U.S. patent application number 16/689088 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-21 for method, system, and apparatus for facilitating positioning a person in supine sniff position and providing scapular relief.
The applicant listed for this patent is Popitz, LLC. Invention is credited to Jesse S. DRAKE, Michael D. POPITZ.
Application Number | 20200155396 16/689088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68835386 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200155396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
POPITZ; Michael D. ; et
al. |
May 21, 2020 |
METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING POSITIONING A PERSON
IN SUPINE SNIFF POSITION AND PROVIDING SCAPULAR RELIEF
Abstract
An apparatus for supporting the neck and head of a user for
airway management includes a base support section with a sloping
ramp for supporting the user's shoulders and back, where the base
support section can rest on a resting surface (i.e., a surface on
which the apparatus is positioned), a front side, two opposing
sides and a back side with the sloping ramp extending from a front
edge of the apparatus to a top head-receiving portion. In general,
the apparatus can be made in different sizes for accommodating
different individuals. In some embodiments, the base support
section can have a width in a range of about 20 inches to about 30
inches, a depth in a range of about 16 to about 17 inches and a
height in a range of about 12 to about 15 inches, though other
sizes can also be employed.
Inventors: |
POPITZ; Michael D.; (Marion,
MA) ; DRAKE; Jesse S.; (Westborough, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Popitz, LLC |
Wellesley |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68835386 |
Appl. No.: |
16/689088 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62861859 |
Jun 14, 2019 |
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62836558 |
Apr 19, 2019 |
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62824203 |
Mar 26, 2019 |
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62772492 |
Nov 28, 2018 |
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62769869 |
Nov 20, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/56 20130101; A61G
7/072 20130101; A61G 2200/322 20130101; A47G 9/10 20130101; A47G
2009/1018 20130101; A47G 9/109 20130101; A47G 9/1081 20130101; A61G
7/07 20130101; A61G 2200/327 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61G 7/07 20060101
A61G007/07; A47G 9/10 20060101 A47G009/10 |
Claims
1. A support apparatus for supporting and maintaining the head and
neck of a user in the supine sniff position in which the
Occipito-Atlanto-Axial joint is extended upwards and the head is
angled downward to achieve alignment of the airway axes,
comprising: a pillow having opposing left and right sides, a back
side, a front side, and a bottom surface; a sloped ramp surface
sloping up and away from the front side at an angle in a range of
about 15.degree. to 45.degree. from the front side; and a head/neck
support section comprising a neck supporting surface for supporting
the user's neck, said head/neck support section further comprising
a head support surface for supporting the head, said head
supporting surface including a central surface that slopes
downwardly and away from the neck supporting surface and downwardly
and away from an outer edge of the head supporting surface; said
head/neck support section being dimensioned to align the user's
oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes and maintain said
alignment as the user's head is supported by said head supporting
surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a base
that is substantially rectilinear in shape.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sloped ramp surface has at
least one receptacle for receiving at least one of the user's
scapulas.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said at least one receptacle
has a width in a range of about 2 inches to about 7 inches.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said at least one receptacle
has a length in a range of about 3 inches to about 14 inches.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said at least one receptacle
has a depth in a range of about 0.5 inches to about 4 inches.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein an edge of said at least one
receptacle is within about 2 inches to about 6 inches from a top
edge of the apparatus.
8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said receptacle has a
polygonal shape.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sloped ramp support
surface comprises a plurality of ridges.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said ridges have a depth in a
range of about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said ridges cover an area of
said sloped surface equal to greater than about 9 square
inches.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said area of the sloped
surface covered by said ridges is in a range of about 9 square
inches to about 100 square inches.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said ridges are uniformly
separated from one another.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said ridges are non-uniformly
separated from one another.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the neck supporting surface
in the neck/head support section has a substantially oval
shape.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said neck supporting surface
has a maximum diameter of at least 8 inches.
17. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein a middle portion of
the neck supporting surface in the neck/head support section is
lower than a top edge of the neck supporting section by at least
0.125 inches.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said middle portion of the
neck supporting surface is lower than said top edges by a distance
in a range of about 0.125 inches and 0.5 inches.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is formed of a
polymeric material.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said polymeric material
comprises urethane.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said polymeric material is
foamed.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said foamed polymeric
material comprises foamed polyurethane.
23. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein a highest edge of
the neck supporting surface is between about 0.5 and about 4 inches
higher than a lowest point on the head supporting surface.
24. A support apparatus for supporting and maintaining the head and
neck of a user in the sniff position in which the
Occipito-Atlanto-Axial joint is extended upwards and the head is
angled downward to achieve alignment of the airway axes,
comprising: a pillow having opposing left and right sides, a back
side, a front side, and a bottom surface and a top surface, said
top surface comprising a sloping ramp surface with one or more
receptacles for receiving at least one of the user's scapula and
lower shoulder, wherein the sloped ramp surface has one or more
polygonal receptacles having a width in a range of about 2 inches
to about 14 inches and a length in a range of about 3 inches to
about 14 inches, with edges of the receptacles being within 2
inches and up to 8 inches from a top edge of theapparatus, with the
eceptacles having a depth in a range from about 0.5 inches to about
4 inches; at least one head/neck supporting section for supporting
the user's head and neck, the head/neck supporting section
comprising a neck support surface positioned at aneck end of the
head/neck section; said head/neck supporting section further
comprising a head support surface for supporting the user's head,
wherein said head support surface comprises a central surface that
slopes down and away from the neck support surface and down and
away from an outer the edge of the head support surface; and
wherein said head support surface and said neck support surface are
dimensioned to provide a substantial alignment of the
oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes when the user's head is
received in said head support surface.
25. The support apparatus of claim 24, wherein said substantial
alignment of the oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes is
characterized by the user's cervical spine experiencing an
extension in a range of about 5 to about 20 degrees and the user's
lower cervical spine experiencing a flexion in a range of about 5
degrees to about 15 degrees.
26. A support apparatus for supporting and maintaining the head and
neck of a user in the sniff position in which the
Occipito-Atlanto-Axial joint is extended upwards and the head is
angled downward to achieve alignment of the airway axes,
comprising: a pillow having opposing left and right sides, a back
side, a front side, and a bottom surface; a head support surface
and a neck support surface for supporting the head and the neck of
the user, said head support surface including a central surface
that slopes down and away from the neck support surface and down
and away from an outer edge of the head support surface; said head
and neck support surfaces being dimensioned to provide substantial
alignment of the oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes of the
user; a ramp surface sloping away from the front side towards the
neck support surface and the head support surface, wherein the ramp
exhibits a slope in a range of about 15.degree. to about 45.degree.
relative to a front edge of the pillow and wherein a length of the
ramp measured from the front edge of the pillow to the front of the
neck support surface is between about 10 inches and about 18
inches, wherein the sloped ramp surface has one or more polygonal
receptacles having a width in a range of about 2 inches and to
about 7 inches and a length in a range of about 3 inches to about
14 inches, with edges of the receptacles being within 2 inches and
up to 8 inches from a top edge of the pillow and within 2 inches
and up to 6 inches from a side edge of the sloped ramp surface,
said receptacles having a depth in a range from about 0.5 inches up
to about 4 inches; and wherein said head support surface includes a
central surface that slopes downwardly and away from the neck
support surface and downwardly and away from an outer edge of the
head support surface; and wherein the head support and neck support
surfaces are dimensioned to provide substantial alignment of the
oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes.
27. The support separator of claim 26, wherein said substantial
alignment of the axes is characterized by the user's cervical spine
experiencing an extension in a range of about 5 to about 20 degrees
and the user's lower cervical spine experiencing a flexion in a
range of about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees.
Description
PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/861,859 filed on Jun. 14, 2019, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/836,558 filed on Apr. 19, 2019, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/824,203 filed on Mar. 26, 2019, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/772,492 filed on Nov. 28, 2018, and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/769,869 filed on Nov. 20, 2018.
