along the length of the pad for varying support of the human body. The first zone is configured to support a head portion and a neck portion; the second zone is configured to support an upper body portion and a lumbar portion; and the third zone is configured to support a lower back portion and leg portion. Thickness and length in these zones varies for providing the varying support.

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: A mattress pad or topper is provided. The mattress pad or topper includes a main body having a length, an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral surface. The main body includes a gusset portion having an arcuate profile at the upper surface defining a support portion, and at least one adjoining portion adjoined to the gusset portion. The upper surface at the arcuate profile projects beyond the upper surface at the adjoining portion.

Abstract: A mobile diagnostic assembly (20) of the type for supporting a patient in a prone position along an examination surface includes a support frame (22) having a top (26) extending between a front edge (38) and a rear edge (40) and defining at least one opening (48) for receiving pendant breasts of the patient in the prone position. The support frame (22) is movable to a testing position for disposing the rear edge (40) adjacent the examination surface. A flap (50) extends from the rear edge of the top for overlaying an examination surface in the testing position to support the prone patient along the examination surface and said flap and said top to prevent movement of the support frame relative to the examination surface. A pivot (54) is disposed between the flap and the top for establishing rotation of the flap from the testing position to cover said top.

Abstract: A mattress cover is disclosed for redirecting shear on a patient's skin away from the areas of the body relatively more likely to develop decubitus ulcers. The mattress cover includes an upper portion designed to cover the topside of a mattress, and at least one shear transfer zone attached to an underside of the upper portion of the mattress cover. The shear transfer zone(s) may be made of a low shear material so as to create a low friction interface between the mattress and the mattress cover to reduce shear forces exerted by the mattress. Additionally, the shear transfer zone(s) may be arranged such that a large portion of the shear forces exerted by the mattress can be redirected to areas of the body that are relatively less likely to develop decubitus ulcers.

Abstract: A pillow, mattress pad, mattress pad and pillow system, and mattress are provided having a plurality of zones for providing a selected distribution of pressure across different parts of a sleeper's body. The pillow has a first zone of elasticity for supporting the head of a sleeper and an integral second zone of elasticity for supporting the neck and upper thoracic spine, said pillow comprising a firm high resistance foam lower portion and a viscoelastic foam upper portion matingly contoured to the lower portion and internally sealed to the lower portion along a surface of predetermined curvature.

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 bed scroll is a bedding mat that is able to coil inwards from its left side and its right side. The bed scroll has a first coiling portion and a second coiling portion, which are integrated into the bed scroll and are positioned opposite each other across the bed scroll. The bed scroll is designed to be thermally insulative, organically-impermeable, waterproof, and hypoallergenic. The bed scroll can also be embedded with a topical medication that treats a user's ailments and can have a plurality of massaging protrusions that stimulate the user's skin to prevent pressure ulcers.

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: An infant bed system having a base, a mattress with a top surface having a half-pipe indentation, the mattress is shaped and sized to be snugly placed atop the base, legs that extend downwardly from the base, and raised side walls that extend upwardly from the side wall of the base. A vibrating component in the base is adapted to provide vibrations to the mattress. A speaker produces womb sounds or heartbeat sounds. A control panel on the base allows for turning on and off of the system.

Abstract: A support layer for a mattress and a corresponding manufacturing process are provided, comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being disposed opposite the first surface. The first surface comprises a plurality of protrusions extending laterally to a length of the support layer, the protrusions defining a plurality of cavities extending laterally to the length of the support layer. The shape of the protrusions matches the shape of the cavities when the support layer is in a substantially planar state. The protrusions and cavities each have a base portion and a head portion, the head portion defining an undercut. Further, a mattress comprising at least one support layer is provided.

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: 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: A cushion assembly includes an aesthetic cover having a perimeter panel providing a perimeter height. Spaced apart cover panels extend between the perimeter panels. The perimeter and cover panels together provide a cushion cavity. A cushion includes randomly oriented fibers bonded to one another to provide a core of a batt that has opposing surfaces. The batt includes manufactured, tufted and desired design heights. A tuft extends through the cushion to the opposing surfaces to maintain the cushion in the tufted height, which is less than the manufactured height. The cushion is provided at the desired design height with the tufted cushion arranged within the cushion cavity. The tufted height is generally less than the desired design height.

Abstract: A cushioning device with an upper foam layer and a lower positioned foam layer, with the upper foam layer having multiple thickness zones defined by different height projections from one zone to another as to provide a thickness variation pattern, one side of the upper foam layer is less contoured when not yet assembled in the cushioning device and a second side is comprised of the multiple thickness zones such that, upon connection of the multiple thickness zones to the lower positioned foam layer, the height differential along a length of the upper foam layer is transmitted as to form a non-planar, crown configuration in the upper surface of the upper foam layer. A method includes roller contouring different height and shaped projection zones including zones with different ratios of peak height to overall zone height.

