Pneumatically adjustable head support system for the treatment of neck hyperextension

Abstract

A system for supporting a head and a neck of a patient comprising a head support apparatus, a pneumatic control unit, and a plurality of air lines coupled to the pneumatic control unit and the head support apparatus. The head support apparatus comprising a head support frame coupled to a body brace. The head support frame includes a plurality of air bladders. The head support apparatus is configured to support, adjust position, and adjust orientation of the head and neck of the patient within the head support apparatus using the plurality of air bladders.

Description

Pneumatically Adjustable Head Support System for the Treatment of Neck HyperextensionTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This specification relates to medical equipment. More particularly, the present specification relates to medical braces for the head and neck.BACKGROUND

[0002] Neck hyperextension is a problem that frequently occurs with patients at end-of-life. Patients in end-of-life care often will experience weakening muscles. As a patient’s muscle tone weakens, the stronger posterior neck muscles overpower the weaker anterior neck muscles. This causes the head to rotate backwards and the neck to arch. This hyperextension of the neck is uncomfortable for the patient and can make basic life functions difficult including breathing, eating, drinking, talking, and viewing their surroundings.

[0003] Current treatment for neck hyperextension is lacking. There are currently no medications that directly address neck hyperextension. There currently is no durable medical equipment that directly addresses the problem. Sometimes a rigid cervical collar is used, but it is not a comfortable device, is difficult to place, can restrict breathing, may cause skin tears and / or pressure wounds. The rigid cervical collar also tends to distort the patient’s lower face, which is visually unnatural and unpleasant for the patient and the patient’s visitors. Another common treatment for neck hyperextension is to place a folded bed pillow or rolled up towel behind the patient’s head, but they are easily displaced or flattened and not likely to remain in a useful position when the patient turns or is turned. A pillow or towel does not conform to the back of the neck up to the back of the-i-skull to provide the necessary support to force the neck toward flexion and back into physiologic neutral.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations thereof. Like reference numbers and characters are used to designate identical, corresponding, or similar components in different figures. The figures associated with this disclosure typically are not drawn with dimensional accuracy to scale, i.e., such drawings have been drafted with a focus on clarity of viewing and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a front view of a patient in a first embodiment pneumatically adjustable head support system 100.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a rear view of a patient in a first embodiment pneumatically adjustable head support system 100.

[0007] Fig. 3Ais a side sectional view 1-1 of the head support apparatus 102 in Fig. 2.

[0008] Fig. 3B is a top sectional view 2-2 of the head support frame 150 in Fig. 3 A.

[0009] Fig. 4Ais a side sectional view 3-3 of the head support apparatus 102 in Fig. 2.

[0010] Fig. 4B is a top sectional view 4-4 of the head support frame 150 in Fig. 4A.

[0011] Fig. 5 is a top view of the pneumatic control unit 108 from the first embodiment pneumatically adjustable head support system 100 of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 6 is a side view of a patient 232 in a second embodiment pneumatically adjustable head support system 200.

[0013] Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of a patient 232 in the second embodiment pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 with the left side of the head support apparatus 202 cut away.

[0014] Fig. 8 is a perspective view from the left front of the head support apparatus 202 of the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a perspective view from the top left front of the head support apparatus 202 of the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.

[0016] Fig. 10 is a perspective view from the bottom left rear of the head support apparatus 202 of the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.

[0017] Fig. 11 is a perspective view from the front of the head support apparatus 202 of the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.

[0018] Fig. 12 is a perspective view from the rear of the head support apparatus 202 of the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.

[0019] Fig. 13 is a side view from the left of the head support apparatus 202 of the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.

[0020] Fig. 14 is a top view of the head support apparatus 202 of the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.

[0021] Fig. 15 is a top view of the head support apparatus 202 of the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.

[0022] Fig. 16 is a top view of the pneumatic control unit 208 from the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 of Fig. 6.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In describing the one or more representative embodiments of the inventive subject matter, use of directional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below”, “in front of,” “behind,” etc., unless otherwise stated, are intended to describe the positions and / or orientations of various components relative to one another as shown in the various Figures and are not intended to impose limitations on any position and / or orientation of any component relative to any reference point external to the Figures.

