Sleep posture support bedding

Abstract

[Problem] To make prevention of roll-over of a user and maintenance of the prone position possible and at the same time to reduce discomfort during sleep, and to improve sleep apnea syndrome. [Solution] The present invention comprises: a first length adjustable member 2 which is configured to have an adjustable dimension in the length direction; a posture maintaining member 3 which is connected to one side end portion of the first length adjustable member 2; and a base material 4 which is connected to the other side end portion of the first length adjustable member 2, wherein one side end portion of the posture maintaining member 3 is connected to said one side end portion of the first length adjustable member 2, a second length adjustable member 13 configured to have an adjustable dimension in the length direction is connected to the other side end portion of the posture maintaining member 3, and the base material 4 has a tapered shape which has an inclination such that the head side of a user M is higher in the vertical direction while the foot side is lower in height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to bedding for a person with apnea or the like to maintain a sleeping posture in a certain body position.

Background Art

[0002] Sleep apnea is one of the sleep disorders in which breathing during sleep becomes difficult. It is known that the symptoms are likely to occur when the upper airway is blocked by the sinking of the root of the tongue or when the upper airway becomes narrow due to obesity. The symptoms of apnea are particularly likely to occur when sleeping in the supine position (lying face up) where the root of the tongue sinks due to gravity. Therefore, it is effective to avoid the supine position and take the lateral position or the prone position (lying face down) during sleep.

[0003] However, a person turns over about 30 to 40 times a night, and it is difficult to keep the lateral position or the prone position throughout the night. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1 for example, there is known a technique of preventing supine sleep by wearing a back-mounted supine sleep prevention device provided with an adjustable-length backpack belt 2 and a lateral displacement prevention belt 5 and sleeping with it on the back to maintain the lateral position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above prior art, there is a problem that during sleep, the lateral displacement prevention belt 5 constantly tightens the body, causing stress and making it impossible to sleep well. Also, when trying to reduce the tightening and loosen the lateral displacement prevention belt 5, problems such as the back-mounted supine sleep prevention device coming off the back and the effect not being obtained occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a sleeping posture support bedding comprising: a first length-adjustable member configured to be adjustable in length; a posture-holding member connected to one end of the first length-adjustable member; and a base material connected to the other end of the first length-adjustable member, wherein one end of the posture-holding member is connected to the one end of the first length-adjustable member, a second length-adjustable member configured to be adjustable in length is connected to the other end of the posture-holding member, and the base material has a tapered shape with an incline such that the user's head side is higher in the vertical direction and the foot side is lower in height.

[0007] According to the present invention, the user's posture during sleep can be maintained in a prone position. In this case, the body can be moved within a certain range by the length-adjustable member, thus reducing discomfort compared to conventional technology in which the user is always confined to a relatively narrow range during sleep. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the posture-holding member prevents the user from turning over in their sleep, allowing them to maintain a prone position. Furthermore, the first length-adjustable member ensures a certain space between the posture-holding member and the user, preventing constriction and allowing for comfortable sleep. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of the use of the posture-supporting bedding according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a mattress. [Figure 3] These are front and side views of a posture-supporting bedding device. [Figure 4] This is a view from direction C in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows measurement data of snoring sounds during sleep. [Figure 6] This figure shows a side view of a modified posture support bedding with a tapered base material, and also illustrates snoring noise measurement data. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates how to use a posture-supporting bedding device in a modified configuration where the pillow is tilted. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates how to use a posture-supporting bedding device in a modified configuration where the pillow is placed on the user's upper chest. [Figure 9] These are a front view and a side view of a modified posture support bedding device equipped with a second length-adjustable member. [Figure 10] This is a front view of a foldable, modified posture support bedding. [Figure 11] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a modified use of posture-supporting bedding in combination with a bed. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates a modified method for fixing the angle formed by the first connection part using an angle fixing member. [Figure 13] This is a side view of a modified posture support bedding device, showing a case where user M's head and forehead are positioned vertically to be approximately horizontal or higher to user M's shoulders. [Figure 14] This is a view from direction C in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is a front view. [Figure 16] This is a left side view showing the overall structure of a modified posture-supporting bedding device that includes a cushion that oscillates in accordance with the user's upper body posture. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the oscillating behavior of a sheet of material. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a posture-supporting bedding device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of the following components is replaced with an equivalent one, and those are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, in the following description, for the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, descriptions of well-known technical matters that are not important are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0011] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view representing an example of use of the posture assisting bedding 1 according to this embodiment. The directions shown in Fig. 1 consist of the vertical up-and-down direction parallel to the vertical direction, and the front-back direction and left-right direction parallel to the horizontal direction, and these directions are orthogonal to each other. The same directions are appropriately applied to Figs. 2 to 12 as well.

