Supportive upper body constraint device

Abstract

A supportive upper body constraint device comprising a base comprising a foam material with a preselected impression load deflection (ILD) ratio for a desired resiliency, and a smooth-surface cover on the base comprising an elastomeric foam material with an ILD ratio less than the base. The device comprises opposing support members on the base, the cover supportingly disposed by the base and support members in a concave contour defining a cavity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to the field of durable medical equipment and more particularly without limitation to a supportive upper body constraint device for supporting a user's upper body in a reclined position while constraining lateral movement of the user's upper body. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] There are a number of physical ailments or conditions requiring a person to rest or sleep on their back in a partially reclined upright position. Sleep disorders such as apnea and snoring often times can only be controlled or prevented by such an upright reclined position. Surgical procedures such as back or shoulder surgery typically require such post-operative sleeping and resting posture in order to properly support the body while convalescing. Recovery from rotator cuff surgery, for example, typically involves about a four-week regimen of sleeping in a sling and being constrained in some manner to prevent rolling over onto the surgically r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] One aspect of the embodiments of the present invention contemplates a supportive upper body constraint device comprising a base and means supported by the base for constraining the upper body by imparting a supporting engagement continuously molding and adjusting to a shape of the upper body mainta

Problems solved by technology

Because the pillows don't provide adequate lateral constraining support, this can cause excruciating pain and damage to the body when the person is in post-operative care, particularly in the case of a post-operative shoulder recovery.

Second, because the pillows lack sufficient resiliency, even when staying in a position reclining on their back, typically one or more pillows will compress under the user's body weight and fail to provide comfortable support necessary to prevent undue stress on muscles and joints.

Although sleeping in a recliner provides lateral support, this benefit comes at the expense of a restful night of sleep because the reclining chair does not offer a comfortable sleeping position for an extended time.

This lack of comfort typically leads to the loss of sleep, which can be detrimental to the patient's timely recovery and return to normal activities.

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