[0024] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of representative embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementationspecific decisions must be made in order to achieve specific goals, such as compliance with application and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the representative embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the claims. It will, of course, be understood that modifications of the representative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent only after study, others being matters of routine mechanical, chemical and electronic design. No single feature, function or property of the representative embodiments is essential. In addition to the embodiments described, other embodiments of the inventive subject matter are possible, their specific designs depending upon the particular application. Anyembodiment described as “comprising” includes the case of “consisting only of.” The scope of the inventive subject matter should not be limited by the particular embodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.FIRST REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENT - STRUCTURE

[0025] FIGs. 1-2 show front and rear views of a first embodiment of a pneumatically adjustable head support system 100. The pneumatically adjustable head support system 100 is a system for supporting the head 134 of a patient 132 and alleviating hyperextension of the neck of the patient 132. The pneumatically adjustable head support system 100 comprises a head support apparatus 102, a pneumatic control unit 108, and a plurality of air lines (104, 106). The patient 132 is lying prone on his or her back when using the pneumatically adjustable head support system 100. Use of directional terms herein such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “in front of,” “behind,” etc., are from the perspective of the patient 132 with “top” and “above” referring towards the head 134 of the patient 132 and “bottom” and “below” referring towards the feet of the patient 132.

[0026] Figs 3 A and 4A show side sectional views of the head support apparatus 102. The head support apparatus 102 comprises a head support frame 150 coupled to a body brace 158. The head support frame 150 is configured to support, adjust the position, and adjust the orientation of the head and neck of a patient 132 within the head support apparatus 102 with a plurality of air bladders (124, 126). The body brace 158 is configured to conform to and be positioned on the shoulders and upper torso of the patient 132 and hold the head support frame 150 in a fixed position and orientation relative to the torso of the patient 132.

[0027] The body brace 158 comprises a frame neck connector 110, a frame shoulder crossbar 118, a left shoulder brace 120, and a right shoulder brace 122. The left shoulder brace 120 and the rightshoulder brace 122 are positioned under the frame shoulder crossbar 118 and coupled thereto. The frame neck connector 110 is positioned above the frame shoulder crossbar 118 and coupled thereto. The frame neck connector 110 is positioned below the head support frame 150 and coupled thereto. Each of the shoulder braces (120, 122) is configured to wrap over the upper chest, a shoulder, and an upper back of the patient 132. The shoulder braces (120, 122) have a primary function of positioning the head support apparatus 102 on the patient 132. The portions of the shoulder braces (120, 122) under the back of the patient 132 are configured to use the weight of the patient 132 to anchor the head support apparatus 102 in place against the surface on which the patient 132 is lying.

[0028] Fig. 3B and 4B show top sectional views of the head support frame 150. The head support frame 150 comprises a head frame right panel 112, a head frame left panel 114 and a frame back panel 116. The head frame right panel 112 and the head frame left panel 114 are coupled to the frame back panel 116 such that when the head 134 of the patient 132 is correctly positioned within the head support frame 150, the frame back panel 116 is positioned behind a back side of the head 134 of the patient 132, the head frame left panel 114 is positioned to the left of the head 134 of the patient 132, and the head frame right panel 112 is positioned to the right of the head 134 of the patient 132. The head support frame 150 is constructed of rigid material, such as metal or plastic, of sufficient thickness to provide adequate rigidity.

[0029] The head support apparatus 102 has a plurality of head cushions coupled to the head support frame. A right head cushion 130 is coupled to head frame right panel 112 and a left head cushion 128 is coupled to the head frame left panel 114. The head cushions are configured to provide comfortable lateral support to the head 134 of the patient 132. In the first embodiment, thehead cushions (128, 130) are easily removeable and re-attachable, held in place with Velcro or other suitable fastening mechanisms. The head cushions (128, 130) are constructed of a soft compressible material such as polyurethane or other suitable material. The head cushions (128, 130) can be removed and replaced with thicker or thinner cushions to obtain a better fit for a particular patient. The intention is to obtain a fit that is not too tight and constricting but just enough to prevent the head 134 of a patient 132 with weak neck muscles from flopping over to one side. In other embodiments, the head cushions (128, 130) are fixed and not easily removeable and reattachable. In the first embodiment, the head cushions (128, 130) have a rectangular box shape, but in other embodiments they may have a cylindrical or other suitable shape.

