GB2488126A

GB2488126A - Respiratory mask supporting pillow

Info

Publication number: GB2488126A
Application number: GB1102647.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kathryn Hope
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-16
Filing date: 2011-02-16
Publication date: 2012-08-22
Also published as: GB201102647D0

Abstract

A pillow 10 for use with a respiratory mask 44. The pillow 10 has a body 12 with a head support 18 for supporting a user's head 42, and a mask support 14, 16 for supporting a respiratory mask worn by a user 40. The mask support comprises a recess which extends across a full length of a side of the body 12 such that it is at a free end 15, 17 of the body 12. The pillow may comprise an ear recess 24, a neck support 28 and/or a shoulder support 30. The mask support portions may be removable from the body of the pillow by a hook and loop fastener. The body of the mask support portions may have sheets of fabric at one side to maintain them in a position adjacent the main body. The head support portion may be made from a foam material and the mask support portion may be made from a fleece material.

Description

Pillow

Technical Field

The invention relates to a pillow, and in particular, a pillow for use with a respiratory mask.

Background

Sleep apnoea is a medical condition with a variety of symptoms, and typically includes a person stopping to breath for short periods of time during sleep. Sleep apnoea may be considered to be a serious condition due to other illnesses or problems to which it is linked such as, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression and thyroid problems. Sufferers of sleep apnoea are typically required to wear a respiratory mask whilst sleeping to alleviate the condition. The respiratory mask may be used with a method of respiratory ventilation known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is (CPAP) ventilation. Such CPAP ventilation keeps airways open with a positive air pressure to allow unobstructed breathing, and requires an airtight seal between the respiratory mask and the person's face in order to apply the positive air pressure.

When sleeping or resting in bed the person wearing the respiratory mask may support their head using a pillow, which may create problems relating to comfort and operation of the respiratory mask, particularly when the person is lying on their side. Regarding the problem of comfort, the respiratory mask may be pushed upwards by the pillow which may cause it to dig into the person's face. This may cause discomfort to the person and may result in interrupted sleep. Regarding the problem of operation, the pillow may dislodge the respiratory mask on the person's face which may cause the airtight seal to fail. Since the airtight seal is a requirement for CPAP ventilation to operate, the treatment may be unsuccessful or operate in an impaired manner.

It is known to use a pillow having a contoured upper surface for use with a respiratory mask. Such a pillow has an upper recess for a person's head and a cup-shaped recess adjacent to the upper recess to receive the respiratory mask. Such a pillow may be awkward to use because it requires a relatively precise location of the user's head in the upper recess so that the respiratory mask is within the cup-shaped recess. Such a precise alignment may be difficult to achieve because the user may move whilst they are asleep.

Furthermore the height of the upper recess and the cup-shaped recess above the bed relative a particular user's head may not be optimal for that person. This may cause the person to suffer neck pain, and may cause the problems of comfort and operation of the respiratory mask as mentioned above. In addition, such a pillow may be perceived as an unsightly medical device, particularly when used in the home. The pillow may be covered with a pillow slip, but it may not lie flat on the contoured upper surface, which may also be unsightly.

It is broadly an object of the present invention to address one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages.

Summary

What is required is a pillow, which may reduce or minimise at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there provided a pillow for use with a respiratory mask, comprising a body having a head support for supporting a user's head, and a first mask support for supporting a respiratory mask worn by a user, wherein the first mask support comprises a first recess which extends substantially across a full length of a side of the body such that it is at a free end of the body.

Such a pillow provides the advantage that the position of the user's head on the pillow is not required to be so accurately positioned such that the respiratory mask is supported by the first mask support. Such an arrangement may assist with comfort for the user because the respiratory mask is less likely to be dislodged by the pillow. Furthermore, the operation of the respiratory mask may be improved, for example, when the respiratory mask is used with CPAP ventilation to treat suffers of sleep apnoea, because the airtight seal between the user's face and the respiratory mask is less likely to be broken due to the pillow. It will be appreciated that the mask support and the head support are substantially horizontal and are upper surfaces of the pillow when it is in its normal orientation when on a bed.

The pillow also provides the advantage that the head support and the mask support are less contoured which may provide the pillow with a more pleasing appearance. This may also be the case when it is covered with a pillow slip because it may lie flat on the head support and the mask support.

Preferably the body includes a second mask support for supporting a respiratory mask worn by a user, the second mask support comprising a second recess which extends substantially across a frill length of a side of the body such that it is at a free end of the body, wherein the first mask support and the second mask support are on opposite sides of the body. Such an arrangement is advantageous because it permits the user to lie on their right or left side, which may improve comfort.

Preferably the body has a substantially cuboid shape such that the first mask support and the second mask support are on opposite sides of the cuboid shape. Such a cuboid shape provides an advantageous configuration, and permits the pillow to be used with a rectangular pillow slip.

Preferably the head support comprises an ear recess for a user's ear. Such an ear recess may assist with improving the comfort for a user of the pillow. The ear recess may also is help with obtaining the correct position of the user's head relative to the mask support.

Preferably the ear recess comprises a channel which extends across a frill length of the head support. Preferably the channel is substantially parallel with a side of the pillow.

Such an ear recess allows the user to vary the distance of their head from the mask support so that their ear is within the recess, which may assist with comfort for a user of the pillow and may improve operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the ear recess is between 8 -12cm away from an edge of the pillow. Such a dimension may provide a comfortable location of the ear recess for the user.