[0012] The posture assisting bedding 1 includes a first length adjustable member 2 configured to be adjustable in the dimension of the length direction in the vertical direction, a posture holding member 3 connected to the upper end portion of the first length adjustable member 2, and a base material 4 connected to the lower end portion of the first length adjustable member 2.

[0013] [[ID=1十二]]The user M lies down in a prone position, with at least a part of the upper body sandwiched vertically between the lower surface of the plate-shaped posture holding member 3 and the upper surface of the plate-shaped base material 4. At this time, there is a predetermined distance between the user M and the posture holding member 3 in the vertical direction. This distance is adjusted to a distance such that the user M cannot turn over to a supine position, for example, 90% or less of the shoulder width of the user M. As an example, the distance is, for example, 300 mm or more and 900 mm or less. The futon 5 is disposed above the base material 4. The comforter 6 is disposed below the posture holding member 3 in this figure, but may also be disposed on the posture holding member 3.

[0014] In this diagram, the front-to-back dimension of the base material 4 is such that it does not exceed the length of the user M's upper body. When the base material 4 is positioned below a certain area, including the area below the chest portion of the user M's upper body, it is possible to lower the user M's head and make it easier for them to assume a prone position.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable to leave enough space for the user M's head to breathe in the futon 5 or mattress placed on the base material 4. For example, a mattress 15 with a recess G in the area where the head is located, as shown in Figure 2, may be used. In the following description, when a mattress is used, mattress 15 will be used, but it is not necessary to be limited to this, and a regular mattress may be used.

[0016] Figure 3(a) shows a front view of the posture support bedding 1 as seen from direction A (front direction) in Figure 1, and Figure 3(b) shows a side view of the posture support bedding 1 as seen from direction B (left direction) in Figure 1. Note that in Figure 3(a), the mattress 5 actually hangs further down and covers the base material 4, but for the sake of clarity, it is shown in a horizontal position. In Figure 3(b), the user M and mattress 5 are not shown.

[0017] The first length-adjustable member 2 is equipped with a mechanism that allows it to extend and retract in the vertical direction. In this example, the mechanism comprises a slide shaft 7 and a pair of slide members 9a and 9b, each consisting of a slide shaft 7 and a slide bearing 8 that engages with the slide shaft 7. Through holes are provided in the slide shaft 7 and the slide bearing 8 at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. By sliding the slide shaft 7 and the slide bearing 8 in the vertical direction and fixing them by passing a fastener 10 through their respective through holes to a desired position, the vertical length of the first length-adjustable member 2 can be adjusted arbitrarily. The first length-adjustable member 2 also includes a plate-shaped member 12 between the slide member 9a and the slide member 9b.

[0018] The adjustment range of the slide shaft 7 and slide bearing 8 may have multiple stages, and the adjustment range is, for example, adjustable within the range of 300 mm to 600 mm. For example, it is preferable that it can be adjusted to be less than or equal to the user M's shoulder width (less than 90% of the shoulder width). If it is less than the shoulder width, the user will not be able to turn over in their sleep and will not be able to lie on their back. Furthermore, as another example of the mechanism, for example, an air cylinder that is extendable and retractable in the vertical direction may be arranged at predetermined locations on a pair of sliding members 9a and 9b. In this case, the air cylinder makes it possible to freely move the height of the posture-holding member 3 in the vertical direction while reducing the weight of the posture-holding member 3.