[0030] The head support frame 150 further comprises an upper air bladder 124 and a lower air bladder 126. The upper air bladder 124 is coupled to an upper portion of an anterior side of the frame back panel 116 in a position such that it is behind an upper portion of the head 134 of the patient 132, when the patient 132 is using the pneumatically adjustable head support system 100. The lower air bladder 126 is coupled to a lower portion of the anterior side of the frame back panel 116 in a position such that it is behind the neck and a lower portion of the head 134 of the patient 132, when the patient 132 is properly using the pneumatically adjustable head support system 100. The air bladders (124, 126) are made of air-tight materials such as urethane, vinyl, rubber, plastic, or polyurethane. The air bladders (124, 126) each have an outer wall and an interior volume that expands when air is added and contracts when air is removed. The upper air bladder 124 has an inlet that connects the interior volume of the upper air bladder 124 to an upper bladder air line 104. The lower air bladder 126 has an inlet that connects the interior volume of the lower air bladder126 to a lower bladder air line 106. The air bladders (124, 126) each have the shape of an oval cylinder when fully inflated, the long axis of the oval parallel to the frame back panel 116. Theends of the air bladders (124, 126) each have oval panels in the first embodiment. In other embodiments, each end may be tapered to a single edge. In other embodiments, the air bladders (124, 126) may have the shape of rectangular tubes when fully inflated, or other suitable shape.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a top view of the pneumatic control unit 108 for the pneumatically adjustable head support system 100. The pneumatic control unit 108 has an air compressor 140, a pneumatic control manifold 142, air line connectors 148, an electronic controller 144, and one or more control buttons 146. The pneumatic control manifold 142 is configured to control the flow of air from and to the various air line connectors 148. The pneumatic control manifold 142 is controlled by the electronic controller 144 based on input from the control buttons 146. The pneumatic control manifold 142 is configured to, upon an appropriate signal from the electronic controller 144, port compressed air from the compressor 140 to selected one or more of the air line connectors 148. The pneumatic control manifold 142 is configured to, upon an appropriate signal from the electronic controller 144, vent air from selected one or more of the air line connectors 148. In other embodiments, the control buttons 146 may be replaced with other suitable control mechanisms.FIRST REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENT - OPERATIONS

[0032] The patient 132 reclines on his or her back on a mattress or other suitable surface. The head 134 and shoulders of the patient 132 are lifted up and the head support apparatus 102 is slid into place with the head 134 of the patient 132 between the shoulder braces (120, 122), with the rear portions of the shoulder braces (120 , 122) under the upper back of the patient 132, and with the front portions of the shoulder braces (120, 122) over the upper chest of the patient 132. The head support frame 150 is adjusted as necessary so that the upper portion of the head 134 of the patient 132 is in front of the upper air bladder 124 and the neck and lower portion of the head 134 of thepatient 132 is in front of the lower air bladder 126. One end of the upper bladder air line 104 and one end of the lower bladder air line 106 are connected to the air line connectors 148 on the pneumatic control unit 108 and the other ends are connected to the upper air bladder 124 and the lower air bladder 126, respectively.

[0033] Using appropriate control buttons 146 on the pneumatic control unit 108, the lower air bladder 126 is inflated until it contacts and supports the neck and lower portions of the head 134 of the patient 132. Then using appropriate control buttons 146 on the pneumatic control unit 108, the upper air bladder 124 is inflated until it contacts and lifts the upper portion of the head 134 of the patient 132 so that the neck of the patient 132 is not hyperextended and in a comfortable position. The appropriate control buttons 146 can be used to let air out of the lower air bladder 126 or the lower air bladder 126 if either are over-inflated.

[0034] Instead of the patient 132 reclining on his or her back on a mattress or other suitable surface, the pneumatically adjustable head support system 100 may be used with the patient sitting up. The existing head cushions (128, 130) may have to be removed and replaced with thicker ones to prevent the head 134 of the patient 132 from falling forward and out of the head support frame 150.SECOND REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENT - STRUCTURE

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a side view of a patient 232 in a second representative embodiment pneumatically adjustable head support system 200. Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of a patient 232 in the second embodiment pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 with the left side of the head support apparatus 202 cut away.

[0036] The pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 is a system for supporting the head 234 of a patient 232 and alleviating hyperextension of the neck of the patient 232. The pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 comprises a head support apparatus 202, a pneumatic control unit 208, a remote control unit 254, and a plurality of air lines (204, 206, 264, 266). The patient 232 is lying prone on his or her back when using the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200. Use of directional terms herein such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “in front of,” “behind,” etc., are from the perspective of the patient 232 with “top” and “above” referring towards the head 234 of the patient 232 and “bottom” and “below” referring towards the feet of the patient 232.

