GB2417897A

GB2417897A - Support or pillow for a lying person

Info

Publication number: GB2417897A
Application number: GB0420454A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Izzel Monteiro Alves G Barbosa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-14
Filing date: 2004-09-14
Publication date: 2006-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 2024-09-14
Also published as: GB2417897B; GB0420454D0

Abstract

A support or pillow for supporting the head of a person is described. The support comprises a first portion (1) adapted to support the head of a person at a first level when the person is lying in a supine position. The support further comprises at least a second portion (2) located adjacent to the first portion (1) which is adapted to support the head of a person at a second level when the person is lying on their side. A pillowcase is also described.

Description

24 1 7897

A SUPPORT

This invention relates to a support and to a method of supporting the head of a person. The invention also relates to a cover for a support. The invention also relates to a pillow and to a pillowcase, and to a method of manufacturing a support.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support for supporting the head of a person, which comprises a first portion adapted to support the head of a person at a first level when the person is lying in a substantially supine position, and at least a second portion located adjacent to the first portion, and wherein the second portion is adapted to support the head of a person at a second level when the person is lying substantially on their side.

By providing a support (preferably a pillow) for supporting the head of a person which is adapted to support the head of person at different levels depending on whether the person is lying in either a substantially supine position or substantially on their side, it may be possible to reduce neck strain, since the neck can be maintained in an orthopaedically correct position when lying on the back as well as on the side. Thus, a person is able to turn in their sleep without causing strain to the neck.

Preferably, each of the first and second portions are adapted to support the head of a person at different levels such that the neck is maintained in a substantially neutral position when the person is sleeping respectively in a supine position and on their side.

The phrase "neutral position" as used herein is preferably intended to connote the position of the neck of the person when the head of the person is supported such that little or no pressure or stain is exerted on the vertebra, ligaments and/or muscles of the neck.

Thus, a multi (preferably two) level pillow is provided which may enable a person to sleep on either their side or back, with their neck maintained in a substantially neutral position, thereby helping reducing neck strain.

Preferably, a further similar second portion is provided, in which case the further similar second portion is provided on an opposite side of the first portion to the second portion. Thus, it is possible to sleep on both the right and left sides.

Preferably, the support further comprises means for limiting turning movement of the head of the person from side to side when the head of a person is positioned on the first portion. Hence, the support may reduce neck strain.

Preferably, the support further comprises a pair of formations, provided on either side of the first portion, which, in use, cradle the head of a person lying in a substantially supine position. The provision of a pair of formations, provided on either side of the first portion may not only reduce neck strain, but may also discourage a person from sleeping on their stomach.

Preferably, the support further comprises means for smoothing a junction between the first and second portions. Thus, it is possible to move from the first portion onto the second portion more easily, which may improve the usability of the support.

Preferably, a sidewall extending between the first and second portions tapers outwardly and upwardly from the upper surface of the first portion (that is, the surface on which, in use, a person's head may be supported), to the upper surface of the second portion, (that is, the surface on which, in use, a persons head may be supported). In this way it may be easier to move from the first portion to the second portion.

Preferably an upper surface of the first portion is suitable for accommodating a head of a person. Typically, the support may be provided in a number of different sizes, suitable for use by adult males, adult females, adolescents and children, and the dimensions of the support may therefore vary accordingly.

Preferably, the first portion includes an area which defines a cutaway so as to ensure pressure is not applied significantly to the neck of a person, so that neck strain may be further reduced.

Preferably, an upper surface, on which a person's head, in use, may be supported, of the first portion tapers towards a peripheral edge of the support. In this way the chance of neck strain may be reduced even further.

Preferably, the support is manufactured from a plurality of layers of resilient material.

More preferably, the layers are of varying resilience. Thus, it may be possible to vary the stiffness of the support.

Preferably, an upper layer of the support is manufactured from a relatively less firm material than a lower layer of the support. In this way improved comfort may be provided. The firmer lower layer may also improve the performance of the support, especially when the support is used together with a relatively soft mattress.

Preferably, the upper layer of the second portion is thicker than the upper layer of the first portion. This may improve the comfort and orthopaedic performance of the support.

Preferably, the support further comprises means for assisting a person to move from the first portion to the second portion.

Preferably, the width of the support (measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the person using the support), tapers from the second portion to the first portion.