[0019] A posture-holding member 3 is connected to the upper ends of the slide members 9a and 9b, which are included in the first length-adjustable member 2, and a base member 4 is connected to the lower ends of the slide members 9a and 9b.

[0020] In this figure, the posture-holding member 3 is plate-shaped and is made of, for example, metal, wood, or plastic. The posture-holding member 3 is not limited to a plate shape and may also be rod-shaped. For example, the posture-holding member 3 may be made of a flexible arm, such as a rod, that can freely maintain its shape.

[0021] The shape of the base material 4 is not particularly limited, but in this figure it is roughly plate-shaped. When the base material 4 is roughly plate-shaped, the thickness in the vertical direction is preferably, for example, 5 mm or more and 40 mm or less. With the thickness in this range, even if any bedding such as a futon mattress 5 or mattress 15 is placed on top of the base plate 4, the user M can get a comfortable sleeping experience without feeling the thickness of the base material 4. Alternatively, the thickness of the base material 4 in the vertical direction may be, for example, 50 mm or more and 200 mm or less. In this case, the futon mattress 5 rises below the upper body of the user M, causing the user M's head to drop, which in the prone position makes it easier for the base of the tongue to fall to the front of the mouth, thus achieving both the effect of reducing tongue base collapse and the effect of reducing tongue base collapse. More preferably, the thickness is, for example, about 150 mm. If the thickness is less than 50 mm, the effect of lowering the user M's head and reducing tongue base collapse may decrease. If the thickness exceeds 200 mm, the user M's sleeping comfort may decrease. The base material 4 may be constructed by combining pipes or boards to form a frame, or by combining cushioning material with the frame. When cushioning material is used, there is no need to use the mattress 15, and it can be placed on top of the mattress 15 or futon 5. In this case, the combined thickness of the base material and cushioning material is preferably 50 mm to 200 mm or less.

[0022] Furthermore, if the thickness is 5 mm or more, the strength of the base material 4 increases, allowing the first length-adjustable member 2 to be firmly fixed. The base material 4 and the first length-adjustable member 2 can be fixed together, for example, by screws. The base material 4 is made of metal such as SUS or wood. A cushioning material such as urethane or rubber may be placed on the bottom surface (lower surface) of the base material 4, and this cushioning material can prevent scratches on the floor surface on which the posture support bedding 1 of this embodiment is placed.

[0023] One or more convex members 11 are provided in the region of the posture-holding member 3 that faces the base material 4. In this case, three convex members 11 are provided on the bottom surface 3b (lower surface) side of the posture-holding member 3. The convex members 11 are, for example, rectangular parallelepiped, rod-shaped, or triangular prism-shaped. When a user M tries to change their posture while sleeping, their upper body temporarily comes into contact with the convex members 11, causing discomfort, so that the user M does not push the posture-holding member 3 away.

[0024] The first connecting portion 16, which connects the upper end of the first length-adjustable member 2 and the right end of the posture-holding member 3, is configured to allow adjustment of the angle θ between the first length-adjustable member 2 and the posture-holding member 3. In this figure, the right end of the posture-holding member 3 and the upper end of the slide shaft 8 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable by a hinge connection or the like. For example, in this example, the angle θ can be adjusted from 90 degrees to 360 degrees. This allows the user to first set the angle θ to 180 degrees so that the upper surface 3a and bottom surface 3b of the posture-holding member 3 are parallel in the vertical direction before going to sleep, then lie down on the base material 4, and then return to the state shown in Figure 3(a) by setting the angle θ to 90 degrees so that the upper surface 3a and bottom surface 3b of the posture-holding member 3 are parallel in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the posture-holding member 3 may be tilted in the front-to-back direction by rotating it around the connection point between the first length-adjustable member 2 and the base material 4. Therefore, user M does not need to bend down and lean their upper body under the posture-holding member 3, thus preventing user M from straining their lower back.

