Multi-orientation therapeutic pillow with central relief geometry for reducing facial compression and skin contact

WO2026207311A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-10-01YAG-HOWARD CYNTHIA JILL
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2026/021055
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-03-26
Filing Date
2026-03-26
Publication Date
2026-10-01

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Abstract

A therapeutic pillow comprises first and second portions. The first portion has a bilobed configuration and the second portion has a tapered configuration. The first portion and second portion together form an outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow. A central relief portion has a thickness less than the thickness of the outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow and may be reduced to zero, creating a void in the center of the pillow. A method of reducing facial compression during sleep comprises positioning a user's head on the claimed pillow such that the shape and structure of the pillow support the head and allow the face to rest freely over the central relief region or contoured lateral edge.
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Description

Atty Docket 227042.00003Multi-Orientation Therapeutic Pillow with Central Relief Geometry For Reducing Facial Compression and Skin ContactBackground of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a support cushion or pillow adapted to reduce or prevent wrinkles from forming while a user sleeps. More particularly, the invention relates to a therapeutic pillow that prevents facial contact, regardless of sleep position, thus reducing or eliminating mechanical compression of facial tissues during rest or sleep. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to a pillow that is heart shaped at its periphery and has a central depression or void region.

[0002] Therapeutic pillows are known in the art. Prior designs include conventional rectangular pillows, annular or ring-shaped pillows, contoured pillows, and cervical support pillows. Other designs are variations from a standard rectangular-shaped pillow with one or more protrusions from the center, sides or edges of the pillow, where the protrusions vary in their number and dimensions from design to design. Examples include a “butterfly shaped” pillow and a claw-like pillow with protruding “arms” of varying dimensions. However, these prior designs suffer from various deficiencies, including a failure to account for various sleeping positions, beyond supine (back-sleeping) or lateral (side-sleeping) such as angled or rotated lateral positions; failure to maintain consistent facial clearance across multiple sleep orientations; failure to stabilize or guide the head and neck into anatomically favorable positions, failure to accommodate variations in user positioning, including rotated or angled lateral positions; failure to provide an integrated, supportive geometry that facilitates both facial suspension and structural head and neck support; failure to ensure facial skin is not in contact with the material covering the pillow so as to reduce incidence of facial skin irritation and acne, and failure to be easily portable for travel and convenience.121415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003

[0003] Sleep-related mechanical compression of the forehead, temporal, periorbital, preauricular, malar, mandibular, and perioral regions, as well as contact of facial skin with the pillow, may contribute to wrinkle formation, facial asymmetry, displacement of dermal fillers, delayed or impaired healing following aesthetic, cosmetic or dermatologic procedures, facial skin irritation and acne. Sleep position and prevention of contact of the facial skin with the pillow can, therefore, be important for those wishing to prevent facial skin irritation and acne, prevent new or additional wrinkle formation, minimize or eliminate contact between the face and the pillow immediately following cosmetic surgery, laser procedures, or injection of fillers or toxins, prevent displacement of facial fillers, and enhance recovery after aesthetic, cosmetic, and dermatologic intervention, as well as other medical, surgical, and dental interventions.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for alternate pillow designs that accommodate multiple resting and sleep, orientations while avoiding facial contact with the pillow, thereby minimizing the potential for adverse contact of the face with the pillow or pillow covering during routine rest, sleep and a post-procedural treatment period. There is a further need for a pillow that avoids facial contact with the pillow while optimizing spinal alignment.Brief Summary of the Invention

[0005] The claimed invention provides a therapeutic pillow, which reduces facial compression and contact, prevents wrinkles from forming while a user sleeps, avoids comedogenesis, and facilitates optimal outcomes from aesthetic, cosmetic, and dermatologic interventions, all while encouraging proper head and neck alignment. The therapeutic pillow comprises first (superior / upper) and second (inferior / lower) portions. The first or superior portion has a bilobed configuration and the second or inferior portion has a tapered configuration. The first portion and second portion together form an outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow. A central relief portion has a thickness less than the 221415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003thickness of the outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow and may be reduced to zero, creating a void in the center of the pillow. Alternatively, the central relief portion may form a recessed depression.