The entire teachings of these earlier applications are incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a head-positioning
apparatus (herein also referred to as a pillow) that can support a
user's head and neck and reduce the risk of acid reflux while
sleeping in the supine position, allow for relief of pressure on
the user's scapula and shoulders, and align the user's
oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes for airway management
while in the supine sniff position.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Obstructive breathing may occur during sleep, or sedation,
most commonly in the supine position due to the effects of gravity
on the tongue. To help alleviate this issue pillows have been
developed to reduce airway obstruction in the supine position. For
example, pillows aligning the patient airways have been developed.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,774 describes one method of
opening the airways by aligning the oropharyngeal, laryngeal and
tracheal axes by placing the patient into the "sniff" position,
which has been determined to be the most effective positional
method for improving the patency of the airway and, therefore,
enhancing the volume and smoothness of the flow of air or oxygen
into the patient and the flow of carbon dioxide out. These
improvements in airflow have the potential to reduce user snoring
and sleep apnea thus improving life quality for the user and their
sleeping partners.
[0004] Conventional pillows typically employ a solid, single piece
design made of foam (either cut or molded into shape) comprising a
base for supporting a user's head and neck, where the base has a
flat surface sloping up and away from a supporting surface to
support the user's back, a neck support for supporting the user's
neck and a head support having a center head supporting surface
that slopes downwardly from the neck support towards the user's
head. The head support and neck support are dimensioned to align
the user's airways when the head and neck are positioned upon the
support pillow.
[0005] However, there are shortcomings with such, and other
conventional pillows. For example, such pillows may create
excessive pressure on user's scapula and lower back and shoulder
regions creating discomfort which may interfere with rest or sleep.
In addition, users may have a tendency to slide down the ramping
surface in the supine position. In addition, the current pillows
are not configured to reduce the incidence of acid reflux that may
occur in some users whilst sleeping in the supine position.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments disclosed herein address and overcome one or
more of the above shortcomings and drawbacks, by providing methods,
systems, and apparatuses that maintain, and preferably optimize,
airway flow. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure can
help eliminate acid reflux that some users experience while in the
supine position and simultaneously reduce pressure on the user's
scapula and lower shoulder areas, thereby improving comfort, rest
and sleep, while helping inhibit the user from sliding down the
pillow, e.g., sliding down a ramp configured to support the user's
shoulders and back.
[0007] The support pillow can incorporate a sloping ramp support
surface for supporting the user's back. In some embodiments, pillow
can have cut-outs on the lateral sides of the sloped ramp surface
for providing relief of pressure on the user's scapula and lower
shoulder regions, thus providing better sleep or rest while
incorporating anti-slide features that help inhibit the user from
sliding down the ramp.
[0008] Further, in some embodiments, the support pillow can have
cut-outs on the lateral sides of the sloped ramp surface for
providing relief of pressure on the user's scapula and lower
shoulder regions, thus providing better sleep or rest while
incorporating anti-slide features that help inhibit the user from
sliding down the ramp.
[0009] In some embodiment, an apparatus for supporting the neck and
head of a user for airway management can include a bottom surface
that can rest on a resting surface and a sloped ramp surface that
extends from a front edge of the bottom surface to a top head
receiving portion. The apparatus can further include two opposed
lateral sides and a back side. In addition, in many embodiments,
two scapula receptacles are disposed on the left and right side of
the sloped ramp surface for at least partially receiving the user's
scapulae. In general, the apparatus can be made in different sizes
for accommodating different individuals. In some embodiments, each
side of the bottom surface of the apparatus can have a dimension in
a range of about 20 inches to about 30 inches and the apparatus can
have a height in a range of about 12 inches to about 15 inches.
[0010] In some embodiment, the front side of the apparatus can
include a shoulder receiving area with a sloped ramp support
surface for supporting the user's back which slopes upwards, and
away from the front edge of the apparatus at an angle of at least
150 and no more than 450 relative to a bottom surface of the
pillow, e.g., a surface of the pillow configured for positioning on
a resting surface, and towards the head/neck support section at the
top or apex of the pillow. In other words, when the pillow is
resting on a resting surface, the ramp can form an angle of at
least 150 and no more than 450 relative to the bottom surface of
the apparatus, which can be positioned on a resting surface.
