US20150089743A1

US20150089743A1 - Multi-sleep position head and neck pillow

Info

Publication number: US20150089743A1
Application number: US14/043,630
Authority: US
Inventors: Evelyn Haworth; Kelly Haworth; Richard Mazursky; Jeffrey Glass; John Herbst
Original assignee: Kacelia LLC
Current assignee: Kacelia LLC
Priority date: 2013-10-01
Filing date: 2013-10-01
Publication date: 2015-04-02

Abstract

Certain embodiments provide a multi-sleep position head and neck pillow apparatus. The apparatus includes a front, a rear, two ends, a center section, and side sections on opposite sides of the center section. The apparatus also includes a base layer and a top cushion layer. The base layer includes a base at the center section of the apparatus and a side at each side section of the apparatus. The base includes a top surface and the sides include an incurved top surface. The top cushion layer includes a neck cushion attached to the top surface of the base. The top cushion layer also includes a side cushion attached to the incurved top surface of each side. The side cushions include an aperture that extends through the side cushion to form an ear cradle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to an ergonomically correct, comfortable pillow that encourages deep restorative sleep. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-sleep position head and neck pillow with a center portion for a face-up sleep position and side portions for sideline sleep positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bed pillows are cushioned support mechanisms that are often placed underneath a head and neck of a user while resting or sleeping in a bed. Bed pillows are designed to provide comfort and support to the head, neck, and shoulders of the user. There are various types of bed pillows that are commercially available, such as traditional pillows, foam pillows, water pillows, ergonomic pillows, and pillows designed for specific problems such as pain relief or to prevent snoring, for example. Existing bed pillows may provide improper ergonomics and/or can be uncomfortable. For example, if a head of a user is held up too low or too high, the cervical and thoracic muscle attachments can be pulled, which may cause the muscle to tense up resulting in spasms and pain. In a sideline sleep position, improper support may cause pressure on the bottom arm and shoulder, which can impede the blood supply and cause pressure on the lower cervical nerves resulting in numbness or tingling in the upper extremities. The flow of sinus cavities of a user may be impeded by improper positioning of the user's head, causing irritation that can result in clogging, pain, pressure, and/or snoring. The improper positioning of the head of a user may also result in improper support of the trachea that can cause sleep apnea. More generally, improper ergonomics of bed pillows can cause irritation that result in restless sleep and the need to wake up and change positions. As another example, many people have been unable to find a bed pillow that is comfortable and allows for a restful night sleep. Existing bed pillows can engulf the outer edge of the face of a user, tugging on or pressing folds into the skin of the face of the user. In a sideline sleep position, pressure on the ear can cause pain and discomfort.
Traditional pillows are sacks filled with particulate matter such as feathers, fiber, husks, or the like. Existing traditional pillows typically require users to manually shape and reshape the pillow each time the user changes sleep positions to afford proper ergonomic support. Additionally, traditional pillows can be uncomfortable to users sleeping in a sideline position due to pressure on the ear of the user. Traditional pillows can also tug or press folds into the skin of a face of a user as a head of the user sinks into the pillow.
Current foam pillows are typically contour-shaped pillows made of memory foam or the like. Existing foam pillows are often not firm or thick enough to properly support a user sleeping in a sideline position. Also, a user sleeping in a sideline position may be uncomfortable due to pressure on the ear of the user. Current foam pillows tend to collapse under the neck and can be too thick where the back of a head of a user rests when in a face-up position, which may disrupt a healthy cervical lordosis.
Water pillows typically include a pouch or bag that is filled with water by a user prior to use. Water pillows can be heavy, difficult to maneuver, and are more complicated to use because the user needs to fill the pouch or bag with the appropriate amount of water prior to use. Also, current water pillows may require different optimal water levels for face-up and sideline sleep positions.
Existing ergonomic pillows can have multiple sections for supporting different sleep positions. However, current ergonomic pillows are heavy, difficult to maneuver, and are excessively firm. Current ergonomic pillows can also torque the lower neck of a user if the user is not centered on the pillow. Additionally, it may be difficult to change positions using many existing ergonomic pillows due to large differences in section heights of the pillow.
Current pillows designed to provide neck pain relief or prevent snoring may not provide proper ergonomics. Further, many problem-specific pillows can be uncomfortable to users sleeping in a sideline position due to pressure on the ear of the user. Existing problem-specific pillows may also limit the sleep position of the user and can be bulky, heavy, and difficult to maneuver.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-sleep position head and neck pillow, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.
