US20120060292A9 - Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration - Google Patents
Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration Download PDFInfo
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- US20120060292A9 US20120060292A9 US12/698,768 US69876810A US2012060292A9 US 20120060292 A9 US20120060292 A9 US 20120060292A9 US 69876810 A US69876810 A US 69876810A US 2012060292 A9 US2012060292 A9 US 2012060292A9
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
- G06Q40/06—Asset management; Financial planning or analysis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/065—Rests specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/07—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests
- A61G7/072—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests for the head only
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C20/00—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
- A47C20/04—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/065—Rests specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/07—Rests specially adapted therefor for the head or torso, e.g. special back-rests
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/06—Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/06—Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
- A61M16/0605—Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
- G06Q40/04—Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/02—General characteristics of the apparatus characterised by a particular materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
Abstract
Presented herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration. More specifically, the method includes a first step of determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The method also includes a second step of adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow to achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration.
- Respiratory titration is the process of adjusting the output of a respiratory assistive device, such as a respiratory mask attached to a positive airway pressure device to match the patient's needs. Users of respiratory masks often have difficulty resting or sleeping because pressure on the mask exerted by a pillow while side sleeping can impede the performance and comfort of the mask, cause the mask seal to separate from the face and result in air leakage (which can cause irritation from the eyes drying out), and/or cause the mask to press uncomfortably against the user's face. Users of respiratory masks often try to compensate for leaks and positional problems by tightening the mask against the face more than otherwise required, causing further discomfort. The ultimate effect of these problems is sleep interruption or non-compliance by the user (i.e., the user stops using the mask).
- In addition, it has also been discovered that titration processes performed in a clinic setting are not effective in the home, which reduces the effectiveness of the respiratory device. The largest variable is the pillow used by the patient. Pillows supporting the head and neck can have a direct impact on the alignment of the patient's airway. Most pillows come in many different constructions and sizes, each of which will change the positioning of the head and neck relative to the upper body and can adversely impact the alignment of the airways and subsequent efficiency of air flow through the trachea, mouth, and throat.
- Further, a variety of positioning variables found in the home make it difficult for users of respiratory masks to maintain the salutary effects of a respiratory titration performed in the clinic setting. Accordingly, there remains a need for a device and method to be used in a clinic setting that may then be used at home.
- Presented herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration. More specifically, the method comprises a first step of determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The method also comprises a second step of adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to modify, transform and optimize the configuration of the pillow to thereby achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.
- Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a patient's open airway where the patient's head and neck are positioned in a generally upright position; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of a patient's closed airway where the patient's head and neck are lying in a generally horizontal position; -
FIG. 3 is a general process flow, according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is top plan view of four embodiments of a head positioning pillow; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pillow, according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view illustrating the pillow ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view illustrating the pillow ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8 is a right side view illustrating the pillow ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 9 is a left side view illustrating the pillow ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view illustrating the pillow ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view illustrating the pillow ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 12 is a rear view illustrating the cover for the pillow ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view illustrating the cover ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the cover ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 15 is a top plan view illustrating the cover ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 16 shows a user wearing a respiratory mask and in a back-lying position with his/her head supported on the pillow ofFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 17 shows a user wearing a respiratory mask and in a side-lying position with his/her head supported on the pillow ofFIG. 5 . - Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form, and vice versa. Also, as used herein, the term “a” shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is also used herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
- In general terms, described herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to modify and transform the pillow's configuration to optimize respiratory titration. These head positioning pillows are for use with assisted breathing or respiratory masks, such as continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) masks, auto adjusting positive airway pressure (“APAP”) masks, dual positive airway pressure (“BiPAP”) masks, and demand positive airway pressure (“DPAP”) masks, and other mask types for oxygen, etc., to facilitate resting and sleep. Respiratory titration, as described herein, is the process of adjusting the output of these and other respiratory assistive devices, such as a head positioning pillow, in order to address individual patient's needs.