[0037] Figs. 7-15 show various views of the head support apparatus 202. The head support apparatus 202 comprises a head support frame 250 coupled to a body brace 258. The head support frame 250 is configured to support the head and neck of a patient 232. The head support frame 250 is configured to support, adjust the position, and adjust the orientation of the head and neck of a patient 232 within the head support apparatus 202 with a plurality of air bladders (224, 226, 236, 238). The body brace 258 is configured to conform to be positioned on the shoulders and upper torso of the patient 232 and hold the head support frame 250 in a fixed position and orientation relative to the torso of the patient 232.

[0038] The body brace 258 comprises one or more frame neck connectors 210, a frame shoulder crossbar 218, a back support brace 252, a left shoulder brace 220, and a right shoulder brace 222. The left shoulder brace 220 and the right shoulder brace 222 are positioned under and forward of the frame shoulder crossbar 218 and coupled thereto. The back support brace 252 is positioned under and to the rear of the frame shoulder crossbar 218 and coupled thereto. The one or moreframe neck connectors 210 are positioned above the frame shoulder crossbar 218 and coupled thereto. The one or more frame neck connectors 210 are positioned below the head support frame 250 and coupled thereto. The left shoulder brace 220 is configured to wrap over the left shoulder and the upper chest of the patient 232. The right shoulder brace 222 is configured to wrap over the right shoulder and the upper chest of the patient 232. The back support brace 252 is configured to extend down from the frame shoulder crossbar 218 behind the back of the patient 232. The shoulder braces (220, 222) have a primary function of positioning the head support apparatus 202 on the patient 232. The back support brace 252 is configured to use the weight of the patient 232 to anchor the head support apparatus 202 in place against the surface on which the patient 232 is lying.

[0039] The head support frame 250 comprises a head support shell 212. The head support shell 212 has a shape that is in conformity with contours of the back and sides of the head and the neck of the patient 232. The head support shell 212 is open to the front, top, and bottom. The head support shell 212 has ear cut-outs 268 on both sides to facilitate unobstructed hearing for the patient 232. The head support shell 212 is constructed of rigid material, such as metal or plastic, of sufficient thickness to provide adequate rigidity.

[0040] The head support frame 250 further comprises one or more head frame attachment brackets 256. Each head frame attachment bracket 256 is coupled to lower exterior portions of the head support shell 212 and configured to couple with one of the frame neck connectors 210 of the body brace 258. In the second embodiment, the head frame attachment brackets 256 are configured to easily uncouple and re-couple with the frame neck connectors 210. In the second embodiment, the head frame attachment brackets 256 are configured to couple the frame neck connectors 210 inmultiple coupling positions, each positioning the head support shell 212 a different distance from the body brace 258 than the other coupling positions. In the second embodiment, the frame neck connectors 210 are ladder tabs (straps) and the head frame attachment brackets 256 are ratcheting brackets, each having a slot for insertion of the ladder tab and a pawl configured to engage with the gaps between the rungs of the ladder tab. In other embodiments, the head frame attachment brackets 256 may engage with the frame neck connectors 210 using a different suitable mechanism.

[0041] The head support apparatus 202 has a plurality of head cushions (228, 230) coupled to the head support shell 212. A right head cushion 230 is coupled to the interior right side of the head support shell 212 above the right side ear cut-out 268. A left head cushion 228 is coupled to the interior left side of the head support shell 212 above the left side ear cut-out 268. The head cushions (228, 230) are configured to provide comfortable lateral support to the head 234 of the patient 232. In the second embodiment, the head cushions (228, 230) are easily removeable and re-attachable, held in place with Velcro or other suitable fastening mechanisms. The head cushions (228, 230) are constructed of a soft compressible material such as polyurethane or other suitable material. The head cushions (228, 230) can be removed and replaced with thicker or thinner cushions to obtain a better fit for a particular patient. The intention is to obtain a fit that is not too tight and constricting but just enough to prevent the head 234 of a patient 232 with weak neck muscles from flopping over to one side. In other embodiments, the head cushions (228, 230) are fixed and not easily removeable and re-attachable. In the second embodiment, the head cushions (228, 230) have a rectangular box shape, but in other embodiments they may have a cylindrical or other suitable shape.