These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top elevation view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow base layer, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow base layer, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow riser layer, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are related to an ergonomically correct, comfortable pillow that encourages deep restorative sleep. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-sleep position head and neck pillow with a center portion for a face-up sleep position and side portions for sideline sleep positions.
Various embodiments provide a multi-sleep position head and neck pillow apparatus 100. In a representative embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a front, a rear, two ends, a center section 101, and side sections 102 on opposite sides of the center section 102. The apparatus 100 comprises a base layer 110 and a top cushion layer 120. The base layer 110 comprises a base 111 at the center section 101 of the apparatus 100 and a side 112 at each side section 102 of the apparatus 100. The base 111 comprises a top surface and the sides 112 comprise an incurved top surface. The top cushion layer 120 comprises a neck cushion 121 attached to the top surface of the base 111. The top cushion layer 120 comprises a side cushion 122 attached to the incurved top surface of each side 112. The side cushions 122 comprise an aperture that extends through the side cushion 122 to form an ear cradle 123.
As utilized herein, the terms “exemplary” or “example” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As utilized herein, the term “e.g.” introduces a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 comprises a pillow base layer 110 and a pillow top cushion layer 120. Each of the base layer 110 and top cushion layer 120 can include a center section 101 for receiving a head and neck of a user in a face-up sleep position and side sections 102 between the center section 101 and each end of the pillow 100 for receiving the head and neck of the user in a sideline sleep position.
The pillow top cushion layer 120 may provide a soft, cushioned surface for receiving a head and neck of a user of the pillow 100. The pillow top cushion layer 120 can be a cushioned polyester fabric (e.g., Dacron), memory foam, or any suitable soft, cushioned material. The cushion layer 120 can be molded using various molding techniques such as vacuum forming, blow molding, injection molding, or any suitable molding technique. The cushion layer 120 may form to the shape and contours of the pillow base layer 110. The cushion layer 120 comprises a neck cushion 121 at the center section 101 of the pillow 100 and side cushions 122 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The neck cushion 121 can be attached to or integrated with a neck support 113 and base section 111 of the base layer 110. The side cushions 122 may be attached to or integrated with head fillers 114 and sides 112 of the base layer 110. The side cushions 122 may each include an ear cradle 123 for receiving an ear of a user when the user is in a sideline sleep position. The ear cradle 123 can be an aperture that extends through the side cushion 122 such that an ear of a user in a sideline sleeping position extends into the ear cradle 123 without contacting the side cushion 122 or below base layer 110.
The pillow base layer 110 comprises base 111 and sides 112. The base layer 110 may be an integrated piece as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7 or the base 111 and sides 112 can be separate attached pieces as illustrated in FIG. 8, among other things. The pillow base layer 110 can be firmer than the pillow top cushion layer 120 to maintain the shape of the pillow 100. The pillow base layer 110 may be polyurethane foam, molded plastic, wood or metal framing, or any suitable material. The base layer 110 can be molded using various molding techniques such as vacuum forming, blow molding, injection molding, or any suitable molding technique.
The pillow base layer 110 can be shaped and contoured to provide the proper ergonomics in both sideline and face-up sleep positions. The sides 112 may comprise a generally concave top surface that extends from a front to a rear of the base layer 110. In various embodiments, the base layer 110 can include head fillers 114 that attach to the top surface of the sides 112 at a front of the side sections 102 of the pillow 100 to provide support for a head of a user below and at least partially around an ear of the user while the head of the user above the ear is supported by the concave top surface of the sides 112 at a mid-to-back of the side section 102 of the pillow 100 when a user is in a sideline sleep position, for example. The base 111 may extend the width of the pillow 100 an can be integrated with or attached to sides 112 that extend above the base 111 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The base 111 comprises a top surface at the center section 101 of the pillow 100. In various embodiments, the base layer 110 may include a neck support 113 that attaches to the top surface of the base 111 at a front of the center section 101 of the pillow 100. The neck support 113 can provide support for a neck of a user when the user is in a face-up sleep position while the top surface of the base at a mid-to-back of the center section 101 of the pillow 100 provides support for the head of the user in the face-up sleep position.
In various embodiments, the pillow 100 can include one or more pillow riser layers 130. The riser layer(s) 130 can include base 131 and sides 132. The riser layer(s) 130 may be an integrated piece as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 or the riser base 131 and riser sides 132 can be separate attached pieces as illustrated in FIG. 9, among other things. The riser base 131 may extend the width of the pillow 100 and can be integrated with or attached to riser sides 132 that extend above the base 131 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The riser layer(s) 130 can be polyurethane foam, molded plastic, wood or metal framing, or any suitable material, for example. The riser layer(s) 130 can be molded using various molding techniques such as vacuum forming, blow molding, injection molding, or any suitable molding technique. The pillow riser layer(s) 130 can be added or removed to adjust a height of the pillow 100. For example, the pillow 100 is the shortest with the riser layer 130 removed and can be taller with each riser layer 130 added below the base layer 120. Additionally and/or alternatively, the height of the pillow 100 can be adjusted by adding a mechanical and/or electric device such as a crank, among other things, for raising or lowering the pillow 100.