Thus, a person may be able to turn more easily from a supine Iying position to a sideways Iying position, which may further improve the usability of the support.

Typically a person using the support rotates from a supine position to a sideways Iying position, and visa versa, by swivelling their hips on the spot and simultaneously angling their shoulders and head forward, using the downwardly extending projection as a guide.

Preferably, the taper angle is at approximately between 10 and 45 degrees. More preferably, the taper angle is approximately between 20 and 30 degrees.

Preferably, a further similar second portion is provided, and the further similar second portion is provided on an opposite side of the first portion to the second portion, in which case the width of the support preferably tapers from each second portion to the first portion.

In this way it may be possible to turn to either side more easily, which may thereby encourage one to turn from side to side during sleep, which may help improve circulation during sleep.

Preferably, a peripheral edge of the second portion, which in use lies adjacent to the trapezius muscle of a person using the support, is shaped so as to substantially follow the slope of the trapezius muscle from the neck to the shoulder, thereby to exert downward pressure on the shoulder.

Preferably, a further similar second portion is provided, in which case the further similar second portion is provided on an opposite side of the first portion to the second portion, and an edge of each respective similar second portion, which, in use, is positioned adjacent to the trapezius muscles of a person using the support, is shaped so as to substantially follow the slope of the trapezius muscles from the neck to the shoulders, thereby to exert downward pressure on the shoulders.

In this way the shoulders of a person using the support may be pressed downwardly, which may assist in relaxing the shoulder muscles. Furthermore, the shape of the edge of the support may ensure that the arms of a person are kept in an anatomically correct position during sleep, which may thereby ensure circulation to the arms is not inhibited.

Preferably, an edge of the second portion, which in use lies adjacent to the trapezius muscle of a person using the support, is shaped to follow the contour of the shoulders of a person using the support. In this way, improved comfort may be provided.

Preferably, the support further comprises means for adjusting the firmness of at least one portion of the support.

Preferably, a peripheral edge of the support, which in use is on an opposite side of the support to the edge of the support which is adjacent to the shoulders of a person using the support, is substantially straight. In this way the support may be supported against a flat surface, for example, a wall against which a bed is positioned, which may improve usability.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided, a pillow in the form of a support according as hereinbefore described.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided, a cover for a support shaped to accommodate a support as hereinbefore described.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided, a pillowcase shaped to accommodate a pillow as hereinbefore described.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provide, a method of supporting the head of a person using a support as hereinbefore described, which comprises supporting the head of a person at a first level, on a first portion of the support, when the person is lying in a substantially supine position, and supporting the head of a person at second level, on the second portion of the support, when the person is lying substantially on their side.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided, a method of manufacturing a support for supporting the head of a person as hereinbefore described, which comprises forming a first portion having a first level suitable for supporting the head of a person when lying in a substantially supine position, and connecting at least a second portion to the first portion, the second portion suitable for supporting the head of a person when lying in substantially on their side.

Further features of the invention are characterized by the dependent claims.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Further information concerning the invention is now provided.

Out of the four possible sleeping positions, three main positions are defined as being optimal for sleeping: sleeping on the back, sleeping on the right side and sleeping on the left side. These three positions are encouraged because they allow maintaining the neck in the neutral position during the night. They also do not compress the internal organs as much.

The one position considered straining by many health professionals is sleeping on the front. Invariably the head needs to be rotated to one side to allow the individual to breathe. This puts a rotational strain on the neck during the night. The ribcage is also compressed and the natural breathing movement of the sternum is impaired, straining the internal organs.

The cervical spine is capable of moving in six different directions on the three existing planes.

1. frontal plane side flexion right, side flexion left 2. sagittal plane flexion, extension 3. transverse plane rotation right, rotation left The neutral position of the spine is therefore defined as follows: 1. frontal plane head in the middle, not tilted to the right or the left 2. sagittal plane head in the middle not pushed forward or back with a lengthened back of the neck (natural curve of the cervical spine) 3. transverse plane head in the middle not turned to the right or to the left Due to the shape of the human body, maintaining the neutral position of the neck poses very different problems depending on the sleeping positions we assume. We also need to move during the night to avoid pressure soreness and move the blood gravitationally from one area of the body to another. Conventional pillows use one shape (of a pillow) to support all positions.