-
FIG. 1 provides an exemplary diagram 100 of a patient's airway and some of its features, including the patient's mouth, nostrils, hard palate, soft palate, and a portion of the patient's throat, which includes a nasopharnyx, oropharnyx, hypopharnyx, epiglottis, vocal cords, larynx, and trachea. Diagram 100 illustrates how these features are positioned relative to each other when the patient's head and neck are positioned in a generally upright position. More specifically, diagram 100 shows that the patient's airway is generally opened, as indicated by the continuous flow of gray shade extending from the nostrils and mouth down through the throat to the trachea. -
FIG. 2 provides an exemplary diagram 200 of a patient's closed airway where the patient's head and neck are lying in a generally horizontal position on aregular pillow 210. As shown, the patient's airway is generally closed atposition 220, which restricts the patient's ability to breathe. The methods and pillows described herein help patients overcome this problem. - Referring now to a method for using a head positioning pillow to optimize respiratory titration,
FIG. 3 provides an exemplary flow diagram illustrating ageneral process flow 300. As represented byblock 310, the first step is to determine an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The next step is to adjust a head positioning pillow to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to achieve a pillow position and configuration that achieves the optimal relative angle, as illustrated byblock 320. - The order of the steps described in
blocks FIG. 3 may vary. For example, in one embodiment, the step described inblock 320 may occur before, after, or substantially simultaneous with the step described inblock 310. - In other embodiments of the present invention,
general process flow 300 may include other steps. One embodiment may divide the step represented byblock 320 into two or more separate steps, i.e., a step of adjusting the pillow relative to the patient's neck to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow may be separate from a step of adjusting the pillow relative to the patient's head. Another embodiment may include the steps of measuring the flow of air through the patient's airway and comparing that flow to a target flow rate. A further embodiment may provide for one or more iterative steps, i.e., the step of repeating one or more of the other process steps to, for example, determine via trial and error a relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which air flow through the patient's airway is maximized. - In many of the embodiments of general process flow 300, the head positioning pillow is adjustable. Adjustable head positioning pillows directly impact the alignment of the patient's airway and affect the flow of air through the patient's trachea, throat, and mouth. Accordingly, they are particularly helpful in “tuning” the patient's airway alignment and efficiency during any kind of respiratory titration process, including methods involving CPAP, BiPAP, DPAP, and APAP titration. These features are also helpful when used in connection with surgical procedures where the patient uses assisted respiration.
- In one embodiment, the pillow is height adjustable, such that a rear side, a front side, a first lateral side, and/or a second lateral side of the pillow can adjust in height to better align the patient's head and neck. In other embodiments, other features of the pillow, including a central indentation and/or a raised section, are adjustable to help raise or lower the patient's head and neck.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, the pillow is adjustable by increasing or reducing the support of the patient's neck. For example, a section of the pillow that contacts the patient's neck and/or head can include a bladder in which air or fluid can be added or released to adjust the elevation and amount of support provided. In other embodiments, an indentation and/or a raised area of the pillow may adjust in other ways to properly align and support the patient's neck.
- In still another embodiment of the present invention, the pillow may be adjustable by changing the rotation of the patient's head and/or neck position. Other embodiments may include a pillow that adjusts to change the incline angle of the patient's head and/or neck position.
- The adjustable pillows described herein are important only if used correctly. More specifically, it is important that patients are able to utilize the optimized respiratory titration process and reconfigured pillow that is initially performed in a clinic setting or in the home setting, when they are away from that setting. By increasing the user's compliance, fewer inconsistencies are introduced into the patient's daily respiratory process, which creates less of a need to “overcorrect” certain settings on the respiratory device to deliver the proper air flow. For example, many patients will correct for mask leaks by increasing the pressure setting on the respiratory device. By providing a configured pillow optimized for the patient, a patient does not need to readjust the respiratory device, and this helps to reduce unintended side effects.
