US20160296031A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20160296031A1
Application number: US15/183,714
Authority: US
Inventors: Roger Anton Sramek
Original assignee: Level Sleep LLC
Current assignee: Level Sleep LLC
Priority date: 2014-01-27
Filing date: 2016-06-15
Publication date: 2016-10-13

Abstract

A pillow used with a mattress that efficiently provides low pressure and alignment to achieve restful and less fragmented sleep. The mattress supports a recumbent body. The pillow aligns the head and neck and acts with the mattress for body alignment. The mattress comprises a composite and a cover encapsulating the composite. The composite includes a performance layer and a core layer. The performance layer includes a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body. The shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section have different displacement parameters to match the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region for alignment of the body with low body pressure. A core layer supports the performance layer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mattresses, to mattresses for beds and to mattresses that efficiently provide low pressure and alignment to achieve restful and less fragmented sleep.

Normally, everyone spends a large percentage of everyday sleeping. Restful sleep is important to a person's good health, enjoyment of life and the ability to function normally. Sleep affects brain activity, heart rate, blood pressure, sympathetic nerve activity, muscle tone, blood flow, sexual arousal, body temperature and other body conditions. Poor sleep has a strong correlation to obesity, diabetes, stroke, depression, hypertension and other adverse conditions.

Restful sleep is dependent upon a person's comfort level while recumbent, usually in side-lying and back-lying positions. The concentration of pressure on certain parts of the body and poor body alignment are significant causes of restless sleep.

During sleep, a healthy person typically passes through four levels of sleep which include physically restorative stages I-III and which additionally includes a REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stage, the mentally restorative stage. Stages I and II are the lightest sleep and stage III is the deepest, the Stages I, II and III are non-REM stages (NREM). The REM stage is that level in which sleepers dream and receive mental health benefits. All levels of sleep are important, but stage III is the deepest and most physically restful sleep, when, for example, human growth hormone is secreted. Normal sleep cyclically passes through the stages from I to III and back from III to I and into and out of REM. This sleep cycle is repeated a number of times over a normal sleep period, but can be disrupted due, for example, to body discomfort.

Restfulness and the quality of sleep (mentally and physically restorative sleep) are dependent upon the comfort of sleepers. When sleepers become uncomfortable, they move to relieve the discomfort and the resulting moves are a normal part of sleep. When sleepers move, they frequently change to lighter stages of sleep or awaken. The more discomfort sleepers feel, the more they will move and the more time they will spend in lighter and less restful sleep. Good sleeping is normally associated with a minimum number of interruptions of sleep stages due to a low number of body shifts during the sleep period. The higher the number of interruptions, the more fragmented the sleep and the less restful the sleep.

Comfortable mattresses are important in establishing restful sleep. Bed-induced shifts due to discomfort caused by the bed are a significant cause of poor sleep quality. On conventional mattresses (including feather beds, inner spring mattresses, foam mattresses, orthopedic mattresses, waterbeds, airbeds and the like), most people experience as many as forty major postural body shifts in the course of a night's sleep. Poor sleepers experience as much as sixty percent more major shifts than good sleepers. While some shifts during a sleep period are beneficial, the quality of sleep can be greatly improved for many by reducing the number of bed-induced shifts.

There are two major causes of bed-induced shifting that cause poor sleep. The first major cause of shifting is excessive pressure on parts of the body and the second major cause of shifting is the body's spinal misalignment.

Considering the first major cause of shifting, the buildup of pressures results from prolonged lying in the same position. On conventional mattresses, the pressure tends to be greatest on the body's protrusions (such as shoulders and hips) where body tissues are put in high compression against the mattress. High compression tends to restrict capillary blood flow which is recognized by the body, after a period of time, as discomfort. The amount of pressure which causes a discontinuance of capillary blood flow is called the ischemic pressure. The ischemic pressure threshold is normally considered to be approximately thirty mmHg. The discontinuance of capillary blood flow is observable as a red spot on the skin (reactive hyperemia). After pressure is applied, a red spot on the skin is a precursor to tissue damage. When parts of the body (usually shoulders and hips in conventional mattresses) are subjected to pressures above the ischemic threshold, discomfort results and, hence, a person shifts to remove the discomfort and threat to tissue damage.

Considering the second major cause of shifting, body misalignment results from spinal misalignment due to lateral bending of the vertebral column of the body, particularly for a person in a side-sleeping position. Such lateral bending is typically caused by mattresses that allow sagging of the torso region of the body. Conventional mattresses allow such sagging regardless of the hardness or the softness of the mattress but the spinal sagging effect tends to be more pronounced on firm mattresses. A sagging mattress allows the upper torso (thoracic region) to drop relative to the hips and results in stress to muscles and ligaments. The stress from a sagging mattress frequently manifests as discomfort or even pain in the lumbar region of the back. Such discomfort causes the sleeper to shift in order to relieve the discomfort and avoid tissue damage.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,698, a bed having low body pressure and alignment includes a mattress for supporting a recumbent body. The mattress includes a resilient top member having a top region possessing uniform placement parameters and also includes resilient supporting means supporting the top member with variable displacement. The combination of members with uniform displacement parameters over members with variable displacement parameters enables the mattresses to support the body in alignment and with uniform low pressure.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,172, a bed having low body pressure and alignment includes a mattress supporting a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment. The mattress extends in a lateral direction from side to side and extends in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot where the mattress includes a head part, a shoulder part, a thoracic part, a hip part and a leg part. The recumbent body has a displacement profile that causes the mattress to undergo differing displacements when supporting the recumbent body. The mattress composite has displacement parameters varying to match the displacement profile of the recumbent body while supporting the recumbent body with low body pressure. The composite has a plurality of regions where the displacement in one or more of the regions varies to match the displacement profile of the recumbent body to maintain the recumbent body in alignment.

An ideal mattress has a resiliency over the length of a body on the mattress to support the body in spinal alignment and also has a low surface body pressure over all or most parts of the body in contact with the mattress. Since a recumbent body has both varying density and varying contour in the longitudinal direction, the ideal mattress must conform to these variations. With such variations, in order to achieve spinal alignment, the supporting forces in the mattress, under load from the recumbent body, must vary along the body to match the varying body density and shape. Also, when the body is in spinal alignment, for an ideal mattress, the supporting pressures in the mattress against the skin must be low. The preferred pressure against the skin of a person in bed for an ideal mattress is generally below the ischemic threshold. The preferred side-lying spinal alignment for a person in bed is generally defined as that alignment in which the spine is generally straight and on the same center line as the legs and head, a condition that helps provide “spinal neutrality”. “Spinal neutrality” is a condition in which the forces on the spine and ligaments have minimum stress, for example, the shear forces on the L1 and L5 vertebrae are a minimum.

While the general principles of an ideal mattress have been recognized, actual embodiments of mattresses that have properties that approach the properties of an ideal mattress at reasonable costs have not been fully satisfactory.

Developments in the parameters of and manufacturing capabilities for foam and other materials have provided new components for mattresses that can be used to better approach the technical parameters required for an ideal mattress at economical costs and which can be manufactured with expected standard properties and with the attributes for mattresses that are desired by the public.

There are a number of properties useful in characterizing mattress materials including “Hardness”, “Density”, “Indentation Load Deflection (ILD)” and “Tensile Strength”. Hardness is the resistance against pressure. Density is the mass per unit volume. Hardness and density are interrelated. When density increases, hardness tends to increase. Generally for lower density materials, a growing loss in hardness arises after repeated loading. Tensile Strength is the measure of the resistance against stretching and changes in tensile strength are measured as Tensile % and changes in length after applying a tensile force are measured as Elongation %. Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is a hardness measurement defined in the ISO 2439 standard. ILD in the standard is defined as the force that is required to compress material a percentage of its original thickness, that is, compressed 25%, 40% and 60% from its original thickness (using in the standard a circular plate of 322 cm.sup.2). These ILD's are designated ILD.sub.25%, ILD.sub.40% and ILD.sub.60%.

In consideration of the above background, there is a need for improved mattresses that better approach the properties of ideal mattresses and that can be economically manufactured while satisfying the public expectations and demands for mattresses.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a pillow which in combination with a mattress achieves body alignment and low pressure to achieve restful and less fragmented sleep. The pillow acts in combination with a mattress. The mattress extends in a lateral direction from side to side and extends in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot for supporting a recumbent body. The recumbent body includes a shoulder region, a thoracic region and a hip region where the recumbent body has a displacement profile where the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region are different. The pillow is useful in the thoracic region to assist in alignment of body. In one embodiment, a knee and ankle pillow is also used to provide comfort for a side lying body.

The mattress comprises a composite and a cover encapsulating the composite. The composite extends in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction. The composite includes a performance layer and a core layer. The performance layer includes a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body, respectively. The shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section have different displacement parameters to match the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region for alignment of the body with low body pressure. A core layer supports the performance layer.

In one embodiment, the performance layer is separated from the body only by the cover.

In one embodiment, the displacement parameters include ILD and density and the ILD of the thoracic section is greater than the ILD of the shoulder section and is greater than the ILD of the hip section.

In one embodiment, the ILD of the shoulder section is approximately 18, the ILD of the thoracic section is approximately 27 and the ILD of the hip section is approximately 23 and the density of the shoulder section is approximately 2 lb/cf, the density of the thoracic section is approximately 2 lb/cf and the density of the hip section is approximately 2 lb/cf.

In one embodiment, the performance layer and the core layer are polyurethane or latex.

In one embodiment, the cover includes a stretch material that allows depression of the body into the composite without significantly modifying load deflection parameters of the composite.

In one embodiment, the stretch material has a tensile strength that allows the cover to stretch approximately 12% or more in the longitudinal direction and approximately 16% or more in the lateral direction when a recumbent body is on the mattress.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a pillow with a partially cut away pillow cover having shims.

FIG. 2 depicts the pillow ofFIG. 1 with more of the pillow cover cut away.

FIG. 3 depicts the pillow core ofFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 without a pillow cover.

FIG. 4 depicts a sectional view along the section line4-4′ ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts a sectional view along the section line5-5′ ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 depicts a sectional view along the section line6-6′ ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts a sectional view along the section line7-7′ ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 depicts a rotated view of the sectional view ofFIG. 6 together with a pouch within the head-well cavity.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of the internal truss members of the pillow ofFIG. 1,FIG. 2 andFIG. 3.