Another very important point to consider as well is the difference of weight between the head and the neck. When awake, the neck (neck muscles) control and maintain the position of the skull. When sleeping, the position of the head dictates the position of the neck because the neck muscles are disconnected. Optimal support during the night is therefore only achieved by properly positioning the head.

Conventional pillows over emphasize the support of the neck, and if the pillow is made of the same material, the head invariably ends up sinking a lot more because of its weight and the neck-supporting portion of the pillow becomes a pivot point on the neck causing strain.

It is also important to define the difference between strain (of the neck) and pressure soreness.

Strain is caused by positioning and maintaining the cervical spine away from the neutral position (flexion, extension, rotation right and left side flexion right and left) or in a combined position (flexion + side flexion right, extension + rotation left). The strain would cause compressions and excessive stretching on the facet joints, imbalances of pressure on the intervertebral discs, contractures of surrounding muscles and muscle imbalances, ligament shortening or stretching, impaired blood flow to the brain and/or the arms.

Pressure soreness relates to the compression of the skin between the pillow and the skull. The firmer the pillow, the greater the pressure soreness.

Pillows have effectively tackled the problem of pressure soreness by providing softness but unfortunately very often to the detriment of the strain problem. Out of the two, the strain has more damaging potential to the body because more delicate and deeper structures are affected by it.

The problems posed by sleeping on the back are the following: On the sagittal plane, if the pillow is too high, the head will be too elevated straining the ligamentum nuchae (neck ligament) by over stretching it and increasing the thoracic kyphosis. If there is no pillow, the neck could be hyper extended causing the facet joints to compress and the muscles to shorten.

On the transverse plane, the head could be rotated to the right or the left causing a muscular shortening and spinal compression on the rotated side and a muscular lengthening and spinal tension on the opposite side.

Another problem is that the shoulders are lifted because the stresses and strains of the day accumulate on the upper trapezius muscles causing them to contract and pull the shoulders up. Very often, blood flow to the arms is reduced as a result of the brachial artery being compressed between the moving clavicle and the first rib when the arm is raised and placed behind the head.

The problems caused by side sleeping are the following: On the frontal plane, if the pillow is too low, the head will pull the neck in a downwards side flexion strain and if the pillow is too high, the head will lift the neck into an upward side flexion strain. Blood flow to the arms could again be affected.

On the transverse plane, the head can rotate if the pillow is too soft or if the gap between the head and the shoulders is not optimally maintained by the pillow.

Sleeping on the front as mentioned earlier is to be avoided because no real solution can be offered to prevent the strain of having to turn the head to one side to breathe.

Most beds are narrow and will force us to turn on the spot as we move from one position to the other yet sleeping on the back requires a different pillow height than sleeping on the side.

To overcome all these problems, the present invention proposes a 3D support sleeping pillow made of three sections, a middle low section for sleeping on the back and two lateral high sections for sleeping on both sides, the pillow being made of a combination of soft medium and hard foam that allows comfort yet maintains the head in the desired position for optimal spinal alignment.

The middle section will be low enough to just slightly raise the head off the bed when sleeping on the back, maintaining the natural curvature of the spine. That section will be shaped so that no undue pressure is put on the neck. The lateral sections provide gentle side support to prevent the head from turning and also gently push down on the shoulders to lengthen the neck and shoulder muscles.

The lateral sections will be high enough to cover the head to shoulder gap and maintain the alignment of the neck. The head to shoulder gap is slightly smaller when lying on the side than when upright because the shoulders move a little under pressure. The lateral section height will account for this difference.

The pillow will induce a movement from one section to the other performed by turning the pelvis on the spot to keep the body centred on the bed and by rolling the head from one section to the other.

The shape of the pillow will prevent sleeping on the front because the middle section is not wide enough and the lateral sections are too high.

Preferably, the upper layer of the pillow will be made of medium foam soft enough to be comfortable but not too soft to lose the head position.

Preferably, the base layer of the pillow will be made of firm foam to give it stability and compensate for the give of the mattress.

The invention will now be described, purely by way of example, by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 show the possible strains to the neck caused by poor sleeping postures.

Figures 6, 7, 16, 17 show the structure of the pillow with all the different components.

Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 show the pillow in action and how it provides optimal support to the neck and how the movement is performed from one section to the other.