[0006] The claimed invention also provides a method of reducing facial compression and facial contact with the pillow during sleep. The method comprises positioning a user’s head on the claimed pillow such that a selected facial region is suspended over the central relief region or over the edge of the contoured first portion. The central relief region and contoured edge of the first region may be configured to reduce compression of, and contact of the pillow with, the skin of at least one of the following regions: forehead, temporal, periorbital, preauricular, malar, mandibular and perioral. The therapeutic anti- wrinkle pillow’s unique shape and design help prevent a person, whether resting or sleeping, from putting pressure on their face when sleeping, regardless of position, including sleeping on their side or back. Additionally, because the user can sleep on their side or back without the pillow touching their face, the facial skin stays clean, which may also help prevent skin irritation and acne formation. The present invention is also applicable more generally to help prevent or lessen the formation of wrinkles while the user rests or sleeps. The pillow may also help facilitate optimal healing and aesthetic outcomes for patients undergoing aesthetic and cosmetic procedures, such as laser treatments or filler injections, by reducing or eliminating pressure on soft facial tissue, reducing or eliminating contact of facial skin with the pillow or pillow cover, and encouraging proper sleeping posture. In certain embodiments, the geometry of the pillow also accommodates the ear within the central relief region to prevent pressure on the ear, supports the occipital and cervical regions during supine use, and supports lateral cranial structures while maintaining cheek clearance during side use.Features of the invention include the combination of:321415196.1Atty Docket 227042.000031. Integrated perimeter geometry and central relief regions that structurally separates loadbearing regions from facial regions,2. A bilobed and tapered configuration that enables distinct support zones for head, neck, and jaw,3. Multi-orientation functionality, wherein the same structure maintains facial clearance across various positions,4. A load-path design, wherein compressive forces are redirected away from facial soft tissue and into the perimeter structure,5. A facial framing architecture, wherein the perimeter defines boundaries that stabilize the head while preventing inward collapse toward the face,6. Optional through-void or recessed region sized to receive facial or auricular anatomy, including the ear,7. Compatibility with contoured pillow coverings that conform to the geometry, further reducing friction and facial skin contact.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention.

[0008] Fig. 2A is a top view of an embodiment of the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention with the transverse and longitudinal axes noted.

[0009] Fig. 2B is a top view of an embodiment of the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention, with dimensions noted.421415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003

[0010] Fig. 2C is a top view of another embodiment of the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention, with dimensions noted.

[0011] Fig. 2D is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 2C, with dimensions noted.

[0012] Fig. 2E is a top view of a further embodiment of the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention, with dimensions noted.

[0013] Fig. 2F is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 2E, with dimensions noted.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a partial cross sectional view of an embodiment of the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention, wherein the central relief region is a central void.

[0015] Fig.4 is a partial cross sectional view of another embodiment of the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention, wherein the central relief region is a recessed depression.

[0016] Fig. 5 A is a representation of a supine (back) sleeper and the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention in a supine orientation, wherein the sleeper is on his or her back, with the pillow inverted.

[0017] Fig. 5B is a representation of a sleeper and the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention in a lateral orientation, wherein the sleeper is on his or her side with the pillow upright.

[0018] Fig. 5C is a representation of a sleeper and the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention in a lateral orientation, wherein the sleeper is on his or her side with the pillow inverted and the vertex of the second portion angled forward.

[0019] Fig. 5D is a representation of a sleeper and the therapeutic pillow of the claimed invention in a lateral orientation, wherein the sleeper is on his or her side with the pillow inverted and the vertex of the second portion angled backward.