- Referring now to
FIG. 4 , four embodiments of a head positioning pillow are illustrated.Pillow 410 includes raised backsection 412, raisedfront section 414,central recess section 416, and a plurality of raised contact points 418.Pillow 420 includesfront receding edge 422,side receding edges section 428.Pillow 430 includesside wings section 436.Pillow 440 includesfront receding edge 442,side receding edges section 448, andside wings - Other embodiments of a
head positioning pillow 10 are described inFIGS. 5-17 .Pillow 10 includes a pliable andresilient body 12, which can be formed of any suitable material, non-exhaustive examples of which include polymer foam, gel, fiber fill inside a casing, and fluid inside a bladder. The configuration of thepillow 10 may vary. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5 , thepillow 10 is generally rectangular in shape and includes arear side 14, afront side 16, a firstlateral side 18, and a secondlateral side 20. Preferably but not necessarily, thepillow 10 has an axis ofsymmetry 22 extending between therear side 14 andfront side 16. Thepillow 10 has a width W extending between the firstlateral side 18 and the secondlateral side 20 and a length L extending between therear side 14 and the front side 16 (shown inFIG. 6 ). Thepillow 10 includes a head-supportingupper surface 30 and anopposite bottom surface 32. As illustrated inFIG. 11 , the bottom surface is relatively planar. In another embodiment (not shown), thebottom surface 32 may optionally include a plurality of ridges. - The
body 12 includes afirst portion 40 and asecond portion 42 that are preferably formed together as a unitary member. Thefirst portion 40 andsecond portion 42 of thebody 12 are preferably fabricated from the same material, such as foam, fiber fill, gel, etc., that provides good support and resiliency and, optionally, memory properties. Thebody 12 could also be a form-shaped bladder (not shown) inflated with air or liquid. The invention is not limited to any particular material making up thebody 12. - According to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 5-11 , thefirst portion 40 andsecond portion 42 of thebody 12 are generally rectangular in shape. The upper surface of thesecond body portion 42 includes arecess 34 adjacent to each of the firstlateral side 18 and secondlateral side 20 of thebody 12 and a raisedsection 36 therebetween. Advantageously, as illustrated inFIG. 17 , therecesses 34 provide pressure relief on the mask when the user of thepillow 10 is resting or sleeping on his/her side, so that the pillow will not exert any substantial degree of pressure on the mask and tubing for the mask. As illustrated inFIG. 6 , one or both of therecesses 34 may extend into the first portion of thebody 12. Therecesses 34 are adjacent to pillow surfaces that comfortably support the user's head in the side-lying position, as further described below. - In one embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 6 , thesecond portion 42 of thebody 12 can include anindentation 38 in thefront side 16. Thisindentation 38 provides a curved area for the user's shoulder to rest for proper position and neck support when in the side-lying position. - The raised
section 36 of thesecond portion 42 of thebody 12 provides neck support for both back and side sleeping and resting. In one embodiment (not shown), the raisedsection 36 can include a bladder in which air or fluid can be added or released to adjust the elevation and amount of support provided. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , theupper surface 30 of the raisedsection 36 may include anindentation 44 with raisedareas 46 on each side of the indentation. Advantageously, theindentation 44 receives the user's neck and the raisedareas 46 function to retain the user's neck within the indentation while the user is resting or sleeping. - In addition to
recesses 34, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6 , theupper surface 30 of thebody 12 may include acentral indentation 50. The edge of thecentral indentation 50 in thefirst portion 40 of the body is curved and gently sloping to thereby provide a head support area for the user. As with theindentation 44 and raisedareas 46 of the raisedsection 36, thecentral indentation 50 receives the user's head and the sloped side walls about the periphery of the central indentation function to retain the user's head within the central indentation while the user is resting or sleeping. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , thefirst portion 40 of thebody 12 may include raisedareas 54 adjacent to each of the firstlateral side 18 and secondlateral side 20. As illustrated inFIG. 17 , the raisedareas 54 provide support to the user's forehead when resting or sleeping in the side position to keep the user's head from rotating downward. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , on either side of and adjacent to theindentation 44 and thecentral indentation 50, secondary recessedareas 56 may be provided. These secondary recessedareas 56 are for receiving either of the user's ears when in either of the left and right side-lying positions, to help relieve excess pressure on the ears and thereby improve overall comfort of the user. - In other embodiments (not shown), the
pillow 10 can include other structure to accommodate or secure a hose for a respiratory mask. In one embodiment, the structure may include a routing channel or aperture formed into the pillow to reduce interference with the hose. - Typical materials of which the
body 12 can be made (such as polymer foam, gel, fluid-filled bladders, etc.) may not be very comfortable if the skin is in direct contact with them, because they may not “breathe” very well. Accordingly, in preferred embodiments of the invention, a cover is provided for the pillow in order to enhance the comfort of the pillow. Referring toFIGS. 12-15 , a fittedcover 60 for thepillow 10 is illustrated. It is important for the cover to substantially conform to the contours of the pillow, and in particular to the mask-receivingrecesses 34, in order for the recesses to function properly to relieve pressure on the mask. - As shown in
