Adjustable Underlay Positioning for Sleep and Respiratory Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with sleep-related and respiratory disorders often experience poor sleep quality due to difficulty finding and maintaining a comfortable sleeping position, which conventional respiratory therapy systems like CPAP do not address, particularly for those with conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, chronic back pain, or pregnancy-related discomfort.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable underlay with selectively inflatable segments, combined with a respiratory therapy system, that adjusts to encourage users to change their sleeping position to an intended position by comparing actual and intended positions and providing pressurized air to support body parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional respiratory therapy systems like CPAP are used, then respiratory support is provided, but sleeping position comfort and positioning are not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverespiratory therapy effectivenessVSAvoidsleeping position adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a respiratory therapy system with an adjustable underlay system into a single integrated platform. The control system receives sleeping position data and simultaneously controls both the respiratory therapy delivery and the underlay segment adjustments, merging two previously separate functions into one coordinated system that addresses both respiratory support and positional comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable underlay with selectively inflatable segments provides multiple functions: it supports various sleeping positions (side, back, stomach), accommodates different user conditions (pregnancy, back pain, disabilities), and works in conjunction with respiratory therapy. This multi-functional design allows a single system to address diverse sleeping position needs that conventional CPAP systems cannot handle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the adjustable underlay uses multiple selectively inflatable segments, then sleeping position adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleeping position adaptabilityVSAvoidunderlay structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The underlay is divided into multiple independent selectable segments that can be individually inflated or deflated. Each segment corresponds to a specific body region (head, upper back, lower back, hips, legs), allowing targeted support adjustment without requiring complex mechanical structures. This segmentation enables precise positional control through simple inflation/deflation actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic inflation and deflation of fabric segments to adjust underlay configuration. This approach replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with simple air pressure control, reducing structural complexity while maintaining high adaptability. The control system manages air flow to specific segments based on detected sleeping position and intended position requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If the system continuously monitors and adjusts sleeping position, then sleep quality improvement is enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleep quality improvementVSAvoidsystem energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system operates in periodic cycles: it monitors sleeping position data, determines when adjustments are needed by comparing actual vs. intended positions, executes underlay adjustments, then waits for the next monitoring cycle. This periodic operation reduces continuous energy consumption while maintaining effective sleep quality management through scheduled position checks and adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves sleep quality by facilitating a more comfortable sleeping position, addressing positional aspects of sleep disorders and enhancing respiratory therapy effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The respiratory therapy system is configured to selectively supply pressurized air to a user and/or the adjustable underlay

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurised air: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20260026963A1Systems and methods for selectively adjusting the sleeping position of a user

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 RESMED DIGITAL HEALTH INC

AI summary

A method includes receiving sleeping data corresponding to an actual sleeping position of a user. The method also includes determining the actual sleeping position on an adjustable underlay. where the adjustable underlay having a plurality of selectively adjustable segments. The method also includes comparing the actual sleeping position to an intended sleeping position of the user. The method also includes adjusting the adjustable underlay to encourage the user to change the actual sleeping position to the intended sleeping position, in response to determining that the actual sleeping position is different than the intended sleeping position.