[0025] Figure 4 shows a view from direction C (upwards) in Figure 1. Note that the mattress 5 and comforter 6 are not shown in this figure. The left-right dimension of the posture-holding member 3 is, for example, 500 mm or more suitable for a single size and 950 mm or less suitable for a semi-double size. The left-right dimension can be arbitrarily selected, but it is preferable that it is at least longer than the shoulder width of the user M. The thickness (vertical dimension) of the posture-holding member 3 is, for example, 10 mm to 50 mm. The front-to-back dimension of the posture-holding member 3 is preferably, for example, long enough to cover at least one-quarter of the user M's height. Having a front-to-back dimension of at least one-quarter of the user M's height prevents the posture-holding member 3 from coming off the user M's upper body due to the user M's sleeping position. The posture-holding member 3 may cover only the user M's waist, or it may cover both the waist and chest. Covering the waist prevents the user M from turning over due to waist rotation. Covering only the waist prevents the user M from feeling confined in the upper body. In this case, the base material 4 is also positioned opposite the posture-holding member 3.

[0026] Figure 5 shows a graph representing the measurement data of snoring sounds during sleep. This measurement was performed using a known sleep analysis application, taking 20 points of snoring volume levels for the same subject over a predetermined period of sleep time (one night in this measurement), and measuring the average value. The vertical axis in the graph shown in Figure 5 represents the relative value of the volume level. The comparative example shows the average snoring volume level on days when the posture support bedding 1 was not used. No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 show the average snoring volume levels on days when the posture support bedding 1 was used, on different days.

[0027] Loud snoring is one of the symptoms of sleep apnea. As shown in Figure 5, in all measurement data from No. 1 to No. 3 using posture support bedding 1, the average snoring level was less than half that of the comparative example without posture support bedding 1. These results demonstrate that posture support bedding 1 has a very high effect in improving the symptoms of sleep apnea.

[0028] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the posture-supporting bedding 1 of this embodiment, the posture-holding member 3 prevents the user from turning over in their sleep, thus maintaining the user's posture in a prone position during sleep. In this case, the user M can move their body to a certain extent within a certain space secured between the posture-holding member 3 and the base material 4 by the first length-adjustable member 2, within a range of approximately shoulder width or less without turning over. Compared to conventional technology, in which the user is constantly constrained in a narrower range than the present invention and experiences tightness during sleep, discomfort is reduced, and comfortable sleep is possible.

[0029] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment in particular, the angle θ between the first length-adjustable member 2 and the posture-holding member 3 can be changed by the first connecting portion 16. Therefore, the user M can lay their body between the first length-adjustable member 2 and the posture-holding member 3 with the angle θ appropriately open, and then maintain a prone position by appropriately closing the angle θ. In addition, by positioning the convex member 11, when the user M tries to turn over, the discomfort caused by contact with the convex member 11 can be prevented, thus discouraging them from turning over and encouraging them to maintain a prone position. Moreover, the convex member 11 can hinder the rotation of the shoulders during turning over, thus preventing turning over.

[0030] <Variation> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit and technical idea. Such modifications will be described in order. The same reference numerals are used for parts equivalent to those in the above embodiments, and descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0031] (1) When the base material 4' has a tapered shape Figure 6(a) shows a modified posture support bedding 1a, viewed from the left, in which the base material 4' has a tapered shape. In this modified example, the base material 4' has a tapered shape with a slope on the upper surface (the surface that contacts the mattress 5) when viewed from the left, such that the head side (rear side) of the user M is higher in the vertical direction, and the foot side (front side) is lower in height. Preferably, the highest point is located at the upper chest. The base material 4' may also include cushioning material, and the cushioning material may also be tapered. Furthermore, Figure 6(b) shows the measurement data of snoring sounds during sleep for this modified example. No. 4 is the measurement data using the posture support bedding 1a of this modified example, and the measurement was performed under the same conditions as described in Figure 5. As a result, in No. 4, which used the posture support bedding 1a, the average level of snoring sound volume was reduced to less than one-quarter compared to the comparative example, and the average level of snoring sound volume was also reduced compared to No. 1 to No. 3, which used the posture support bedding 1 of the embodiment, indicating a very high effect in improving the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome.