FIG. 13 , the fitted cover preferably includes anopening 61 on the bottom side of the cover corresponding to the bottom surface of the pillow, so that the pillow may be inserted into and removed from the cover to enable cleaning of the cover. As shown, a zipper is provided for closing theopening 61. As illustrated inFIGS. 12-15 and as discussed above, the cover is preferably fitted so that the cover substantially follows the contours and configurations of the pillow, and particularly those depressions, recesses, cavities, apertures, and/or raised portions that are structured to accommodate the mask or tubing for the mask. Thecover 60 may also include structure to accommodate or secure a hose for the mask. In one embodiment (not shown), the structure of the cover may include one or more tethers to keep the hose from sliding or being positioned unfavorably. The cover can be sewn to fit the pillow. The cover may be made of a material that can be formed to fit the contours of the pillow by pressure, heat, or other means. Alternatively, instead of a separately made cover that is removable, the cover may comprise a material permanently applied to the surface of the pillow by any of various techniques, such as painting, dipping, or spraying. For example, flocking may be sprayed onto the pillow and adhered thereto by a suitable adhesive material. - In a preferred embodiment as shown in
FIGS. 12-15 , thecover 60 is a fitted cover made from pieces of fabric sewn together. More particularly, afirst fabric piece 62 is sized and shaped to cover the majority of the upper surface of the pillow except for the recesses that receive the mask. The first fabric piece also drapes down over the opposite lateral sides of the pillow (except in the regions of the recesses). Asecond fabric piece 64 is sized and shaped to cover the front side and is sewn to the first fabric piece along aseam 66. Third, fourth, andfifth fabric pieces sixth fabric piece 70 is sized and shaped to cover the bottom wall of that recess. The fabric pieces 68 a-c are sewn to thefirst fabric piece 62 along seams 72. Thesixth fabric piece 70 is sewn to the fabric pieces 68 a-c along seams 74. - Seventh, eighth, and
ninth fabric pieces tenth fabric piece 78 is sized and shaped to cover the bottom wall of that recess. The fabric pieces 76 a-c are sewn to thefirst fabric piece 62 along seams 80. The fabric pieces 76 a-c are sewn to thetenth fabric piece 78 along seams 82. An eleventh fabric piece 84 (FIG. 12 ) is sized and shaped to cover the rear side of the pillow and is sewn to thefirst fabric piece 62 along aseam 86. Finally, twelfth andthirteenth fabric pieces 88, 89 (FIG. 13 ) are sized and shaped to cover the bottom surface of the pillow and are sewn to theeleventh fabric piece 84 along aseam 90, to thesecond fabric piece 64 along aseam 92, to the opposite edges of thefirst fabric piece 62 alongseams 94, and to the sixth andtenth fabric pieces - Various types of fabric (woven, knitted, non-woven, etc.) made from various fiber types (natural, synthetic, natural/synthetic blends, etc.) can be used to make the sewn
cover 60. In one embodiment, quilted woven fabric is employed for part of the cover and knitted fabric is employed for the rest. More particularly, in one embodiment,fabric pieces Fabric pieces 64, 68 a-c, 70, 76 a-c, and 78 are quilted woven fabric. - Referring to
FIGS. 16 and 17 , thepillow 10 is shown in use in the back- and side-lying positions. The pillow of the present invention may also be used in the stomach sleeping and resting positions. Advantageously, the cover of the pillow substantially follows the contours of the pillow and provides the user with contact-free use of a respiratory mask and the ability to easily sanitize the pillow after use. According to one embodiment, the pillow is used by positioning a cover on the pillow such that the cover substantially follows the contours and configurations of the pillow. A respiratory mask is positioned on the user's head. The user is positioned so that the user's shoulder is received in thelateral indentation 38 formed in thefront side 16 of thesecond portion 42 of the pillow. The user's neck is positioned within theindentation 44 formed in the raisedsection 36 of thesecond portion 42 of the pillow. The user's head is positioned within thecentral indentation 50 formed in thefirst portion 40 of the pillow. In one embodiment, the positioning of the user's head comprises positioning the user's head so that it is facing away from the pillow. In another embodiment, the positioning of the user's head comprises positioning the user's head so that the side of the user's head is in contact with the cover of the pillow. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning the mask or hose for the mask in one of therecesses 34 formed in thesecond portion 42 of the pillow so that the pillow does not exert substantial pressure on the mask or hose. - In sum, the various embodiments of the head positioning pillow of the present invention may have depressions, recesses, cavities, apertures, and/or raised portions to accommodate various respiratory masks, such as those used for nighttime respiratory therapy. The depressions, recesses, cavities, apertures, and/or raised portions relieve pressure against the mask and the hoses or tubing supplying the mask when side sleeping or stomach sleeping. Since pressure against the mask can impede the performance and comfort of the mask, cause the mask seal to separate from the face and result in air leakage (which can cause irritation from the eyes drying out), and/or cause the mask to press uncomfortably against the user's face, the embodiments of the pillows of the present invention and method of using the same eliminate many of the impediments to the user resting or sleeping while using a respiratory mask. Advantageously, the pillow and cover of the present invention allow the user to move and sleep in multiple positions—left side, right side, back, and stomach—while minimizing the pressure that is exerted on the respiratory mask.
- Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims (12)
1. A method for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration, the method comprising:
determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened; and
adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck, wherein the head positioning pillow comprises at least one of a depression, recess, cavity, aperture and raised portion structured to accommodate a respiratory mask positioned on the patient's head, to thereby modify and transform the configuration of the pillow to achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.
2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising adjusting the head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and the respiratory mask secured thereon in order to relieve pressure against the mask and the hoses or tubing supplying the mask.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the pillow comprises a cover.
4. A method according to claim 3 wherein at least a portion of the cover comprises a knitted fabric.
5. A method according to claim 3 wherein at least a portion of the cover comprises a quilted woven fabric.
6. A method according to claim 3 wherein the cover of the pillow substantially follows the contours and configurations of the pillow.
7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the respiratory mask comprises a continuous positive airway pressure mask, auto adjusting positive airway pressure mask, dual positive airway pressure mask or demand positive airway pressure mask.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said adjustment step comprises adjusting the height of at least one of the rear side, front side, first lateral side and/or second lateral side of the pillow.
9. A method according to claim 1 wherein said adjustment step comprises increasing or reducing the support of the patient's neck.
10. A method according to claim 1 wherein said adjustment step comprises adjusting the pillow to change the incline angle of the patient's head and/or neck position.
11. A method according to claim 1 further comprising adjusting the rotation of the patient's head and/or neck position.
12. A method according to claim 1 wherein the pillow comprises a fluid-filled bladder.
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US12/698,768 US20120060292A9 (en) | 2010-02-02 | 2010-02-02 | Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration |
US14/552,243 US9623202B2 (en) | 2010-02-02 | 2014-11-24 | Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration |
US15/489,581 US11071669B2 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2017-04-17 | Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration |
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US12/698,768 US20120060292A9 (en) | 2010-02-02 | 2010-02-02 | Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration |
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US15/489,581 Active US11071669B2 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2017-04-17 | Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration |
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US14/552,243 Active US9623202B2 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2014-11-24 | Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration |
US15/489,581 Active US11071669B2 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2017-04-17 | Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration |
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US20120060292A9 (en) | 2010-02-02 | 2012-03-15 | Edmund Scott Davis | Methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration |
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-
2010
- 2010-02-02 US US12/698,768 patent/US20120060292A9/en not_active Abandoned
-
2014
- 2014-11-24 US US14/552,243 patent/US9623202B2/en active Active
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2017
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Cited By (6)
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US20120017374A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2012-01-26 | Tammy-Jo HUNTER | Pillow |
US8359686B2 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2013-01-29 | Tammy-Jo HUNTER | Pillow |
US8726436B2 (en) * | 2012-09-18 | 2014-05-20 | Louisa Carlotta Wright | Back sleeping only pillow |
US10005634B2 (en) * | 2013-10-24 | 2018-06-26 | Bedgear, Llc | Pillow napkin dispensing system and method |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20150265793A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
US9623202B2 (en) | 2017-04-18 |
US20170216118A1 (en) | 2017-08-03 |
US20110185505A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
US11071669B2 (en) | 2021-07-27 |
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