[0011] In one embodiment, the sloped ramp support surface can have
cutouts or scapula receptacles on either side of the midline of the
sloped ramp support surface for at least partially receiving the
user's scapulae. In some embodiments, such scapular receptacles can
be from about 3 inches and up to about 14 inches in length with the
width of the scapula receptacles in a range from about 2 inches up
to about 12 inches. In some embodiments, the width of the scapular
receptacle cutouts can be in a range of about 2 to about 7 inches
with the upper edges of said scapula receptacles being within a
range of about 1 inch and to 8 inches from the top, or apex, of the
sloped ramped support surface; such dimensions being congruent with
the location of the user's scapula when the user's back is resting
on the pillow ramp. In some embodiments, the scapula receptacles
can be up to four inches in depth. It is understood that the size
and location of the scapula receptacles can be varied with
differing user morphologies. As noted above, the front side of the
pillow can have a surface that slopes upwards and away from a
resting surface underneath the apparatus on which the apparatus is
disposed and upwards towards the head/neck support surface at the
apex of the pillow.
[0012] In one embodiment, the sloped ramp support surface can
include ridges, e.g., straight ridges, that are cut or otherwise
formed into the sloped ramp support surface. In some such
embodiments, such ridges can be perpendicular to the sides of the
sloped surface. In some embodiments, the sloped ramp support
surface can have "V-shaped" ridges cut or otherwise formed therein.
In some embodiments, such ridges can form an angle between 100 to
750 relative to a line parallel to the base (bottom surface) of the
apparatus.
[0013] In some embodiments, such ridges can provide sufficient
friction for preventing a user's back from sliding down the sloped
ramp support surface. In some embodiments, in addition to or
instead of such ridges, a sheet having a non-slip surface can be
placed over at least a portion of the sloped ramp support surface
to inhibit the user from sliding down the sloped ramp support
surface.
[0014] The head/neck support area can be formed or cut into the
apex of the pillow and can be generally oval or round in shape
having a depth ranging between about 1/2 inches to about 6 inches
and a maximum width of about 14 inches, though other sizes can also
be employed. In other embodiments, the head/neck support area can
be rectilinear in shape but conforming to the same dimensions and
can be cut or otherwise formed into the apex of the pillow.
[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the sloped ramp support
surface can include a plurality of undulations, e.g., a waffle-like
pattern, that can be cut or otherwise formed into the sloped ramp
surface to inhibit a user from sliding down the surface. The
waffle-like pattern can partially or fully cover the support
surface.
[0016] Further, a sheet formed, for example, of a natural and/or
synthetic fabric can be at least partially draped over the sloped
ramp surface to inhibit a user from sliding down the surface.
Further, the sheet can be attached to the surface using a variety
of different mechanisms. By way of example, the sheet can be
attached to the surface using mechanical methods (e.g., gluing or
molding it in place). Additionally or alternatively, the sheet can
be formed of a synthetic and/or a natural material, such as
polyester, rayon, cotton, silk, wool or a combination of these
materials. The friction between the material from which the sheet
is formed and the sloped ramp surface, and the user's back can
inhibit the user from sliding down the sloped ramp surface.
[0017] The head/neck support section can have a receiving surface
that is of sufficient depth to receive the user's head. For
example, the head/neck support section can have an oval shape with
one side being straight or one side being curved but with a
differing radius from the other sides, with the straight or curved
part facing the front of the apparatus and having the neck support
surface. Further, the top surface of the head/neck support section
can have a neck support for supporting the neck and a head support
surface which slopes downwardly from the neck support towards the
head end and towards the center of said head support surface. The
back and sides of head/neck support section can be round or
elliptical in shape where the sides of the head support surface can
slope downwardly and away from its edges towards the center of the
head support section.
[0018] Further, the front sides of the head/neck support section
can include a front left neck supporting surface which slopes
downwardly towards an occipital connecting line and a front right
neck supporting surface which slopes downwardly towards an
occipital connecting line, where the left and right neck supporting
surfaces jointly create a raised neck supporting surface with the
middle of the neck supporting surface being lower than the outside
portions of the neck supporting surface. The occipital connecting
line can be a putative line that both bisects the midpoint of the
neck support surface and the user's occiput when the user's head is
positioned in the pillow. Head and neck support surfaces and front
neck support surface can be dimensioned to align the oropharyngeal,
the laryngeal and tracheal axes of the human upper airway into the
sniff position in which the user's Occipito-Atlanto-Axial joint is
adjusted to between about 500 and 300 of extension.