[0032] According to this modification, the head side of the base material 4' is higher, which further improves the effect of making it easier for user M to lower their head and secure their airway, resulting in a superior effect in improving the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a pillow N' may be provided, and the user M's forehead may be placed against the tilted pillow N' during use. In this case, it is not limited to simply tilting a pillow N' that has a roughly rectangular shape in side view (or cross-section) as shown in the figure. That is, a pillow N' in which the top surface and bottom surface are not parallel, such that the top surface gives the above-mentioned inclination when the bottom surface is horizontal, may be used, and the pillow N' may be placed stably with the bottom surface in contact with the futon 5 or mattress (or floor surface), while the inclined top surface is placed against the user M's forehead. In short, it is sufficient to have a pillow that holds the user M's forehead in an inclined state during use. The thickness of the pillow N' is preferably more than 50 mm. The pillow N' extends from left to right, and a certain space is provided between the base material 4' and the pillow N', allowing at least the user M's nose to fit into this space, making breathing easier. In addition, the user M's forehead is lifted upward when it comes into contact with the pillow N', and the neck is extended, thus securing the airway and making it easier for the user M to breathe. Therefore, the inclination of the pillow N' makes it easier to secure the user M's airway. Furthermore, pillow N' may be tilted by being held in place by pipes extending to the left and right through a sleeve (not shown) provided on pillow N'. The distance between pillow N' and base material 4' can be freely adjusted.

[0034] (2) When the pillow P is placed on the upper part of the user M's chest. Figure 8 shows a modified example illustrating how to use the posture support bedding 1, in which the pillow P is placed on the upper part of the user M's chest. When sleeping with the posture support bedding 1, the pillow P may be placed on the upper part of the user M's chest.

[0035] Sleeping in the manner shown in this modified example further enhances the effect of lowering the user M's head to secure the airway, resulting in a superior effect in improving the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome.

[0036] (3) When the posture support bedding 1b is equipped with a second length-adjustable member 13 Figure 9(a) shows a front view of the posture support bedding 1b as seen from the front, and Figure 9(b) shows a side view of the posture support bedding 1b as seen from the left. Posture support bedding 1b according to this modified example A second length-adjustable member 13, which is configured to allow adjustment of the length in the vertical direction, is connected to the left end of the posture-holding member 3.

[0037] The second connecting portion 17, which connects the upper end of the second length-adjustable member 13 and the left end of the posture-holding member 3, is configured to allow adjustment of the angle θ′ between the second length-adjustable member 13 and the posture-holding member 3. Similar to the first connecting portion 16, the second connecting portion 17 is configured to allow the second length-adjustable member 13 and the posture-holding member 3 to rotate relative to each other by a hinge connection or the like.

[0038] The second length-adjustable member 13, like the first length-adjustable member, comprises a pair of slide members 9'a and 9'b, each consisting of a slide shaft 7' and a slide bearing 8' that engages with the slide shaft 7'. Furthermore, each slide member 9'a and slide member 9'b is provided with a contact portion 14 at its lower end. The lower end of the second length-adjustable member 13 contacts the mattress 5 via the contact portion 14, enabling it to stably support the weight of the posture-holding member 3.

[0039] In this example, the lower end of the second length-adjustable member 13 is in contact with the mattress 5 via the contact portion 14. However, for example, the left-right dimension of the posture-holding member 3 may be further increased, and the vertical dimension of the second length-adjustable member 13 may be increased so that the lower end of the second length-adjustable member 13 is in contact with the floor surface or the like via the contact portion 14.