[0020] Fig. 6 is perspective view of an embodiment of the claimed invention wherein the central relief region is a recessed depression or concavity that is optionally removable and further521415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003may be made of a material of differing density or compressibility than the remainder of the therapeutic pillow.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0021] The present invention is a cushion or pillow having an outer perimeter which is bilobed in a first (or superior / upper) portion and tapers to a single point or vertex in a second (or inferior / lower) portion. Such a perimeter may be referred to as heart-shaped. The cushion or pillow further comprises a central relief region of reduced thickness. In some embodiments, this central relief region may be reduced to the point of absence, creating a void in the center of the pillow. The heart-shaped pillow enables people to rest their heads in a position that prevents facial contact with the pillow which may result in facial compression, and new or additional skin wrinkling. The geometry of the pillow allows the perimeter to bear the load of the head while in the lateral position, allowing facial regions to be fully or partially suspended within the central relief region or over the contoured edge of the first portion, thus reducing or eliminating direct facial compression and contact of facial skin with the pillow and pillow cover. The geometry additionally supports the head and neck while in the supine position, to maintain facial clearance and head and neck stabilization This may also reduce the incidence or presence of facial asymmetry, reduce the risk of displacement of dermal fillers, reduce the risk of delayed or impaired healing following aesthetic, cosmetic or dermatological interventions, reduce the risk of facial skin irritation and reduce the risk of acne. The shape also allows people to sleep on their backs, which is ideal for optimal healing and outcomes after aesthetic interventions such as laser treatments and fillers due to the geometry of the perimeter (first and second portions) and central relief regions.

[0022] The pillow may be described with reference to a transverse axis extending between the lateral lobes of the bilobed region at the widest point provided by the lateral lobes, a 621415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003longitudinal axis extending from a cleft in the first portion between the lobes of the bilobed configuration, to a vertex of the second portion. A vertical axis may correspond to the thickness of the pillow or cushion. The outer perimeter of the pillow may define a bilobed first or upper region and a tapered second or lower region, forming a generally heart-like, spade-like, bilobed, or curvilinear configuration. The shape may be symmetrical or asymmetrical with reference to any axis.

[0023] A central relief region may be positioned interior to the outer perimeter. This central relief portion may be a partial depth depression or a predetermined amount. That amount may even be a complete absence, resulting in a void extending from the upper surface of the pillow to the lower surface of the pillow. In addition, or in the alternative, the central relief portion may be a contoured recess or a region of reduced material density or altered compressibility of the cushioning material. The central relief region may also be an insert that is reversibly attachable to the outer perimeter, to allow the pillow to be configured according to the individual needs of the user. Combinations of these possible variations are also envisioned.

[0024] The central relief region may define smooth, radiused, beveled, stepped, or angled transitions relative to surrounding structural portions. The relief region may be configured to receive the user’s forehead region, temporal region, periorbital region, preauricular region, auricular region, malar region, mandibular region, perioral region, or combinations thereof.

[0025] The cushioning body may be formed from one or more resilient materials including but not limited to viscoelastic polyurethane foam, high-resilience polyurethane foam, latex (natural, synthetic, Talalay, Dunlop, blended), thermoplastic elastomer foams, silicone-based foams, gel-infused foams, expanded polyethylene, expanded polypropylene, bio-derived foams, elastomeric lattice structures, additively manufactured polymer structures, natural, synthetic, or721415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003bio-derived materials, including but not limited to natural latex derived from Hevea rubber, plantbased polyurethane formulations incorporating renewable polyols, biodegradable polymer foams, bio-elastomeric materials, recycled polymer foams, or combinations and copolymers thereof. A memory foam material may be used. The pillow may be made of materials selected for reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emission, hypoallergenic properties, antimicrobial characteristics, or dermatologically compatible compositions. Composite or layered constructions are also envisioned. The material may define uniform density or zoned density regions.

[0026] The pillow may include a removable cover formed of breathable, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, moisture-wicking or moisture-repelling materials, and may include silk, satin, polymeric, or other textile materials.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention may be shown in the following examples. These examples are exemplary only and should not be considered limiting. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, pillow 10 is bilobed in a first superior portion and tapers to a single point or vertex 18 in a second inferior portion to form a heart-shape. Pillow 10 further comprises a central relief region 12 of reduced thickness which may correspond in shape to the outer perimeter 14 of the cushion or pillow 10. In the embodiment shown, central relief region 12 is reduced to the point of absence, creating a void in the center of pillow 10. The shape of central relief region 12 corresponds to the shape of outer perimeter 14 and is therefore also heart-shaped. Pillow 10 may also be covered by a pillow case secured by one or more zippers (not shown) or other fastening devices such as Velcro (not shown).

