Head and/or neck support device and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to spinal support and a means for support and alignment for the neck in the side, supine or semi prone or prone positions comprising; supporting the user's head and/or neck in a first user position with a first adjustable support means adapted to locate the user's head and/or neck at a first height relative to a supporting surface for the user; supporting the user's head and/or neck in a second user position with a second adjustable support means adapted to locate the user's head and/or neck at a second height relative to a supporting surface for the user; wherein the first and second heights relative to the supporting surface for the user are substantially different such that substantially constant cervical spinal alignment for the user is maintained in both positions.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2010904735 in the name of Tri-cycle Pty Ltd, which was filed on 25 Oct. 2010, entitled “Method, System and Apparatus for Support” and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2011904017 in the name of Tri-cycle Pty Ltd, which was filed on 30 Sep. 2011 and also entitled “Method, System and Apparatus for Support” and the specifications thereof are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to spinal support. In particular, in one form the present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus providing support for the head, neck and / or upper spine in a resting, sleeping or generally horizontal position. In one particular form, the invention relates to a means for providing support and alignment for the neck in the side, supine or semi prone or prone positions. While it will be convenient...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0046]The use of self adjusting stabilising bars allow for an inner frame / shell and supporting straps to remain horizontal to the support surface.

Problems solved by technology

In practice as a physiotherapist in the field of spinal manipulative physiotherapy, the inventor has recognised that a cause of neck pain may be inappropriate pillows or inadequate support to the upper spine when resting or sleeping.

However, it is also important to realise that people with not only painful conditions of the neck but also those with asymptomatic necks may have difficulty in finding a suitable pillow which will provide for support and comfort to the neck and upper spine and which can cater to the natural change in position of a person as they sleep or rest in the horizontal, including particularly the side and supine (on back) positions.

In the past, manufacturers have tried to solve these issues by using contour pillows to assist with support but this does not necessarily solve the problems of having differing support needs in different positions.

Contour pillows allow for increased neck support but do not necessarily vary support with a change in height of the subject's head.

Pillows of the prior art that are contoured in a particular form or moulded in a certain way often have limited flexibility and do not allow free movement during sleep.

They may also limit the positions the user may take during rest and sleep, and this can cause discomfort.

Other solutions have involved the trialling of air and water adjusting devices to assist with head position but this does not solve the problem outlined above.

The advent of memory foam has assisted but not solved the entire issue noted above.

For example, the use of different materials has addressed the ability for a pillow to conform to a single sleeping position but does not accommodate more than one sleep or rest position as the properties of memory foam or other such materials do not adequately address the height differential issue noted above with respect to multiple positions.

Further, the use of memory foam does not allow for enough height reduction or gain due to the behaviour or capacity of the material itself.

The height issue is still not solved in both supine and sidelye or prone and semi-prone positions.

Furthermore, there are a number of specific devices and measures that are used in healthcare and / or for well being that have not necessarily been successfully integrated with the use of cushions or pillows in supporting the head, neck and upper spine.

For example, sleep apnea (CPAP) masks, as would be recognised by the person skilled in the art, are designed for their own specific purpose and whilst they are also designed for use during sleep, they may be uncomfortable.

In this instance there are immobilisation devices such as, for example, a halo thoracic immobilization device as would be recogninsed by the person skilled in the art, which are cumbersome for the patient that wants to rest or sleep.

Ordinarily these devices, if they can be worn by a user or located close to the person's ears, for example, then they only tend to be a hindrance to the comfort of the person when seeking a cushioned support for their head, neck, shoulders and upper spine.

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