In a preferred embodiment the ear recess is provided at only one side of the pillow.

Such an arrangement allows the user to rotate the pillow and rest their head on the other side of the pillow. This has the advantage of improving the versatility of the pillow so that the user may use it with or without the ear recess.

Preferably the body further includes a neck support portion for supporting a user's neck.

Such a neck support may further assist with improving the comfort for a user of the pillow. The neck support may also help with obtaining the correct position of the user's head relative to the mask support.

Preferably the neck support portion comprises a raised portion of the body which extends across a full length of the head support. Preferably the raised portion is substantially parallel with a side of the pillow. In one embodiment an uppermost part of is the neck support portion is above the level of the head support when the pillow is in its normal orientation in use and without a user's head resting on the pillow. Such a neck support allows the user to vary the distance of their head from the mask support so that their neck is still supported by the neck support, which may assist with comfort for a user of the pillow and may improve operation of the respiratory mask.

In a preferred embodiment the neck support portion is provided at only one side of the pillow. Such an arrangement allows the user to rotate the pillow and rest their head on the other side of the pillow. This has the advantage of improving the versatility of the pillow so that the user may use it with or without the neck support.

Preferably the head support is more resilient than each mask support. Such an arrangement may assist with improving the operation of the pillow by allowing the respiratory mask to sink further into each support mask.

Preferably the head support comprises a foam material. Preferably the foam material is a memory foam material. Preferably the mask support comprises a fleece material.

Preferably the fleece material is a polyester fleece material. Such materials for the head support and the mask support may provide the necessary materials to allow the head support to be more resilient than the mask support.

Preferably the fleece material and the foam material are bonded together. Preferably said bonding of the fleece material and the foam material is provided by moulding during manufacture of the pillow. Such an arrangement is an efficient way to attach the two materials together.

Preferably pillow further includes a shoulder support portion. Such a shoulder support portion may further assist with improving the comfort for a user of the pillow. The shoulder support portion may also help with obtaining the correct position of the user's head relative to the mask support.

Preferably the shoulder support portion comprises a fleece material. Preferably the fleece material is a polyester fleece material.

Preferably the shoulder support portion extends into the neck support portion of the body. Such an arrangement may be an advantageous configuration of the pillow.

Preferably the shoulder support portion is provided at only one side of the pillow. Such an arrangement allows the user to rotate the pillow and rest their head on the other side of the pillow. This has the advantage of improving the versatility of the pillow so that the user may use it with or without the shoulder support portion.

Preferably each mask support is lower than the head support when the pillow is in its normal orientation in use and without a user's head resting on the pillow. Such an arrangement allows the user's head to sink into the head support, and the respiratory mask to be supported by each mask support.

Preferably the body has a base and the mask support is at a height of between 5 -10cm is from the base. In a preferred embodiment each mask support is substantially 7.5cm from the base. Such dimensions may improve comfort for the user, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the head support is at a height of between 10 -15cm from the base. In a preferred embodiment the head support is substantially 12.5cm from the base. Such dimensions may improve comfort for the user, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the head support is adjustable so that it is at a height of between 10 -15cm from the base. Such adjustability permits the user to obtain an optimum height of the head support for improved comfort of the pillow, and operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably each mask support has a width of between 13 -17cm. In a preferred embodiment each mask support has a width of substantially 15cm. Such dimensions may improve comfort for the user, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

In one embodiment each mask support is provided by a compartment of the body. Such an arrangement allows the mask support to be filled with material as appropriate.

In one embodiment each mask support is removable from the body. Preferably each mask support is removable from the body with a hook and loop fastener.

Preferably each mask support is adjustable so that it is at a height of between 5 -10cm from the base. Such adjustability permits the user to obtain an optimum height of the mask support for improved comfort of the pillow, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a side pillow for use with a standard pillow for supporting a user's head, the side pillow having a body comprising a mask support for supporting a respiratory mask wom by a user, the body having a sheet of fabric at one side thereof for location under the standard pillow for maintaining the side pillow in a position adjacent to the standard pillow.

Such a side pillow has the advantages that it can be used with a standard pillow to provide support to a user's head and a respiratory mask such that the location of the user's head on the pillow is not required to be so accurately positioned. The side pillow is a travel pillow which may be used away from the home, such as in a hotel. The standard pillow is a known pillow of the prior art. The sheet of fabric allows the side pillow to be retained in position adjacent to the standard pillow. Such an arrangement may assist with comfort for the user because the respiratory mask is less likely to be dislodged by the standard pillow. The operation of the respiratory mask may be improved, for example, when the respiratory mask is used with CPAP ventilation to treat suffers of sleep apnoea, because the airtight seal between the user's face and the respiratory mask is less likely to be broken due to the standard pillow. It will be appreciated that the mask support is substantially horizontal and is an upper surface of the side pillow when it is in its normal orientation when on a bed.

Preferably the sheet of fabric extends from an edge of the body. Preferably the body has a substantially cuboid shape. Preferably the sheet of fabric extends from an edge of the cuboid shape. Such a configuration of the side pillow may be advantageous and may assist with overall operation of the side pillow.

Preferably the body comprises a fleece material. Preferably the fleece material is a polyester fleece material.

Preferably the mask support is lower than the standard pillow when the side pillow is in its normal orientation in use and without a user's head resting on the standard pillow.