FIG. 10 depicts a heart-shaped pouch for insertion into the internal head-well cavity of the pillow core for ILD adjustment of the pillow.

FIG. 11 depicts a sectional view, analogous to theFIG. 5 view, of an alternate embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 12 depicts a sectional view, analogous to theFIG. 6 view, of the alternate embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 13 depicts a sectional view, analogous to theFIG. 7 view, of the alternate embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 14 depicts a rotated view of the sectional view ofFIG. 12 with a heart-shaped pouch inserted into the core head-well cavity for ILD adjustment.

FIG. 15 depicts an isometric view of the internal truss members of the alternate embodiment of a pillow.

FIG. 16A depicts a core having a heart-shaped cavity and a heart-shaped pouch insert that matches the shape of the heart-shaped cavity.

FIG. 16B depicts a core having a double heart-shaped cavity and a double heart-shaped pouch inserted within the heart-shaped cavity.

FIG. 16C depicts an isometric view of the core, double heart-shaped insert pouch andcavity5′ ofFIG. 16B.

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of a back-lying person with his head on the pillow where the angle of the head is disadvantageously flexed above the spinal alignment line.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of a back-lying person with the head on the pillow where the angle of the head is advantageously extended below the spinal alignment line.

FIG. 19 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including an air-inflatable bladder for controlling the head-well cavity and the pillow at one setting.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including an air-inflatable bladder for controlling the head-well cavity and the pillow at another setting.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of a different shape.

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of a still different shape.

FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of another different shape.

FIG. 24 depicts a front view of a side-lying person with her head on the pillow advantageously aligned with the spinal alignment line.

FIG. 25 depicts an end view of a side-lying person with the face on the pillow advantageously rotated down from the plane of the pillow top.

FIG. 26 is a front sectional view of a pillow having multiple shims and multiple ear wells.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a pillow ofFIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the pillow ofFIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an end view of the pillow ofFIG. 26 showing a pillow cover having a pocket containing shims.

FIG. 30 is a front view of the pillow ofFIG. 26 showing a pillow cover having pockets containing shims.

FIG. 31 depicts a front view of the pillow ofFIG. 26 where the shims are pushed flat on a bed surface.

FIG. 32 depicts an isometric top view, taken at a small angle to normal, of a pillow core formed by a mold.

FIG. 33 depicts a side view of the pillow core ofFIG. 32 with a pillow cover added.

FIG. 34 depicts an end view of the pillow core ofFIG. 32.

FIG. 35 depicts the pillow core ofFIG. 33 with a pillow cover having shims in pillow cover pockets.

FIG. 36 depicts the pillow core ofFIG. 34 with shims in the pillow cover pocket.

FIG. 37 depicts a pillow for helping to support a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment.

FIG. 38 depicts a knee and ankle pillow for helping to support a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment.

FIG. 39 depicts a side view of the pillow ofFIG. 38.

FIG. 40 depicts an end view of one end of the pillow ofFIG. 38.

FIG. 41 depicts an end view of the other end of the pillow ofFIG. 38.

FIG. 42 depicts a top view of another pillow within a pillow cover.

FIG. 43 depicts an end view of the pillow ofFIG. 42.

FIG. 44 depicts a front view of the pillow ofFIG. 42.

FIG. 45 depicts a back view of the pillow ofFIG. 42.

FIG. 46 depicts a top view of a core of the pillow ofFIG. 42.

FIG. 47 depicts an end view of the core ofFIG. 46.

FIG. 48 depicts a front view of the core ofFIG. 46.

FIG. 49 depicts a back view of the core ofFIG. 46.

FIG. 50 depicts a bottom view of the core ofFIG. 46.

FIG. 51 depicts a bottom view of the core ofFIG. 46 with the bottom spacers shown exploded.

FIG. 52 depicts a flipped view of one of the bottom spacers ofFIG. 51.

FIG. 53 depicts a flipped view of another one of the bottom spacers ofFIG. 51.

FIG. 54 depicts a bottom view of the core ofFIG. 46 with the neck spacers shown exploded.

FIG. 55 depicts a view of the neck spacers ofFIG. 54 shown flipped.

FIG. 56 depicts a front view of the neck spacers ofFIG. 54 collapsed.

FIG. 57 depicts an end view of the neck spacers ofFIG. 56.

FIG. 58 depicts an end view of the neck spacers ofFIG. 56 modified to show only two spacers.

FIG. 59 depicts an end view of the neck spacers ofFIG. 56 modified to show only one spacer.

FIG. 60 depicts a top view of one of the bottom spacers ofFIG. 51.

FIG. 61 depicts an end view of the bottom spacer ofFIG. 60 viewed along the section line61-61′.

FIG. 62 depicts an end view of the bottom spacer ofFIG. 60 viewed along the section line62-62′.

FIG. 63 depicts a front view of the bottom spacer ofFIG. 60.

FIG. 64 depicts a front view of two of the bottom spacers ofFIG. 63 stacked together.

FIG. 65 depicts a front view of two of bottom spacers that are an alternate embodiment for the spacers ofFIG. 64.

FIG. 66 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow operating to bend the head and neck upward and out of natural alignment.

FIG. 67 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 68 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment but with a slight downward extension that tends to open the air passage and reduce or eliminate snoring and other sleep difficulties.

FIG. 69 depicts a cross-sectional end view of an uncovered pillow core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 70 depicts a cross-sectional end view of the same pillow as inFIG. 69 with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the head behind the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 71 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a pillow with a cover and core and with a female in a side-lying position with the pillow maintaining natural head and neck alignment and where the section is taken to show the ear positioned over the ear hole of the core.

FIG. 72 depicts a female in a back-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 73 depicts a female in a side-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 74 depicts a male in a back-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 75 depicts a male in a side-lying position with the pillow cooperating with the mattress to maintain natural head and neck alignment.

FIG. 76 depicts an isometric view of a bed including a mattress formed from foam layers having varying displacement parameters capable of supporting a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment.

FIG. 77 depicts an isometric view of the mattress ofFIG. 76.

FIG. 78 depicts an expanded view of an indicator in the cover of the mattress ofFIG. 76 andFIG. 77.

FIG. 79 depicts a top view of a mattress composite for a Twin size mattress.

FIG. 80 depicts a front view of the mattress composite ofFIG. 79.

FIG. 81 depicts an end view of the mattress composite ofFIG. 79 andFIG. 80.

FIG. 82 depicts a top view of a mattress composite for a Twin Long size mattress.

FIG. 83 depicts a front view of the mattress composite ofFIG. 82.

FIG. 84 depicts an end view of the mattress composite ofFIG. 82 andFIG. 83.

FIG. 85 depicts a top view of a mattress composite for a Full size mattress.

FIG. 86 depicts a front view of the mattress composite ofFIG. 85.

FIG. 87 depicts an end view of the mattress composite ofFIG. 85 andFIG. 86.

FIG. 88 depicts a side lying female recumbent body on a mattress composite.

FIG. 89 depicts a side lying male recumbent body on a mattress composite.

FIG. 90 depicts the side lying male recumbent body on a mattress composite ofFIG. 89 with a cutaway to show the skeleton of the body.

FIG. 91 depicts side by side male and female bodies on a mattress with cutaway views of the mattress cover.

FIG. 92 depicts the male body ofFIG. 39 with a cutaway view to show the skeleton and its position over the mattress composite.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIG. 1, apillow1 includes acore3 with apillow cover2. Thecore3 has atruss member4 located in a truss region extending generally internal to and along the length of thecore3. Thepillow1 externally has the dimensions and appearance of conventional pillows and in this regard satisfies the public expectations and demands for the “standard properties” and expected attributes of pillows.

Although thepillow1 ofFIG. 1 appears to have a standard appearance and hence would be expected to have uniform and non-varying displacement parameters and a uniform concentration of fill internal to the pillow, thetruss member4 imparts a varying structural support and variable displacement parameters that provides sleep comfort assisting in achieving a neutral anatomic position and the natural alignment of the head and body of a reclining person. Thepillow cover2 is made from a low tension material which, although neatly fitted about thecore3 for a clean and snug appearance, easily stretches and conforms to allow a head and neck to appropriately rest in the pillow and be supported by the structure of theinternal truss member4. InFIG. 1, thepillow cover2 in some embodiments includes azipper44 which when unzipped allows access to thecore3.

InFIG. 2, thepillow1 includes thecore3 with thepillow cover2 farther removed. The end surface of thetruss member4 is flush with and forms a flat surface with the end of the outer portion of thecore3.

InFIG. 3, thecore3 has thepillow cover2 ofFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 completely removed revealing that the external appearance of thecore3 is smooth and regular like the outward appearance of conventional pillows.

InFIG. 4, a sectional view ofcore3, along the section line4-4′ ofFIG. 3, is shown to reveal a portion of thetruss member4 recessed in and forming aninternal cavity5 within thecore3. Theinternal cavity5 is a well located beneath the area of the pillow that receives the head of a reclining body in supine position and hence is sometimes called a “head well” Theinternal cavity5 is typically filled with air and hence structurally provides less support for a head located abovecavity5. Alternatively, as hereinafter described, the head-well cavity5 receives a pouch for ILD modification of the structural support provided by the pillow in the head-well region.

InFIG. 5, the sectional view ofcore3, along the section line5-5′ ofFIG. 3 reveals the head-well cavity5 located in an inner region starting approximately 1 inch below the upper surface of thecore3 and surrounded by theouter region3′. Thetruss member4 within the inner region includes afirst truss part41 having a leg4-1 and a leg4-2 separated by a spacer11-1 and asecond truss part42 having a leg4-3 and a leg4-4 separated by a spacer11-2. The first and second truss parts are located within the inner region and at opposite ends along the length of thecore3 providing walls for the internal head-well cavity5. In one particular embodiment, thecore3 is 23.5 inches in length with a height of 5.5 inches high.

