Sound-insulating sleep pillow

Abstract

Sleep pillows are described that wrap around the user's head and are retained by a strap, providing sound insulation, thereby allowing the user to enjoy better sleep in the presence of sleep-disruptive noises.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]NOT APPLICABLE.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to pillows for sleeping.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The following discussion is provided solely to assist the understanding of the reader, and does not constitute an admission that any of the information discussed or references cited constitute prior art to the present invention.[0004]Historically, a conventional pillow supports and cushions a sleeper's head thereby providing comfort but provides little or no noise or light abatement. The poor sound deadening properties are due to a combination of selection of materials that are not efficient sound deadeners, and configuration that does not lend itself to efficiently covering the user's ears.[0005]Typically, when it is desirable to reduce noise levels, ear plugs are used. However, for many individuals, earplugs are annoying to use and also readily become soiled and / or lost. Likewise, some individuals use eye masks to reduce light ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention concerns a sleep pillow that is designed to improve sleep by reducing noise experienced by the user. The reduction in noise is accomplished using a cushion, e.g., a foam cushion, that wraps around the back and sides of a user's head, covering the ears. Additionally, the wrap-around pillows provide thermal insulation during cold conditions. In some advantageous embodiments, the pillow also includes an eye covering to block light, assisting a person to obtain restful sleep even when there is significant ambient light. Due to the preferred configuration of the cushion in a three section design, the pillow allows for both closed (wrapped around a person's head) and open (the unit lying flat) use.

[0012]Also in particular embodiments, the pillow also includes ear coverings in each of the left section and the right section; the ear coverings include depressions, thereby reducing pressure on a user's ears; the ear coverings are or include ear muffs; the ear coverings include earphones; the earphones are functionally connected with noise canceling circuitry; the earphones are functionally connected with timed alarm circuitry; the earphones are functionally connected with audio input, e.g., white noise, pink noise, music, radio, mp3 or other digital audio format, or the like.

[0014]In a related aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing noise disturbances during sleep for a user by fastening a pillow of the preceding aspect around a user's head in preparation for and during sleep.

Problems solved by technology

The poor sound deadening properties are due to a combination of selection of materials that are not efficient sound deadeners, and configuration that does not lend itself to efficiently covering the user's ears.

However, for many individuals, earplugs are annoying to use and also readily become soiled and / or lost.

Images