Such an arrangement allows the user's head to sink into the standard pillow, and the respiratory mask to be supported by the mask support.

Preferably the body has a base and the mask support is at a height of between 5 -10cm from the base. In a preferred embodiment the mask support is substantially 7.5 cm from the base. Such dimensions may improve comfort for the user, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the mask support has a width of between 13 -17cm. In a preferred embodiment the mask support has a width of substantially 15 cm. Such dimensions may improve comfort for the user, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the mask support is provided by a compartment of the body. Such an arrangement allows the mask support to be filled with material as appropriate.

Preferably the compartment is a pouch of fabric which is attached to the sheet of fabric.

In one embodiment the sheet of fabric is removably attachable to the body. Preferably the sheet of fabric is removably attachable to the body with a hook and loop fastener.

Preferably the mask support is adjustable so that it is at a height of between S -10cm from the base. Such adjustability permits the user to obtain an optimum height of the mask support for improved comfort of the pillow, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the mask support extends substantially across a full length of a side of a standard pillow. Such an arrangement may further provide the advantage that the position of the user's head on the pillow is not required to be so accurately positioned on the pillow such that the respiratory mask is supported by the mask support.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided method of using a pillow with a respiratory mask, the pillow comprising a body having a head support for supporting a user's head, and a mask support for supporting the respiratory mask, the mask support comprises a recess which extends substantially across a full length of a side of the body such that it is at a free end of the body, the method including: locating the respiratory mask on the user's head; and supporting the head of the user on the head support such that the respiratory mask is supported by the mask support.

Such a method provides the advantage that the position of the user's head on the pillow is not required to be so accurately positioned such that the respiratory mask is supported by the mask support. Such an arrangement may assist with comfort for the user because the respiratory mask is less likely to be dislodged by the pillow. Furthermore, the operation of the respiratory mask may be improved, for example, when the respiratory mask is used with CPAP ventilation because the airtight seal between the user's face and the respiratory mask is less likely to be broken due to the pillow. It will be appreciated that the mask support and the head support are substantially horizontal and are upper surfaces of the pillow when it is in its normal orientation when on a bed.

Preferably the head support comprising an car recess, the method further including locating a user's ear in the ear recess. Such an ear recess may assist with improving the comfort for a user of the pillow. The ear recess may also help with obtaining the correct position of the user's head relative to the mask support.

Preferably the body comprising a neck support portion, the method further including supporting a user's neck using the neck support portion. Such a neck support may further assist with improving the comfort for a user of the pillow. The neck support may also help with obtaining the correct position of the user's head relative to the mask support.

Preferably the body comprising a shoulder support portion, the method further including supporting a user's shoulder using the shoulder support portion. Such a shoulder support portion may further assist with improving the comfort for a user of the pillow. The shoulder support portion may also help with obtaining the correct position of the user's head relative to the mask support.

Preferably the method further includes adjusting the height of the head support relative to a basc of the body. Such adjusting may improve comfort for the user, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the method further includes providing the mask support as a compartment of the body, the method including adjusting the mask support by adjusting the amount of material in the compartment. Such adjusting of the material in the compartment may further improve comfort for the user, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the mask support is arranged to be removable from the body, the method including removing the mask support from the body.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a side pillow with a standard pillow to support a respiratory mask, the side pillow having a body comprising a mask support for supporting the respiratory mask, the body having a sheet of fabric at one side thereof, the method including: locating the respiratory mask on the user's head; locating the sheet of fabric under the standard pillow for maintaining the side pillow in a position adjacent to the standard pillow; and supporting the head of the user on the standard pillow such that the respiratory mask is supported by the mask support.

Such a method has the advantages that the location of the user's head on the standard pillow is not required to be so accurately positioned such that the respiratory mask is supported by the mask support. It will be appreciated that the side pillow is a travel pillow which may be used away from the home, such as in a hotel. The standard pillow is a known pillow of the prior art. The sheet of fabric allows the side pillow to be retained in position adjacent to the standard pillow. Such an arrangement may assist with comfort for the user because the respiratory mask is less likely to be dislodged by the standard pillow. The operation of the respiratory mask may be improved, for example, when the respiratory mask is used with CPAP ventilation to treat suffers of sleep apnoea, because the airtight seal between the user's face and the respiratory mask is less likely to be broken due to the standard pillow. It will be appreciated that the mask support is substantially horizontal and is an upper surface of the side pillow when it is in its normal orientation when on a bed.

Preferably the method further includes adjusting the height of the mask support relative to a base of the body. Such adjusting may improve comfort for the user, and improve the operation of the respiratory mask.

Preferably the sheet of fabric is removable from the body, the method including removing the sheet of fabric from the body.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a standard pillow in combination with a side pillow according to the second aspect of the invention.