[0019] The pillow can be generally polygonal in shape, while the
head/neck support section cut or otherwise formed into the apex of
the pillow can be generally oval in shape. Alternatively or
additionally, the head/neck support section can be rectilinear in
shape or partially oval and partially rectilinear in shape. In some
embodiments, the raised neck support surface on the front side of
the head/neck support section can have a generally oval or
elliptical shape and may extend from the front left side of the
head receiving surface to the right side of the head receiving
surface (and vice versa) with the occipital connecting line being
lower than the highest point of the left or right side of the
raised neck supporting section.
[0020] Further, the scapula receptacles disposed on the lateral
sides of the sloped ramp support surface can be shaped and designed
to accommodate the user's scapula and lower shoulders and provide
pressure relief to these body parts. The scapula receptacles cut or
otherwise formed in the pillow can comprise any suitable shape, for
example oval, triangular, trapezoidal or any polygonal, or other
suitable shape.
[0021] Furthermore, the pillow can have a sloped ramp support
surface that slopes up and away from the front edge of the pillow
at an angle of between about 150 and about 450 relative to the
plane of a bottom surface of the pillow, where the angle can be
sufficient to elevate the neck/back of the user and reduce the risk
of acid reflux. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the
sloped ramp support surface, from the front edge of the ramp to a
plane at the front edge of the head/neck support surface, which can
be parallel to the support surface, can be between about 12-24
inches in length, which is of sufficient length to support a user's
back and shoulders. Generally, the length of the sloped ramp
support surface can be varied according to differing user sizes and
morphologies.
[0022] In some embodiments, the pillow can be constructed of
non-allergenic materials such as EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate),
urethane foam, latex foam or memory foam and can be shaped or
molded. For example, the distance between the neck supporting
surface at the occiput connecting line and the bottom of the head
supporting surface can be approximately about 2-6 inches and can
vary by the size desired to fit the morphology of the user.
[0023] In some aspects, an apparatus for supporting and maintaining
the head and neck of a user in a supine sniff position is
disclosed, which includes a head receiving portion having a sloped
surface for receiving a user's head and a sloped ramp surface that
extends from a front edge of the apparatus to said head receiving
portion for supporting the user's back when the user's head is
received in said head receiving portion. At least one scapula
receiving cut-out is provided on at least one lateral side of the
sloped ramp surface for at least partially receiving the user's
scapula.
[0024] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
made apparent from the following detailed description of
illustrative embodiments that proceed with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments of a
pillow for facilitating the supine sniff position, facilitating
airway management, reducing pressure in the scapula and/or the
lower shoulder regions of a user and assisting in preventing the
user from sliding down the sloped ramp portion. Together with the
descriptions, the figures further serve to explain the principles
of the pillow described herein and thereby enable a person skilled
in the applicable art to make the apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1A is a plan schematic view of a pillow according to an
embodiment of the present teachings,
[0027] FIG. 1B is a schematic front view of the pillow depicted in
FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C is a schematic side view of the pillow depicted in
FIG. 1A,
[0028] FIGS. 1-E and 1D schematically depict examples of a head
receiving section of the pillow depicted in FIG. 1A,
[0029] FIG. 1F is a schematic sectional view of the pillow depicted
in FIG. 1A illustrating a plurality of ridges disposed on the
sloped ramp surface for inhibiting the slippage of a user supported
by that surface,
[0030] FIG. 1G schematically depicts a pillow according to an
embodiment, which includes a plurality of waffle-like undulations
on a sloped ramp surface thereof for inhibiting the slippage of a
user supported on that surface,
[0031] FIG. 1H is a schematic side view of the embodiment depicted
in FIG. 1G,
[0032] FIG. 1I schematically depicts an embodiment of a pillow in
which an anti-slippage sheet covers at least a portion of the
sloped ramp surface,
[0033] FIG. 1J schematically depicts an embodiment of a pillow
according to the present teachings, which includes a plurality of
V-shaped ridges on a sloped ramp surface thereof for inhibiting,
and preferably preventing, the slippage of a user supported by that
surface,
[0034] FIG. 1K is a plan view of a pillow according to an
embodiment, depicting dimensions of various features of the pillow,
and
[0035] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C provide side and section views
of the pillow depicted in FIG. 1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the
present disclosure with reference to the accompanying figures, in
which like reference numerals will indicate like elements. While
specific configurations are discussed it should be noted that this
is for illustrative purposes. The present invention relates to a
pillow for aligning the oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes
and the extension of the Occipito-Atlanto-Axial joint, together
with flexion of the lower cervical spine for airway management with
the user in the supine position while providing a convenient and
cost-effective way to provide differing sizes of pillows to
accommodate widely varying patient morphologies. Airway management
involves adjusting the patient's head and neck for improved
ventilation and respiration. By improving the position of a user's
head and neck, the user can experience improved sleep, rest,
oxygenation and ventilation and avoid airway obstruction and
airflow turbulence that may result, for example, in snoring. A
conventional pillow for aligning the upper airways of the human
head and neck while in the supine position has certain
shortcomings, which the current invention addresses. For example, a
conventional pillow can be of uniform monolithic design with a flat
sloped ramping surface, which may cause discomfort to the user,
specifically in the scapula and lower shoulder areas. This can in
turn prevent the user from resting or sleeping comfortably. In
addition, the user may slide down the sloped ramp surface
preventing comfortable use of the pillow. The current disclosure
addresses, among others, these shortcomings.
