Methods and Devices for Better Sleeping

The present invention relates to an apparatus for lying or sleeping in the side position, back position, and/or face down position otherwise known as the prone position. The present invention relates generally to head supports, mattresses, and concave bed supports.

Everyone has to sleep. Sleep is vitally important to achieving optimal health. The body regenerates itself during sleep. A healthy spine is also crucial to optimal health. Achieving proper spinal alignment is crucial to a healthy spine. On an ordinary flat, horizontally positioned mattress, it can be difficult to get the spine in proper alignment in the side and prone sleeping positions. Side sleeping can cause back and shoulder pain. Sleeping and lying face down or prone can put extra strain on the neck and back.

Nearly every day a new study or news piece talks about how important sleep is for human health. Many factors effect one's sleep and the quality and length of that sleep. There are several positions in which one can sleep. Sleeping on one's back and side are typically the most comfortable and most mattresses and sleep accessories are designed for people that sleep in these positions. Prone sleepers, people that sleep on their stomach, have little or no options when it comes to mattresses and products that would enable them to comfortably lie or sleep in such a position for a long period of

When people sleep on their stomach with their head in an awkward and unhealthy positioning, it can cause stress to their spine and nervous system. A great majority of our healing and recovery happens when we sleep. The goal is to have your spine in a neutral position, unstressed due to these factors.

The issues with lying on your side to sleep are the same as with stomach sleeping, plus some additional stressors to the shoulder. People tend to toss and turn all night due to pain and pressure from their mattress and positioning.

There are currently no mattresses, massage tables or sleeping surfaces available that can be adapted for normal, prone, and side resting positions. The present invention's sculpted base, with the three flexible mattresses, is meant for sleeping, resting, and massage.

Pillows have evolved into many forms, and it has been shown that the best position for an individual's head and neck is a pillow that supports the curve of the neck, such that when a user is sleeping on their back, their head and neck reflect the same good posture as when standing. However, many attempts to encourage proper head and neck positioning when sleeping restrict him/her from sleeping on his/her side or stomach.

One problem with prior art pillow systems is that they do not have a sculpted top that properly fits the user's head.

Thus, there is a need for an elevated recumbent headrest that offers the case of adjustability to maintain proper curvature of the cervical spine while the head is rested on the support system, for example, after repositioning from supine to side-lying and back. Easy access to change and control the level of head support after repositioning minimizes sleep disturbance.

The present method and device invention is an apparatus designed for lying and sleeping comfortably in any position. The method includes a specially designed base which has a sculpted space for the sleeper, three mattress sections made of a cushioned material, two different headrests, both with a sculpted top, and one with a slot underneath so people can sleep with their arm under their head, and another headrest that fits into the sculpted bed support.

regarding the head supports. These 2 pillows are for sides sleeping. The primary one is for the head support and only has the concave design on the top side to allow the head to nestle onto it. The secondary pillow is concave on the top side and bottom side. This pillow is optional. But it provides additional neck and support and allows for the arm to have space to curl under the pillow and also the top arm to rest on top of the user's head while the sleeping on one's side. The bottom concave section can be at a 90 degree angle to the concave part on top, or it can be in the same direction as the top concave section on the top of the head support.

The present invention presents with a mattress in three concave sections with additional specially designed head supports, all interacting with the sculpted bed base. The three sections of the mattress can be removed and interchanged with other sections for comfort.

It is the object of the present invention for a person to lie or sleep in the supine position comfortably and/or for optimal spinal position and health. This can be achieved by using the three sections of the mattress on the concave bed support and by using the pillow that fits into the sculpted section or using the one of the head supports depending on which one is more comfortable for the user.

It is the object of the present invention for a person to lie flat on their back or sleep on either side of the body comfortably and/or for optimal spinal position and health. It is also the object of the present invention for a person to lie in sleep on their side with optimal shoulder comfort. This positioning can be achieved by taking the facial cushion of the mattress with the option of placing the cushion between the legs for optimal spinal alignment. The two pieces next to the head portion of the main body can also be removed completely or interchanged with optional accessory pieces to allow for the desired shoulder and hand comfort.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments additional variations and modifications exist within the scope of the spirit of the invention as described.

Although the disclosed invention has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principals and application of the present invention. Those having skill in the art would recognize that various modifications to the exemplary embodiments may be made, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Moreover, it should be understood that various features and/or characteristics of differing embodiments herein may be combined with one another. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from considerations of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a scope and spirit being indicated by the claims.

One example of the device in its simplest form is a sculpted bed support mattress, for a single occupant, similar to the twin size bed, with the main body portion with the head and foot end, removable three part sculpted mattress, with two head supports with a sculpted middle

The sculpted bed support can be made from any type of material used for bed or sofa supports.

The fabric and mattress section can be made of any type of fabric typically used for bed material, including but not limited to types of foam, latex, cotton or air inflatable material.

Another example of the present invention are a larger bed, designed to accommodate more than one occupant with two separate sculpted sections in the bed base, with two sets of three mattress sections and two sets of head supports.

The concave shaped head supports and relief of shoulder pressure can also be adapted for a reclined position for reading or watching television.

In general, the head support with a concave top is an elevated recumbent head support. Its function is to support the head when the user is in the recumbent positions of supine (lying on one's back, face up), lying on his or her side. When the head is supported with the cervical spine in normal anatomical alignment, there is decreased stress on the surrounding ligaments and vertebral discs, in turn, promoting relaxation of the local postural muscles and minimizing restlessness.

The secondary headrest () also has a slot on the bottom for people sleeping in the side position who prefer to put their arm under the pillow. The concave bottom section can be a a 90 degree angle to the top concave section, or it can be in the same orientation.

One concern this headrest addresses relates to customization. Most bed pillows are not adjustable, and users compensate for the lack of customization by attempting to puff up or fold the pillow, using more than one pillow to achieve the needed height, or they end up using their arms or hands to cradle their head to attain the needed support. This may compress body parts and restrict blood flow, including sensitive areas like the carotid sinus and blood vessels on the side of the neck.

Unlike standard bed pillows, the headrest system of the present invention with the concave top offers better weight-bearing distribution, and shifting of pressure points.

is the head support,, with the concave topfor better head support in the supine and side sleeping positions and with a slot underneath the head supportto position the arm while sleeping.

is the taller head supportwith the concave topfor better head support in supine and side sleeping positions.

shows the concave bed support, as well as the concave sleeping areafor one person.

shows an end view of the concave bed supportas well as two concave sleeping areasfor one person.

shows the concave sleeping area for one person, with the three individual sculpted mattressesand the concave pillow that fits into the sculpted areawhich is used for sleeping in the prone position.