[0042] The head support frame 250 further comprises an upper right air bladder 224, an upper left air bladder 236, a lower right air bladder 226, and a lower left air bladder 238. The upper right air bladder 224 is coupled to an upper portion of interior side of the head support shell 212 to the right of the centerline of the head support shell 212 in a position such that it is behind an upper right portion of the head 234 of the patient 232, when the patient 232 is properly using the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200. The upper left air bladder 236 is coupled to an upper portion of interior side of the head support shell 212 to the left of the centerline of the head support shell 212 in a position such that it is behind an upper left portion of the head 234 of the patient 232, when the patient 232 is properly using the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200. The lower right air bladder 226 is coupled to a lower portion of interior side of the head support shell 212 to the right of the centerline of the head support shell 212 in a position such that it is behind a lower right portion of the head 234 of the patient 232, when the patient 232 is properly using the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200. The lower left air bladder 238 is coupled to a lower portion of interior side of the head support shell 212 to the left of the centerline of the head support shell 212 in a position such that it is behind a lower left portion of the head 234 of the patient 232, when the patient 232 is properly using the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200.

[0043] The air bladders (224, 226, 236. 238) are made of air-tight materials such as urethane, vinyl, rubber, plastic, or polyurethane. The bladders (224, 226, 236. 238) each have an outer wall and an interior volume that expands when air is added and contracts when air is removed. The upper right air bladder 224 has an inlet that connects the interior volume of the upper right air bladder 224 to an upper right bladder air line 264. The lower right air bladder 226 has an inlet that connects the interior volume of the lower right air bladder 226 to a lower right bladder air line 266.The upper left air bladder 236 has an inlet that connects the interior volume of the upper left air bladder 236 to an upper left bladder air line 204. The lower left air bladder 238 has an inlet that connects the interior volume of the lower left air bladder 238 to a lower left bladder air line 206. The upper air bladders (224, 236) each have the shape of a rectangular box when fully inflated, concave on the side facing the head 234 of the patient 232, and convex on the side facing the head support shell 212, following the contours of the head support shell 212. The lower air bladders (226, 238) each have the shape of a rectangular box when fully inflated, convex on the side facing the head 234 of the patient 232, and concave on the side facing the head support shell 212, following the contours of the head support shell 212. In other embodiments, the air bladders (224, 226, 236. 238) may have other suitable shapes. In other embodiments, the upper air bladders (224, 236) may be combined in a single upper air bladder. In other embodiments, the lower air bladders (226, 238) may be combined in a single upper air bladder.

[0044] Fig. 16 is a top view of the pneumatic control unit 208 for the second embodiment pneumatically adjustable head support system 200. The pneumatic control unit 208 has an air compressor 240, a pneumatic control manifold 242, air line connectors 248, and an electronic controller 244. The remote control unit 254 communicates wirelessly with the pneumatic control unit 208 to send commands to the electronic controller 244. In alternative embodiments, the pneumatic control unit 208 has one or more control buttons 246 to send commands to the electronic controller 244 instead of or in addition to the remote control unit 254. The pneumatic control manifold 242 is configured to control the flow of air from and to the various air line connectors 248. The pneumatic control manifold 242 is controlled by the electronic controller 244 based on input from the control buttons 246. The pneumatic control manifold 242 is configured to, upon an appropriate signal from the electronic controller 244, port compressed air from the compressor 240to select one or more of the air line connectors 248. The pneumatic control manifold 242 is configured to, upon an appropriate signal from the electronic controller 244, vent air from select one or more of the air line connectors 248. In other embodiments, the control buttons 246 may be replaced with other suitable control mechanisms.SECOND REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENT - OPERATIONS

[0045] The patient 232 reclines on his or her back on a mattress or other suitable surface. The head 234 and shoulders of the patient 232 are lifted up and the head support apparatus 202 is slid into place with the head 234 of the patient 232 between the shoulder braces (220, 222), with the back support brace 252 under the upper back of the patient 232, and with the shoulder braces (220,222) over the upper chest of the patient 232. The head support frame 250 is adjusted as necessary so that the upper portion of the head 234 of the patient 232 is in front of the upper air bladders (224, 236) and the neck and lower portion of the head 234 of the patient 232 is in front of the lower air bladders (226. 238). This adjustment can be facilitated by changing the coupling position of the frame neck connectors 210 in the head frame attachment brackets 256. One end of each of the bladder air lines (204, 206, 264, 266) is connected to the inlet of the respective one of the air bladders (224, 226, 236, 238) and the other end is connected to the respective one of the air line connectors 148 on the pneumatic control unit 108 that is dedicated for that particular air line and air bladder.