Any preferred or optional features of one aspect of the invention may be preferred or optional feature of other aspects of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pillow according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a view of the pillow shown in Figure 1 from above with a user lying on the pillow; Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the pillow shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of the pillow shown in Figure 1; is Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a side pillow according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a side view of the side pillow shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a view of the pillow shown in Figure 5 from above with a user lying on the pillow; and Figure 8 shows a side perspective view of a pillow according to another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pillow according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 10. The pillow 10 is shown in its normal orientation on a bed (not shown) prior to a person lying on it. The pillow 10 has a body 12 with two shelves 14, 16 on either side. The body 12 may be considered to be substantially cuboid in shape with two opposing corner edges cut away to form recesses which comprise the shelves 14, 16. The shelves 14, 16 extend across a full width of the body 12, such that they are at free ends 15, 17 of the body 12. The shelves may be between 13 -17cm in width, and more preferably approximately 15cm in width. The shelves 14, 16 are adjacent to a short side of the body 12. The advantages of providing the shelves across the full width of the body 12 are described below. The body 12 has an upper surface 18, and the shelves 14, 16 have upper surfaces 20, 22. It will be appreciated that the upper surfaces 18, 20, 22 are all substantially horizontal and are defined as upper surfaces when the pillow 10 is in its normal orientation when lying horizontally on the bed. The upper surfaces 20, 22 of the shelves 14, 16 are lower than the upper surface 18 of the body 12.

The upper surface 18 has an ear recess 24 for location of a person's ear when they are lying on the pillow 10. The ear recess 24 is a channel with a cross section which is substantially the shape of a segment of a circle. The ear recess 24 extends across a full width of the upper surface 18 and the benefits of this are described below. The ear recess 24 extends in a direction which is parallel with a long side of the pillow. The pillow 10 has a front vertical side 26, and the ear recess 24 is substantially parallel to it.

The ear recess 24 is positioned such that a centre line 25 of the ear recess 24 is at a distance of about one third of a length of the upper surface 12 away from the front vertical side 26. The centre line 25 is between 8 -12cm from the front vertical side. The ear recess 24 defines a neck support portion 28 of the upper surface 18 which is between the front vertical side 26 and the ear recess 24. The neck support portion 28 is for supporting a person's neck when they are lying on the pillow 10. The neck support portion 28 being adjacent to the ear recess 24 is an advantageous arrangement of the upper surface 18 of the pillow 10. The upper surface of the ear recess 24 and the neck support portion 28 comprises an 5' shape (shown in Figure 4). Together the neck support portion 28 and the ear recess 24 provide a combined advantage of improved support for a person's head which is more comfortable for the user. Furthermore, the arrangement of the neck support portion 28 adjacent to the ear recess 24 is straight forward to manufacture.

The body 12 is made of a foam material, such as memory foam. Such a memory foam is a polyurethane substrate with additional chemicals to increase its viscosity and density.

The memory foam may also be referred to as visco-elastic polyurethane foam or low resilience polyurethane foam. Alternatively the body 12 may comprise feathers. The shelves 14, 16 are made of a fleece material, such as a polyester fleece material.

Accordingly, the shelves 14, 16 and the body 12 are made of different material. The fleece material and the foam material are bonded together, and may be moulded together in a single mould during manufacture of the pillow 10. The extent of the fleece material of the shelves 14, 16 is shown by the dotted lines 32, 34. The memory foam is for providing support to the head of a user of the pillow such that a respiratory mask (shown at 44 in Figure 2) worn by the user of the pillow 10 can rest on one of the shelves 14, 16 when the user is lying on their side (as shown in Figure 2). The fleece material is less resilient (i.e. less springy) than the foam material such that the respiratory mask 44 sinks further into it than would have been the case had the shelves 14, 16 been made of the same foam material as the body 12. The fleece material thereby provides support for the respiratory mask 44 in an improved manner. In general the shelves 14, 16 are made of a different material to the body 12 so that a different resilience is provided therebetween.

The front vertical side 26 has a shoulder support portion 30 which also comprises the fleece material. The shoulder support portion 30 extends into the body 12 and into the neck support portion 28 to about half way between the ear recess 24 and the front vertical side 26. The extent of the fleece material of the shoulder support portion 30 is shown by the dotted line 36 on the front vertical side 26 and the upper surface 18. From the perspective of arrow 38 in Figure 1 the shoulder support portion 30 has the shape of approximately a semi-circle or a semi-ellipse. The shoulder support portion 30 is useful because it allows the user to move into the pillow 10 in the direction of arrow 38. This is useful because it may allow the respiratory mask 44 to rest more fully on one of the shelves 14, 16. This may be particularly useful for a person with a relatively short neck.

The shoulder support portion 30 also provides the advantage of preserving the shape of the pillow 10 when a pillow slip (not shown) is used to cover the pillow 10.

Furthermore, when a pillow slip is used to cover the pillow 10, the shape of the pillow is also preserved because the shelves 14, 16 extend across the full width of the body 12.

Figure 2 shows a view of the pillow 10 shown in Figure 1 from above with a user 40 lying on the pillow 10. In Figure 2 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 2 the user 40 is shown to be lying on their side with their head 42 on the pillow 10. The pillow 10 is shown to have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view with rounded corners. The shelves 14, 16 extend across a full length of the two short sides of the rectangular shape. The user 40 is wearing a respiratory mask 44 over their mouth and nose. It can be seen that the user 40 is lying on the pillow 10 so that their head 42 is supported on the upper surface 18, and the respiratory mask 44 is supported by the upper surface 20. A pipe 46 connected to the respiratory mask 44, for delivering a gas such as oxygen or air, is shown to run from the respiratory mask 44, onto the upper surface 20, and over the free end 15 of the shelf 14 so that it is unimpeded. This is advantageous because there is less likelihood that the pipe 46 because kinked so that the flow of gas is restricted or stopped. lit will be appreciated that the user 40 can lie on either side of the pillow 10 so that the respiratory is mask 44 is resting on either of the upper surfaces 20, 22.