Abstract: A cushion structure, comprising: a foam cushion having a bottom surface and a supporting surface disposed parallel to the bottom surface; a plurality of gel supports, distributed dispersively over the supporting surface, the gel support is a conical component, the top and bottom surfaces of which are mutually parallel to each other, the area of the bottom surface is larger than the area of the top surface, the bottom surface of the gel support is each attached to the supporting surface of the foam cushion, and a spacing is kept between any two adjacent gel supports; and a covering sheet for wrapping together the foam cushion and the gel support.

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 and a conformable riser element adjacent the support element. The riser element and the support element collectively form a body support member configured to support a user and define a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the user's arm. The riser element and the support element are each disposed within a casing formed at least in part with a stretch material. In some embodiments, the riser element includes a polyester filler material and the stretch material includes a four-way stretch material. The four-way stretch material in combination with the polyester filler material enables the riser element to be conformable.

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 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 mattress cover is disclosed for redirecting shear on a patient's skin away from the areas of the body relatively more likely to develop decubitus ulcers. The mattress cover includes an upper portion designed to cover the topside of a mattress, and at least one shear transfer zone attached to an underside of the upper portion of the mattress cover. The shear transfer zone(s) may be made of a low shear material so as to create a low friction interface between the mattress and the mattress cover to reduce shear forces exerted by the mattress. Additionally, the shear transfer zone(s) may be arranged such that a large portion of the shear forces exerted by the mattress can be redirected to areas of the body that are relatively less likely to develop decubitus ulcers.

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 baby support device is described. The baby support device comprises an elongate first surface adapted to support all or part of a baby and a shorter second surface adapted to support at least part of a baby, the first and second surfaces being arranged at an angle with respect to one another such that the first surface alone or the first and second surfaces together can, in use, fully support a baby in both the prone or supine orientations.

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: A foam core for a pressure reduction healthcare mattress is disclosed. It includes a top layer made of memory retention foam, a middle layer made of foam and having a convex shape that is higher along a longitudinal center line than along the two sides, and a lower support layer made of foam. The top layer is made of a torso piece and a softer foot/lower leg piece. The middle layer includes a heel pillow that fits into a heel pillow cavity in the foam, the heel pillow including layers of fiber material over a crown shaped foam insert. The lower support layer has a sloped portion in a lower leg section that slopes down toward a heel end of the foam core. Also disclosed is a pressure reduction healthcare mattress that includes the foam core and a cover.

Abstract: A bed frame includes a weight bearing framework 30, and a footboard 82 that cooperates with the framework to define an edge 90 of an occupant region 92 of the bed. The footboard 82 includes a footboard frame 100 and a pressurizable cushion 104. A mattress system 160 includes a main occupant support portion 162 with a support surface 168 and a cushion 170 located footwardly of the occupant support portion. The cushion has a deployed state in which it projects vertically higher than the support surface and a stored state in which it does not project vertically higher than the support surface.

Abstract: A base has upper and lower surfaces. The base has front and back edges. First and second side walls extend from the base. A center wall extends from the base spaced equally between the side walls. The side walls and the center wall have concave upper edges. The upper edges are adjacent to the back edge being at an elevation greater than at the front edge. The center wall divides the system into first and second reclining surfaces. The upper edges of the side and center walls are at an elevation above the upper edges of the reclining surfaces. Similarly configured first and second leg dividers extend vertically from the base adjacent to the front wall. The first and second leg dividers are in the first and second reclining surface.

Abstract: An infant sleep aid device for alleviating acid reflux symptoms, preventing suffocation and collecting spit up or vomit is disclosed. The device includes a wedge-shaped body with a substantially flat incline to receive and support the infant in a prone or supine position. In addition the infant sleep aid includes section to support the torso of the infant and a section to support the head of the infant. The head support section is uniquely devised to include a wire mesh cloth sufficiently tensioned to support the head of the infant and through which spit up and vomit can drain through down to a funnel shaped body attached thereto or placed underneath; and means for delivering fresh breathing air through holes on the sides of the support head section. The infant sleep aid also includes primary and secondary harnesses to support and secure the infant in either prone or supine position.

Abstract: An alternating pattern gel cushioning device and methods for making the same. The gel pattern may be two- or three-dimensional. The devices may be zoned or stacked. The device may be made by a variety of methods including roller molding, open-face molding, injection molding, casting, extrusion, compression molding and other methods.

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 body support including a visco-elastic foam layer having a length and a non-planar top surface with peaks and troughs that define a horizontal distance between peaks and a vertical height between a peak and a trough. The peaks and troughs of the non-planar top surface form sinusoidal or domed waves. A density of the foam at the peaks is substantially the same as the density of the foam at the troughs. A ratio of the length to the distance is from 10 to 50, optionally from 15 to 40. The ratio of length to distance can be from 20 to 30 and optionally from 20 to 25.