[0046] Using appropriate control buttons on the remote control unit 254, the lower air bladders (226. 238) are inflated until they contact and support the neck and lower portions of the head 234 of the patient 232. Then using appropriate control buttons on the remote control unit 254, the upper air bladders (224, 236) are inflated until they contact and lift the upper portion of the head 234 ofthe patient 232 until the neck of the patient 232 is not hyperextended and in a comfortable position. The appropriate control buttons on the remote control unit 254 can be used to add air or let air out of any one of the air bladders (224, 226, 236, 238) if any are over-inflated or under-inflated.

[0047] Instead of the patient 232 reclining on his or her back on a mattress or other suitable surface, the pneumatically adjustable head support system 200 may be used with the patient sitting up. The existing head cushions (228, 230) may have to be removed and replaced with thicker ones to prevent the head 234 of the patient 232 from falling forward and out of the head support frame250.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is1. A system for supporting a head and a neck of a patient comprising: a head support apparatus comprising a head support frame coupled to a body brace, wherein the head support frame includes a plurality of air bladders, wherein the head support apparatus is configured to support, adjust position, and adjust orientation of the head and neck of the patient within the head support apparatus using the plurality of air bladders.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the head support frame comprises a head frame right panel, a head frame left panel, and a frame back panel; wherein, the head frame right panel and the head frame left panel are coupled to the frame back panel; and wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the frame back panel is positioned behind the head of the patient, the head frame left panel is positioned left of the head of the patient and the head frame right panel is positioned right of the head of the patient.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the head support frame comprises a plurality of head cushions coupled to the head support frame .

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the head cushions provide lateral support to the head of the patient.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein a left head cushion is positioned left of the head of the patient and a right head cushion is positioned right of the head of the patient.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the head cushions are removeable and re-attachable.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of air bladders comprises an upper air bladder and a lower air bladder; wherein the upper air bladder and the lower air bladder are coupled to the frame back panel; and wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the upper air bladder is positioned behind the head of the patient and the lower air bladder is positioned behind the neck of the patient.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the body brace comprises a frame shoulder crossbar, a frame neck connector, a left shoulder brace, and a right shoulder brace; wherein the frame shoulder crossbar is coupled to the frame neck connector; wherein each of the shoulder braces is coupled to the frame shoulder crossbar; wherein each of the shoulder braces is configured to extend from the frame shoulder crossbar and over an upper chest of the patient; wherein each of the shoulder braces is configured to extend from the frame shoulder crossbar and under an upper back of the patient; and wherein the head support frame is coupled to the body brace by the frame neck connector.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a pneumatic control unit configured to control air flow to and from the plurality of air bladders; and a plurality of air lines coupled to the pneumatic control unit and the head support apparatus, configured to transport air between the pneumatic control unit and the plurality of air bladders.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the pneumatic control unit comprises a compressor, a pneumatic control manifold, a plurality of air line connectors, and an electronic controller; andwherein the compressor is coupled to the air line connectors via the pneumatic control manifold; wherein the pneumatic control manifold controls air flow to and from the air line connectors; and wherein the electronic controller is configured to control the pneumatic control manifold and the compressor.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the head support frame comprises a head frame right panel, a head frame left panel, and a frame back panel; wherein the head frame right panel and the head frame left panel are coupled to the frame back panel; wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the frame back panel is positioned behind the head of the patient, the head frame left panel is positioned left of the head of the patient and the head frame right panel is positioned right of the head of the patient; wherein the head support frame comprises a plurality of head cushions coupled to the head support frame ; wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the head cushions provide lateral support to the head of the patient; wherein a left head cushion is positioned left of the head of the patient and a right head cushion is positioned right of the head of the patient; wherein the head cushions are removeable and re-attachable; wherein the plurality of air bladders comprises an upper air bladder and a lower air bladder; wherein the upper air bladder and the lower air bladder are coupled to the frame back panel; wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the upper air bladder is positioned behind the head of the patient and the lower air bladder is positioned behind the neck of the patient; wherein the body brace comprises a frame shoulder crossbar, a frame neck connector, a left shoulder brace, and a right shoulder brace;wherein the frame shoulder crossbar is coupled to the frame neck connector; wherein each of the shoulder braces is coupled to the frame shoulder crossbar; wherein each of the shoulder braces is configured to extend from the frame shoulder crossbar and over an upper chest of the patient; wherein each of the shoulder braces is configured to extend from the frame shoulder crossbar and under an upper back of the patient; and wherein the head support frame is coupled to the body brace by the frame neck connector.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the head support frame comprises a head support shell.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the head support shell is open to front, top, and bottom.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the head support shell has a shape that is in conformity to contours of back and sides of the head and the neck of the patient.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the head support shell has an ear cut-out on each of a left and a right side of the head support shell.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the head support frame comprises a plurality of head cushions coupled to the head support frame.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the head cushions provide lateral support to the head of the patient.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein a left head cushion is positioned left of the head of the patient and a right head cushion is positioned right of the head of the patient.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the head cushions are removeable and re-attachable.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of air bladders comprises an upper right air bladder, a lower right air bladder, an upper left air bladder, and a lower left air bladder; wherein the upper right air bladder, the lower right air bladder, the upper left air bladder, and the lower left air bladder are coupled to a rear interior of the head support shell; and wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the upper left air bladder and upper right air bladder are positioned behind the head of the patient and the lower left air bladder and lower right air bladder are positioned behind the neck of the patient.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the upper left air bladder and the upper right air bladder have anterior sides that are concave; and wherein the lower left air bladder and the lower right air bladder have anterior sides that are convex.