Also shown in Figure 2 is an ear 48 of the user 40 which is located in the ear recess 24 of the pillow 10. The neck support portion 28 is also shown to be located under a neck area of the user 40. The shoulder support portion 30 is also shown to be adjacent to a shoulder of the user 40. The ear recess 24 extending across the full width of the upper surface 18 is advantageous because it allows the user to position their ear 48 within the ear recess 24 at any distance from the shelves 14, 16. This may provide improved comfort for the user 40 and may also help to keep the respiratory mask 44 in place on the user's face. In this manner the user is more likely to use the shelves 14, 16 for supporting the respiratory mask in the correct manner so that the airtight seal between the respiratory mask 44 and the user's face is not broken.

The user 40 may also rotate the pillow 10 by 1800 and lie on it so that the ear recess 24, the neck support portion 28, and the shoulder support portion 30 are not used. For some users this may be a more comfortable way of using the pillow 10 and may assist improved use of the respiratory mask 44. The provision of the ear recess 24, neck support portion 28, and the shoulder support portion 30 towards the front vertical side 26 of the pillow 10 the pillow 10 advantageously allows the pillow 10 to be used in this manner.

The advantages of providing the shelves 14, 16 across the full width of the body 12 can also be seen from Figure 2. Such an arrangement provides greater flexibility for the user to lie on the pillow 10 so that the respiratory mask 44 is supported by one of the shelves 14, 16 in the correct manner so that the airtight seal between the respiratory mask 44 and the user's face remains intact. For example, the respiratory mask 44 may still be correctly supported by one of the shelves 14, 16 if the user 44 rotates their head 42 in the manner shown by arrow 50. Furthermore, the respiratory mask 44 may still be correctly supported by one of the shelves 14, 16 if the user 44 moves their head 42 further into or out of the pillow 10 in the manner shown by arrow 52.

Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the pillow 10 shown in Figure 1. In Figure 3 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 and 2 are shown with like reference numerals. Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of the pillow 10 shown in Figure 1. In Figure 4 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -3 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figures 3 and 4 the arrangements of the shelves 14, 16, the ear recess 24, the neck support portion 28, and the shoulder support portion 30 can be seen more clearly. Figure 3 shows a gradual slope between the upper surface 18 and each of the upper surfaces 20, 22. Figure 4 also shows that the upper surface of the ear recess 24 and the neck support portion 28 comprises an 5' shape which is an advantageous configuration of the ear recess 24 and the neck support portion because it provides a smooth transition between these regions.

In one embodiment of the pillow 10 shown in Figures 1 -4 the shelves 14, 16 are removable from the body 12 so that they can be replaced and/or adjusted in height to suit a particular person. Removal of the shelves 14, 16 also allows the body 12 to be washed separately. With such an arrangement the height of each shelf 14, 16 shown by arrow 54 in Figure 4 can be adjusted by using a thicker or thinner shelf 14, 16 as required. The height of the body 12 shown by arrow 56 may also be adjustable in addition to the shelves 14, 16 being adjustable or instead of the height of the shelves 14, 16 being adjustable. The height of the upper surface 20 indicated by arrow 54 is typically between 5cm and 10cm, and more typically about 7.5 cm. The height of the upper surface 18 indicated by arrow 56 is typically between 10cm and 15cm, and more typically about 12.5cm. It will be appreciated that the arrows 54, 56 extend from a base 57 of the body 12 to the upper surfaces 20, 22 and 18 respectively. Such adjustment of the height of the shelves 14, 16 or the body 12 as shown by arrows 54, 56 may be provided by having different bodies 12 with different heights, or by having different shelves 14, 16 with different heights. Such an arrangement allows the height of the shelves 14, 16, and the upper surface 18 to be adjusted by a user relative to a bed on which the pillow 10 is placed. The shelves 14, 16 may be attached to the body 12 by VELCROTM hook and loop fasteners, or by providing the shelves 14, 16 as compartments of the body 12 which can be opened and closed by a zip or VELCRO hook and loop fasteners so that they can be filled with material such as fleece material as required. Such an arrangement also allows the user to adjust the amount of filling in the compartment to adjust the resilience of the shelves 14, 16. With such an arrangement the compartment is a pouch made of fabric which is attached to the body 12. It will be appreciated that providing the shelves 14, 16 and the body 12 with an adjustable height allows the user to obtain a more comfortable pillow 10 which may provide an improved support for the respiratory mask 44 so that the airtight seal between the respiratory mask 44 and the user's face remains intact. Such an arrangement allows the height of the shelves 14, 16, and the body 12 to be adjusted by a user relative to a bed on which the pillow 10 is placed.

