Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02955517 2017-02-23
FOAM MATTRESS, FOAM TOPPER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
BACKGROUND
(a) Field
[0002] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to foam
mattresses, to foam toppers, and to methods of using the same. More
particularly, the subject matter disclosed relates to foam mattresses, and to
foam toppers that are configured to improve sleep quality of a user, and to
methods of using the same.
(b) Related Prior Art
[0003] It is well known that the quality of sleep has a significant effect
on the quality of life. Multiple clinical studies have correlated poor sleep
quality with, without limitation, hypertension, obesity, stroke, diabetes and
the
like. It is also well known that mattresses and toppers (i.e., mattress
toppers)
can significantly affect sleep quality. Poorly designed mattresses or toppers
are a significant cause of sleep disturbance and sleep quality degradation.
[0004] Mattress-induced discomfort caused by excessive pressures on
certain parts of the body and spinal misalignment result in increased tossing
and turning which is the proximate cause of discomfort, sleep disruption and
poor sleep quality.
Spinal Misalignment
[0005] Conventional mattresses/toppers are undifferentiated in their
configuration/construction, having the same density and displacement
characteristics over their entire surface. Since the human body is contoured
and flexible, it is forced by gravity to conform to the flat mattress surface.
The
spine is therefore consequently forced out of alignment which produces spinal
shear and bending, which puts significant strain on the ligaments and muscles
of the lower back. This connective tissues and muscle strain results in low
back pain and disrupts sleep.
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Pressure
[0006] Because conventional mattresses are constructed of flat layers
with undifferentiated displacement characteristics, they are incapable of
equalizing the varying contour pressures of the body. This creates higher
pressures on the body's prominences, especially when side lying. Over 50%
of the U.S. population are primary side sleepers. Back sleepers present about
900 square inches to the mattress whereas side sleepers present about 500
square inches. This higher side-sleeping psi (pound per square inch) is then
magnified at the body's prominences on conventional mattresses causing
additional sleep disruption.
[0007] There is therefore currently in the market a need to improve
sleep quality by minimizing the mattress-induced factors which degrade sleep
quality.
[0008] Indeed, an ideal mattress must have a resiliency over the length
of the body on the mattress to support the body in spinal alignment and also
provide ultra-low body pressures over all parts of the body in contact with
the
mattress. Ultra-low body pressure can be defined as near or below 0.6 psi (or
32mmHg). Pressure above this threshold will cause numerous involuntary
movements during sleep to relieve that pressure and prevent skin damage. If
unrelieved, excessive pressures would eventually result in a bedsore.
[0009] Even though normally unaware of it, this excessive pressure
causes most people to turn in bed about 30 times per night. This tossing and
turning seriously disrupts sleep continuity and causes next-day fatigue and
compromised quality of life.
[0010] All conventional mattresses, including memory foam, air and
latex mattresses, regardless of their price, are incapable of achieving these
ultra-low pressures on all body prominences.
[0011] It is relatively common for existing consumer mattresses to
achieve back lying body pressures on most, but not all, parts of the body, of
0.6 psi. Again and as mentioned above, this is because the area of the body
load is about 900 square inches, enough area to maintain low pressures.
2
However, a side lying body only provides about 500 square inches of contact
area which, under the same load, significantly increases the area loading.
Achieving 0.6 psi on all body areas, especially the shoulder and hip areas,
when side lying on conventional mattresses is not possible.
[0012] Furthermore, since a recumbent body has both varying density
and varying contour in the longitudinal direction, the ideal foam
mattress/topper must conform to these variations. In order to achieve spinal
alignment, the supporting forces in the mattress, under load from the
recumbent body, must vary along the body to correctly match the varying
body density and shape.
[0013] There is therefore a need for improved foam mattresses and for
improved foam toppers that are configured to improve sleep quality of a user,
and for methods of using the same.
SUMMARY
According to an embodiment, there is provided a foam mattress to control a
whole body alignment, the foam mattress comprising:
a first foam section defining an upper surface, a lower surface, a
longitudinal direction allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body,
and a plurality of mattress areas comprising:
an upper body receiving area for supporting user's upper body
and shoulders;
a lower body receiving area for supporting user's lower body;
and
a middle body receiving area for supporting a user's hip; and
a first lateral channel located within the upper body receiving area for
facing at least one of the shoulders of the user, the first lateral channel
extending in a lateral direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the
mattress, the first lateral channel thereby allowing the upper body receiving
area above the first lateral channel to displace downward to provide pressure
reduction and alignment for the at least one shoulders of the user's body.
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[0014] According to another embodiment, there is provided a foam
mattress extending in a longitudinal direction and having a mattress head and
a mattress foot for supporting a reclining body comprising a shoulder and a
hip, the foam mattress comprising: a foam section defining an upper body
receiving area for supporting the shoulder and a middle body receiving area
for supporting the hip, the foam section defining an upper surface and a lower
surface; an upper body receiving area lateral channel within the upper body
receiving area between the upper surface and the lower surface of the foam
section; and two lateral grooves extending through the upper surface of the
foam section; wherein the upper body receiving area lateral channel and the
two lateral grooves extends in a lateral direction normal to the longitudinal
direction.
