Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of sleep disorders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sleep disorder treatment systems, particularly for sleep apnea, lack effective solutions to prevent and mitigate adverse events such as obstructive sleep apnea, as they often rely on single-plane rotation therapies that may not adequately address the complex positioning needs of individuals.
Innovation Solution
A multi-plane support system with independently rotatable support pieces forming a laterally angled sleep surface, allowing for progressive lateral rotation of the body to maintain the upper respiratory tract at a favorable angle, thereby preventing obstructive sleep apnea, and incorporating fluid bladders and adjustable components for customized support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-plane rotation therapy is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness in preventing obstructive sleep apnea is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple independently rotatable support pieces, each capable of rotating about a longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows different sections of the body to be positioned at different lateral angles, creating a multi-plane rotation effect that more effectively prevents obstructive sleep apnea compared to single-plane rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-plane rotation to multi-plane rotation by adding lateral angle adjustments to the conventional longitudinal rotation. Each support piece can rotate independently about a longitudinal axis, creating rotation in multiple dimensions that addresses the complexity-effectiveness contradiction.
2Reliability
If multi-plane support system with independently rotatable pieces is used, then the effectiveness in maintaining upper respiratory tract angle is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support pieces are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing users to modify lateral angles and rotational positions according to individual needs. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to adapt to different sleep positions and body types while maintaining effective upper respiratory tract positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in multiple parameters including lateral angle, rotational angle, and support piece configuration. By enabling independent adjustment of these parameters, the system achieves effective upper respiratory tract positioning while accommodating individual preferences and anatomical variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration support system is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to individual preferences and needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple independently adjustable support pieces, each with its own lateral angle and rotational angle controls. This segmentation provides adaptability to individual preferences while maintaining ease of operation through modular, independent adjustments rather than complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is designed to accommodate various sleep positions, body types, and individual preferences through its multi-plane rotation capability and adjustable lateral angles. This universal design allows a single system to serve multiple functions and adapt to diverse user needs without requiring multiple different devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A sleep apparatus, such as a mattress for example, is provided in one embodiment. The apparatus comprises a head support surface sized to support a person's head, and a torso support surface sized to support a person's torso. The head support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side, and the torso support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side. In some embodiments, the lateral slope of the head support surface is at least about 15°, the lateral slope of the head support surface is greater than the lateral slope of the torso support surface, and/or, the sleep apparatus slopes in the longitudinal direction as well.