[0040] According to this modified version, instead of a cantilever structure (a structure in which the posture-holding member 3 is supported by both the first and second length-adjustable members), the posture-holding member 3 can be supported stably even if the user M tosses and turns in their sleep. Furthermore, by providing the second length-adjustable member 13, it is possible to suppress the user M from moving to the left and prevent their upper body from extending beyond the area where the posture-holding member 3 is positioned.

[0041] (4) When the posture support bedding 1c is foldable Figure 10 shows a front view of the posture support bedding 1c as seen from the front. Figure 10(a) is a front view before folding, and Figure 10(b) is a front view after folding. In addition to the first connecting part 16 and the second connecting part 17, the posture support bedding 1c further includes a third connecting part 18 that connects the first length-adjustable member 2 and the base material 4, and the third connecting part 18 is also configured to allow rotation of the first length-adjustable member 2 and the base material 4. Each connecting part can rotate, for example, 0 to 360 degrees with the front-to-back direction as the axial direction. By rotating each connecting part in directions A, B, and C shown in Figure 10(a), the posture support bedding 1c can be folded into a flat shape as shown in Figure 10(b). The posture holding member 3 may also be provided with functions to divide, extend, contract, or fold, and the base material 4 may also be provided with functions to extend, contract, or fold.

[0042] According to this modified version, the posture support bedding 1c can be easily carried.

[0043] (5) When used in combination with a bed Figure 11 shows a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of using posture support bedding 1b and 1d in combination with a bed. In the example in Figure 11(a), the base material 4 of posture support bedding 1b, as described in Figure 9, is fitted between the mattress 15 and the base 20 of the bed 19, and the lower end of the second length-adjustable member 13 is brought into contact with the top of the mattress 15. In the example in Figure 11(b), posture support bedding 1d, which has casters 22 at the lower end of the first length-adjustable member 2, is used, with the base material 4 placed between the legs 21 of the bed 19 and the floor, and the lower end of the second length-adjustable member 13 coming into contact with the top of the mattress 15. The second length-adjustable member 13 may be extended downwards to include additional casters and base material 4. In this case, it is preferable that the posture-holding member 3 be in a form that can be divided in the middle.

[0044] For example, with the configuration described above, the posture support bedding 1b and 1d can be used in combination with a bed. When combined with a bed, it is preferable that the posture support bedding 1b and 1d are equipped with a second length-adjustable member 13 from the viewpoint of stability. The mattress 15 is as described in Figure 2, but is not limited to this, and a regular mattress may be used. In addition, a modified base material 4' may be provided between the base 4 and the posture support member 3. That is, the base material 4' can be placed on top of the mattress 15.

[0045] According to this modified version, even when sleeping in a bed, it is possible to achieve comfortable sleep while maintaining a prone position. The posture support bedding 1d is easy to move because it is equipped with casters 22.

[0046] (6) When using the angle fixing member 23 Figure 12 shows a diagram illustrating a method for fixing the angle θ formed by the first connection part 16 using an angle fixing member 23. In order to fix the angle θ between the first length-adjustable member 2 and the posture-holding member 3, as explained in Figure 3, to a predetermined angle, an angle fixing member 23, such as the one shown in Figure 12(a), is inserted as a wedge into the space formed between the posture-holding member 3 and the plate-shaped member 12. When the angle fixing member 23 is inserted into the space from the user side (from the left in this figure), the space is filled, as shown in Figure 12(b), and the angle θ between the first length-adjustable member 2 and the posture-holding member 3 is fixed. Note that this angle can be varied depending on the degree to which the angle fixing member 23 is inserted.

