Therapeutic Cushion with Conformable Riser for GERD Symptom Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic cushion systems fail to effectively manage symptoms associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other digestive disorders, as they often lack comprehensive support for the entire body and are not designed to accommodate adult users, leading to inadequate relief and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic cushion system comprising a support element and a conformable riser element, both made with stretch materials and polyester filler, forming a body support member that allows users to sleep in inclined positions, thereby minimizing reflux by facilitating stomach emptying into the duodenum, and featuring a receiving portion for the arm to stabilize the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pillow is designed to elevate the head and neck region, then comfort for respiratory conditions is improved, but support for the sacrum region and extended body support is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is divided into multiple functional sections: a head support portion with cervical contouring, a mid-section, and a sacral support portion with an extended tail. This segmentation allows each region to provide specialized support - the head portion addresses respiratory comfort through proper alignment, while the extended sacral portion provides continuous support down the spine, resolving the contradiction between localized comfort and extended body support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an orthopedic pillow is designed to minimize snoring through elevation, then snoring is reduced, but treatment capability for GERD and other conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is designed as a multi-functional therapeutic device that can address multiple conditions simultaneously. The elevated head position treats snoring and sleep apnea, while the extended sacral support and adjustable positioning capabilities enable treatment of GERD, back pain, and other conditions. This universality resolves the contradiction by making the pillow adaptable to various therapeutic needs beyond just snoring reduction.
3Ease of operation
If a body pillow is designed to be large and contoured for comprehensive support, then relief from back and neck pain is improved, but the pillow becomes too bulky for practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates strategic contouring and varying densities in specific regions rather than uniform bulk throughout. The head region has cervical contouring for neck alignment, the mid-section provides torso support, and the sacral portion has an extended tail for lower back support. This localized quality approach provides comprehensive therapeutic relief without requiring excessive overall volume, making the pillow practical for regular use while maintaining effectiveness for back and neck pain relief.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a support element and a conformable riser element adjacent the support element. The riser element and the support element collectively form a body support member configured to support a user and define a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the user's arm. The riser element and the support element are each disposed within a casing formed at least in part with a stretch material. In some embodiments, the riser element includes a polyester filler material and the stretch material includes a four-way stretch material. The four-way stretch material in combination with the polyester filler material enables the riser element to be conformable.