Aspects of the present invention provide that the pillow 100 includes a cover or case. The cover or case can be fabric or any suitable material, for example. In various embodiments, the cover may be removable and washable, for example. In certain embodiments, the pillow 100 may be adapted to provide aromatherapy to a user. For example, perfumed powders, potpourris, scented oils, or the like may be placed in a container or sachet integrated or attached to the pillow 100 or to a case or cover of the pillow 100. Certain embodiments provide that pillow 100 may include one or more temperature control elements to provide a warmer or cooler surface of the pillow. For example, the temperature control elements can be a heating pad, cooling pad, gel pack, or any suitable temperature control element. The temperature control elements may be held in a pocket of the case or cover of the pillow 100, for example.
FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the pillow 100 comprises a base layer 110 and a top cushion layer 120. In certain embodiments, the pillow 100 comprises one or more riser layers 130. The base layer 100 includes a base 111, sides 112, a neck support 113, and head fillers 114. The components 111-114 of the pillow base layer 110 may be polyurethane foam, molded plastic, wood or metal framing, or any suitable material. The components 111-114 of the base layer 110 can be molded using various molding techniques such as vacuum forming, blow molding, injection molding, or any suitable molding technique. The components 111-114 of the base layer 110 can be separate attachable components 111-114 or may be integrated in various forms. The base 111 may extend the width of the pillow 100 and the sides 112 may extend above the base 111 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The base 111 can include a top surface at a center section 101 of the pillow 100. The neck support 113 can be integrated with or attached to the top surface of the base 111 at a front of the pillow 100. The sides 112 may include an inward curving top surface at side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The head fillers 114 can be integrated with or attached to the curved top surface of the sides 112 at a front of the pillow 100.
The top cushion layer 120 includes a top neck cushion 121 and top side cushions 122. The neck 121 and side 122 cushions can be a cushioned polyester fabric (e.g., Dacron), memory foam, or any suitable soft, cushioned material. The neck 121 and side 122 cushions can be molded using various molding techniques such as vacuum forming, blow molding, injection molding, or any suitable molding technique. The neck cushion 121 may be integrated with, attach to, and/or form to the shape and contours of the neck support 113 at the front of the center section 101 of the pillow 100 and the top surface of the base 111 at the mid-to-rear of the center section 101 of the pillow 100. The side cushions 122 can be integrated with, attach to, and/or form to the shape and contours of the head filler 114 at the front of the side sections 102 of the pillow 100 and the inward curving top surface of the sides 112 at the mid-to-rear of the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The side cushions 122 may each include an aperture that extends through the side cushion 122 to form an ear cradle 123 for receiving an ear of a user in a sideline sleeping position.
Certain embodiments provide one or more riser layer(s) 130 that include a base 131 and sides 132. The riser base 131 may extend the width of the pillow 100 and can be integrated with or attached to riser sides 132 that extend above the base 131 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The riser layer(s) 130 can be polyurethane foam, molded plastic, wood or metal framing, or any suitable material, for example. The riser layer(s) 130 can be molded using various molding techniques such as vacuum forming, blow molding, injection molding, or any suitable molding technique. The pillow riser layer(s) 130 can be added or removed to adjust a height of the pillow 100.
The multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 shares various characteristics with the multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 as described above.
FIG. 4 is a top elevation view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the pillow 100 comprises a top cushion layer 120. The cushion layer 120 may form to the shape and contours of a below pillow base layer 110. The cushion layer 120 comprises a neck cushion 121 at the center section 101 of the pillow 100 and side cushions 122 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The side cushions 122 may each include an ear cradle 123 for receiving an ear of a user when the user is in a sideline sleep position. The ear cradle 123 can be an aperture that extends through the side cushion 122 such that an ear of a user in a sideline sleeping position extends into the ear cradle 123. The neck 121 and side 122 cushions can be a cushioned polyester fabric (e.g., Dacron), memory foam, or any suitable soft, cushioned material. The neck 121 and side 122 cushions can be molded using various molding techniques such as vacuum forming, blow molding, injection molding, or any suitable molding technique.
The multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 shares various characteristics with the multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as described above.
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the pillow 100 comprises a base layer 110 and a top cushion layer 120. In certain embodiments, the pillow 100 comprises one or more riser layers 130. The base layer 100 includes a base 111 and sides 112. The base 111 may extend the width of the pillow 100 and the sides 112 may extend above the base 111 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100, for example. The cushion layer 120 may form to the shape and contours of a below pillow base layer 110. The cushion layer 120 comprises a neck cushion 121 at the center section 101 of the pillow 100 and side cushions 122 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. The side cushions 122 may each include an ear cradle 123 for receiving an ear of a user when the user is in a sideline sleep position. The ear cradle 123 can be an aperture that extends through the side cushion 122 such that an ear of a user in a sideline sleeping position extends into the ear cradle 123. Various embodiments provide one or more riser layer(s) 130 that include a base 131 and sides 132. The riser base 131 may extend the width of the pillow 100 and can be integrated with or attached to riser sides 132 that extend above the base 131 at the side sections 102 of the pillow 100. In certain embodiments, the pillow riser layer(s) 130 can be added or removed to adjust a height of the pillow 100.
The multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 illustrated in FIG. 5 shares various characteristics with the multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 as described above.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the pillow 100 comprises a base layer 110 and a top cushion layer 120. In certain embodiments, the pillow 100 comprises one or more riser layers 130. The cushion layer 120 may form to the shape and contours of a below pillow base layer 110. The cushion layer 120 comprises a neck cushion 121 and side cushions 122.
The multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 illustrated in FIG. 6 shares various characteristics with the multi-sleep position head and neck pillow 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 as described above.
FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow base layer 110, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the base layer 100 comprises a base 111, sides 112, a neck support 113, and head fillers 114. The base 111 may extend the width of the base layer 110 and the sides 112 may extend above the base 111 at the sides of the base layer 110. The base 111 can include a top surface at a center portion of the base layer 110. The neck support 113 can be integrated with or attached to the top surface of the base 111 at a front of the base layer 110. The sides 112 may include an incurved or scooped top surface at each side of the base layer 110. The head fillers 114 can be integrated with or attached to the incurved or scooped top surface of the sides 112 at a front of the base layer 110.
The multi-sleep position head and neck pillow base layer 110 illustrated in FIG. 7 shares various characteristics with the base layer 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6 as described above.
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow base layer 110, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the base layer 100 comprises a base 111 and sides 112. The base 111 may extend the width of the base layer 110 and the sides 112 may attach to and extend above the base 111 at the sides of the base layer 110. FIG. 8 illustrates a base layer 110 multi-piece embodiment that includes a separate base 111 piece attached to separate side pieces 112 as an exemplary alternative to the integrated base 111 and sides 112 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7, for example.
The multi-sleep position head and neck pillow base layer 110 illustrated in FIG. 8 shares various characteristics with the base layer 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7 as described above.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-sleep position head and neck pillow riser layer 130, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the riser layer 130 comprises a riser base 131 and riser sides 132. The base 131 may extend the width of the riser layer 130 and the riser sides 132 may attach to and extend above the riser base 131 at the sides of the riser layer 130. FIG. 9 illustrates a riser layer 110 multi-piece embodiment that includes a separate riser base 131 piece attached to separate riser side pieces 132 as an exemplary alternative to the integrated riser base 131 and riser sides 132 discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6, for example.
The multi-sleep position head and neck pillow riser layer 130 illustrated in FIG. 9 shares various characteristics with the riser layer 130 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6 as described above.