Figures 14, 15 show a different model of the same invention, this time an inflatable base with a soft feather cover.

Figures 16 and 17 show particular aspects of the pillow.

Figures 18, 19 and 20 show further embodiments of the pillow.

In figure 1, we see a person lying in a supine position with the head too elevated, creating a stretching strain on the neck ligament (2) (ligarnentum nuchae), and compressing the thoracic spine curve (1).

In figure 2, we see a person lying in a supine position without any support and as a result, the neck is hyper extended, the neck muscles are shortened (2) and the articular facets in the cervical spine are compressed (1).

In figure 3, we see a person Iying supine (A) with the head turned to one side and a person Iying prone (B) with the head turned to one side. The rotational strain is illustrated by showing a compression side (1), where the muscles are shortened and the articular facets compressed, and a tension side (2) where the muscles are stretched and the articular facets opened.

In figure 4, we see a person Iying on the side with a thin pillow putting a side bending strain on the cervical spine (1) stretching it away from the left shoulder (2) and lengthening the brachial plexus and the shoulder muscles. The shoulder underneath (3) on the other hand is compressed to the neck generating strain and possibly reducing blood flow to the arm.

In figure 5, we see a person Iying on the side with a pillow too thick elevating the head with a side bending strain on the neck (1) over stretching it away from the bottom shoulder (2) and compressing it to the top shoulder (3).

Figure 6 shows a detailed representation of the 3D Support Sleeping Pillow with: a low middle section (1) for sleeping on the back, two high lateral sections (2) for sleeping on the sides, with a depth (3) to account for the head to shoulder gap, the side walls of the lateral sections (4) angled so the head is not compressed but supported and the movement from one section to the other is easier, the front curve of the middle section (5) designed to eliminate the risk of the pillow digging into the neck when Iying on the back, finally, the front wall of the lateral sections (6) angled to fit with the shape of the shoulders but also and most importantly, to induce a turn on the spot of the pelvis so the individual remains centred on their bed. The edges of the front and sidewalls have to be smoothed for more comfort.

Figure 7 shows sections of the same pillow to illustrate possible combinations of different types of foams based on their firmness. The upper layer of the pillow could be made of medium foam (1) or a combination of medium foam and a more superficial layer of visco-elastic foam (5) which is even softer. The base of the pillow could be made of firm foam (2) or a combination of firm foam and medium foam (4) with the middle section being made of medium foam (3) on top of either medium or firm foam. The optimal combination will allow the pillow to be comfortable, stable on the mattress while still maintaining the head position which is the priority.

Figure 8 shows the pillow in action when Iying supine with the head centred (1) and stabilised but not compressed and the shoulders held down gently (2) by the front walls which is important to avoid circulation impairment to the arms (as some people sleep with their arms tucked under their head during the night).

Figure 9 shows the same pillow in action when lying on the side with the head centred and supported in neutral (1) by the side sections with the front wall holding the bottom shoulder down.

Figure 10 demonstrates the movement performed to move from one section to the other. The pelvis needs to rotate on the spot (M) when moving to avoid falling off the bed. For example, to move from the middle (M) to the left (L), the left hip goes underneath and the right hip comes on top. This is a movement we have all had to learn when we were young to avoid falling off the bed. The only difference with this pillow is that we have to roll the head to the side instead of turning the shoulders on the spot. It therefore simplifies the turning movement reducing the turning on the spot to the hips only. The less we turn on the spot, the less disturbed we are in our sleep.

Figure 11 illustrates the same turning movements as figure 10 but viewed from the transverse plane with the head being supported but not compressed (1) when supine, and the head to shoulder gap being supported (3) when lying on the side. Notice that the hips have turned on the spot centring the body on the bed (2).

Figure 12 shows how the interaction between the medium foam (1) and the firm foam (2) in the middle section helps to cushion and maintain the head position (4) so the neck can naturally relax in its neutral position (3). Notice how the front curve of the middle section generates room under the neck (5) so no direct pressure is applied on the neck. The neck as mentioned earlier does not need to be supported directly as it is entirely dependent on the head position.

Figure 13 shows how the interaction between the medium foam (1) and the firm foam (2) in the lateral section helps to cushion but maintain the head position (4) by closing the head to shoulder gap so that the cervical spine can remain straight (3).

