Ventilated pillow

Abstract

This present disclosure may relate to a pillow configured to receive a person in a face down position, the pillow including a receiving portion and one or more pathways. The receiving portion and pathways may be configured to deliver air to a user and to receive exhaled air from a user. The pillow may also include a chamber which may connect the receiving portion and pathways and one or more valves which may facilitate air exchange between the chamber and the pathways.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 373,300, entitled PRONE SLEEP APNEA PILLOW, which was filed on Aug. 10, 2016, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDField[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to pillows and, in particular, to pillows that may accommodate face down resting and sleeping.Background[0003]Obstructive sleep apnea (“OSA”) is a major health concern, causing daytime fatigue and is associated with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, right-sided heart failure, myocardial infraction, dysrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and dementia (which may be caused by numerous microvascular ischemic strokes). Risk factors include heredity, obesity and advancing age.[0004]Various treatments are used to address OSA including dental appliances to thrust the jaw forward, thereby increasing the space between the tongue and th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text is describing a pillow that can be used in a prone position to help address sleep apnea. The pillow is designed to reduce discomfort and provide a comfortable and restful position for the user. It can also have ventilation channels to help control airflow and provide desired levels of inhalation and exhalation pressure. These channels can be configured to provide different types of gases and can help improve the quality and characteristics of the gas provided to the user. Overall, the pillow helps create a better sleeping experience for users and can be used to address sleep apnea.

Problems solved by technology

These treatments are associated with variable and limited efficacy.

CPAP and BiPAP masks often introduce problems including the need for a tight fit to the face (which can be uncomfortable, claustrophobic, seal poorly with facial hair, cause facial imprints over time, etc.), cumbersome (large, bulky, dependence on a power source, poor travel companion, etc.), noisy (may interfere with sleep of the user and others nearby), the need for calibration, and the possibility that the “strut” pressure exceeds the ideal physiologic pressure, resulting in hyper inflated lungs throughout the night and possible barotrauma, tinnitus of the ear, headaches, sinusitis, bronchitis, and abdominal distention and bloating.

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