In another embodiment one or more of the car recess 24, the neck support portion 28, and the shoulder support portion 30 arc also provided on the opposite side of the pillow 10. For example, in one embodiment the neck support portion 28 is provided only on one side of the pillow 10 of Figures 1 -5 and a second shoulder support portion 30 is provided on the opposite side of the pillow 10 i.e. on a back vertical side 27 (shown in Figure 4) of the pillow 10. Such an arrangement provides versatility to the pillow 10 so that it may be used with or without the neck support portion 28.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a side pillow 60 according to an embodiment of the invention. The side pillow 60 is for use with a standard pillow 62 and for location in a position adjacent to the standard pillow 62. The side pillow 60 may alternatively be termed a pillow. The standard pillow 62 is a normal domestic pillow that may be found in a home or a hotel. The standard pillow 62 is prior art and may be of foam or feathers enclosed in a pillow slip. According to an embodiment of the invention the side pillow is a body comprising a cushion of fleece material which is attached to a sheet of fabric 64. The body is a mask support. The sheet of fabric 64 may be any suitable fabric for performing the function. In one arrangement the sheet of fabric 64 is of a cotton based material which may have the advantage of being breathable to reduce sweating, and is readily washable. The side pillow 60 is cuboid in shape and has a length which is substantially the same width as the standard pillow 62. The side pillow 60 is approximately 15cm in width. The sheet of fabric 64 is attached to the side pillow 60, for example by sewing, such that it extends from a lower edge thereof (shown at 74 in Figure 6). In use the sheet of fabric 64 is placed under the standard pillow 62 so that it extends underneath the standard pillow 62 for about two-thirds of the length of the standard pillow 62. The sheet of fabric 64 helps to keep the side pillow 60 in position adjacent to a short side of the standard pillow 62, which is particularly the case when a person is resting their head on the standard pillow 62. Also shown in Figure 5 is that the side pillow 60 has a top surface 66 which is lower than a top surface 68 of the standard pillow 62. The top surface 66 is a mask support surface. In use the user 40 may rest their head on the top surface 68 of the standard pillow 62 whilst the respiratory mask 44 rests on the top surface 66 of the side pillow 60. Such an arrangement may provide the benefits of improved comfort for the user 40 when wearing the respiratory mask 44, whilst also supporting the respiratory mask 44 in the correct manner so that the airtight seal between the respiratory mask 44 and the user's face is not broken.

Figure 6 shows a side view of the side pillow 60 shown in Figure 5 from the direction of arrow 70 in Figure 5. In Figure 6 like features to the arrangements of Figure 5 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 6 the height of the upper surface 66 of the side pillow 60, as shown by arrow 72, may be selected so that the respiratory mask 44 is at the correct height relative to the top surface 68 of the standard pillow 62. The height of the upper surface 66 indicated by arrow 72 is typically between 5cm and 10cm, and more typically about 7.5cm. It will be appreciated that the arrow 72 extends from the base 57 of the side pillow 60 to the upper surface 66. Also shown in Figure 6 is the sheet of fabric 64 which is attached to the side pillow 60 at a lower edge 74.

It can be seen from Figure 6 that the weight of the standard pillow 62 on the sheet of fabric 64 help to maintain the side pillow 60 in position adjacent to the standard pillow 62. When a person rests their head on the standard pillow 62, the additional weight of the user's head also helps to maintain the side pillow 60 in position adjacent to the standard pillow. In one arrangement the sheet of fabric 64 is removably attachable to the side pillow 66, for example, using VELCROTh' hook and loop fasteners. This may also allow the upper surface 66 to be adjusted in height to suit a particular person by using a thicker or thinner side pillow 60 as required. The side pillow 60 may be a compartment which can be opened and closed by a zip or VELCROTM hook and loop fasteners so that it can be filled with material such as fleece material as required. With such an arrangement the compartment is a pouch made of fabric which is attached to the sheet of fabric 64. Such an arrangement allows the height of the upper surface 66 to be adjusted by a user relative to a bed on which the side pillow 60 is placed by placing more or less fleece material into the pouch. Such an arrangement also allows the user to adjust the amount of filling in the compartment to adjust the resilience of the side pillow 60.

Figure 7 shows a view of the pillow 60 shown in Figure 5 from above with a user 40 lying on the pillow 60. In Figure 7 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -6 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 7 the advantages of providing the side pillow 60 across the full width of the standard pillow 62 can be seen. Such an arrangement provides greater flexibility for the user 40 to lie on the side pillow 60 so that the respiratory mask 44 is supported by the upper surface 66 of the side pillow 60 in the correct manner so that the airtight seal between the respiratory mask 44 and the user's face remains intact. For example, the respiratory mask 44 may still be correctly supported by the upper surface 66 of the side pillow 60 if the user 44 rotates their head 42 in the manner shown by arrow 50. Furthermore, the respiratory mask 44 may still be correctly supported by the upper surface 66 of the side pillow 60 if the user 44 moves their head 42 further into or out of the pillow 10 in the manner shown by arrow 52.

Figure 8 shows a side perspective view of a pillow according to another embodiment of the invention, generally designated 70. In Figure 8 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -4 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 8 the embodiment of the pillow 70 shows the upper surface 18 running straight into the neck support portion 28 such that the ear recess 24 shown in Figures 1 -4 is omitted. In Figure 8 the uppermost part of the neck support portion 28 is above the level of the upper surface 18. Such an arrangement may provide an improved support to a user's neck and may improve the comfort for a user of the pillow 70.

In one embodiment of the pillow 70 the shelves 14, 16 are removable from the body 12 so that they can be replaced and/or adjusted in height to suit a particular person.

Removal of the shelves 14, 16 also allows the body 12 to be washed separately. With such an arrangement the height of each shelf 14, 16 shown by arrow 54 in Figure 8 can be adjusted by using a thicker or thinner shelf 14, 16 as required. The height of the body 12 shown by arrow 56 may also be adjustable in addition to the shelves 14, 16 being adjustable or instead of the height of the shelves 14, 16 being adjustable. The height of the upper surface 20 indicated by arrow 54 is typically between 5cm and 10cm, and more typically about 7.5 cm. The height of the upper surface 18 indicated by arrow 56 is typically between 10cm and 13cm, and more typically about 11cm. It will be appreciated that the arrows 54, 56 extend from the base 57 of the body 12 to the upper surfaces 20, 22 and 18 respectively. Such adjustment of the height of the shelves 14, 16 or the body 12 as shown by arrows 54, 56 may be provided by having different bodies 12 with different heights, or by having different shelves 14, 16 with different heights.