InFIG. 6, the sectional view ofcore3 along the section line6-6′ ofFIG. 5 reveals the internal head-well cavity5. Thecavity5 has a top surface defined by an arc which approximately matches the arc of the outer surface ofcore3. The head-well cavity5 has symmetrical side surfaces with rises of 3.5 and runs of 4. An opening of 1.5 inches constitutes the bottom of head-well cavity5.Cavity5 is not centered withincore3 and is asymmetrical with respect tocore3. The bottom opening on the left ofcavity5 is 6 inches from the left side ofcore3 and the bottom opening on the right ofcavity5 is 7.5 inches from the right side ofcore3. The asymmetry of thecore3 forms a pillow with different characteristics as a function of which of the two sides, left or right inFIG. 6, receives the head and neck of a reclining body. InFIG. 6, if a person has a head over head-well cavity5 with neck, body and feet extending to the right, thecore3 includes a greater volume under the neck, providing greater neck support, than if the same reclining body has a head overcavity5 with neck, body and feet extending to the left. Also, inFIG. 6 it is apparent that a head reclining into thecore3 has less support when first touching the pillow above thecore3 and has more support the farther the head sinks into thecore3. In one particular embodiment, thecore3 is 15 inches wide by 5.5 inches high.

InFIG. 7, a sectional view ofcore3 is shown along the section line7-7′ ofFIG. 5. InFIG. 7, the sectional view ofcore3 reveals theinternal cavity5. In one embodiment, theinternal cavity5 is 9.5 inches square. Thecavity5 is offset from the center ofcore3 with a measurement of 3.5 inches from the right (seeFIG. 6) or the top (seeFIG. 7) and is offset from the center ofcore3 with a measurement of 2 inches from the left (seeFIG. 6) or the bottom (seeFIG. 7). Thecavity5 typical receives the head of a back-lying reclining body dictated by the amount of neck support desired. The asymmetry of thecore3 renders a pillow with different characteristics for a reclining body as a function of which of the two sides (left or right inFIG. 6 and top and bottomFIG. 7) receives the head and neck of the reclining body. Typically, thecore3 is a standard size measuring 23.5 inches long by 15 inches wide.

InFIG. 7, thetruss member4 includes a first truss part having a leg4-1 and a leg4-2 separated by a spacer11-1 and a second truss part having a leg4-3 and a leg4-4 separated by a spacer11-2. The first and second truss parts are located at opposite ends of thecore3 leaving theinternal cavity5 in between. The truss parts provide additional cavities5-1R and5-1L for the first truss part and cavities5-2R and5-2L for the second truss part. The cavities5-1R,5-1L,5-2R and5-2L are ear well cavities and are positioned so as to be opposite the ears of side-lying reclining bodies.

InFIG. 8, the right end sectional view ofFIG. 6 is rotated 90 degrees to show the asymmetry together withFIG. 7. InFIG. 8, in one alternate embodiment, thecavity5 includes afill material41, either loose or in a fabric pouch orother container42, that conforms to fill thecavity5. Thefill material41 is for example, loose foam pieces, down or other soft and resilient material for adjusting the effective ILD of thepillow core3. Thefill material41 andcontainer42 are advantageously available with different ILD values whereby adjustments for the firmness of the pillow are readily made by selection of differed ILD values. InFIG. 8, theopening43 into thecavity5 is convenient for inserting thecontainer42 for altering the pillow ILD and softness. In order to enable end users to insert and removecontainers42, thepillow cover2 preferably includes azipper44 as shown inFIG. 1 or other opening means to allow access to the bottom ofcore3.

InFIG. 9, an isometric view of theinternal truss member4 of the pillow ofFIG. 1,FIG. 2 andFIG. 3 is shown. Thetruss member4 includes a first truss part having a leg4-1 and a leg4-2 separated by a spacer11-1 and a second truss part having a leg4-3 and a leg4-4 separated by a spacer11-2. The first and second truss parts are located at opposite ends of thecore3 ofFIG. 1 throughFIG. 3, andFIG. 5 andFIG. 7. The truss parts provide additional cavities5-1R and5-1L for the first truss part and cavities5-2R and5-2L for the second truss part. The cavities5-1R,5-1L,5-2R and5-2L are ear well cavities and are positioned so as to be opposite the ears of side-lying reclining bodies.

Thepillow1 described in connection withFIG. 1 throughFIG. 9, in one embodiment has a length (for example, 23.5 inches), a width (for example, 15 inches) and a height (for example, 5.5 inches) for supporting a head of a reclining body (see

bodies

35 and36 inFIG. 18 throughFIG. 25). Thecore3 is formed with variable displacement parameters along the length and width in the direction of the height. InFIG. 5, for example, when proceeding along the length from left to right in the plane of the figure, the ILD as measured from top to bottom for the height in the plane of the figure varies. More particularly, the ILD over the leg4-1 is greater than the ILD over the spacer11-1. Similarly, the ILD over the leg4-2 is greater than the ILD over the spacer11-1 and the ILD's over both leg4-2 and the spacer11-1 are greater than the ILD over thecavity5. Thecore3 includes anouter region3′ surrounding, at least in part, an innerregion including cavity5 and other cavities5-1 and5-2 (seeFIG. 5 andFIG. 7) and includingtruss member4. The variable displacement parameters are effective in allowing the head to deform the pillow in the direction of the height in proximity to the head-well cavity5 thereby controlling alignment of the head in a comfortable sleeping position and providing traction to fill the intervertebral discs.

Thepillow1 in the direction of the height has a top and a bottom. One or more of thecavities5,5-1,5-2 and the other cavities has a greater dimension near the top and a lesser dimension near the bottom. InFIG. 6, for example,cavity5 is about 9.5 inches at the top and about 1.5 inches at the bottom. Thecavity5 is bounded by thetruss members4₁and4₂(seeFIG. 5) and these members also have greater dimensions near the top and lesser dimensions near the bottom (seeFIG. 9). The greater dimensions on the top with an incline of the sidewalls toward the lesser dimensions at the bottom provide an incline that tends to support the neck so as to allow the head to be rotated downward toward a 4° angle for a back-lying body. This natural alignment allows the neck functions, including those of the nerves, arteries, and the breathing tube (oropharynx and hypopharynx), to perform optimally. The incline structure of the trusses fosters natural alignment. The natural alignment reduces stress, reduces compression on the neck muscles and nerves and thus reduces pain and stiffness and provides traction and filling of intervertebral discs.

InFIG. 10,pouch42′ is an alternate embodiment of thecontainer42 ofFIG. 8 is shown. The container (or pouch)42′ has a heart shape. The heart shape, besides having marketing appeal, functionally provides structural properties for supporting the head of a reclining body. Thepouch42′ is filled with a material (not shown) as described for thematerial41 ofFIG. 8, that determines the ILD of thepouch42′ and hence the ILD of the pillow.

InFIG. 11 a sectional view, analogous to theFIG. 5 view, of an alternate embodiment of a pillow is shown. InFIG. 11, the sectional view ofcore3 reveals theinternal cavity5 located below the outer region approximately 1 inch below the upper surface of thecore3. Thetruss member4 includes afirst truss part4₁having a leg4-1 and a leg4-2 separated by a spacer11-1 and asecond truss part4₂having a leg4-3 and a leg4-4 separated by a spacer11-2. The first and

second truss parts

4₁and4₂are located at opposite ends of thecore3 forming the sidewalls of theinternal cavity5. In the embodiment described, thecore3 is 23.5 inches long by 5.5 inches high.

InFIG. 12, a sectional view ofcore3 along the section line6-6′ ofFIG. 11 reveals theinternal cavity5. Thecavity5 has a top surface which is flat. Thecavity5 has symmetrical side surfaces with rises and runs that are approximately the same as the rises and runs for the side surfaces ofcavity5 inFIG. 6. An opening of 1.5 inches constitutes the bottom ofcavity5.Cavity5 is not centered withincore3. The edge of the bottom opening on the left ofcavity5 is 7 inches from the left side ofcore3 and the edge of the bottom opening on the right ofcavity5 is 6.5 inches from the right side ofcore3. The edge on the leftmost part ofcavity5 is 3 inches from the left side ofcore3 and the edge on the rightmost side ofcavity5 is 2.5 inches from the right side ofcore3. The asymmetry of thecore3 renders a pillow with different characteristics to a reclining person as a function of which of the two sides, left or right inFIG. 11, receives the head and neck of the reclining body. InFIG. 11, if a person has a head overcavity5 with neck, body and feet extending to the right, the core includes a greater volume under the neck than if the same reclining body has a head overcavity5 with neck, body and feet extending to the left. Also, inFIG. 12 it is apparent that a head reclining into thecore3 has less support when first touching the pillow above the core and has more support the farther the head sinks into thecore3. Thecore3 is 15 inches wide by 5.25 inches high.

InFIG. 13, a sectional view ofcore3 is shown along a section line13-13′ inFIG. 11. InFIG. 13, the sectional view ofcore3 reveals theinternal cavity5. Theinternal cavity5 is 9.5 inches square. Thecavity5 is offset from the center ofcore3 with a measurement of 2.5 inches from the right (seeFIG. 6) or the top (seeFIG. 7) and is offset from the center ofcore3 with a measurement of 3 inches from the left (seeFIG. 6) or the bottom (seeFIG. 7). Thecavity5 typical receives the head of a back-lying reclining body. The asymmetry of thecore3 renders a pillow with different characteristics for a reclining body as a function of which of the two sides (left or right inFIG. 6 and top and bottomFIG. 7) receives the head and neck of the reclining body. Thecore3 is typically a standard size measuring, for example, 23.5 inches long by 15 inches wide.

InFIG. 14, the right end sectional view ofFIG. 12 is rotated 90 degrees to show the asymmetry together withFIG. 13. InFIG. 14, in one alternate embodiment, thecavity5 includes apouch42′ that is shaped to fill thecavity5. Thepouch42′ in one embodiment has a heart shape. The double heart shape, besides having marketing appeal, functionally provides structural properties for supporting the head of a reclining body by providing an ear well in the top of each heart. If the head is extended from the right side (seeFIG. 12 or the top side inFIG. 14) theright lobe42R supports the head and if the head is extended from the left side (seeFIG. 12 or the bottom side inFIG. 14) theleft lobe42L supports the head. The fill material in thecontainer42 is advantageously available with different ILD values whereby adjustments for the firmness of the pillow are readily made by selection of differed ILD values. InFIG. 8, theopening43 into thecavity5 is convenient for inserting thecontainer42 for altering the pillow ILD and softness. In order to enable end users to insert and removecontainers42, thepillow cover2 preferably includes azipper44 as shown inFIG. 1 or other opening means to allow access to the bottom ofcore3.