Notice how the edge of the side section has been smoothed out (5) to avoid undue pressure on the neck.

Figure 14 shows an inflatable model of the pillow with a feather top (1) an inflatable base (2) with a front curve (4) in the middle section and a valve (3) to allow the air in and out.

Figure 15 shows a possible section of the inflatable model in different parts with: the feathers top (1) fused to the top portion (2) of the inflatable base, containing some folds to form the three sections (3), the sidewalls (4) of the inflatable base with a depression (6) for the middle section and an opening for the valves (5), the bottom of the inflatable base (7) with the outside internal wall (8) connecting the bottom to the top edge of the top (3) and the inside internal wall (9) connecting the bottom to the bottom edge of the top (3) giving structure to the side walls of the lateral compartments.

As shown in figure 16, the top edge of the pillow is substantially straight which effectively "locks" the pillow against the wall, this provides stability and prevents the pillow from moving when turning from one portion to the other portion.

Figure 17 shows exemplary dimensions of the pillow.

Figure 18 shows a customisable version of the sleeping pillow formed by different pieces of foam comprising a base (1) with holes (2) allowing it to receive detachable portions for the middle section (3) and for the lateral sections (4). These portions will be made with foam dents at the bottom (5) to be encased in the holes, holes at the top (6) to receive additional portions and finally microscopic cuts (7) (optional) that allow to further secure all the portions together by means of a thin elastic or an adjustable string (8) wrapping around them. The cuts (7) prevent direct contact of the face against the string. This model allows individuals to self customise their pillow and also allows health professionals to correct spinal alignment problems by gradually adding or removing portions to rectify the head position back to normal.

(A) shows the pillow dismantled (B) shows the pillow assembled Figure 19 shows a customisable and inflatable base version of the pillow formed by different inflatable compartments (1) resting on top of each other, each possessing individual valves (2) lateral for the side sections, which in one embodiment may be interconnected, and posterior for the middle section (3). By inflating the relevant compartments an individual could self customise the pillow.

(A) shows a pillow adjusted for an adult with all compartments inflated (B) shows a pillow adjusted for a child with the top compartments deflated (C) shows a pillow completely deflated for transportation (A) (B) and (C) also show the base fused to a soft feather cover.

Figure 20 shows a specifically designed pillowcase shaped to accommodate the pillow with side pockets (1) in which aromatherapy packs can be inserted in order to stimulate relaxation and sleep. The back of the pillowcase would feature a fastening device (3).

(A) shows the pillowcase opened (B) shows the pillowcase folded (C) shows the pillow inside its pillowcase (front view) (D) shows the pillow inside its pillowcase (rear view) It should also be noted that the half moon shape of the cut out (5) (as shown in figure 6) prevents the pillow from digging into the neck. The cut out is semi circular so as to support the side sections of the pillow, and prevent relative movement between the sections. As discussed above the angulation of the side portions has been implemented to prevent a person from falling off the bed when rolling from section to section. However, this also has the effect of: Shapes optimally around the shoulders (right and left V shape) Gently pushes the shoulders down, lengthening the trapezius muscles and neck muscles.

30. It prevents circulation impairments to the arm by holding the shoulders down.

In preferred embodiments, there is provided a sleeping pillow made of three sections: the middle low section (1) designed for sleeping on the back with a front curve (5) to avoid pressure on the neck and where the sidewalls (4) of the lateral sections help to centre the head. The two lateral high sections (2) designed with the optimal depth (3) to cover the head to shoulder gap when sleeping on the sides. These lateral sections are angled in the front (6) to hold the shoulders down and also facilitate a smooth movement from one section to the other during the night. The pillow could be made with a blend of soft medium and firm foam or made inflatable with a soft foam or feathered top for an optimal balance between comfort and support.

In summary, the invention provides:

1. A sleeping pillow made of three sections, a middle low section for optimal alignment when sleeping on the back shaped with a front curve to avoid undue pressure on the neck and two lateral high sections for sleeping on the sides that efficiently maintain the head to shoulder gap, angled to hold the shoulders down with a centred head when lying on the back and allowing a smooth transition from one section to the other during the night. 2. A pillow made of a blend of foams with different degrees of firmness,

the base of the pillow being made of firmer foams for stability and support and the top layers being made of softer foams for comfort.