Such an arrangement allows the height of the shelves 14, 16, and the upper surface 18 to be adjusted by a user relative to a bed on which the pillow 10 is placed. The shelves 14, 16 may be attached to the body 12 by VELCROTh' hook and loop fasteners, or by providing the shelves 14, 16 as compartments of the body 12 which can be opened and closed by a zip or VELCROTh' hook and loop fasteners so that they can be filled with material such as fleece material as required. Such an arrangement also allows the user to adjust the amount of filling in the compartment to adjust the resilience of the shelves 14, 16. With such an arrangement the compartment is a pouch made of fabric which is attached to the body 12. It will be appreciated that providing the shelves 14, 16 and the body 12 with an adjustable height allows the user to obtain a more comfortable pillow 10 which may provide an improved support for the respiratory mask 44 so that the airtight seal between the respiratory mask 44 and the user's face remains intact. Such an arrangement allows the height of the shelves 14, 16, and the body 12 to be adjusted by a user relative to a bed on which the pillow 10 is placed.

In another embodiment the neck support portion 28 and/or the shoulder support portion are also provided on the opposite side of the pillow 70. For example, in one embodiment the neck support portion 28 is provided only on one side of the pillow 70 of Figure 8 and a second shoulder support portion 30 is provided on the opposite side of the pillow 10 i.e. on a back vertical side 27 (shown in Figure 8) of the pillow 70. Such an arrangement provides versatility to the pillow 70 so that it may be used with or without the neck support portion 28.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of Figure 1 -4, 5 -7, and 8 have similar operational principles in that there is one upper surface 18, 68 for the user's head 42 and at least one upper surface 20, 22, 66 for the respiratory mask 44. The upper surface 18, 68 is higher than the upper surface 20, 22, 66 when the pillow 10, 70 or side pillow 60 is in its resting condition on a bed so that when the user's head 42 is resting on the pillow 10 or the side pillow 60 the respiratory mask 44 is appropriately supported.