[0037] Various terms are used herein in accordance with their
ordinary meanings. The term "about" as used herein denotes a
variation of at most 10% around a numerical value. A substantial
alignment of oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes as used
herein means that an angle formed between any two of these axes is
in a range of 00 and about 300 with the Occipito-Atlanto-Axial
joint having an angle of between about 50 and about 300 when a
user's head and neck are positioned in the apparatus.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E,1F, 1G, 1H, 1I,
1J, and 1K, a pillow (100) according to one embodiment of the
present invention is disclosed, which allows alignment of the
user's head and neck into the sniff position with a sloped ramp
support surface, which includes scapula receptacles to relieve
pressure on user's shoulder blades and upper back and anti-slide
ridges or notches cut or otherwise formed into that surface to
prevent users from sliding down the surface. The scapula
receptacles can cooperate synergistically with the placement of a
user in a supine sniff position to improve the user's ventilation
and oxygenation. In particular, the scapula receptacles can help
pull the user's shoulders back, and open up the user's chest to
improve ventilation and oxygenation, thus further enhancing the
improved ventilation and oxygenation afforded by placement of the
user in a supine sniff position.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, one embodiment of
pillow (100), which can rest on a resting surface (not shown),
includes a sloped ramp support surface (101) and comprises a
head/neck support section (102) cut or otherwise formed into the
apex or crest of pillow (100). Head/neck support section (102) has
head support receiving portion (103') having a head support surface
(103) with front neck support ridge (104), which cooperatively help
position the user's airways into the sniff position. Pillow (100)
can be made of various materials including, among other polymeric
materials, polyurethane foam, EVA, latex foam, memory foam or other
similar materials with features cut out or formed into it.
[0040] FIG. 1A illustrates a plan view of pillow (100) comprising
sloped ramp surface (101), head/neck support section (102), head
receiving area (103) and front ridge neck support ridge (104), with
scapula receptacles (105) and anti-slide ridges (106) cut or
otherwise formed into sloped ramp support surface (101).
[0041] FIG. 1B is a front view of pillow (100) comprising sloped
ramp surface (101) having anti-slide ridges (106) cut or otherwise
formed into said surface, scapula receptacles (105) formed on the
lateral sides of the sloped ramp surface, and head neck support
section (102) with front neck support ridge (104) cut or otherwise
formed at the apex or crest of pillow (100). In some embodiments,
the scapula receptacles can be positioned between about 1 inch to
about 8 inches from the crest or top of the pillow.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1C, which is a side view of pillow 100,
sloped ramp surface (101) can comprise an inclined surface.
Anti-slide ridges (106) can be formed in a variety of different
ways, e.g., they can be cut or otherwise formed into sloped ramp
surface (101). The head/neck support section (102), which can be
formed (e.g., cut) into the apex or crest of pillow (100), can
include a neck support ridge (104) at the front portion thereof for
supporting a user's neck. Sloped ramp surface (101) can facilitate
inspiration by taking the center of gravity of the weight of the
chest and abdomen away from the lung/diaphragm functional unit, as
well as decreasing the problem of gastrointestinal reflux. As shown
in FIGS. 1C and 1E, in this embodiment, the sloped ramp surface
(101) can form an angle .theta. with respect to a bottom surface
(109) of the pillow, which can rest on a resting surface. In some
embodiments, the angle .theta. can be between about 15 degrees to
about 30 degrees, though other angles can also be used. Further, an
angle .alpha. formed by the intersection of the sloped ramp surface
(101), and a plane (111) formed by the neck support ridge (104),
and the head receiving area (103) can be, for example, in a range
of about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees to help place the user's
cervical spine and head in the correct position relative to the
thoracic and lumbar spine.