InFIG. 15, thetruss member4 includes a first truss part having a leg4-1 and a leg4-2 separated by a spacer11-1 and a second truss part having a leg4-3 and a leg4-4 separated by a spacer11-2. The first and second truss parts are located at opposite ends of thecore3 leaving theinternal cavity5 in between. The truss parts provide additional cavities5-1R and5-1L for the first truss part and cavities5-2R and5-2L for the second truss part. The cavities5-1R,5-1L,5-2R and5-2L are ear well cavities and are positioned so as to be opposite the ears of side-lying reclining bodies.

InFIG. 16A, thecore3 has the heart-shapedinsert pouch42″ that matches thecavity5. The shape of thecore3 in the outer region is the same as the shape of thecore3 inFIG. 1 throughFIG. 4. The core in the inner region includes heart-shaped cavities. In the embodiment ofFIG. 16A, thecore5 andpouch42″ is equally centered (not shown) or is asymmetrically located (as shown) within thecore3. Thepouch42″ includes (not shown) cavities like cavities5-1R,5-1L,5-2R and5-2L for ear wells of the type described in connection withFIG. 15.

InFIG. 16B, thecore3 has the double heart-shapedinsert pouch42″ that matches the double heart-shapedcavity5′. The shape of thecore3 in the outer region is, in one embodiment, the same as the shape of thecore3 inFIG. 1 throughFIG. 4. The core in the inner region includes a double heart-shaped cavity. The ear wells31-1 and31-2 in the double heart-shapedinsert pouch42″ are for receiving ears of a side-lying head. In the embodiment ofFIG. 16B, thecore5 andpouch42″ can be equally centered (not shown) or alternatively is asymmetrically located (shown) within thecore3.

InFIG. 16C, thecore3, the double heart-shapedinsert pouch42″ and double heart-shapedcavity5′ are shown in an isometric view.

InFIG. 17, a back-lyingperson35 has his head on thepillow1 where the angle of the head is disadvantageously flexed 8° above the spinal alignment line. InFIG. 17, thepillow1 may be any conventional pillow or a pillow as shown inFIG. 1 throughFIG. 8 with excessive fill material, as described in connection withFIG. 8, added to thecavity5. Such excessive fill prevents the head inFIG. 17 from adequately extending down into the pillow and hence causes the disadvantageous angle of 8° flexion relative to the spinal alignment line.

InFIG. 18, a back-lyingperson35 has his head on the pillow1 (with thepillow cover2 ofFIG. 1 removed for clarity) where the angle of the head is advantageously extended 4° downward below the spinal alignment line. InFIG. 18, thepillow1 is a pillow as shown and described in connection withFIG. 1 throughFIG. 15 with an appropriate amount of fill material, if any, as described in connection withFIG. 8, added to thecavity5. Such a pillow allows the head inFIG. 18 to extend down into the pillow with an advantageous 4° extension angle relative to the spinal alignment line. While 4° downward is believed to be the optimum extension, any rotation downward from 8° or more upward flexion in the direction of a 4° downward extension is an improvement.

InFIG. 18, the neck region designated byarrows45 is a critical region for supporting the head and neck for proper extension of the head into the pillow. In this region, a significant transition in ILD can occur. If this transition is too acute, an uncomfortable pressure point is created for the neck and soft tissues in the region ofarrows45. InFIG. 18, the lower view depicts thenon-deformed core3′ and thearrows45′ in the transition region are analogous to thearrows45 indeformed core3. The region ofarrows45 where thepillow core3 is deformed by the weight of the head is the same as the region ofarrows45′ in the samenon-deformed pillow core3′. In order to achieve a good transition in the region of

arrows

45 and45′, it has been found that a slope of the sidewall of thecavity5 preferably has a rise of about 4.5 and a run of about 4 for the pillow with dimensions described. However, many variables can affect the support in the neck region. For example, thecavity5 is asymmetrically located within the

cores

3 and3′ so that the regions of

arrows

46 and46′ is more narrow than the region of

arrows

45 and45′. A smaller and lighter head may be more comfortably supported and extend to an optimum angle of 4° when using the region of

arrows

46 and46′ while a larger and heavier head may be more comfortably supported and extend to an optimum angle of 4° when using the region of

arrows

45 and45′.

In general, all the geometries and material properties affect the support in the neck region of the pillows of the present invention. For example, the flat (seeFIG. 12) or curved (seeFIG. 6) shape of the top surface of thecavity5, the rounded seeFIG. 12) or straight (seeFIG. 6) intersection of the walls of the thecavity5 and the top ofcavity5, the heart shape (seeFIG. 16) and so forth.

FIG. 19 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including an air-inflatable bladder47 for adjusting the angle, α₁, of the sidewall of the head-well cavity5 and the initial angle β₁between the cavity top and sidewall. These adjustments control the displacement parameters of thecore3. Thebladder47 is inflated or deflated throughair valve48 andhand pump49. When a head and neck are positioned overcore3 and generally abovebladder47, thecavity5 collapses shrinking the initial angle β₁and pushing a portion of the top ofcavity5 into the sidewall. The inflation amount of thebladder47 controls the displacement parameters of thecore3. One of the displacement parameters is the height of thecore3 when a neck and head are lying on the pillow. By adjusting the inflation, the neck support is raised or lowered the angle that the head is extended downward can be adjusted, ideally adjusted to 4° downward as shown inFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including an air-inflatable bladder47 for controlling the angle α₂of the sidewall of the head-well cavity5 and the initial angle β₂between the cavity top and sidewall. InFIG. 20, thebladder47 has been inflated more than inFIG. 19 so that angle α₂is less than α₁while angle β₂remains about the same as pi.

InFIG. 19 andFIG. 20, thebladder47 has been located at one sidewall of thecavity5. In other embodiments, for example inFIG. 16, theentire pouch42″ is a bladder that is inflated or deflated to control the height and other displacement parameters of the pillow.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of a different shape. Thecavity5 is an example of a class of cavities that deform gently for a back-lying person such that the head and neck are extended at an angle that approaches the optimum of 4° as shown, for example inFIG. 18, or optimizes neutral anatomic position, the sniffing position, and/or user comfort.

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of a still different shape. Thecavity5 is another example of a class of cavities that deform gently for a back-lying person such that the head and neck are extended at an angle that approaches the optimum of 4° as shown, for example inFIG. 18, or optimizes neutral anatomic position, the sniffing position, and/or user comfort.

FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate pillow including a cavity of another different shape. Again, thecavity5 inFIG. 23 is another example of a class of cavities that deform gently for a back-lying person such that the head and neck are extended at an angle that approaches the optimum of 4° as shown, for example inFIG. 18, or optimizes neutral anatomic position, the sniffing position, and/or user comfort.

InFIG. 24, a side-lyingperson36 with her head on the pillow1 (with thepillow cover2 ofFIG. 1 removed for clarity) is advantageously aligned with the spinal alignment line. The person's ear is positioned over the right ear well5-2R between the right edge ofcore3 and the center divider11-2. Shims30-1 and/or30-2 are provided to adjust the height for people with different offsets between the shoulder and the head and to compensate for mattresses with different firmness. The shims30-1 and/or30-2 are attached directly, by hook and loop or other fasteners, to the core or are located in pockets of a cover (as shown inFIG. 29 andFIG. 30). The shims30-1 and/or30-2 have dimensions which adjusts the pillow thickness to equal the OFFSET as shown for proper alignment of the person as shown.

InFIG. 25, side-lyingperson36 has her face on thepillow1 advantageously rotated downward from the top plane of thepillow1 at an angle of 8°. The ear of the side-lyingperson36 is positioned above the ear well5-2R.

The various angles encouraged by the pillows of the present invention, including the 4° downward angle of a back-lying person inFIG. 18, a straight alignment inFIG. 24 and an 8° downward rotation inFIG. 25 are optimum angles. While any particular person may experience different angles, the pillows of the present invention are designed to encourage angles for reclining bodies that tend toward the optimum angles.

Furthermore, the core inserts such as the heart-shapedinsert42′ ofFIG. 10 are used to adjust the ILD and structural parameters of pillows so that each person can select a pouch having an ILD value particularly suited adjust the pillow so that it tends toward the optimum angles and comfort for such person.

InFIG. 26, a front sectional view is shown of apillow core200 having multiple shims205-1 and205-2 and multiple ear wells206-1 and206-2. The shims205-1 are tapered and the shims205-2 are flat. Thecore200 has core members202-1,202-2,202-3 and203. The core members202-1,202-2 and202-3 are typically latex and thecore members203 are typically latex or memory foam. The core members202-1,202-2,202-3 and203 are typically glued together to form one unitary body having asupport base207. Thesupport base207 is polyurethane or other firm foam. The shims205-1 and205-2 are provided to adjust the height of thepillow core200 for different neck to shoulder dimensions of different side-lying bodies. The tapered shims205-1 are also used to adjust the angle of a side-lying body head lying with an ear over an ear well206 and facing away from thecore200.

InFIG. 27, a top view is shown of apillow core200 ofFIG. 26. Thepillow core200 has multiple ear wells206-1,206-2,206-3 and206-4. The regions between the ear wells206-1 and206-3 and the ear wells206-2 and206-4 have different firmnesses. The

outer regions

211 and212 are firmer than the softerinner region213. A body lying in the supine position with the neck over the

firmer region

211 or212 allows the head to tilt down into thesofter region213 thereby tending to open the nasal air passages for better and more comfortable sleeping.

InFIG. 28, a cross-sectional view is shown of thepillow core200 ofFIG. 27 taken along the section line28-28′ inFIG. 27. Note that theregion212 is somewhat wider than theregion211 so thatregion212 provides greater support for the neck than theregion211 provides. The head and neck overregion212 tilts less into theregion213 than the head and neck overregion211. A person can select a different neck support and head tilt by rotating the pillow 180°.

InFIG. 29, an end view is shown of thepillow core200 ofFIG. 26. Thepillow core200 has multiple shims205-1 and205-2 and multiple ear wells206-4 and206-2. The shims205-1 are tapered and the shims205-2 are flat. Thecore200 has one or more core members, such as member202-1 supported by abase207. Thepillow core200 has apillow cover208 surrounding the core member202-1 and thebase207. Thepillow cover208 is attached apillow pocket209 containing shims205-1 and205-2.