22. The system of claim 12, wherein the body brace comprises a frame shoulder crossbar, one or more frame neck connectors, a back support brace, a left shoulder brace, and a right shoulder brace; wherein the frame shoulder crossbar is coupled to the one or more frame neck connectors; wherein each of the shoulder braces is coupled to the frame shoulder crossbar; wherein each of the shoulder braces is configured to extend from the frame shoulder crossbar and over an upper chest of the patient; wherein the back support brace is configured to extend from the frame shoulder crossbar and under an upper back of the patient; and wherein the head support frame is coupled to the body brace by the one or more frame neck connectors.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the head support frame further comprises one or more head frame attachment brackets coupled to lower exterior portions of the head support shell and each configured to couple with one of the frame neck connectors of the body brace.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the head frame attachment brackets are configured to easily uncouple and recouple with the frame neck connectors.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the head frame attachment brackets are configured to couple the frame neck connectors in multiple coupling positions, each positioning the head support shell a different distance from the body brace than other coupling positions.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein the frame neck connectors each comprise a ladder tab; and wherein the head frame attachment brackets are ratcheting brackets, each with a slot to accept the ladder tab of one of the frame neck connectors, each of the head frame attachment brackets having a pawl to engage one of a plurality of gaps in the ladder tab in the slot.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein the head support frame comprises a head support shell; wherein the head support shell has a shape that is in conformity to contours of back and sides of the head and the neck of the patient; wherein the head support shell is open to front, top, and bottom; wherein the head support shell has an ear cut-out on each of a left and a right side of the head support shell; wherein the head support frame comprises a plurality of head cushions coupled to the head support frame; wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the head cushions provide lateral support to the head of the patient;wherein a left head cushion is positioned left of the head of the patient and a right head cushion is positioned right of the head of the patient; wherein the head cushions are removeable and re-attachable; wherein the plurality of air bladders comprises an upper right air bladder, a lower right air bladder, an upper left air bladder, and a lower left air bladder; wherein the upper right air bladder, the lower right air bladder, the upper left air bladder, and the lower left air bladder are coupled to a rear interior of the head support shell; wherein the head support frame is configured such that when supporting the head of the patient, the upper left air bladder and upper right air bladder are positioned behind the head of the patient and the lower left air bladder and lower right air bladder are positioned behind the neck of the patient; wherein the upper left air bladder and the upper right air bladder are concave on an anterior side; wherein the lower left air bladder and the lower right air bladder are convex on the anterior side; wherein the body brace comprises a frame shoulder crossbar, one or more frame neck connectors, a back support brace, a left shoulder brace, and a right shoulder brace; wherein the frame shoulder crossbar is coupled to the one or more frame neck connectors; wherein each of the shoulder braces is coupled to the frame shoulder crossbar; wherein each of the shoulder braces is configured to extend from the frame shoulder crossbar and over an upper chest of the patient; wherein the back support brace is configured to extend from the frame shoulder crossbar and under an upper back of the patient; and wherein the head support frame is coupled to the body brace by the one or more frame neck connectors.

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