[0047] The angle fixing member 23 can be inserted from the left side while the user is lying on the base material 4. While the rectangular parallelepiped angle fixing member 23 allows the angle θ to be fixed at 90 degrees, a triangular prism-shaped angle fixing member 23', as shown in Figure 12(c), may also be used. Using the angle fixing member 23' allows the angle θ between the first length-adjustable member 2 and the posture-holding member 3 to be fixed at a predetermined angle other than 90 degrees, such as 80 degrees or 100 degrees. The angle fixing members 23 and 23' are preferably made of a material that allows them to conform to other members to prevent slipping; for example, an elastic material such as rubber can be used. Furthermore, the surfaces of the angle adjustment members 23 and 23' are treated to prevent slipping. The same applies to the angle between the length adjustment member 13 and the posture-holding member 3.

[0048] According to this modified example, the angle θ between the first length-adjustable member 2 and the posture-holding member 3 is For example, it can be fixed at predetermined angles such as 80 degrees, 90 degrees, or 100 degrees.

[0049] (7) When the user M's head and forehead are positioned vertically to be approximately horizontal or higher to the user M's shoulders. Figure 13 shows a modified posture support bedding 1b, viewed from the left, in which the pillow portion N is connected to the rear side of the base material 4'. In this modified example, the base material 4' is used in a manner in which it is placed on top of the mattress 5, the pillow portion N extends from left to right, and is connected to the base material 4' by a connecting member S that is adjustable to be expandable and contractible, ensuring a certain space between the pillow portion N and the base material 4'. When the user M's forehead touches the pillow portion N, the user M's nose is within the range of this space, making breathing easier, and the neck is extended to secure the airway. Therefore, the effect of making it easier for the user M to assume a posture that secures the airway is further improved, and the effect of improving the symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome is superior. It is preferable that the upper part of the base material 4' be made of an elastic material such as cushioning material. It should be noted that the base material 4' is not limited to a plate shape, but may be a frame assembled in a rectangular shape using pipes or the like, with cushioning material as a surface combined with it. Furthermore, when combining cushioning materials, it is not necessary to use the mattress 15, and they can be placed on top of the mattress 15 or futon 5. In this case, the combined thickness of the base material 4' and the cushioning material is preferably 50mm to 200mm or less.

[0050] Figure 14 shows a view of Figure 13 from above. In this figure, the mattress 5 and comforter 6 are not shown. In Figure 14, the second length-adjustable member 13 is connected to the base material 4', and the posture-holding member 3 is divided into two parts in the left-right center, each of which may be connected to the first length-adjustable member 2 and the second length-adjustable member 13. The posture-holding member 3 is mounted in a manner that allows it to rotate horizontally in the front-back, left-right, and right directions. Because the posture-holding member 3 is divided, the weight of each divided posture-holding member 3 is reduced, making it easier to handle manually. Note that the division of the posture-holding member 3 does not have to be in the center.

[0051] Figure 15 shows a front view of a modified example of the posture support bedding 1 as seen from the front in Figure 13. The posture support member 3 is divided into two by a dotted dividing line, and each is rotatably connected vertically to the first connection part 16 and the second connection part 17, respectively, to the first length-adjustable member 12 and the second length-adjustable member 13. When viewed from the front, each posture support member 3 is mounted so as to rotate vertically from the dividing line around the first connection part 16 and the second connection part 17 as needed, and is also mounted so that the rotation angle can be fixed. Because the posture support member 3 is divided, the weight of each divided posture support member 3 is reduced, making it easier to handle manually. Note that the division of the posture support member 3 does not have to be in the center.

[0052] (8) When a cushion is provided that swings in accordance with the posture of the user M's upper body. Figure 16 shows a left side view illustrating the overall structure of the posture support bedding 1 according to this modified example. As shown in the figure, in this modified example, the base material 4 has a divided structure consisting of a chest part 4a extending to a position corresponding to the user M's chest and a waist part 4b extending to a position corresponding to the waist. Note that the base material 4 does not necessarily have to include both the chest part 4a and the waist part 4b. If only the chest part 4a is provided, the user M's waist may be arched during use, which may cause lower back pain. Therefore, it is preferable to provide and use the waist part b in combination. The first length-adjustable member 2 is connected to the base material 4a. Note that the base material 4 does not necessarily have to be divided, and the base material 4a and base material 4b may be a single piece. Note that the base material 4a and base material 4b may have indentations in the parts located at the chest, abdomen, or both.

