True pure prone positioning mattress for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

This patent is for a Pure Prone Positioning (PPP) mattress (001) allowing for one or more people to sleep on a bed in the prone position with their face straight into the mattress plane. Structurally the mattress fits within a standard bed footprint and midpoint where the head is normally positioned on the mattress, a cavity of substantial size is designed for placement of a face rest proning assembly to be positioned there. The face rest proning assembly allows for longitudinal and lateral adjustments of the head and neck, and the padded face rest is adjustable to each face width. The face rest proning assembly allows for easy breathing of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide. Since breathing is normal a person can be medicated while sleeping on the PPP mattress.

Claims

1) A mattress sleeping surface combined with a proning face rest assembly for a single human comprising: A planar pad wherein the planar pad comprises a bottom edge, left and right exterior edges perpendicular to said bottom edge, and a top edge, wherein a first portion of said top edge, extending from said left exterior edge to a point between said left exterior edge and a quarter-point of said top edge is parallel to said bottom edge, wherein a second portion of said top edge, extending from a quarter-point is perpendicular to said bottom edge, wherein a third portion of said top edge, extending from a quarter-point is parallel to said bottom edge, wherein a fourth portion of said top edge, extending from a quarter-point is perpendicular to said bottom edge, wherein a fifth portion of said top edge, extending from a quarter-point is perpendicular to said bottom edge, wherein a fifth portion of said top edge, extending from a quarter-point is parallel to said bottom edge, the planar pad is filled with cushioning material; and a proning face rest assembly comprises a load support, a base support, and a plurality of scissor assemblies attached between the load support and the base support that enable movement of the load support relative to the base support with the opening and closing of the scissor assemblies; the plurality of scissor assemblies including a first scissor assembly attached between one end of the load and base supports, and a second scissor assembly attached between the other end of the load and base supports; each scissor assembly further comprising a threaded gear attached at a pivot, each arm further defined by an inside section and an outside section, outside sections of the first and/second scissor assemblies facing away from each other; wherein the outside sections of the first scissor assembly are rotatably fixed relative to the load and base supports, and wherein outside sections of the second scissor assembly are movable relative to the load and base supports.

2) Said proning face rest assembly in claim 1 is positioned adjacent to said second portion of said top edge, and said fourth portion of said top edge.

3) Said scissors lift of claim 1 further comprising threaded gear at the pivot that controls the opening and closing of the scissors assemblies for enabling movement of the load support relative to the lift support.

4) Said scissors lift of claim 3 the threaded gear further comprising a connection between the first scissor assembly and the second scissors assembly.

5) Said scissors lift of claim 4 wherein the threaded gear connections are driven toward or away from each other along a plane define by the pivots.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two individuals on the Pure Prone Positioning mattress.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single individual on the Pure Prone Positioning mattress.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the Pure Prone Positioning mattress and the face rest assembly in sleeping position.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the Pure Prone Positioning mattress, with the face rest assembly separated visually.

[0039] FIG. 5 is perspective orthogonal view of the Pure Prone Positioning mattress and face rest assembly.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cut out for the face rest assembly at the head of the Pure Prone Positioning mattress.

[0041] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the face rest assembly.

[0042] FIG. 7b is a perspective exploded view of the face rest assembly.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the face rest cavity border supports.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the internal face rest support base in two pieces for installation.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the internal face rest support base.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a traditional face rest for a massage table with mounting prongs.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the face rest internal support base connected to a massage table face rest.

[0048] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an inner spring coil cage mattress.

[0049] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an inner spring coil cage mattress with face rest cavity.

[0050] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of an inner spring coil cage mattress with face rest cavity, with top and bottom border supports installed, and an internal proning support installed.

[0051] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a completed mattress with pipe holes protruding ready to accept the face rest prongs.

[0052] FIG. 14B is a perspective end view showing the face rest installed and the open area under the face rest.

[0053] FIG. 15a is a perspective top down view where to saw cut the foam on a memory foam type mattress.

[0054] FIG. 15b is a perspective top down view where to install the internal face rest support base.

