Side-Sleeping Mattress Topper Device

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/637,402, which was filed on Apr. 23, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to the field of sleeping body-positioning aids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a side-sleeping mattress topper device designed to position a user's body such that their weight is distributed to provide a more comfortable sleeping experience while side sleeping, wherein the device has specific areas to receive a user's hip and shoulder area. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

People who sleep on their side often face the challenge of experiencing aches and pains in various parts of their body, particularly in the hips, shoulders, and back. These discomforts can be disruptive, frequently waking them up throughout the night and preventing them from achieving a restful and uninterrupted sleep. The constant need to toss and turn in search of a more comfortable position can make it difficult to fall back asleep, leading to restless nights and significant fatigue the following day. While padded mattress toppers are a popular solution for side sleepers, providing additional cushioning and support, they are not always a perfect remedy. Despite their benefits, the pain can still be persistent and intense enough to disturb sleep, causing individuals to wake up repeatedly and struggle with ongoing discomfort. This ongoing battle with pain and interrupted sleep can ultimately affect one's overall well-being, making it challenging to function optimally during the day.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sleeping aid device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device that provides comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device that provides comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping by redistributing a user's weight when laying across the device on their side.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a side-sleeping mattress topper device. The device is comprised of comprised of a body with distinct sections—a first end, a middle area, and a second end—that are adaptable to accommodate a user's body while sleeping on their side. The body may be constructed from various materials such as memory foam or latex, and can include features like waterproofing, mold resistance, and perforations for breathability. The device includes cutouts and adjustable sections that align with a user's hip and shoulder areas, enhancing comfort and weight distribution while side-sleeping. Additionally, the invention comprises a method for using the device, which involves positioning and adjusting the device on a mattress to fit the user's body size and then lying on it in a manner that aligns with the cutouts for optimal support while side-sleeping.

In this manner, the side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a sleeping aid device for side sleepers. More specifically, the device improves comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. To do so, the design of the device redistributes a user's weight when laying across the device on their side.

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a side-sleeping mattress topper device. The device is comprised of a body comprised of a first end, a middle area, and a second end, wherein the body is further comprised of at least one window and at least one gap.

The body may be any thickness in different embodiments. In one embodiment, different areas of the body may have variable thickness, material construction, and/or firmness as needed to redistribute a user's body weight. The first end of the body is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape. The first end is preferably integrally attached to a middle area of the body, wherein at least one cutout is positioned between the first end and the middle area. The cutout may be any shape but is preferably rectangular such that it can receive the hip area of a user while the user is lying on the device. The middle area is preferably convex in shape in order to elevate a user's torso. The middle area is preferably made from a firmer material than the first end and the second end in order to support a user's weight on either side of their hip/shoulder joints.

The second end of the body is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape. In one embodiment, the second end removably attaches to the middle area. More specifically, the middle area and the second end are each comprised of at least one attachment strip further comprised of at least one fastener that allows the strips to attach to one another. The strips allow a user to position the second end at a desired distance from the middle area (via the presence of fasteners at multiple positions on each strip) in order to allow the device to fit a user's body size as needed. Once the second end is attached to the middle area, a gap is formed wherein a user's shoulder area can rest. A user can also place a pillow on the second end.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of a first end, a middle area, a cutout positioned between the first end and the middle area, and a second end that attaches to the middle area via at least one attachment strip comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the second end can be attached to the middle area, via attaching at least one strip of the second end to at least one strip of the middle area via attaching at least one fastener on each strip to one another, wherein the second end is an adjustable distance from the middle area to accommodate a user's shoulder area. Then, the device can be placed on a top surface of a mattress. Finally, a user can lay on the device on their side such that the user's hip area rests within the cutout and the user's shoulder area rests within the gap present between the middle area and the second end.

Accordingly, the side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a sleeping aid device for side sleepers. More specifically, the device improves comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. To do so, the design of the device redistributes a user's weight when laying across the device on their side. In this manner, the side-sleeping mattress topper device improves comfort for side-sleeping users.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sleeping aid device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device that provides comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device that provides comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping by redistributing a user's weight when laying across the device on their side.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a side-sleeping mattress topper device comprised of a body comprised of a first end, a middle area, and a second end, wherein the body is further comprised of at least one window and at least one gap. The body may be any thickness in different embodiments. In one embodiment, different areas of the body may have variable thickness, material construction, and/or firmness as needed to redistribute a user's body weight. The first end of the body is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape. The first end is preferably integrally attached to a middle area of the body, wherein at least one cutout is positioned between the first end and the middle area. The cutout may be any shape but is preferably rectangular such that it can receive the hip area of a user while the user is lying on the device. The middle area is preferably convex in shape in order to elevate a user's torso and is preferably made from a firmer material than the first end and the second end in order to support a user's weight on either side of their hip/shoulder joints.

