Body support and alignment pillow

Abstract

There is provided a body alignment and support pillow. The pillow includes a first portion that is substantially rectangular in profile and tapered at least in part. The first portion of the pillow is positionable under the chest and abdomen of a user during lateral slumber and promotes laterally upright positioning of the user's back, shoulders, and pelvis. The pillow includes a second portion that aligns with and is integrally formed with the first portion of the pillow. The second portion of the pillow is substantially rectangular in profile and is positionable between the user's thighs and knees. The pillow includes recessed regions extending between the first portion of the pillow and the second portion of the pillow. The second portion of the pillow is at least in part thinner in cross-section than the first portion of the pillow.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]There is provided a pillow. In particular, there is provided a body support and alignment pillow.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002]People sometimes lay on their sides when they sleep. However, after a while, they may become uncomfortable; a person's neck, shoulders, back, and / or pelvic region may start to ache because their shoulder may drop forward and their back may arch inwards from their stomach. The person's chest may drop towards to mattress. Their stomach may stick out in a forward direction as the stomach muscles relax. This action of the stomach may flex and twist the spine into the wrong position, and may place an inward curve and twist on the neck, back, hips and knees. This action may result in a further dropping of the stomach towards the mattress, which may thus make for an uncomfortable sleep. These factors may twist the person's spine into an awkward position and may also place the person's hips into an awkward position.[0003]Also, when ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]There is accordingly provided a body alignment and support pillow for a user. The pillow includes an upper, torso-supporting portion shaped to support and be at least partially positioned underneath the chest and abdomen during lateral slumber. The upper portion of the pillow promotes laterally upright positioning of the shoulder, back and pelvis. It functions to promote squaring of the shoulders and thighs and supports the abdomen and pelvic area in their natural position. If the abdomen protrudes forward, the muscles may pull the pelvis down and forward, creating an excessive curve in the lower torso and causing the abdomen to protrude forward even more. The resulting pressure on the lower spine may eventually cause dysfunction and injury. The pillow includes a lower, thigh and knee-supporting portion which is positionable between the thighs and knees of the user. The lower portion of the pillow aligns with the upper portion of the pillow.

[0017]According to a further aspect, there is a provided a body alignment and support pillow for a user. The pillow includes a means for promoting laterally upright positioning of the shoulders, neck, back and pelvis during lateral slumber. The pillow includes a means for cushioning knees and holding in place the means for promoting positioning of the back.

[0018]According to another aspect, there is provided a method of aligning and supporting a person's body during lateral slumber. The method includes using a body alignment and support pillow. The pillow has an upper portion with a tapered section and a lower portion aligned with the upper portion thereof. The method includes positioning the tapered section of the upper portion of the pillow underneath the chest and abdomen. The upper portion of the pillow promotes laterally upright positioning of the shoulders, chest, abdomen, back and pelvis thereby. The method includes positioning the lower portion of the pillow between the thighs and knees. The lower portion of the pillow supports the knees and holds the upper portion of the pillow in place.

Problems solved by technology

If the abdomen protrudes forward, the muscles may pull the pelvis down and forward, creating an excessive curve in the lower torso and causing the abdomen to protrude forward even more.

The resulting pressure on the lower spine may eventually cause dysfunction and injury.

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