DESCRIPTION

[0055] Expressed in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is the first embodiment of the Pure Prone Positioning Mattress. Said mattress allows a person to sleep in the prone position with their face perpendicular to the mattress plane. This is accomplished by creating a cavity within the mattress plane midpoint where the head is normally positioned on the mattress, whereby a face rest cradle assembly can be located. The subjects head is cradled in a face rest assembly allowing adjustments for comfort and natural breathing, with no neck bending or cervical stress. I presently contemplate this embodiment could be made from memory foam enclosed in cloth for the mattress and face rest proning assembly a combination of a foam padded fabric enclosed face pad mounted on a lab jack scissor stand platform. However this embodiment could be made from different materials, such as plastics, leather, rubber, metals, ceramics, various foams, clothe padding, rivets, hooks, cage type coil mattress, claps, gel memory foam, neoprene, hybrid inner springs and foam, latex, pocket coils or any combination of materials or attachment hardware. The description focuses on a single sleeper but it could very well be for two sleepers.

[0056] The second embodiment of said mattress is the use of an innerspring coiled mattress for the mattress core, instead of memory foam. Padding layers are added to the outside of the coils and built up to aid in comfort. Then it is enclosed in a cloth cover. Midpoint where the head is normally positioned on the mattress, a cavity of substantial size is designed for the face rest assembly. Once the assembly is in place, the subject's head is cradled in a face rest assembly allowing adjustments for comfort and natural breathing, with no neck bending or cervical stress. A face rest proning assembly a combination of a foam padded fabric enclosed face pad mounted on a lab jack scissor stand platform. The description focuses on a single sleeper but it could very well be for two sleepers.

[0057] The third embodiment of said mattress is the use of either a foam or innerspring coiled mattress for the mattress core. Midpoint where the head is normally positioned on the mattress, a cavity of substantial size is designed for the face rest assembly. In this embodiment I envision the face rest proning assembly to be attached physically to the mattress structure through an internal structure, instead of a standalone lab jack scissor stand platform. The face rest would be mounted on a typical face rest with prongs jutting out. The prongs would be inserted into matching holes which are connected to the face rest proning base within the mattress itself. Since the structure is internal there is more room for medical tubing and other devices to be used.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view displaying the embodiment from above showing the pure prone position mattress (001) and two humans (002) sleeping on it. This description focuses mostly on one human for illustrative purposes, but a mattress could be made for two or more people.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a perspective view displaying the embodiment from above showing the pure prone position mattress (001) and one human (002) sleeping on it.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view taken from above showing the memory foam mattress (004), the Face Rest Proning Assembly (003). It illustrates the embodiment of the proning face assembly rest sitting within the footprint of the mattress.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a perspective view taken from above showing the Face Rest Proning Assembly (003) and the memory foam mattress enclosed in a cloth cover, (004). Here one see's the final shape of the foam mattress with a cavity (005) for the face rest proning assembly. This is created by taking a 60 by 39-inch piece of memory foam and at the midpoint at one end cut out a 13 inch by 13 inch square with reciprocating foam saw. Once the cavity is cut a fabric top, bottom, and side are installed and sewn together enclosing the foam.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a perspective orthogonal view taken from the side showing the mattress (004) and the face rest proning assembly (003), and the face rest cavity (005).

[0063] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view taken from the head portion of the mattress (004). The view reveals the depth and placement of the face rest proning assembly cavity (005).

[0064] FIG. 7a is a perspective side view of the face rest proning assembly (003). (006) molded face rest foam pad enclosed in cloth, (007) molded plastic face rest platform, (009) hook Velcro, (010) 4 each 90-degree bracket 6 inch long 1 inch by 1 inch with a slot 3 inches by inches, (011) are 4 each -inch screws nuts and plastic washers, (012) 2 each barrel nut, (013) 8 inch plastic handle bolt, (014) 8 each pieces of sheets metal 6 inches long inch wide, (015) 4 each clevis pins, (016) 4 each rivets, (017) is 2 each of 7 inch thread screw with plastic handle, (018) 2 each inch screws nuts washers, (019) 1 each 8 inch by 8 inch sheet metal plate, (020) 4 each screws washers with nuts encased in rubber.