[0028] Pillow 10 may be generally described with reference to Figs. 2A and 2B. In general, pillow 10 may be between 12 inches (30.5 cm) and 24 inches (61.0 cm) wide along a transverse axis 20 and about 10 inches (25.4 cm) and 20 inches (50.8 cm) long on longitudinal axis 22. In821415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003general, the transverse-to-longitudinal ratio may be between 0.6:1 and 2.4:1. Central relief region 12 may be between 2 inches (5.1 cm) and 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide at its widest position (a transverse axis parallel to the transverse axis 20 of pillow (not shown)) and between 2 inches (5.1 cm) and 10 inches (25.4 cm) long along a longitudinal axis, which in this embodiment overlaps with pillow longitudinal axis 22. In general, the width of the perimeter support rim 14 of pillow 10 from the outer edge of the pillow to the central relief region may vary from 4.45 inches (11.3 cm) to 6.9 inches (17.53 cm) and the edges or rims of the supporting pillow structure are rounded. The thickness of pillow 10 may be between 2 inches (5.1 cm) and 6 inches (15.2 cm). It is envisioned that the thickness of the pillow may vary from one location to another.

[0029] Alternatively, and as shown in Figs. 2C and 2D, pillow 10 may be about 20.3 inches (51.6 cm) wide along the transverse axis 20 and 17.6 inches (44.7 cm) long on longitudinal axis 22. Central relief region 12 forms a heart-shaped void and may be 5.9 inches (15 cm) wide at its widest point, 4.2 inches (10.7 cm) high at the center of the heart-shaped void, with the lobes of the heart-shaped void extending an additional 0.8 inches (2.0 cm) high as measured from the bottom of the heart- shape. The width of the perimeter support rim 14 of pillow 10 from the outer edge of the pillow to the heart-shaped void may vary from 5.8 inches (14.7 cm) to 6.9 inches (17.5 cm). At the center of pillow 10, the width of rim 14 is 6.1 inches (15.5 cm) both above and below the center of the heart-shaped void. In this embodiment, pillow 10 is 4.65 inches (11.8 cm) thick including rounded edges on the top and bottom of the therapeutic anti-wrinkle pillow. Excluding those rounded edges, the width of the therapeutic anti-wrinkle pillow is 2.67 inches (6.8 cm) thick.

[0030] Figs. 2E and 2F provide still another alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the pillow is about 16.4 inches (41.7 cm) wide and 14.45 inches (36.7 cm) high. The central heart-shaped void may be 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) wide at its widest point, 3.1 inches (7.9921415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003cm) high at the center of the heart-shaped void, with the lobes of the heart-shaped void extending an additional 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) high as measured from the bottom of the heart-shape. The width of the rim of the pillow from the outer edge of the pillow to the heart-shaped void varies from 4.45 inches (11.3 cm) to 6.5 inches (16.5 cm). At the center of the therapeutic anti-wrinkle pillow, the width of the rim of the pillow is 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) above the center of the heart-shaped void and 4.76 inches (12.1 cm) below the center of the heart-shaped void. In this embodiment, the pillow is 4 inches (10.2 cm) thick including rounded edges on the top and bottom of the therapeutic anti-wrinkle pillow. Excluding those rounded edges, the width of the therapeutic anti-wrinkle pillow is 2.24 inches (5.7 cm) thick.

[0031] In one embodiment, pillow 10 may have the following dimensions. Pillow 10 may be between 16 inches (40.6 cm) and 20.3 inches (51.6 cm) wide along a transverse axis 20 and about 14 inches (35.6 cm) and 17.6 inches (44.7 cm) long on longitudinal axis 22. Central relief region 12 may be between 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) and 5.9 inches (15.0 cm) wide at its widest position (a transverse axis parallel to the transverse axis 20 of pillow (not shown)) and between 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) and 4.2 inches (10.7 cm) long along a longitudinal axis, which may overlap with pillow longitudinal axis 22. The thickness of pillow 10 may be between 4 inches (10.2 cm) and 5 inches (12.7 cm).