Whereas the embodiments of Figures 1 -4, and 8 may be used in the home, the embodiment of Figures 5 -7 may be used as a travel pillow for use with a standard pillow 68, for example, in a hotel. The embodiment of Figures 5 -7 is smaller and more portable than the standard pillow 68, and the embodiments of Figures 1 -4, and 8.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pillow for use with a respiratory mask, comprising a body having a head support for supporting a user's head, and a first mask support for supporting a respiratory mask worn by a user, wherein the first mask support comprises a first recess which extends substantially across a full length of a side of the body such that it is at a free end of the body.
2. A pillow according to any preccding claim, wherein the body includes a second mask support for supporting a respiratory mask worn by a user, the second mask support comprising a second recess which extends substantially across a full length of a side of the body such that it is at a free end of the body, wherein the first mask support and the second mask support are on opposite sides of the body.
3. A pillow according to claim 2, wherein the body has a substantially cuboid shape such that the first mask support and the second mask support are on opposite sides of the euboid shape.
4. A pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein the head support comprises an ear recess for a user's ear.
5. A pillow according to claim 4, wherein the ear recess comprises a channel which extends across a full length of the head support.
6. A pillow according to claim 5, wherein the channel is substantially parallel with a side of the pillow.
7. A pillow according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the ear recess is between 8 - 12cm away from an edge of the pillow.
8. A pillow according to any of claims 4 -7, wherein the ear recess is provided at only one side of the pillow.
9. A pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein the body further includes a neck support portion for supporting a user's neck.
10. A pillow according to claim 9, wherein the neck support portion comprises a raised portion of the body which extends across a full length of the head support.
11. A pillow according to claim 10, wherein the raised portion is substantially parallel with a side of the pillow.
12. A pillow according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein an uppermost part of the neck support portion is above the level of the head support when the pillow is in its normal orientation in use and without a user's head resting on the pillow.
13. A pillow according to any of claims 9 -12, wherein the neck support portion is provided at only one side of the pillow.
14. A pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein the head support is more resilient than each mask support.
15. A pillow according to claim 14, wherein the head support comprises a foam material.
16. A pillow according to claim 15, wherein the foam material is a memory foam material.
17. A pillow according to any of claims 14 -16, wherein the mask support comprises a fleece material.
18. A pillow according to claim 17, wherein the fleece material is a polyester fleece material.
19. A pillow according to claim 17 or 18, when dependent on claim 15 or 16, wherein the fleece material and the foam material are bonded together.
20. A pillow according to claim 19, wherein said bonding of the fleece material and the foam material is provided by moulding during manufacture of the pillow.
21. A pillow according to any preceding claim, and further including a shoulder support portion.
22. A pillow according to claim 21, wherein the shoulder support portion comprises a fleece material.
23. A pillow according to claim 22, wherein the fleece material is a polyester fleece material.
24. A pillow according to any of claims 21 -23, when dependent on any of claims 9 -13, wherein the shoulder support portion extends into the neck support portion of the body.
25. A pillow according to any of claims 21 -24, wherein the shoulder support portion is provided at only one side of the pillow.is
26. A pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein each mask support is lower than the head support when the pillow is in its normal orientation in use and without a user's head resting on the pillow.
27. A pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein the body has a base and the mask support is at a height of between S -10cm from the base.
28. A pillow according to claim 27, wherein each mask support is substantially 7.5cm from the base.
29. A pillow according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the head support is at a height of between 10 -15cm from the base.
30. A pillow according to claim 29, wherein the head support is substantially 12.5cm from the base.
31. A pillow according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the head support is adjustable so that it is at a height of between 10 -15cm from the base.
32. A pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein each mask support has a width of between 13 -17cm.
33. A pillow according to claim 32, wherein each mask support has a width of substantially 15 cm.
34. A pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein each mask support is provided by a compartment of the body.
35. A pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein each mask support is removable from the body.
36. A pillow according to claim 35, wherein each mask support is removable from the body with a hook and loop fastener.
37. A pillow according to claim 34, 35 or 36, when appended to claim 27 or 28, wherein each mask support is adjustable so that it is at a height of between 5 -10cm from the base.
38. A pillow as substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 -4, and 8 of the accompanying drawings.
39. A side pillow for use with a standard pillow for supporting a user's head, the side pillow having a body comprising a mask support for supporting a respiratory mask wom by a user, the body having a sheet of fabric at one side thereof for location under the standard pillow for maintaining the side pillow in a position adjacent to the standard pillow.
40. A side pillow according to claim 39, wherein the sheet of fabric extends from an is edge ofthebody.
41. A side pillow according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the body has a substantially cuboid shape.
42. A side pillow according to claim 41 when dependent on claim 40, wherein the sheet of fabric extends from an edge of the cuboid shape.
43. A side pillow according to any of claims 39 -42, wherein the body comprises a fleece material.
44. A side pillow according to claim 43, wherein the fleece material is a polyester fleece material.
45. A side pillow according to any of claims 39 -44, wherein the mask support is lower than the standard pillow when the side pillow is in its normal orientation in use and without a user's head resting on the standard pillow.
46. A side pillow according to any preceding claim, wherein the body has a base and the mask support is at a height of between 5 -10cm from the base.
47. A side pillow according to claim 46, wherein the mask support is substantially 7.5cm from the base.is
48. A side pillow according to any of claims 39 -47, wherein the mask support has a width of between 13 -17cm.
49. A side pillow according to claim 48, wherein the mask support has a width of substantially 15 em.
50. A side pillow according to any of claims 39 -49, wherein the mask support is provided by a compartment of the body.
51. A side pillow according to claim 50, wherein the compartment is a pouch of fabric which is attached to the sheet of fabric.
52. A side pillow according to any of claims 39 -51, wherein the sheet of fabric is removably attachable to the body.
53. A side pillow according to claim 52, wherein the sheet of fabric is removably attachable to the body with a hook and loop fastener.
54. A side pillow according to claim 52 or 53, when appended to claim 46 or 47, wherein the mask support is adjustable so that it is at a height of between S -10cm from the base.
55. A side pillow according to any of claims 39 -54, wherein the mask support extends substantially across a full length of a side of a standard pillow.
56. A side pillow as substantially described herein with reference to Figures 5 -7 of the accompanying drawings.
57. A method of using a pillow with a respiratory mask, the pillow comprising a body having a head support for supporting a user's head, and a mask support for supporting the respiratory mask, the mask support comprises a recess which extends substantially across a full length of a side of the body such that it is at a free end of the body, the method including: locating the respiratory mask on the user's head; and supporting the head of the user on the head support such that the respiratory mask is supported by the mask support.
58. A method according to claim 57, the head support comprising an ear recess, the method further including locating a user's ear in the ear recess.
59. A method according to claim 57 or 58, the body comprising a neck support portion, the method further including supporting a user's neck using the neck support portion.
60. A method according to claim 57, 58 or 59, the body comprising a shoulder support portion, the method further including supporting a user's shoulder using the shoulder support portion.
61. A method according to any of claims 57 -60, and further including adjusting the height of the head support relative to a base of the body.
62. A method according to any of claims 57 -61, and further including providing the mask support as a compartment of the body, the method including adjusting the mask support by adjusting the amount of material in the compartment.
63. A method according to any of claims 57 -62, wherein the mask support is arranged to be removable from the body, the method including removing the mask support from the body.
64. A method according to any of claims 57 -63 as substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 -8 of the accompanying drawings.
65. A method of using a side pillow with a standard pillow to support a respiratory mask, the side pillow having a body comprising a mask support for supporting the respiratory mask, the body having a sheet of fabric at one side thereof, the method including: locating the respiratory mask on the user's head; locating the sheet of fabric under the standard pillow for maintaining the side pillow in a position adjacent to the standard pillow; and supporting the head of the user on the standard pillow such that the respiratory mask is supported by the mask support.
66. A method according to claim 65, and further including adjusting the height of the mask support relative to a base of the body.
67. A method according to claim 65 or 66, and further including providing the mask support as a compartment of the body, the method including adjusting the mask support by adjusting the amount of material in the compartment.
68. A method according to claim 65, 66 or 67, wherein the sheet of fabric is removable from the body, the method including removing the sheet of fabric from the body.
69. A method according to any of claims 65 -68 as substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 -8 of the accompanying drawings.