3. A pillow with an inflatable base forming the three sections covered by a feathered top or any other soft material blending comfort and support where the air pressure determines the optimal firmness.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Claims

Claims: 1. A support for supporting the head of a person, which comprises

a first portion adapted to support the head of a person at a first level when the person is lying in a substantially supine position, and at least a second portion located adjacent to the first portion, and wherein the second portion is adapted to support the head of a person at a second level when the person is lying substantially on their side.
2. A support according to Claim 1, wherein each of the first and second portions are adapted to support the head of a person at different levels such that the neck is maintained in a substantially neutral position when the person is sleeping respectively in a supine position and on their side.
3. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a cross sectional profile through an axis of the support is not constant, said axis being defined, in use, as the axis which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a person using the support.
4. A support according to Claim 3, wherein the cross sectional profile follows an approximate step change in thickness along its length.
5. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of the second portion is greater than a thickness of the first portion.
6. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the first portion is approximately equal to a vertical distance above a surface which the head of an average size adult male should be raised above said surface when the adult male is lying in a substantially supine position on said surface such that the natural curvature of the spine is maintained.
7. A support according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the thickness of the first portion is approximately equal to a vertical distance above a surface which the head of an average size adult female should be raised above said surface when the adult female is lying in a substantially supine position on said surface such that the natural curvature of the spine is maintained.
8. A support according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the thickness of the first portion is approximately equal to a vertical distance above a surface which the head of an average size child should be raised above said surface when the child is lying in a substantially supine position on said surface such that the natural curvature of the spine is maintained.
9. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion has a thickness of approximately between 2cm and 8cm.
10. A support according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the first portion has a thickness of approximately between 3cm and 6cm.
11. A support according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the first portion has a thickness of approximately between 3.5cm and 5.5cm.
12. A support according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the first portion has a thickness of approximately between 4cm and 5cm.
13. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the second portion is approximately equal to the distance between a side of the head and an outer edge of a shoulder of an average size adult male.
14. A support according to any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the thickness of the second portion is approximately equal to the distance between a side of the head and an outer edge of a shoulder of an average size adult female.
15. A support according to any of the Claims 1 to 12, wherein the thickness in of the second portion is approximately equal to the distance between a side of the head and an outer edge of a shoulder of an average size child.
16. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion has a thickness of approximately between 9cm and 1 Scm.