InFIG. 30, a front view is shown of thepillow core200 ofFIG. 26 having apillow cover208 attached to

pockets

209 and210. The

pockets

209 and210 each contain shims205-1 and205-2. Thepillow core200 has multiple ear wells206-1 and206-2. The shims205-1 are tapered and the shims205-2 are flat. Thecore200 has one or more core members, such as member202-1 supported by abase207. Thepillow core200 has apillow cover208 surrounding the core member202-1 and thebase207.

InFIG. 31, a front view is shown of thepillow core200 ofFIG. 30 where the shims205-1 and205-2 are pushed flat on a bed or other flat surface. The shims205-1 are tapered and the shims205-2 are flat. With the weight of a side-lying head with an ear in the ear well206-2, the angle of themattress core200 top tends to be inclined downward at an angle of approximately 6°.

InFIG. 32, an isometric top view, taken at a small angle from normal to the sheet of the drawing, of apillow core300. Thecore300 is typically a mold formed as a unitary member produced by mold processing. Thecore300 has multiple ear wells306-1,306-2,306-3 and306-4 and has aninner cavity303. Theouter region311 between the ear wells306-1 and306-2 and theouter region312 between the ear wells306-3 and306-4 have different firmnesses. The

outer regions

311 and312 are firmer than the softerinner region313 in thecavity303. A body lying in the supine position with the neck over thefirmer region311 or over thefirmer region312 allows the head to tilt down into thesofter region313 thereby tending to open the nasal air passages for better and more comfortable sleeping in the supine position. Theouter region311 and theouter region312 are different in that theouter region311 is narrower than theouter region312. Note that theregion312 is somewhat wider than theregion311 so thatregion312 provides greater support for the neck than theregion211 provides. The head and neck overregion312 tilts less into theregion313 than the head and neck overregion311. A person can select a different neck support and head tilt by rotating the pillow 180°.

InFIG. 33, a sectional view of thepillow core300 ofFIG. 32 is shown taken along the section line33-33′ inFIG. 32 and with apillow cover308 added. Thepillow cover308 surrounds thecore member302 and thebase307. Thepillow cover308 is attached to

pockets

309 and310. The

pockets

309 and310 are provided with

openings

315 and316, respectively, for inserting and removing shims. Thebase307 is thicker near the edges and is manufactured separately from the moldedmember302. By varying the thickness of thebase307, adjustments to the slope angle of thecore300 for side-lying bodies. In the example shown, the slope angle is approximately 6°.

InFIG. 34, a sectional view is shown of thepillow core300 ofFIG. 32 taken along section line34-34′ ofFIG. 32. Themold member302 has ear wells306-3 and306-1 and is supported bybase307.

InFIG. 35, a side view is shown of thepillow core300 ofFIG. 32 with apillow cover308 having shims305-1 and305-2 in pillow cover pockets309 and310. Thepillow cover308 surrounds thecore member302 and thebase307 and covers thecavity303. Thepillow cover308 is attached to

pockets

309 and310. The

pockets

309 and310 are provided with

openings

315 and316, respectively, for inserting and removing shims305-1 and305-2.

InFIG. 36, thepillow core300 ofFIG. 34 is shown with shims305-1 and305-2 in apillow cover pocket309. Thecore300

mold member

302 has the ear wells306-1 and306-3.

FIG. 37 depicts apillow50 for helping to support a recumbent body with low body pressure and in alignment. Thepillow50 includes abase51 of memory foam, abody52 of memory foam and a thin, washable cover53 (shown partially cut away). Alternate embodiments include one piece of memory foam (curved body52) with firmer polyurethane flatrectangular shim base51 below. Thecurved body52 of the pillow is 2″ thick×6″ wide×23″ long. The rectangular shim is ½″ thick and may be removed to adjust to user comfort. Thepillow50 is small, soft and easily rolled up into a 4″ diameter×6″ roll to store in luggage for a trip. Thepillow50 typically weighs less than half a pound with a manufacturing cost typically lower than $5.

Thepillow50 has a number of uses. Thepillow50 is used as an adjustable lumbar support when lying in the supine position on conventional, undifferentiated mattress surface. Thepillow50 is used as support for the lower thoracic region to maintain spinal alignment and avoid sheer at L4 and L5 when side-lying on a conventional mattress. If the pillow is in position for supine, simply rolling to the side position finds the pillow in place for that side position as well without need for moving or searching for the pillow. Thepillow50 is used under the knees when lying in the supine position on a conventional mattress or on a differentiated mattress (as herein after described) and helps avoid hyper-extension of the knees. Thepillow50 under the ankles when lying in the prone position to avoid the hyper-extension of knees and ankles on any mattress. People who usually sleep on a differentiated mattress become accustomed to the technology and when traveling or sleeping in conventional beds, thepillow50 becomes a small, easily transportable “differentiated mattress substitute” to help a person sleep better than without it.

Thepillow50 is used in combination with other devices helping to support a recumbent body comfortably with low body pressure and in alignment. Thepillow50 is used with a differentiated mattress as described in connection withFIG. 76, a knee and ankle pillow as described in connection withFIG. 2, an antisnoring pillow as described in connection withFIG. 42 and with other devices. When sleeping, it is possible to sleep in the supine position for longer periods if you have lower back (lumbar) support, either from a differentiated mattress, from thepillow50 or from a combination thereof. Further,pillow50 may be the used in combination with other pillows and mattresses. The purpose is to encourage women (and even men) to sleep longer in the supine to avoid wrinkles and to receive a gravity induced anti-wrinkle session to counter the days' vertical influences of gravity on facial tissues (aka “drooping” and “sagging”).

InFIG. 38, a knee andankle pillow60 is shown for helping to support a recumbent body with comfort while achieving low body pressure and while in alignment. Thepillow60 has two raised regions,region61 andregion62, running lengthwise. Theregion61 andregion62 form a central trough67-1 running lengthwise along the top ofpillow60. The top and bottom sides of thepillow60 have the same raised regions on the sides with the trough in the middle extending between the

ends

64 and65. The trough67-1 runs along the top and the trough67-2 runs along the bottom. The dimensions of thepillow60 are typically 27″×11″×3½″. Thepillow60 is used with the legs below the knees fitting into the troughs67-1 and67-2. A cutout63-1 occurs on the top of and near oneend65 of thepillow60. A similar cutout63-2 (seeFIG. 3) occurs on the bottom of and near one end of thepillow60. The cutouts63-1 and63-2 are designed to receive the feet of a reclining body.

InFIG. 39, a side view is shown of thepillow60 ofFIG. 38. Thepillow60 extends between the

ends

64 and65 with the foot cutouts63-1 and63-2 near theend65.

InFIG. 40, anend view64 is shown of one end of thepillow60 ofFIG. 38.

InFIG. 41, anend view65 is shown of the other end of thepillow60 ofFIG. 38.

InFIG. 42, a top view ofpillow10 is shown and externally has a normal shape and appearance. Thepillow110 fits within aconventional pillow cover108. Internally, thepillow110 has a structurally varyingcore112 and acore case111 all within thepillow cover108.

InFIG. 43, an end view is shown of thepillow110 ofFIG. 42.

InFIG. 44, a front view is shown of thepillow110 ofFIG. 42.

InFIG. 45, a back view is shown of thepillow110 ofFIG. 42. Thepillow cover108 includes azipper114 for accessing thecore112 and thecore case111. Typically, thecore case111 also has a zipper (not shown) for accessing thecore112.

InFIG. 46, a top view of thecore112 of thepillow110 ofFIG. 42 is shown. Thecore112 includes ear recesses116.

InFIG. 47, an end view of thecore112 ofFIG. 42 is shown. Thecore112 includes abody104 andcore spacers102L-1 and102L-2. The core spacers are removably attached to thebody104 and to each other so as to enable the height of the core to be adjusted. Such adjustment is to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and body alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features integral to the mattresses.

InFIG. 48, a front view of thecore112 ofFIG. 47 is shown. Thecore112 includes abody104 andspacers102L-1 and102L-2 andspacers102R-1 and102R-2. Additionally, thecore112 includes neck spacers103-1,103-2 and103-3. The neck spacers are removably attached to thebody104 and to each other so as to enable the height of the neck region of the core to be adjusted. Such adjustments are to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and neck alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features.

InFIG. 49, a back view of thecore112 ofFIG. 47 is shown. Thecore112 includes abody104 andspacers102L-1 and102L-2 andspacers102R-1 and102R-2. Additionally, thecore112 includes neck spacers103-1,103-2 and103-3. The neck spacers are removably attached to thebody104 and to each other so as to enable the height of the neck region of the core to be adjusted. Such adjustments are to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and neck alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features.

???

InFIG. 50, a bottom view of thecore12 ofFIG. 5 is shown. Thecore12 includes abody4 andspacers2L-1 and2L-2 andspacers2R-1 and2R-2. Additionally, thecore12 includesneck spacers3. The core spacers are removably attached to thebody4 and to each other so as to enable the height of the core to be adjusted. Such adjustment is to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and body alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features integral to the mattresses. Also, thebody4 has a hollowedregion4′ outlined by the edge4-1 that provides room for the head to tip backward and thereby facilitate positioning the head in an anti-snoring position.

InFIG. 51, a bottom view of the core ofFIG. 5 is shown with the core spacers2-L1 and2-L2 shown exploded. The core spacer2-L1 is removably attachable to thecore base4, for example, by Velcro or other fasteners. The fastener strip5-1 is attached tocore base4 for attachingcore spacer2L-1 tobase4. Thecore spacer2L-1 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener5-2 inFIG. 53) for engaging fastener5-1. Thecore spacer2L-1 includes a fastener5-3 for attachingcore spacer2L-1 tocore spacer2L-2. Thecore spacer2L-2 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener5-4 inFIG. 52) for engaging fastener5-3.

InFIG. 52, a flipped view ofcore spacer2L-1 is shown revealing fastener5-2 that engages the fastener5-1 ofFIG. 51.

InFIG. 53, a flipped view ofcore spacer2L-2 is shown revealing fastener5-4 that engages the fastener5-3 ofFIG. 10.