[0065] FIG. 7b is a perspective exploded side view of the face rest proning assembly (003). (006) molded face rest foam pad enclosed in cloth, (007) molded plastic face rest platform, (008) loop Velcro, (009) hook Velcro, (010) 4 each 90 degree bracket 6 inch long 1 inch by 1 inch with a slot 3 inches by inches, (011) are 4 each inch screws nuts and plastic washers, (012) 2 each barrel nut, (013) 8 inch plastic handle bolt, (014) 8 each pieces of sheets metal 6 inches long inch wide, (015) 4 each clevis pins, (016) 4 each rivets, (017) is 2 each of 7 inch thread screw with plastic handle, (018) 2 each inch screws nuts washers, (019) 1 each 8 inch by 8 inch sheet metal plate, (020) 4 each screws washers with nuts encased in rubber.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a perspective view face rest cavity border supports. All spring mattresses have a wire border for stability, in this embodiment the face proning cavity is created by using a chop saw to cut a 13-inch piece of the top and bottom wire border at the midpoint. From here using wire snips remove 13 inches of springs. Three pieces of inch pipe (022) are cut to 12 inches and then soldered together with four 90 degree angles (021) as illustrated. This creates the face rest cavity border supports. Epoxy into place.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the internal face rest support base in two pieces for installation. For spring mattresses, the face rest proning base would be unable to be installed in one piece through all of the coils. Instead, it is fabricated in two pieces then inserted in through the coils. Once in place the two pieces are epoxy glued together creating a single structure. It is then secured to adjacent springs with 14-gauge wire in four points.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the internal face rest support base. This is fabricated by cutting pipe into 2 each 8 inch pieces (023), 2 each 4 inch pieces (024), 2 each 3 inch pieces (025), then cut inch pipe 2 each 7 inch pieces (026), welded together with 6 each 90 degree fittings (027) and 2 each expanders from to inch (028), 1 each coupling (029).

[0069] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a traditional face rest for a massage table with mounting prongs for inserting into a massage table. In this view it shows the face rest hook Velcro (009).

[0070] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the internal face rest support base connected to a massage table face rest. In the figure the face rest is in the elevated position illustrating longitudinal adjustment.

[0071] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a coil cage mattress with border wire noted. Measurement is 39 inches wide by 60 inches long.

[0072] FIG. 13b is a perspective view of a coil cage mattress with face rest cavity cut out of the coils (031).

[0073] FIG. 13c is a perspective view of a coil cage mattress with face rest cavity, with top and bottom border supports installed, and an internal proning support base installed. As the noted connection of the border wire and the border wire support it is exposed keeping it level the coil planes and then epoxied and wire into place with 14-gauge wire.

[0074] FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a completed mattress with pipes (026) protruding from the face rest proning base ready to accept the face rest prongs.

[0075] FIG. 14b is a perspective end view of a completed mattress showing the face rest installed and the open area under the face rest.

[0076] FIG. 15a is a perspective top-down view where to saw cut the foam on a memory foam (032) type mattress. Once it's cut you must back fill with foam and then contact cement.

[0077] FIG. 15b is a perspective top-down view where to place the internal face rest base support. Once installed back fill with foam and then contact cement.

[0078] The above spring mattress embodiment is focused on a Bonnell coils, but it could easily be used for offset coils, continuous coils, pockets coils, or a mixed/hybrid of, latex on top of coils, memory foam on top of coils, memory foam mixed with latex on top of coils, latex, memory foam, and coils on top of polyfoam.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

[0079] 001 Pure prone position mattress [0080] 002 Human [0081] 003 Face Rest Proning Assembly [0082] 004 Memory foam enclosed in fitted cloth [0083] 005 Face rest proning assembly cavity [0084] 006 Memory foam cloth enclosed face rest massage table pillow [0085] 007 Molded plastic face rest platform [0086] 008 Loop Velcro [0087] 009 Hook Velcro [0088] 010 4 each 90-degree bracket 6 inch long 1 inch by 1 inch with a slot 3 inches by inches [0089] 011 4 each -inch screws nuts and plastic washers [0090] 012 2 each barrel nut [0091] 013 8-inch plastic handle bolt [0092] 014 8 each pieces of sheets metal 6 inches long inch wide [0093] 015 4 each clevis pins [0094] 016 4 each rivets [0095] 017 2 each of 7-inch thread screw with plastic handle [0096] 018 2 each -inch screws nuts washers. [0097] 019 1 each 8-inch by 8 inch sheet metal plate. [0098] 020 4 each screws washers with nuts encased in rubber [0099] 021 4 90 degree angles -inch [0100] 022 3 pieces of -inch pipe (022) are cut to 12 inches [0101] 023 2 each 8-inch pieces [0102] 024 2 each 4-inch pieces [0103] 025 2 each 3-inch pieces [0104] 026 inch pipe 2 each 7-inch piece [0105] 027 6 each 90-degree fittings [0106] 028 2 each expanders from to inch [0107] 029 1 each coupling [0108] 030 coil cage mattress [0109] 031 coil cage mattress with face rest cavity [0110] 032 Memory foam [0111] As needed epoxy glue