In operation, a user lies down on the pillow 100 in a face-up or sideline sleep position. If in a face-up position, a neck of the user rests on the cushioned 121 neck support 113 at a front of the center section 101 of the pillow 100 with the head of the user resting on the cushioned 121 top surface of the base 111 at a mid-to-rear of the center section 101 of the pillow 100. If in a sideline position, a neck and head of a user below and at least partially around an ear of the user rests on the cushioned 122 head filler at a front of a side section 102 of the pillow 100, the head of the user above the ear is supported by the incurved top surface of a side 112 at a mid-to-back of the side section 102 of the pillow 100, and an ear of the user extends into an ear cradle 123 formed by the head filler 114 and an aperture that extends through the top side cushion 122. The user may alternate between face-up and sideline sleep positions by rolling approximately ninety (90) degrees to the left or the right. The user can alternate between left and right sideline sleep positions by rolling approximately one hundred and eighty (180) degrees to the left or the right. Prior to use, a user may add or remove pillow riser layer(s) 130 to adjust a height of the pillow 100. The pillow 100 can includes a removable and washable cover or case that at least partially encapsulates the pillow 100. In various embodiments, the pillow 100 and/or a cover or case of the pillow 100 can include a pocket or other attachment or containment mechanism for storing a sachet or container of perfumed powders, potpourris, scented oils, or the like, for providing aromatherapy. In certain embodiments, the pillow 100 and/or a cover or case of the pillow 100 may include a pocket or other attachment or containment mechanism for holding one or more temperature control elements, such as a heating pad, cooling pad, gel pack, or any suitable temperature control element, to provide a warmer or cooler surface of the pillow.
Various embodiments provide a pillow 100 that is lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver. The pillow 100 provides ergonomically correct positioning for face-up and sideline sleep positions. The pillow 100 allows a user to change positions between face-up and sideline sleep positions without needing to navigate over a hump, lift up to a side platform, reform the pillow, or reposition the pillow. In various embodiments, the pillow 100 may reduce neck, shoulder, and upper back pain and stiffness. The pillow 100 can reduce pressure on the nerves and arteries of the upper extremities that can alleviate tingling and numbness. The pillow 100 may help alleviate headaches, help recovery after whiplash injuries, and help encourage proper neck and upper back alignment. The pillow 100 can help alleviate sinus symptoms, encourage better breathing, and help reduce snoring. The pillow 100 may eliminate pressure on the ear in sideline sleep positions and is gentle to the skin on the facial borders of a user. The pillow 100 can reduce the need to change positions often during sleep and encourages deep restorative sleep.
Aspects of the present invention may be seen in a multi-sleep position head and neck pillow apparatus 100. In a representative embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a front, a rear, two ends, a center section 101, and side sections 102 on opposite sides of the center section 102. The apparatus 100 comprises a base layer 110 and a top cushion layer 120. The base layer 110 comprises a base 111 at the center section 101 of the apparatus 100 and a side 112 at each side section 102 of the apparatus 100. The base 111 comprises a top surface and the sides 112 comprise an incurved top surface. The top cushion layer 120 comprises a neck cushion 121 attached to the top surface of the base 111. The top cushion layer 120 comprises a side cushion 122 attached to the incurved top surface of each side 112. The side cushions 122 comprise an aperture that extends through the side cushion 122 to form an ear cradle 123.
In various embodiments, the base layer comprises a neck support 113 at the top surface of the base 111 at the front of the center section 101 of the apparatus 100 and a head filler 114 at the incurved top surface of each side 112 at the front of the side sections 102 of the apparatus 100. The neck cushion 121 is attached to the top surface of the base 111 and the neck support 113. The side cushion 122 is attached to the incurved top surface and the head filler 114 of each side 112.
In certain embodiments, the apparatus 100 comprises at least one riser layer 130 that is detachably coupled to the base layer 110 to adjust a height of the apparatus 100. In a representative embodiment, the at least one riser 130 comprises a riser base 131 extending between the two ends of the apparatus 100 and a riser side 132 extending upward from the riser base 131 at each side section 102 of the apparatus 100. In various embodiments, the riser base 131 and the riser side 132 at each side section 102 are a single integrated piece. In certain embodiments, the riser side 132 at each side section 102 is a separate piece that is attached to the riser base 131.
In a representative embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a removable cover operable to at least partially encase the apparatus 100. In various embodiments, the apparatus 100 comprises a temperature control element operable to adjust the temperature of the apparatus 100. In certain embodiments, the removable cover comprises a pocket for holding the temperature control element. In a representative embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a sachet operable to provide aromatherapy.
In various embodiments, the base 111 extends between the two ends of the apparatus 100 and the side 112 at each side section 102 of the apparatus 100 extends upward from the base 111. In certain embodiments, the base 111 and the side 112 at each side section 102 are a single integrated piece. In a representative embodiment, the side 112 at each side section 102 is a separate piece that is attached to the base 111. In various embodiments, the base layer 110 and the top cushion layer 120 are foam. In certain embodiments, the base layer 110 is firmer than the top cushion layer 120.
Although devices and systems according to the present invention may have been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternative, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the scope of the invention as defined by this disclosure and appended diagrams.
While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-sleep position head and neck pillow apparatus having a front, a rear, two ends, a center section, and side sections on opposite sides of the center section, the apparatus comprising:

a base layer comprising:

a base comprising a top surface at the center section of the apparatus, and

a side at each side section of the apparatus comprising a incurved top surface; and

a top cushion layer comprising:

a neck cushion attached to the top surface of the base, and

a side cushion attached to the incurved top surface of each side, each side cushion comprising an aperture extending through the side cushion to form an ear cradle.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base layer comprises:

a neck support at the top surface of the base at the front of the center section of the apparatus, wherein the neck cushion is attached to the top surface of the base and the neck support, and

a head filler at the incurved top surface of each side at the front of the side sections of the apparatus, wherein the side cushion is attached to the incurved top surface and the head filler of each side.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one riser layer that is detachably coupled to the base layer to adjust a height of the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one riser comprises a riser base extending between the two ends of the apparatus and a riser side extending upward from the riser base at each side section of the apparatus.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the riser base and the riser side at each side section are a single integrated piece.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the riser side at each side section is a separate piece that is attached to the riser base.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a removable cover operable to at least partially encase the apparatus.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, comprising a temperature control element operable to adjust the temperature of the apparatus.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the removable cover comprises a pocket for holding the temperature control element.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a sachet operable to provide aromatherapy.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base extends between the two ends of the apparatus and the side at each side section of the apparatus extends upward from the base.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the base and the side at each side section are a single integrated piece.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the side at each side section is a separate piece that is attached to the base.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base layer and the top cushion layer are foam.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the base layer is firmer than the top cushion layer.