InFIG. 54, a bottom view of thecore12 ofFIG. 41 is shown with the neck spacers3-1,3-2 and3-3 exploded. The neck spacer3-1 is removably attachable to thecore base4, for example, by Velcro or other fasteners. The fastener strip6-1 is attached tocore base4 for attaching neck spacer3-1 tobase4. The neck spacer3-1 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener6-2 inFIG. 14) for engaging fastener6-1. The neck spacer3-1 includes a fastener6-3 for attaching neck spacer3-1 to neck spacer3-2. The neck spacer3-2 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener6-4 inFIG. 14) for engaging fastener6-3. The neck spacer3-2 includes a fastener6-5 for attaching neck spacer3-2 to neck spacer3-3. The neck spacer3-3 includes a mating fastener (not shown, see fastener6-6 inFIG. 55) for engaging fastener6-5.

InFIG. 55, the neck spacers3-1,3-2 and3-3 ofFIG. 54 are shown flipped to reveal the fasteners6-2,6-4 and6-6, respectively.

InFIG. 56, a front view of the neck spacers3-1,3-2 and3-3 ofFIG. 54 are shown collapsed with all three spacers present. The neck spacers3-1,3-2 and3-3 are individually removable from thebody4 and from each other so as to enable the height of the neck region of the core12 to be adjusted. Such adjustments are to aid in providing a pillow which achieves good head and neck alignment both on conventional mattresses and on mattresses that have alignment features.

InFIG. 57, an end view of the neck spacers3-1,3-2 and3-3 ofFIG. 56 are shown for maximum height.

InFIG. 58, an end view of the neck spacers3-1 and3-2 ofFIG. 56 are shown and are modified to show only two the height of two spacers.

InFIG. 59, an end view of the neck spacer3-1 ofFIG. 56 is shown modified to show only the height of one spacer.

InFIG. 60, a top view thespacer2L-1 ofFIG. 51 is shown.

InFIG. 61, an end view ofspacer2L-1 ofFIG. 60 is viewed along the section line61-61′ ofFIG. 60. The width of the spacer inFIG. 60 is approximately 1 inch.

InFIG. 62, an end view of thespacer2L-1 ofFIG. 60 is shown viewed along the section line62-62′ ofFIG. 60. The width of thespacer2L-1 inFIG. 62 is approximately ⅝ inch.

InFIG. 63, a front view of thespacer2L-1 ofFIG. 60 is shown. The taper of thespacer2L-1 adds a slope of approximately 3.1° to thecore12 ofFIG. 37 and the other figures described.

InFIG. 64, a front view of two spacers of theFIG. 63 type are shown stacked together to formspacers2L-1 and2L-2. Together, the spacers add a slope of approximately 6.2° to thecore12 ofFIG. 37 and the other figures described.

InFIG. 65, a front view of twospacers2L′-1 and2L′-2 are shown that are an alternate embodiment for the spacers ofFIG. 64 still obtaining a 6.2° slope. Of course, any height and slope can be obtained by adjusting the size of the spacers.

FIG. 76 depicts an isometric view of abed1 having a mattress1-1 which is capable of supporting a recumbent body (not shown) where the recumbent body is supported by low body pressure and where the recumbent body is maintained in alignment. The terminology “low body pressure” means a pressure which is below a pressure threshold (typically the ischemic threshold) for comfortable sleep and of a level which materially reduces the causes of bed-induced shifting. The terminology “maintained in alignment” means an alignment from head to foot of a body that avoids or reduces lateral bending of the vertebral column of the body, particularly for a person in a side-sleeping position, and that eliminates or reduces sagging of the body.

InFIG. 76, thebed1 has a mattress1-1 supported by a supportingfoundation26 andframe21. Thefoundation26 is a box spring, firm box, board or other conventional mattress support. The supportingframe21 may be any frame and as shown in one embodiment is a conventional “Hollywood” or “Harvard” style of bed frame that is made from right-angled channels and is supported bylegs6 having casters. Thebed1 and mattress1-1 extend in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) from a mattress head5-1′ at bed head5-1 to a mattress foot5-2′ at bed foot5-2. Thebed1 and mattress1-1 also extend in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) normal to the X-axis and extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis.

The mattress1-1 is for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part, a thoracic part, a hip part and a leg part. The mattress1-1 supports a recumbent body positioned in the longitudinal direction with the head part toward the mattress head5-1′ and the leg part toward the mattress foot5-2′. A body reclining on mattress1-1 depresses portions of the mattress1-1 causing the mattress to compress in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis).

In theFIG. 76, the mattress1-1 includes a composite1₁formed offoam member10, including sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 and afoam member11. The term “foam” means rubber, plastic, latex, memory foam, urethane, polyurethane, polymer or other material having a cellular structure containing voids to make it soft and resilient, for example, a material filled with many small bubbles of air. The mattress1-1 has a top side4-1 and a bottom side4-2. Themembers10 andmember11 support and distribute the weight of a recumbent body (not shown). Themembers10 have displacement parameters for providing supporting surface pressure to the recumbent body. The term “displacement parameters” refers to any and all the properties and characteristics of materials that determine the static and dynamic tension and compression properties of a mattress. The mattress1-1 includes anouter cover3 that encloses theinner foam member10 and thefoam member11. Thecover3 is formed of stretch material which stretches in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions which sometimes is called a four way stretch. The amount of the stretch allows depression of a recumbent body into thecomposite1₁without significantly modifying the load deflection parameters of thecomposite1₁.

Themember10 extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) from the head5-1′ to the foot5-2′. The sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 of themember10 extend in rows in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) to establish displacement parameters that vary in a least the vertical (Z-axis) direction as a function of the longitudinal position (X-axis position). The sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 undergo different vertical compressions as a function of the longitudinal position (X-axis position) in order to follow the curvature of the recumbent body so as to establish alignment of the shoulder, thorax, hip and leg parts of a the body and so as to establish uniform low supporting surface pressure on the body.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 76, thefoam member10 has different displacement parameters that determine the compression that occurs in the mattress1-1 in response to a recumbent body. The sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 of themember10 function to divide the mattress1-1 into 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions. The 1^STregion is established by section10-1 extending to the head of the mattress5-1′ and is for location beneath the head and shoulder parts of a recumbent body. The 2^NDregion is established by the section10-2 for location beneath the thoracic part of a body. The 3^RDregion is established by the member10-3 for location beneath the hip and leg parts of the body and extending to the foot of the mattress5-2′. The sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 of themember10 have different displacement parameters that help establish the different compressions that occur in each of the 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions in order to achieve alignment of a recumbent body with low supporting body pressure.

The mattress1-1 includes acover3 formed, at least on the top portion, by a stretch fabric. Thecover3 is about 1/16 inch thick extending along the top, sides and bottom portions of the mattress1-1. Thecover3 functions to cover and contain the

inner members

10 and11 of the mattress and thecover3 has displacement parameters that provide a soft surface without interfering with the displacement parameters of the

inner members

10 and11 of the mattress1-1. In some embodiments, the mattress1-1 includes afire retarding sock37 encapsulating thecomposite1₁. Thesock37 is a material that provides fire retardation and provides high stretch. Thefire retarding sock37 stretches in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions which sometimes is called a four way stretch. The amount of the stretch allows depression of a recumbent body into the composite without significantly modifying the load deflection parameters of thecomposite1₁.

InFIG. 77, the mattress1-1 from thebed1 ofFIG. 89 is shown. The mattress1-1 is for supporting a recumbent body positioned in the longitudinal direction with the head part toward the mattress head5-1′ and the leg part toward the mattress foot5-2′. The mattress1-1 includes 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part intended for the 1^STregion, a thoracic part intended for the 2^NDregion and a hip part and a leg part intended for 3 region. A body reclining on mattress1-1 depresses portions of the mattress1-1 causing the mattress to compress in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis).

InFIG. 77, the mattress1-1 has a length L in the X-axis direction, a width W in the Y-axis direction and a thickness T in the Z axis direction. The L, W and T dimensions can be any values but typical values in the United States for one embodiment of mattresses are as set forth in the following TABLE 1.

TABLE 1

L	1^ST	2^ND	3^RD	W	T

Twin

75	20	8	47	39	10
Twin Long	80	22	10	48	39	10
Full	75	20	8	47	54	10
Queen	80	22	10	48	60	10
Eastern King	80	22	10	48	76	10
California King	84	22	10	52	72	10

InFIG. 77, the mattress1-1 includes an indicator stripe10-M that indicates the location of the thoracic section10-2 of thelayer10 of mattress1-1 ofFIG. 89. The indicator stripe10-M includes indicia such as text which identifies the head direction5-1′ of the mattress1-1 as well as indicating the location of the thoracic section10-2 beneath it. Typically, the indicator stripe10-M is part of thecover3 and in one embodiment is weaved into thecover material3.

InFIG. 78, an expanded view of the indicator stripe10-M in thecover3 ofFIG. 77 is shown. The indicator stripe10-M includes indicia10-S which in the embodiment shown is text “LEVELsleep Levelsleep” on the top and “Smart Support Smart Support” underneath. The text “LEVELsleep LEVELsleep” and “Smart Support Smart Support” is repeated multiple times in the Y-axis direction. As indicated inFIG. 78, the text is on the side of and extends all the way across the top of the mattress1-1. A person standing on the side of the mattress1-1 would tend to read text “LEVELsleep LEVELsleep” and “Smart Support Smart Support” in the right side up orientation when the indicator stripe10-M is closer to the top 5-1 in thebed1 ofFIG. 89. Hence the text tends to identify the head direction5-1′ of the mattress1-1. A person standing on the side of the mattress1-1 would tend to read text “LEVELsleep LEVELsleep” and “Smart Support Smart Support” in the up side down orientation when the indicator stripe10-M is closer to the bottom5-2 in thebed1 ofFIG. 89. The up side down orientation tends to identify when the mattress1-1 is being positioned in the wrong direction on thebed1. The indicator stripe10-M and indicia10-S improves a user's appreciation of the biomechanical nature of the mattress.

InFIG. 79, a top view of amattress composite1₁is shown in the XY-plane for a Twin size mattress1-1 of the type shown inFIG. 89 andFIG. 90. Themattress composite1₁includes 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across in the Y-axis direction. The 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions of the mattress composite are for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part intended for the 1^STregion, a thoracic part intended for the 2^NDregion and a hip part and a leg part intended for 3^RDregion. A body reclining on a mattress having the composite depresses portions of the sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis). The 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction each extend across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section10-1 is 20″, the section10-2 is 8″ and the section10-3 is 47″ whereby thecomposite1₁is 75″ long in the X-axis direction.