The second end of the body is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape. In one embodiment, the second end removably attaches to the middle area. More specifically, the middle area and the second end are each comprised of at least one attachment strip further comprised of at least one fastener that allows the strips to attach to one another. The strips allow a user to position the second end at a desired distance from the middle area (via the presence of fasteners at multiple positions on each strip) in order to allow the device to fit a user's body size as needed. Once the second end is attached to the middle area, a gap is formed wherein a user's shoulder area can rest. A user can also place a pillow on the second end.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of a first end, a middle area, a cutout positioned between the first end and the middle area, and a second end that attaches to the middle area via at least one attachment strip comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the second end can be attached to the middle area, via attaching at least one strip of the second end to at least one strip of the middle area via attaching at least one fastener on each strip to one another, wherein the second end is an adjustable distance from the middle area to accommodate a user's shoulder area. Then, the device can be placed on a top surface of a mattress. Finally, a user can lay on the device on their side such that the user's hip area rests within the cutout and the user's shoulder area rests within the gap present between the middle area and the second end.

Accordingly, the side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a sleeping aid device for side sleepers. More specifically, the device improves comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. To do so, the design of the device redistributes a user's weight when laying across the device on their side. In this manner, the side-sleeping mattress topper device improves comfort for side-sleeping users.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a side-sleeping mattress topper deviceof the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The deviceis comprised of a bodycomprised of a first end, a middle area, and a second end, wherein the bodyis further comprised of at least one windowand at least one gap.

The bodymay be any thickness in different embodiments. The bodymay also be made from any mattress/mattress topper material such as but not limited to a memory foam, a latex, a gel-infused foam, a wool, a down, a polyester blend, a cotton, etc. or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, different areas of the bodymay have variable thickness, material construction, and/or firmness as needed to redistribute a user's body weight. The bodymay be waterproof in one embodiment. The bodymay also be made from a mold-resistant material in one embodiment. Any area of the bodymay have a rounded edgefor comfort. The bodymay be any dimensions to accommodate any user size and/or bed size. In one embodiment, the bodymaterial is perforated for increased breathability.

The first endof the bodyis preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape (but may be any shape), as seen in. The first endis preferably integrally attached to a middle areaof the body, wherein at least one cutoutis positioned between the first endand the middle area. The cutoutmay be any shape but is preferably rectangular such that it can receive the hip areaof a userwhile the user is laying on the device, as seen in. The middle areais preferably convex in shape in order to elevate a user's torso. However, any area of the bodymay be angled, concave, convex, etc. as needed to ensure proper userbody positioning to redistribute user's weight while side sleeping in order to improve sleep quality. The middle areais preferably made from a firmer material than the first endand the second endin order to support a user's weight on either side of their hip/shoulder joints.

The second endof the bodyis preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape (but may be any shape), as seen in. In one embodiment, the second endis integrally formed to the middle areaof the body. In another embodiment, the second endremovably attaches to the middle area. More specifically, the middle areaand the second endare each comprised of at least one attachment stripthat is preferably made from a rigid nylon (but may be made from any material). Each stripis further comprised of at least one fastenerthat allows the stripsto attach to one another. The fastenersinclude but are not limited to hook, loop, magnet, adhesive, snap button, etc. The stripsallow a user to position the second endat a desired distance from the middle area(via the presence of fastenersat multiple positions on each strip) in order to allow the deviceto fit a user's body size as needed. Once the second endis attached to the middle area, a gapis formed wherein a user'sshoulder areacan rest, as seen in. A user can also place a pillow onto the second end.

In one embodiment, a bottom surfaceof the bodyis comprised of at least one grip area. The grip areais comprised of a raised material, such as but not limited to a non-slip rubber, in any configuration. As a result, the grip areaprevents the devicefrom sliding when placed on a mattress.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of usingthe device, as seen in. First, a deviceis provided comprised of a bodycomprised of a first end, a middle area, a cutout positioned between the first endand the middle area, and a second endthat attaches to the middle areavia at least one attachment stripcomprised of at least one fastener[Step]. Then, the second endcan be attached to the middle area, via attaching at least one stripof the second endto at least one stripof the middle areavia attaching at least one fasteneron each stripto one another, wherein the second endis an adjustable distance from the middle areato accommodate a user's shoulder area[Step]. Then, the devicecan be placed on a top surface of a mattress [Step]. Finally, a usercan lay on the deviceon their side such that the user'ship arearests within the cutoutand the user's shoulder arearests within the gappresent between the middle areaand the second end[Step].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “side-sleeping mattress topper device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the side-sleeping mattress topper deviceof the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the side-sleeping mattress topper deviceof the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the side-sleeping mattress topper deviceas shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the side-sleeping mattress topper deviceare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the side-sleeping mattress topper deviceare important design parameters for user convenience, the side-sleeping mattress topper devicemay be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.