[0032] In another embodiment, pillow 10 is 16 inches (40.6 cm) wide along transverse axis 20 and about 14 inches (35.6 cm) long on longitudinal axis 22. In this example, the central relief region 12 forms a heart-shaped void 12 which may be 5 2 inches (14.0 cm) wide at its widest point, 3 2 inches (8.9 cm) high at the center of the heart shaped void and with the lobes of the heart shaped void extending an additional inch high or less, as measured from the bottom of the1021415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003heart-shape. In addition, or in the alternative, pillow 10 may be 4 inches (10.2 cm) to 5 inches (12.7 cm) thick.

[0033] There are two predominant alternatives for central relief region 12. One alternative for central relief region 12 is shown in Fig. 3, which shows a partial cross section of pillow 10. In this example, central relief region 12 is reduced to absence and thereby provides a void in the center of pillow 10. In an alternate embodiment, shown in Fig. 4, the thickness of pillow 10 in central relief region 12 is reduced, such that there is no material present in region 12 on upper surface 24 but is present at lower surface 26, thereby forming a recessed depression 28.

[0034] The manner of usage of pillow 10 is shown in Figs. 5A- 5D. For a supine position 30 (back-sleeping), shown in Fig. 5 A, pillow 10 may be positioned with the heart shape upside down relative to the user’s head and neck, with the contoured indentation of the bilobed first (superior / upper) portion, or "W" of the heart, supporting the neck and the vertex, or "V", of the second (inferior / lower) portion of the pillow framing and supporting the remainder of the head while the occipital region rests comfortably in the hollow of the heart-shape. In a lateral orientation 32, shown in Fig. 5B, a side-sleeper may place the pillow with the heart shape upright, framing and supporting the forehead, extreme lateral cheek, and jawline, allowing the zygomatic and malar cheek to float freely within the void of pillow 10.

[0035] An alternative lateral orientation, shown in Fig. 5C, pillow 10 is inverted as in Fig.5 A, except with the vertex or “V” of the heart angled forward an amount according to the user’s preference 32. Pillow 10 may be positioned with the heart shape upside down relative to the user’s head and neck, with the "W" of the heart supporting the neck and jaw of the user. An area adjacent the "V" of the heart shape supports the extreme lateral forehead and the preauricular or posterior auricular regions (depending on user’s preference 32) while the remainder of the user’s face, and1121415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003possibly ear, rests in central relief region 12. In a further alternative lateral orientation, shown in Fig. 5D, pillow 10 is again inverted as in Fig. 5 A, except with the “V” of the heart angled back an amount according to the user’s preference 32. In this orientation, the contoured "W" of the heart supports the neck and extreme lateral forehead, extreme lateral cheek, jawline and parietal region of the user, while the user’ s face lies unencumbered.

[0036] An embodiment in which central relief region 12 includes a removable insert 36 is shown in Fig. 6. Insert 36 may be made from material having reduced density or altered compressibility, and may be reversibly attachable to the outer perimeter, to allow the pillow to be configured according to the individual needs of the user.

[0037] From the above description, it should now be clear that the claimed invention provides the following benefits:• Wrinkle Prevention: By eliminating pressure on delicate facial areas, the pillow significantly reduces the formation of sleep lines and wrinkles, contributing to a more youthful appearance.• Protection of Aesthetic Treatments: The hollow heart shape ensures no direct pressure on areas where facial fillers or other aesthetic interventions have been applied, preserving their placement and enhancing post-procedure outcomes.• Hygiene Benefits: By keeping the face free from direct contact with the pillow, the design reduces skin irritation and the transfer of dirt, oils, and bacteria that can contribute to acne and other skin issues. The washable cover enhances this benefit by maintaining cleanliness.• Improved Sleeping Posture: The ergonomic design promotes healthy alignment of the head, neck, and spine, reducing discomfort and the risk of neck pain often caused by improper sleeping positions.1221415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003• Healing Optimization: For individuals recovering from cosmetic procedures, the design supports proper healing by encouraging back sleeping, which minimizes disturbance to treated areas.• Versatility: The dual positioning options (upright for side-sleeping and inverted for back-sleeping) make the pillow suitable for various preferences, ensuring comfort and usability for all types of sleepers: supine, lateral, angled or rotated lateral.• Portability and Durability: The heart-shaped geometry with central relief region, lightweight construction and high-quality materials make the pillow easy to carry and long-lasting, suitable for travel and extended use.• Customizability: Potential for future enhancements, such as adjustable height inserts, alternative materials, and customizable shapes to accommodate individual user needs.1321415196.1