Operation

[0112] In operation before lying down, one adjusts the massage table pillow to their face at the same time they affix it to the plastic horseshoe shaped 007 with hook Velcro on the face rest proning assembly. Once in place the person lays with their face in the face rest proning assembly. From there they reach into the cavity and turn the plastic handle to adjust the height of the face rest. At this point the bed is ready for sleep. The person now lays on the PPP mattress and positions their head on the face rest proning assembly. Gravity works in the person's favor as the tissue that normally collapses is now held in place by gravity.

[0113] The face rest proning cavity combined with the face rest proning assembly creates a gap between the top edges of the mattress and the face rest pillow. This gap allows exhaled air to be dissipated throughout the room. The structure under the face rest pillow is open which also allows ease of transfer throughout the room. This gap also protects a sleeper's head from inadvertently rolling off the mattress plane. If a person turns over in the middle of night their head would still be supported by either the FPA or the main mattress. These two factors allow a sleeper to be medically sedated.

[0114] If the PPP mattress has a pillow and bed spread the FPA is undetectable: The bed appears to the eye to be a regular bed. All they need to do is lay on the bad supine or on their side, when they are ready to sleep prone, simply roll over while pulling the pillow to the side. Now the FPA is exposed and the sleeper puts their face in it and goes to sleep. This minimal movement is important, if this was a massage table you would expend considerable energy to wiggle down to where you could use your hands to roll over making it hard to fall back asleep.

[0115] In one embodiment the FPA is attached to the mattress. This would create more space under the proning pillow which would allow for medical tubing and sensors to be placed. It would have no effect on air exchange but the extra tubing space would be helpful. COVID patients are regularly proned and many have been intubated before being put into a medically induced coma. The tubing for an intubated patient is extensive and the added space will aid in the treatment.

[0116] A sleep study mattress is one of the embodiments I foresee. An important part of a sleep study is the way your chest moves and the devices used to detect the movement. In a polysomnogram (overnight sleep study) an elastic band is affixed around a patient's chest to measure breathing. The device that collects the data sits on the front of the chest it is hard plastic and sticks out almost 2 inches. It is very difficult to sleep on your stomach with this, a simple solution would be to carve a small cavity out of the mattress to fit where this plastic box is. In this embodiment a patient would be able to roll over and the plastic box would fit into the cavity. In the current take home sleep study there is no way to sleep conformably on one's stomach.

Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope

Conclusions

[0117] After reading the description, the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the pure prone positioning mattress provides therapeutic value like no other mattress. This mattress can significantly reduce mild to medium OSA. The unique mattress shape combined with a face rest proning device allows a person to sleep with their face perpendicular to the mattress plane. With their head and neck in a neutral position gravity keeps their airway open allowing normal respiration. Additionally therapy compliance has been shown to be an issue with many sleep aids. With the PPP mattress it sets on the same platform as a regular bed and is switchable from supine (back) to prone (stomach) in a quick turn and a pull of the pillow to the side.

Ramifications

[0118] The ramifications are that the PPP mattress has other uses and advantages in that: [0119] 1. It permits production of PPP mattresses without any special equipment; [0120] 2. Fits on regular size beds no need to create new headboard frame or footboard; [0121] 3. Being self-contained (no headboard or footboard) the PPP mattress can be used in emergency situations such as medical transport; [0122] 4. Burn patients with back burns can be medicated and sleep prone; [0123] 5. Needs no electric power to work unlike CPAP; [0124] 6. Bed appears like a regular bed; [0125] 7. Aids in detached retina reattachment surgery, lengthy proning up to three weeks; [0126] 8. Less CPAP pressure is required when sleeping prone. [0127] 9. Currently longitudinal adjust is accomplished through a hand turned knob, future will be a hydraulically activated servo-unit.

Scope

[0128] While my above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope but rather as an exemplification of one or more embodiments thereof. Many variations are possible. For example, I presently contemplate the PPP mattress to be made of memory foam enclosed in a cloth bag, with the face proning assembly not connected to the mattress but standing independently. Future PPP mattress will be made with the face proning assembly connected to an internal structure within the mattress. This will open up a lot of space under the face rest pillow for medical devices, tubing, intubating and patient monitoring sensors.

[0129] Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.