S
17. A support according to any of Claims 1 to 1 S. wherein the second portion has a thickness of approximately between lOcm and 14cm.
18. A support according to any of Claims 1 to IS, wherein the second portion has a thickness of approximately between l O.Scm and 13.5cm.
19. A support according to any of Claims 1 to 1 S. wherein the second portion has a thickness of approximately between 1 tom and 13cm.
20. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a further similar IS second portion is provided, and wherein the further similar second portion is provided on an opposite side of the first portion to the other second portion.
21. A support according to Claim 20, wherein the support is substantially symmetrical about an axis, which, in use, is defined as the axis of the support which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a person using the support.
22. A support according to Claims 20 or 21, wherein a junction between the first and second portions is reinforced, thereby to inhibit relative movement between the first and second portions.
23. A support according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for limiting turning movement of the head of the person from side to side when the head of a person is positioned on the first portion.
24. A support according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pair of formations, provided on either side of the first portion, which, in use, cradle the head of a person lying in a substantially supine position.
25. A support according to Claim 24, wherein a further similar second portion is provided, the further similar second portion being provided on an opposite side of the first portion to the second portion, and wherein the second portions constitute the formations.
26. A support according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for smoothing a junction between the first and second portions.
27. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a sidewall extending between the first and second portions tapers outwardly and upwardly from the upper surface of the first portion, to the upper surface of the second portion.
28. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface of the first portion is suitable for accommodating a head of a person.
29. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface of the second portion is suitable for accommodating a head of a person.
30. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of an upper surface of the first portion is approximately equal to the distance between the ears of a head of a person.
31. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion includes an area which defines a cutaway so as to ensure pressure is not applied significantly to the neck of a person.
32. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface, on which a person's head, in use, may be supported, of the first portion tapers towards a peripheral edge of the support.
33. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support comprises a foam-like material.
34. A support according to Claim 33, wherein the foam-like material is of a stiffness suitable for supporting the head of a person.
35. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support is manufactured from a resilient material.
36. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support is manufactured from a plurality of layers of resilient material.
37. A support according to Claim 36, wherein the layers are of varying resilience.
38. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an upper layer of the support is manufactured from a relatively less firm material than a lower layer of the support.
39. A support according to Claim 38, wherein the upper layer of the second portion is thicker than the upper layer of the first portion.
40. A support according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for assisting a person to move from the first portion to the second portion.
41. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the support tapers from the second portion to the first portion.
42. A support according to Claim 41, wherein a further similar second portion is provided, and further similar second portion being provided on an opposite side of the first portion to the second portion, and wherein the width of the support tapers from each second portion to the first portion.
43. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the edge of the second portion, which, in use, lies adjacent to the trapezius muscle of a person using the support, is shaped so as to substantially follow the slope of the trapezius muscle from the neck to the shoulder, thereby to exert downward pressure on the shoulder.
44. A support according to Claim 43, wherein a further similar second portion is provided, the further similar second portion being provided on an opposite side of the first portion to the second portion, and wherein an edge of each respective similar second portion, which, in use, is positioned adjacent to the trapezius muscles of a person using the support, is shaped so as to substantially follow the slope of the trapezius muscles from the neck to the shoulders, thereby to exert downward pressure on the shoulders.
45. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an edge of the second portion, which in use lies adjacent to the trapezius muscle of a person using the support, is shaped to follow the contour of the shoulders of a person using the support.
46. A support according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for adjusting the firmness of at least one portion of the support.
47. A support according to Claim 46, wherein the adjustable firmness means comprises at least one inflatable compartment.
48. A support according to Claim 47, wherein the adjustable firmness means comprises at least a pair of inflatable compartments, the first forming the first portion and the second forming the second portion, and wherein each portion can be inflated to a different pressure, thereby providing a different level of firmness for each of the first and second portions.
49. A support according to Claim 48, wherein a similar second portion is provided on an opposite side of the first portion to the second portion, and wherein the first inflatable compartment forms the first portion, and wherein a pair of interconnected second compartments form the pair of second portions.
50. A support according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for adjusting the thickness of the support.
51. A support according to Claim 50, wherein the adjustable thickness means is adapted to adjust the thicknesses of the first and second portions separately.
52. A support according to Claims 50 or 51, wherein the adjustable thickness means comprises at least one elevation layer, and means for securing the elevation layer to the support.
53. A support according to Claims 50 or 51, wherein the adjustable thickness means comprises a plurality of separate elevation layers each such layer being of a different thickness to the other such layers, and means for securing the elevation layers to the support thereby to adjust the thickness of the first and second portions.
54. A support according to Claims 50 or 51, wherein the adjustable thickness means comprises at least one inflatable compartment.
55. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support is manufactured from a material having hypo-allergenic properties.
56. A support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a peripheral edge of the support, which in use is on an opposite side of the support to the edge of the support which is adjacent to the shoulders of a person using the support, is substantially straight.
57. A pillow in the form of a support according to any of Claims 1 to 56.
58. A cover for a support shaped to accommodate a support according to any of Claims 1 to 56.
59. A cover according to Claim 58, wherein a junction between the first and second portions is defined by at least one hemline.
60. A cover according to Claim 59, wherein a plurality of hemlines are provided along an upper surface of the cover, which are adapted to follow junctions between the first and second portions.
61. A cover according to any of Claims 58 to 60, further comprising means defining a pocket adapted to contain a sleep and/or relaxation enhancing substance.
62. A pillowcase shaped to accommodate a pillow according to Claim 57.
63. A method of supporting the head of a person using a support according to any of Claims 1 to 56, which comprises supporting the head of a person at a first level, on a first portion of the support, when the person is lying in a substantially supine position, and supporting the head of a person at second level, on the second portion of the support, when the person is lying substantially on their side.
64. A method of manufacturing a support for supporting the head of a person according to any of Claims 1 to 56, which comprises forming a first portion having a first level suitable for supporting the head of a person when lying in a substantially supine position, and connecting at least a second portion to the first portion, the second portion suitable for supporting the head of a person when lying in substantially on their side.
65. A support substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.
66. A cover for a support substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.
67. A pillow substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.
68. A pillowcase substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.
69. A method of supporting the head of a person substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.
70. A method of manufacturing a support substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.