InFIG. 80, a front view of amattress composite1₁ofFIG. 79 is shown in the XZ-plane. Themattress composite1₁includeslayer10 having 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section10-1 is 20″, the section10-2 is 8″ and the section10-3 is 47″. Thelayer10 and each of the sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 a 3″ thick foam and are supported by a 7″foam layer11.

Thelayer10 is the performance layer which in one preferred embodiment is 3″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 2″ and 4″. In the embodiment described, the section10-1, for the head and shoulder region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 18, and a density of 2 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section10-2, for the thoracic region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 17, and a density of 2 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section10-3, for the hip and leg region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 23, and a density of 2 lb/cf. While the ILD's and densities are preferred for the embodiment described, these values may be different typically in a range of ±20%. While polyurethane foam is used in one particular embodiment, latex and other foams are also employed in other embodiments.

In theperformance layer10, the thoracic section10-2 is more firm than the head and shoulder section10-1 and the hip and leg section10-3. With this relationship, the head and shoulder section10-1 and the hip and leg section10-3 are able to depress in the Z-axis direction greater than the depression of the thoracic section10-2. This relationship helps to establish proper alignment of the recumbent body.

Thecore layer11 is the base layer, for supporting theperformance layer10, and in one preferred embodiment is 7″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 6″ and 10″. In the embodiment described, thecore layer11 is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 36, and a density of 1.8 lb/cf and these values may vary typically in a range of ±20%.

InFIG. 81, an end view of amattress composite1₁ofFIG. 42 andFIG. 43 is shown in the YZ-plane. Themattress composite1₁includeslayer10 and shows the section10-3 extending across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction with a height of 3″ in the Z-axis direction. Thefoam core layer11 supports thelayer10 and extends across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction with a height of 7″ in the Z-axis direction.

InFIG. 82, a top view of amattress composite1₁is shown in the XY-plane for a Twin Long size mattress1-1 of the type shown inFIG. 76 andFIG. 77. The mattress composite includes 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across in the Y-axis direction. The 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions of themattress composite1₁are for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part intended for the 1^STregion, a thoracic part intended for the 2^NDregion and a hip part and a leg part intended for 3^RDregion. A body reclining on a mattress having the composite depresses portions of the sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis). The 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction each extend across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section10-1 is 22″, the section10-2 is 10″ and the section10-3 is 48″ whereby thecomposite1₁is 80″ long in the X-axis direction.

InFIG. 83, a front view of amattress composite1₁ofFIG. 82 is shown in the XZ-plane. Themattress composite1₁includeslayer10 having 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section10-1 is 22″, the section10-2 is 10″ and the section10-3 is 48″. Thelayer10 and each of the sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 are 3″ thick foam and are supported by a 7″foam core layer11.

Thelayer10 is the performance layer which in one preferred embodiment is 3″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 2″ and 4″. In the embodiment described, the section10-1, for the head and shoulder region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 18, and a density of 2.0 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section10-2, for the thoracic region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 27, and a density of 2.0 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section10-3, for the hip and leg region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 23, and a density of 2.0 lb/cf. While the ILD's and densities are preferred for one embodiment described, these values may be different typically in a range of ±20%. While polyurethane foam is used in one particular embodiment, latex and other foams are also employed in other embodiments.

InFIG. 84, an end view of amattress composite1₁ofFIG. 82 andFIG. 83 is shown in the YZ-plane. Themattress composite1₁includeslayer10 and shows the section10-3 extending across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction with a height of 3″ in the Z-axis direction. Thefoam core layer11 supports thelayer10 and extends across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction with a height of 7″ in the Z-axis direction.

InFIG. 85, a top view of amattress composite1₁is shown in the XY-plane for a Twin Long size mattress1-1 of the type shown inFIG. 76 andFIG. 77. The mattress composite includes 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across in the Y-axis direction. The 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions of themattress composite1₁are for supporting a recumbent person where a person's recumbent body includes a head and shoulder part intended for the 1^STregion, a thoracic part intended for the 2^NDregion and a hip part and a leg part intended for 3^RDregion. A body reclining on a mattress having the composite1₁depresses portions of the sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the XY plane (formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis). The 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction each extend across the 54″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section10-1 is 20″, the section10-2 is 8″ and the section10-3 is 47″ whereby thecomposite1₁is 75″ long in the X-axis direction.

InFIG. 86, a front view of amattress composite1₁ofFIG. 85 is shown in the XZ-plane. Themattress composite1₁includeslayer10 having 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDsections10-1,10-2 and10-3, respectively, in the X-axis direction, each extending across the 54″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction. In the X-action direction, the section10-1 is 20″, the section10-2 is 8″ and the section10-3 is 47″. Thelayer10 and each of the sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 are 3″ thick foam and are supported by a 7″foam core layer11.

Thelayer10 is the performance layer which in one preferred embodiment is 3″ thick in the Z-axis direction. The thickness can vary and typically is between 2″ and 4″. In the embodiment described, the section10-1, for the head and shoulder region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 18, and a density of 2 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section10-2, for the thoracic region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 27, and a density of 2 lb/cf. In the embodiment described, the section10-3, for the hip and leg region, is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 23, and a density of 2 lb/cf. While the ILD's and densities are preferred for one embodiment described, these values may be different typically in a range of ±20%. While polyurethane foam is used in one particular embodiment, latex and other foams are also employed in other embodiments.

InFIG. 87, an end view of amattress composite1₁ofFIG. 85 andFIG. 86 is shown in the YZ-plane. Themattress composite1₁includeslayer10 and shows the section10-3 extending across the 39″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction with a height of 3″ in the Z-axis direction. Thefoam core layer11 supports thelayer10 and extends across the 54″ width of the composite1₁in the Y-axis direction with a height of 7″ in the Z-axis direction.

InFIG. 88, a side lying femalerecumbent body136 is supported on amattress composite1₁of theFIG. 76 andFIG. 77 type. Thefemale body136 is recumbent on her side parallel to the XZ-plane (sagittal plane). Thebody136 is in alignment as indicated by theaxis18 which is generally straight through thebody136. Theaxis18 is slightly inclined (for example, approximately 2 degrees) relative to the XY-plane with theaxis18 near the head slightly elevated relative to theaxis18 near the legs. Thecomposite1₁has varying displacement parameters that function to support arecumbent body136 with low body pressure and alignment.

InFIG. 88, thecomposite1₁has 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions that receive body pressures P1, P2 and P3, respectively. The 1^STregion extends to the head of the mattress5-1′ and is located beneath the head and shoulder parts of abody136. The shoulder part of abody136 at one location exerts a pressure P1 against thecomposite1₁. The 2^NDregion is located beneath the thoracic part of abody136 and at one point exerts a pressure P2 against thecomposite1₁. The 3^RDregion is located beneath the hip part of thebody136 in thetrochanter region19 and exerts pressure P3 against thecomposite1₁. The varying displacement parameters of the composite1₁function to support therecumbent body136 with low body pressure and alignment.

InFIG. 89, a side lying malerecumbent body135 is supported on amattress composite1₁of theFIG. 76 andFIG. 77 type. Themale body135 is recumbent on his side parallel to the XZ-plane (sagittal plane). Thebody135 is in alignment as indicated by theaxis18 which is generally straight through thebody135. Theaxis18 is slightly inclined (for example, approximately 2 degrees) relative to the XY-plane with theaxis18 near the head slightly elevated relative to theaxis18 near the legs. Thecomposite1₁has varying displacement parameters that function to support therecumbent body135 with low body pressure and alignment.

InFIG. 89, thecomposite1₁has 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions that receive body pressures P1, P2 and P3, respectively. The 1^STregion extends to the head of the mattress5-1′ and is located beneath the head and shoulder parts of abody135. The shoulder part of abody135 at one location exerts a pressure P1 against thecomposite1₁. The 2^NDregion is located beneath the thoracic part of thebody135 and at one point exerts a pressure P2 against thecomposite1₁. The 3^RDregion is located beneath the hip part of thebody136 in thetrochanter region19 and exerts pressure P3 against thecomposite1₁. The varying displacement parameters of the composite1₁function to support therecumbent body135 with low body pressure and alignment.

InFIG. 89, the knee andankle pillow60 is shown extending from the knee to the ankle of thebody135.

InFIG. 90, the side lying malerecumbent body135 ofFIG. 89 is shown with a partial cutaway to reveal the skeleton of the body. InFIG. 77, thecomposite1₁has 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions that receive body pressures P1, P2 and P3, respectively. The 1^STregion extends to the head of the mattress5-1′ and is located beneath the head and shoulder parts of abody135. The shoulder part of abody135 at one location exerts a pressure P1 against thecomposite1₁. The 2^NDregion is located beneath the thoracic part of thebody135 and at one point exerts a pressure P2 against thecomposite1₁. The 3^RDregion is located beneath the hip part of thebody136 in thepelvic girdle region31 including the iliac crests31-1 and31-2 and the greater trochanter of the femur regions19-1 and19-2. The pressure P3 is exerted against the composite1₁in thepelvic girdle region31. The varying displacement parameters of the composite1₁function to support therecumbent body135 with low body pressure and alignment.

InFIG. 90, the thoracic section10-2 of theperformance layer10 is located above thepelvic girdle region31 and extends toward the head and terminates near theshoulder region32. In order for a body to be properly located on the mattress relative to the thoracic section10-2 of theperformance layer10, the difference in hardness can be felt by a hand or other part of the body. Also, the glue seem between section10-2 and10-3 is manufacture to leave a small glue bead extending across the width of the mattress that provides a tactile indication of the location of the thoracic region of the performance layer.

The thoracic section and the hip section provide a tactile indication of the location of the thoracic region of the performance layer.

InFIG. 91, a partially cutaway top view of one embodiment of the mattress1-1 ofFIG. 76 andFIG. 77 is shown with afemale body136 on her back on the right and amale body135 on his back on the left. The mattress1-1 is the same type as previously described. InFIG. 41, a partially cutaway top view of parts of the mattress1-1 are shown. The foam sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 function to divide the mattress1-1 into 1^ST, 2^NDand 3^RDregions. The foam sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 superimposed onfoam member11 have varying displacement parameters that function to support the

recumbent bodies

135 and136 with low body pressure and alignment. In one embodiment when mattress1-1 is a queen size, the length in the X-axis direction is about 80 inches and the width in the Y-axis direction is about 60 inches. Of course, the mattress1-1 can be any conventional size.