Abstract: A reversible foam mattress is formed of a foam core and includes a comfort side on one side of the foam core, a support side on an opposite side of the foam core, and side rails formed along longitudinal edges of the foam core. The comfort side includes a first convoluted section with convolutions having a first height, and the support side includes a second convoluted section with convolutions having a second height shorter than the first height.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus to be used as an alternative infant mattress having a curved top surface which is formed based on a curve comprising a segment of sine wave and a segment of tail line. The segment of sine wave preferably consists of a partial wave crest and a full wave trough. The length of the apparatus is preferably identical to the wave length of the sine wave.

Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a mat for facilitating infant development is disclosed. The mat may include a base portion, a support member, and at least one gripping member. The mat may include a texture pattern defined on the surfaces thereof. The mat may encourage development of the infant's cognitive abilities, tactile perception, fine motor skills and strengthening of the infant's core muscles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mattress comprises a core and a cushion layer positioned above the core. A fibrous air spacer layer is positioned above the cushion layer, and a layer of visco-elastic foam is positioned above the fibrous layer. This permits the fibrous layer to be sandwiched between the cushion layer and the layer of visco-elastic material.

Abstract: A panel for a mattress including first and second fabric layers joined together along their edges and a padding material between said fabrics. The padding material includes at least a layer of resilient foam provided with through-holes. The foam layer is quilted between the first and second fabric layers. A method of manufacturing the panel includes forming a resilient foam body provided with recesses, horizontally cutting a plurality of single layers in the body in the recesses portion to result in at least one layer with through-holes, sandwiching at least one of the single layers provided with through-holes in each panel between the first and second fabric layers.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a core mattress and a mattress cover. The core is made from a resilient material with a top surface that may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The removable mattress sheet covers the core and includes a breathable material that forms a hammock over a depression in the top surface. The subject rests at least partially on the hammock. One or more sidewalls of the mattress depression may have one or more openings to facilitate air circulation within the depression. 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 a fire retardant, impermeable water-proofing or gas impermeable layer. A ventilator may be adapted within the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support, a removable section configured for movement to a position wherein the removable section is aligned with patient support wherein the removable section can be coupled to the patient support, a second position wherein the removable section is adjacent to, but spaced from the first position and a third position spaced apart from the patient support. The patient support apparatus further includes a locking mechanism that is configured to sense when the removable section is properly aligned with the patient support so that the removable section can be mounted to the patient support.

Abstract: A device for supporting and positioning an infant, particularly a premature infant, in a tucked prone position. An elongated base layer extends lengthwise from a head end to a feet end, and includes, in order, a head support portion having a width at least sufficient to fully support the head of the infant, a torso support portion having a width sized to correspond to the width of the torso of the infant, and a pelvis support portion terminating in an upwardly extending rear support for the buttocks of the infant. Arm recesses are formed in the torso support portion, and pair of upwardly and rearwardly extending lateral supports extend lengthwise from the arm recesses to the feet end of the device. Leg recesses are defined between, on the one hand, the upwardly extending lateral supports, and, on the other hand, the pelvis support portion and the upwardly extending rear support.

Abstract: An infant pillow device including a head and neck positioner(s) for retaining the infant's head and neck to prevent lateral, upwardly, downwardly, and rotational movement of the infants head. The infant pillow device aligns the infant's head, neck and spine when positioned on the infant pillow device.

Abstract: A seat that includes a support base including a substantially flat bottom surface, a concave portion formed in the support base opposite the flat bottom surface, the concave portion including a head rest area and a leg rest area at opposite ends of the concave portion, and a recessed area therebetween. The head rest area and the leg rest area having a height greater than the recessed area, and the substantially flat bottom surface of the support base extends from the head rest area to the leg rest area. First and second side walls extend between the head rest area and the leg rest area that border the concave portion.

Abstract: A mattress configured to support a patient including a foot section having a leg portion, a heel pressure relief portion, and a raised calf support portion positioned intermediate the leg portion and the heel pressure relief portion.

Abstract: An adjustable spring mattress includes a plurality of parallelepipedal bodies made of a synthetic elastic material and being mutually coupled together. Each body houses an inner coil spring, and is separated from adjoining bodies through a throughgoing hole. The bodies are partially separated by V-shaped separating slots which longitudinally and transversely traverse the mattress.

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: The invention is an inflatable, wedge-shaped incline mattress that is inexpensive, portable, easily inflated or deflated, and effectively relieves Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in adults and infants by elevating the head while lowering the feet relative to the stomach. It also allows for side sleeping, stomach sleeping and rolling over to change sleep positions while still in the head-elevated position.

Abstract: A support pin matrix features a number of support pins densely two dimensionally arrayed and individually springily suspended such that a patient's body or body portions may be bedded directly on the support pins. The pins are preferably pressurized by a fluid pressure system for highly balanced contact pressure irrespective the individual pins' load deflection. A control system may provide a pin retraction wave of the support pins. A body resting surface accessing device may be moved across the support pin matrix and beneath a bedded patient in conjunction with the pin retraction wave. The resting surface accessing device may be configured for cleaning, drying, inspecting, irradiating, and/or massaging the body resting surface and/or for maintaining the body support pin matrix. A body carrying net may be retracted and raised in between the body support pins to lift the patient off the support pin matrix.

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.