[0043] In this embodiment, the ridges (106) can be straight, in
other embodiments, the ridges (106) can have other forms. For
examples, FIG. 1J schematically depicts an example of a pillow
(100') according to the present disclosure, which includes V-shaped
ridges (106') disposed on a ramp surface (101') thereof. While in
these embodiments the ridges are uniformly spaced relative to one
another, in other embodiments, they can be non-uniformly spaced
relative to one another.
[0044] Further, in some embodiments, other features can be used in
addition to, or instead of, the ridges to ensure that a user (e.g.,
a patient) will not slip down the sloped ramp surface. For example,
FIG. 1G shows an embodiment of a pillow (100) that includes the
sloped ramp support surface (101) with scapula receptacles (105)
cut out or otherwise formed in the pillow at lateral sides of the
sloped ramp support surface (101). As discussed above, the sloped
ramp support surface (101) can provide pressure relief to a user's
scapula and lower shoulder areas. As shown, a plurality of
undulations, e.g., waffle-like indents and/or outdents (112), can
be provided on the sloped ramp surface (101), e.g., cut or
otherwise formed in the surface, to inhibit, and preferably
prevent, a user from sliding down the sloped ramp surface. In some
embodiments, an average height of the undulations can be, for
example, in a range of about 1/2 inches to about 3 inches. Axis E-E
can provide a sectional view of the anti-slip undulations formed in
the sloped ramp surface (101). For example, the waffle-like
undulations can be formed of a convoluted polymer, such as,
polyurethane, elastic polyurethane or latex.
[0045] FIG. 1I shows a front view of one embodiment of the pillow
100 in which a sheet (113), which can be formed of a natural and/or
synthetic fabric, can cover at least a portion of the sloped ramp
surface (101). The fabric sheet (113) can be glued or otherwise
attached to the sloped ramp surface (101) along an upper edge (114)
of the fabric (113) and/or can be attached to the sloped ramp
surface in other ways. Alternatively or additionally, one or more
edges of the fabric (113) can be molded into the sloped ramp
surface. The fabric sheet can be preferably formed of a material
that can help maintain a user on the sloped ramp surface without
slippage. By way of example, some suitable materials from which the
fabric sheet (113) can be formed can include, without limitation,
silk, nylon, rayon, cotton, wool or any combination of these
materials.
[0046] FIG. 1B shows a front view of one embodiment of pillow 100
that includes sloped ramp support surface (101) with scapula
receptacles (105) cut out or otherwise formed in the pillow at
lateral sides of the sloped ramp support surface (101). The sloped
ramp support surface (101) can provide pressure relief to a user's
scapular and lower shoulder areas. Further, anti-slip ridges (106),
which can be cut or otherwise formed into sloped ramp surface
(101), can inhibit, and preferably prevent, a user, from sliding
down the sloped ramp support surface (101).
[0047] FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of one embodiment of pillow
(100) that includes sloped ramp surface (101) with anti-slip ridges
(106). Head/neck support section (102) can be cut or otherwise
formed into the apex or crest of pillow (100) with front support
ridge (104) at the front of said section.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 1D, which illustrates details and a
sectional view of head/neck support section (102) along axis B-B,
the head/neck support section (102) can include a head receiving
portion (103') having a head support surface (103), which slopes
downwardly and away from an outer edge (103'') of the head
receiving portion (103') and towards the bottom of the head
receiving portion. Front neck support ridge (104) and occiput
connecting line (107) work together with head support surface (103)
in aligning the user's airways into the sniff position. It can be
seen that the depth and size of head support surface (103) and the
depth of the neck support at occiput connecting line (107) relative
to the outer edges of neck support ridge (108) as well as the size
of neck support ridge (104) can be varied. By varying the
dimensions of these features it can be seen that the dimensions of
features of the head/neck support sections can be varied to fit
many user morphologies. In some embodiments, the neck support ridge
(104) can have a width in a range of about 4 to about 12 inches
while the head receiving portion (103') can have a diameter in a
range of about four to twelve inches. Further, the head receiving
portion (103') can have a substantially oval cross-sectional shape,
in other embodiments, it can have other shapes, e.g., a circular
shape.