InFIG. 91, the mattress1-1 includes an indicator stripe10-M that indicates the location of the thoracic section10-2 of the mattress1-1. The indicator stripe10-M includes indicia such as text which identifies the head direction5-1′ of the mattress1-1 as well as indicating the location of the thoracic section10-2 beneath it generally as described in connection withFIG. 77 andFIG. 78. Typically, the indicator stripe10-M is part of thecover3 and is weaved into thecover material3. Thecover3 is a stretchable fabric which stretches in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions so as not to interfere with the varying displacement parameters of the mattress1-1 function in order to support the

recumbent bodies

135 and136 with low body pressure and alignment.

InFIG. 91, thepillow50 is shown extending thoracic region of thebody135.

InFIG. 92, a sectional cutaway side view of the mattress1-1 ofFIG. 91 is shown with amale body135 recumbent on his back. The cutaway reveals the thoracic and pelvic girdle regions including the lumbar vertebrae extending from the thoracic 2^NDregion into the hip andleg 3^RDregion. The 3^RDregion includes the coccyx, the sacrum and the coccygeal vertebrae. Because various relatively thick and wide muscles (glutei muscles), tendons and ligaments are present in the 3^RDregion for a back-lying body, the pressure exerted by the back-lying body on the mattress1-1 is not as disturbing as the pressure for a side-lying body.

Referring generally toFIG. 76 and also to the other figures, thecover3 is formed of a material which provides a soft, luxurious feel while allowing full-contour performance of the mattress. In order to permit full-contour performance, thecover3 is formed of a material having a sretchabilty that does not interfere with operation of theperformance layer10. Theperformance layer10 permits the shoulder region10-1 and hip region10-3 of the reclining body to depress deeper into the mattress at lower pressure than the depression of the thoracic region10-2. A cover that does not adequately stretch increases the pressure on the shoulder region10-1 and hip region10-3 and impedes the depression in these regions. In general, it has been found that a cover that will stretch at least 12% in the X-axis direction and at least 16% in the Y-axis direction for male and female bodies with a full range of body weights within the 95 percentile is satisfactory. For example, a California King 84″ long in the X-axis direction would stretch at least about 10″ in the X-axis direction and a California King 72″ wide in the Y-axis direction would stretch at least about 12″ in the Y-axis direction.

The selection of the various materials and parameters for the mattress1-1, including thecover3, theperformance layer10, including the three sections10-1,10-2 and10-3 and including the core11 are made to enable persons to sleep with body pressure below the ischemic threshold.

Although the embodiments described are representative, many variations in the mattresses are also included. One variation includes a performance layer10 (referring generally toFIG. 89 and also to the other figures) in the composite1₁made of latex. In one latex embodiment forperformance layer10, the section10-1 has a 19 ILD and a 3.5 lb/cf density, the section10-2 has a 28 ILD and a 3.5 lb/cf density and the section10-3 has a 24 ILD and a 3.5 lb/cf density. Thecore layer11 is polyurethane and has an ILD of 36 and a 1.8 lb/cf density.

Although the embodiments described have used acore layer11 of 7″ with a performance layer of 3″, the thickness of the core layer in the Z-axis direction is not critical to good full-contour performance. Other typical core layer sizes are 10″ and 12″ but any core level thickness is acceptable to adjust the overall height of thecomposite1₁and the mattress1-1. Theperformance layer10 is important for establishing good full-contour performance. Contour performance is achieved when a recumbent body is supported with low body pressure (generally below the ischemic threshold). In general, the performance layer can be increased in size by approximately 20% or more.

An efficient mattress which achieves good full-contour performance must also achieve efficient manufacturability and low cost. Embodiments of the mattress achieve these objectives due to a number of parameters and features. One feature is that thecomposite1₁is simple in that it is formed with only two layers, aperformance layer10 and acore layer11. Theperformance layer10 is located at the top of thecomposite1₁. Being at the top and just below the cover, a need for other foam layers is eliminated thereby providing a simple structure which reduces parts and cost of assembly. Theperformance layer10 is supported by therobust core layer11. Thecore layer11 in one embodiment is polyurethane foam with an ILD of 36, and a density of 1.8 lb/cf. These values forcore layer11 mean thatcore layer11 will tend not to sag over the life time of the mattress and hence provide the mattress1-1 with long life properties. Theperformance layer10 is in itself simple in that only three sections, section10-1, section10-2 and section1-3, are provided and hence only two vertical glue seems are required to form theperformance layer10, one between section10-1 and section10-2 and one between section10-2 and section10-3. Generally, the fewer the number of glue sections, the lower the cost. Theperformance layer10 andcover3 permit the dissipation of moisture and heat. The horizontal glue seem between theperformance layer10 and thecore layer11 is a sufficient distance from the mattress top, for example 3″, so that the glue does not form a significant barrier to air circulation and heat dissipation.

The simple and efficient structure of the mattress1-1 results in a unidirectional mattress1-1 since the head of a recumbent body needs to be toward the head5-1′ of the mattress1-1. The mattress is not reversible such that the head of the mattress1-1 can be toward the foot5-2 of the bed1 (seeFIG. 1) while the head of the recumbent body is toward the foot5-2′ of the mattress1-1.

The simple and efficient structure of the mattress1-1 renders the mattress easily compressed, folded and roll packed for easy shipping and delivery in compact form. In the folding, the vertical seems of glue between section10-1 and section10-2 and between section10-2 and section10-3 are folded so as to be toward the outside. The mattresses ofFIG. 89 andFIG. 2, for any of the sizes of TABLE 1, in such compact form is easily packaged in a 19″ by 19″ by 44″ box or smaller. The mattress is initially placed in a plastic bag. The mattress in the plastic bag is compressed from approximately 10″ or more in the Z-axis direction to approximately 4″ and then the plastic bag is sealed airtight to maintain the mattress in the compressed state. Thereafter, the compressed mattress is folded in the middle along the longitudinal direction. The folded mattress is then rolled with a diameter that is less than approximately 19″.

The foam mattress1-1 has significant pressure reduction on the prominences of a body with simultaneous improvement of spinal alignment. Even though the mattress1-1 is flat in appearance, a reclining body pleasantly feels the full-contour performance especially at the shoulder and the hip and the causes of sleep-disturbance common to other mattresses are dramatically reduced.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A mattress, extending in a lateral direction from side to side and extending in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot for supporting a recumbent body where the body includes a shoulder region, a thoracic region and a hip region, the recumbent body having a displacement profile where the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region, respectively, are different, the mattress comprising,

a composite extending in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction, the composite including,

a performance layer including a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body, respectively, the shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section having different displacement parameters to match the body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region, respectfully, for alignment of the body with low body pressure,

a core layer for supporting the performance layer,

a cover for encapsulating the composite,

a pillow located in the thoracic region.

2. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the performance layer is separated from the body only by high stretch material.

3. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the displacement parameters include ILD and density and wherein the ILD of the thoracic section is greater than the ILD of the shoulder section and is greater than the ILD of the hip section.

4. The mattress ofclaim 3 wherein the ILD of the shoulder section is approximately 18, the ILD of the thoracic section is approximately 27 and the ILD of the hip section is approximately 23.

5. The mattress ofclaim 3 wherein the ILD of the shoulder section is approximately 18, the ILD of the thoracic section is approximately 27 and the ILD of the hip section is approximately 23 and wherein the density of the shoulder section is approximately 2 lb/cf, the density of the thoracic section is approximately 2 lb/cf and the density of the hip section is approximately 2 lb/cf.

6. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the core layer has an ILD of approximately 36 and a density of approximately 1.8 lb/cf.

7. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the performance layer and the core layer are polyurethane or latex.

8. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the layers are one or more of rubber, plastic, latex, memory foam, urethane, polyurethane and polymer.

9. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein performance layer is latex and the core layer is polyurethane.

10. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the cover includes a stretch material that allows depression of the body into the composite without significantly modifying load deflection parameters of the composite.

11. The mattress ofclaim 10 wherein the stretch material has a tensile strength that allows the cover to stretch approximately 12% or more in the longitudinal direction and approximately 16% or more in the lateral direction when a recumbent body is on the mattress.

12. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the cover includes a top, sides and a bottom and includes a stretch material covering the top and the sides and including a non-stretch material on the bottom of the composite.

13. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the cover includes a top, sides and a bottom and includes a stretch material covering the top, sides and extending to the bottom of the composite and a non-stretch material on the bottom of the composite and including a zipper for zippering the stretch material to the non-stretch material on the bottom.

14. The mattress ofclaim 1 wherein the cover includes a top, sides and a bottom and includes a stretch material covering the top and the sides and includes an indicator stripe superimposed over the thoracic section of the performance layer and weaved into the stretch material for indicating a location of the thoracic section of the performance layer.

15. A pillow for supporting a head and neck of a reclining body on a mattress where the pillow has a pillow length, a pillow width and a pillow thickness comprising,

a core having core variable displacement parameters along the pillow length and the pillow width in the direction of the pillow thickness for supporting the head in a non-distorting aligned position,

a plurality of removable spacers for adjusting the height of the core.

16. The pillow ofclaim 15 wherein the pillow has a pillow cover including pockets for holding the spacers.

17. A mattress, extending in a lateral direction from side to side and extending in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot for supporting a recumbent body where the body includes a shoulder region, a thoracic region and a hip region, the recumbent body having a displacement profile where body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region are different, the mattress comprising,

a performance layer including a shoulder section, a thoracic section and a hip section for location at different longitudinal positions corresponding to the shoulder region, the thoracic region and the hip region of the recumbent body, respectively, the shoulder section, the thoracic section and the hip section having different displacement parameters to match body displacements in the shoulder region, the thoracic region, and the hip region, respectfully, for alignment of the body with low body pressure, the displacement parameters including ILD and density wherein the ILD of the thoracic section is greater than the ILD of the shoulder section and is greater than the ILD of the hip section, the performance layer having a glue interface between the thoracic section and the hip section for providing a tactile indication of the location of the thoracic region of the performance layer,

a core layer for supporting the performance layer wherein the core layer has an ILD and wherein the ILD of the core layer is greater than the ILD of the thoracic section,

a cover for encapsulating the composite wherein the cover includes a stretch material that allows depression of the body into the composite without significantly modifying load deflection parameters of the composite.