Claims

Atty Docket 227042.00003ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A therapeutic pillow comprising:a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a bilobed configuration and the second portion has a tapered configuration, and the first portion and second portion together form an outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow; anda central relief portion having a thickness less than the thickness of the outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow.

2. The therapeutic pillow of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the central relief portion is reduced to zero, forming a void in the center of the therapeutic pillow.

3. The therapeutic pillow of claim 1, wherein the central relief portion comprises a recessed depression.

4. The therapeutic pillow of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pillow is 12 to 24 inches wide along a transverse axis and 10 to 20 inches long along a longitudinal axis.

5. The therapeutic pillow of claim 4, wherein the central relief portion is 2 to 10 inches wide at its widest point.

6. The therapeutic pillow of claim 5, wherein central relief portion is 2 to 10 inches along a longitudinal axis of the therapeutic pillow.

7. The therapeutic pillow of claim 6, wherein width of the therapeutic pillow from the outer edge of the pillow to the central relief portion is from 4.45 inches to 6.9 inches.

8. The therapeutic pillow of claim 7, wherein the thickness of the therapeutic pillow is between 2 and 6 inches.1421415196.1Atty Docket 227042.000039. The therapeutic pillow of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the pillow is 16 to 20 inches wide along a transverse axis and 14 to 18 inches tall along a longitudinal axis.

10. The therapeutic pillow of claim 9, wherein the central relief portion is 4.6 to 5.9 inches wide at its widest point.

11. The therapeutic pillow of claim 10, wherein central relief portion is 3.1 to 4.2 inches along a longitudinal axis of the therapeutic pillow.

12. The therapeutic pillow of claim 11, wherein width of the therapeutic pillow from the outer edge of the pillow to the central relief portion is from 4.45 inches to 6.9 inches.

13. The therapeutic pillow of claim 12, wherein the thickness of the therapeutic pillow is between 2 and 6 inches.

14. The therapeutic pillow of any one of claims 1-3. wherein the central relief region is shaped proportionally to the perimeter of the outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow.

15. The therapeutic pillow of any one of claims 1-3, comprising a material selected from the group consisting of viscoelastic polyurethane foam, latex, an elastomeric material, a bioderived polymer foam, a plant-based polymer foam, and mixtures and co-polymers thereof.

16. A method of reducing facial compression during sleep comprising:positioning a user’s head on a pillow, the pillow comprising:a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a bilobed configuration and the second portion has a tapered configuration, and the first portion and second portion together form an outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow; anda central relief portion having a thickness less than the thickness of the outer perimeter of the therapeutic pillow,1521415196.1Atty Docket 227042.00003such that a selected facial region rests over the central relief region or rests unencumbered when the pillow is inverted and a vertex of the second portion is inverted and angled backward.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the thickness of the central relief portion is reduced to zero, forming a void in the center of the therapeutic pillow.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the central relief portion comprises a recessed depression.

19. The method of any one of claims 16, 17 or 18, wherein the central relief region is configured to reduce compression of at least one of the following regions of the user: a forehead region, a temporal region, a periorbital region, a periauricular region, an auricular region, a malar region, a mandibular region, and a perioral region.

20. The method of any one of claims 16, 17 or 18, wherein the pillow is configured for postprocedural recovery following aesthetic, cosmetic or dermatologic treatment.1621415196.1