[0053] Furthermore, the posture-holding member 3 includes a first connecting pipe 101 that connects the first length-adjusting member 2 and the second length-adjusting member 13 in a substantially horizontal direction, and an elastic plate material (cushion) 103 that is pivotably supported by the first connecting pipe 101 via a first sleeve 102. Therefore, the plate material 103 can change the angle of the lower surface constituting the plate material 103 while using the first connecting pipe 101 as the pivot point. Similarly, the pillow N' may be pivotably supported via a second connecting pipe 104 and a second sleeve 105.

[0054] In this modified configuration, as shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b), the angle of the lower surface of the board 103 changes to match the angle of the user M's back, and the lower surface of the board 103 comes into contact with the back and swings to follow, thereby improving the support for the user M's body. Note that the lower surface does not have to be in direct contact with the back; it may be in contact via a blanket.

[0055] Figure 18 shows a perspective view illustrating the overall structure of the posture support bedding 1 according to this embodiment.

[0056] (9) Others In the above explanation, if there are descriptions such as "identical," "equal," or "different" regarding external dimensions or size, these descriptions do not have a strict meaning. Rather, "identical," "equal," and "different" mean that tolerances and errors in design and manufacturing are acceptable, and that they are "substantially identical," "substantially equal," or "substantially different."

[0057] In addition to what has already been described above, the methods of the above embodiments and each of the modified examples may be used in appropriate combinations, and modified examples (1) to (8) may also be combined.

[0058] Furthermore, although not to be exemplified individually, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1. Posture-supporting bedding 2. First length-adjustable member 3. Posture-holding member 4. Base material 4a Chest parts 4b Waist parts 5. Mattress 6. Duvet 7. Slide axis 8. Slide bearing 9a, 9b Sliding members 10 clasps 11 Convex member 12 Plate-shaped member 13. Second length-adjustable member 14 Contact part 15 Mattress 16. First connection section 17. Second connection section 18 Third Connection Section 19 beds 20 base 21 legs 22 Casters 23 Angle fixing member 101 First connecting pipe 102 First Sleeve 103 Board material 104 Second connecting pipe 105 Second Sleeve N′ Pillow N Pillow part S connecting member

Claims

1. A first length-adjustable member configured to allow adjustment of its length, A posture-holding member connected to one end of the first length-adjustable member, A base material connected to the other end of the first length-adjustable member, Sleep posture support bedding equipped with, One end of the posture-holding member is connected to one end of the first length-adjustable member. A second length-adjustable member, configured to allow adjustment of its length, is connected to the other end of the aforementioned posture-holding member. The base material has a tapered shape with a slope such that the user's head side is higher in the vertical direction and the foot side is lower in height. A sleep posture support bedding characterized by its features.

2. In the sleep posture support bedding according to claim 1, The base material further has a pillow portion connected to the rear side via a connecting member, The first length-adjustable member is, The aforementioned lengthwise dimension is adjustable so that the vertical distance between the user and the posture-holding member is 90% or less of the user's shoulder width. A sleep posture support bedding characterized by its features.

3. In the sleep posture support bedding according to claim 2, The device further includes a pillow that supports the user's forehead in an inclined position during use, and the distance between the pillow and the base material is adjustable. A sleep posture support bedding characterized by its features.

4. In the sleep posture support bedding according to claim 1, The aforementioned base material is It extends at least to a position corresponding to the user's waist. A sleep posture support bedding characterized by its features.

5. In the sleep posture support bedding according to claim 1, The posture-holding member is A connecting pipe that connects the first length adjusting member and the second length adjusting member in a substantially horizontal direction, A plate material having elasticity is pivotably supported on the aforementioned connecting pipe, has A sleep posture support bedding characterized by its features.

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