[0049] FIG. 1E is a side view of line c-c (FIG. 1A) and shows
head/neck support section (102) having head support surface (103),
which slopes downwardly and away from the edges of said surface and
towards the user's head. Front neck support ridge (104) is at front
side of head support surface (103). Occipital connecting line (107)
bisects front neck support ridge (104) and defines the lowest point
on front neck support ridge (104).
[0050] FIG. 1F, a sectional view along axis A-A, depicts the sloped
ramp surface (101) having anti-slip ridges (106) cut or otherwise
formed into pillow. As shown, the sloped ramp surface (101) can
form an angle .theta. in a range of about 150 and 300 with the
front edge of the pillow and a bottom surface (109) of the pillow
100.
[0051] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C depict an embodiment of a
pillow 200 according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown,
while in use, the pillow rests on a resting surface (202). User A
is shown with head positioned in pillow (200), user's neck B is
positioned on front neck support ridge (205) with occipital contact
line (208) bisecting the center of front neck support ridge (205);
the back sides of head C are supported on surface (207), which
slopes downwardly and away from front neck support surface (204).
Axis D-D represents the oropharyngeal axis, axis E-E represents the
laryngeal axis, and axis F-F represents the tracheal axis. Due to
the slope of the head support surface (207) and its relationship
with the front neck support ridge (205), lateral movement of the
user's head can be facilitated and automatic positioning of the
user into the sniff position can be accomplished. As a result of
the orientation of surfaces (207), (204) and (208) axes E-E, T-T
and L-L can be aligned so as to place the user into the sniff
position. Because head support surface (207) slopes downwardly from
front neck ridge (205) the Occipito-Atlanto-Axial joint is extended
upwards and head C is angled downwardly towards the support surface
to align head C and neck B of the user into the sniff position via
alignment of airways E-W, T-T and L-L. When user head C is
positioned as shown, the Occiput H of the user's skull is in line
with Occipital connecting line (208), which bisects front neck
support ridge (205), with the head C contacting sloped support
surface (207) that keeps the user in the sniff position. Anti-slip
ridges (209) cut or otherwise formed into the pillow at the lateral
sides of the sloped ramp support surface (209) help prevent the
user from sliding down the sloped support surface. Further, the
scapula receptacles (211) help relieve pressure and stress on
user's scapula and lower shoulder regions.
[0052] A pillow according to the invention can be made in a variety
of different sizes so as to accommodate different individuals. By
way of example, with reference to FIG. 1K, in some embodiments, the
head receiving portion (103') can have an inner diameter on a top
portion thereof in a range of about 4 to about 12 inches. Further,
the neck supporting ridge (102) can have a width (NW) in a range of
about 4 inches to about 12 inches. The ridge (102) can have a
thickness (NT) in a range of about 1/2 inches to about 2 inches,
and height above the edge of the head receiving portion in a range
of about 1/2 inches to about 4 inches. Further, each of the scapula
receptacles can have a length (SL) in a range of about 3 inches to
about 14 inches and width (a dimension perpendicular to length) in
a range of about 2 to about 12 inches and a depth (SD) in a range
of about 0.5 inches to about 4 inches. In some embodiments, each
scapula receptacle is separated from the top of the apparatus by a
distance (SL) in a range of about 1 to about 8 inches.
[0053] As discussed above, an apparatus according to the present
teachings can be fabricated using a plurality of polymeric
materials. In some embodiments, an apparatus according to the
present teachings can be formed of a foamed polymeric material. In
some such embodiments, the density of the foamed polymeric material
can be in a range of about 1.5 to about 5 pounds/ft3. Further, in
some embodiments, the apparatus can exhibit a hardness
characterized by an IDL (indentation-deflection-load) value in a
range of about 12 to about 50, e.g., in a range of about 20 to
about 40.
[0054] Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
various changes can be made to the above embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention.
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