Spinal tension and pressure relieving body support apparatus

Abstract

A therapeutic support apparatus comprises multiple layers of foam having different densities and memories. The support apparatus comfortably supports the weight of a user while minimizing pressure points between the user and the support apparatus. Each foam layer has a unique density and memory based upon the type of tissue the layer is intended to support. A relatively low-memory outer foam layer made from latex non-viscoelastic foam substantially supports skin and subcutaneous tissue. A relatively high-density and medium-memory intermediate layer made from polyurethane foam supports muscle tissue. A relatively high-density and high-high memory core layer made from polyurethane foam supports the spine. In combination, these layers minimize hyperextension and promote blood circulation and comfort while the support apparatus is used by a user positioned in a supine, recumbent, or sideways-lying position.

Description

CLAIM TO PRIORITY[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 830,363 entitled SPINAL TENSION AND PRESSURE RELIEVING BODY SUPPORT APPARATUS and filed Jul. 12, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 899,496, entitled PRESSURE RELIEVING BODY SUPPORT APPARATUS and filed Feb. 5, 2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to mattresses and cushions. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a human body in a supine, recumbent, seated or sideways-lying position in a manner that relieves tension and pressure on the spine and promotes blood circulation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Nearly 80 million or fifty percent of working Americans are disabled by back pain at some time in their lives. It is estimated that one-third of men and one-half of women will prematurely retire from their careers because of back pain. Appr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs of patients and other individuals for a low-cost pressure relieving, high quality body support apparatus, such as, for example, a mattress, cushion, pad, and the like, that relieves back pain and spinal tension, promotes circulation of blood, and provides comfortable support by providing a multi-density, tissue density specific, therapeutic body support apparatus made from multiple layers of high-memory, non-conforming, or non-viscoelastic type foam that have a high rate of recovery. The present invention is an efficient and cost effective non-mechanized device that meets the aforementioned needs by providing a low-cost, light-weight, durable, and easy-to-use body support apparatus.

[0013]In addition to reducing pressure points, the body support apparatus of the present invention provides superior tension and pressure relief to the spine and other regions of the back. Specifically, the body support apparatus provides the spinal support that is necessary for spinal decompression and optimal circulation, deeper levels of sleep, and spinal rest. Pressure and tension relief is substantially uniform along the surface of the body support apparatus.

[0016]By having multiple layers of foam having different thickness, memories, and / or densities, the support layers of the present invention combined can facilitate the ability of the nervous system to become better able to enter a rest phase during sleep, and promote improved circulation of blood into the skin, muscles, and spinal column to more effectively reduce both spinal tension and pressure in the aforementioned tissues.

Problems solved by technology

Foams with low I.F.D. ratings, popularly known as low “memory” foams, not to be confused with latex foam or higher I.F.D. rated non-conforming polyurethane foams, have low rebound and / or memory characteristics as well as a low rate of recovery.

This low memory rating means that all mattress or seat cushion applications bearing the low memory or conforming rating, by design, degrade in their body support characteristics with the application of sustained pressure or body heat.

As a result of the poor support offer by foams of the low memory, conforming, or viscoelastic type, pressure and heat points are created leaving patients who are at risk of pressure ulcers more prone to necrotic skin disorders.

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