[0015] According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further
comprises a middle body receiving area lateral channel within the middle body
receiving area between the upper surface and the lower surface of the foam
section.
[0016] According to a further embodiment, the foam mattress further
comprises a lower body receiving area lateral channel within a lower body
receiving area defined in the foam section and located between the upper
surface and the lower surface of the foam section.
[0017] According to yet another embodiment, the foam section is
symmetrical from the upper body receiving area to the lower body receiving
area.
[0018] According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further
comprises: a first set of intermediate lateral grooves extending from the
upper
surface of the foam section within the upper body receiving area; and a
second set of intermediate lateral grooves extending from the upper surface
of the foam section within the lower body receiving area.
[0019] According to a further embodiment, the foam mattress further
comprises another foam section for supporting the foam section, the other
foam section defining an upper surface for interfacing with the lower surface
of the foam section.
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[0020] According to yet another embodiment, the upper body area
lateral channel comprises a plurality of adjacent upper body area lateral
channels and wherein the lower body receiving area lateral channel
comprises a plurality of adjacent lower body receiving area lateral channels.
[0021] According to another embodiment, each lateral groove is
defined by a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge at an angle from the
first lateral edge.
[0022] According to a further embodiment, the second lateral edge is at
an angle of about 45 degrees from the first lateral edge.
[0023] According to yet another embodiment, each one of the upper
body receiving area lateral channel and the lower body receiving area lateral
channels defines a substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area.
[0024] According to another embodiment, the substantially hemi-
elliptical cross-section area is be between about 0.0381 m to about 0.051 m
deep.
[0025] According to a further embodiment, the substantially hemi-
elliptical cross-section area comprises a radius of about 0.140 m.
[0026] According to yet another embodiment, each one of the upper
body area lateral channel and the lower body receiving area lateral channels
defines a substantially hemi-circular cross-section area.
[0027] According to another embodiment, the middle body receiving
area lateral channel defines a substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section
area.
[0028] According to a further embodiment, the substantially hemi-
elliptical cross-section area is between about 0.0381 m to about 0.051 m
deep.
[0029] According to yet another embodiment, the substantially hemi-
elliptical cross-section area comprises a radius of about 0.051 m.
[0030] According to another embodiment, the middle body receiving
area lateral channel defines a substantially hemi-circular cross-section area.
CA 02955517 2017-02-23
[0031] According to a further embodiment, the foam section has a
thickness of about 0.051 m to about 0.381 m.
[0032] According to yet another embodiment, the foam mattress further
comprises a plurality of adjacent intermediate lateral grooves extending from
the upper surface of the foam section, being distant from the two lateral
grooves.
[0033] According to another embodiment, the middle body receiving
area for supporting the hip comprises a trochanter receiving area for
supporting a trochanter, the upper body receiving area lateral channel being
within the trochanter receiving area between the upper surface and the lower
surface of the foam section.
[0034] The following term is defined below.
[0035] The term "mattress" is intended to mean a pad for supporting
and/or interfacing the reclining body, used as or on a bed. The mattress is
intended here to be placed atop of a bed base or atop of a substrate.
According to the description and the claims, the term "mattress" is intended
to
include the term "topper" (i.e., small mattress), which may be used instead of
or in addition to a comfort layer of the mattress, which reduces wear and is
replaceable without replacing the entire mattress.
[0036] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will
become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of
selected
embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized,
the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in
various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims.
Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the
subject
matter is set forth in the claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination
with the appended drawings, in which:
[0038] Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with an embodiment;
[0039] Fig. 1B is a side elevation exploded view of the foam mattress of
Fig. 1A;
[0040] Fig. 2A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0041] Fig. 2B is a side elevation exploded view of the foam mattress of
Fig. 2A;
[0042] Fig. 3A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0043] Fig. 3B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of Fig. 3A;
[0044] Fig. 4A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0045] Fig. 4B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of Fig. 4A;
[0046] Fig. 5A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0047] Fig. 5B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of Fig. 5A;
[0048] Fig. 6A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0049] Fig. 6B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of Fig. 6A;
[0050] Fig. 7A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0051] Fig. 7B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of Fig. 7A;
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[0052] Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0053] Fig. 8B is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0054] Fig. 9A is a is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0055] Fig. 9B is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0056] Fig. 10A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0057] Fig. 10B is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0058] Fig. 11A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0059] Fig. 11B is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0060] Fig. 12A illustrates a foam deflection of a foam mattress of the
PRIOR ART, under a load;
[0061] Fig. 12B illustrates a foam deflection of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment, under a load;
[0062] Fig. 13A illustrates a foam deflection of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment, under a load;
[0063] Fig. 13B illustrates a foam deflection of the foam mattress of Fig.
13A under a side lying body load;
[0064] Fig. 14A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0065] Fig. 14B illustrates the foam mattress of Fig. 14A and a
corresponding user body;
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[0066] Fig. 14C illustrates a foam deflection of the foam mattress of
Figs. 14A and 14B under the side lying body load;
[0067] Fig. 15A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0068] Fig. 15B illustrates the foam mattress of Fig. 15A and a
corresponding user body;
[0069] Fig. 15C illustrates a foam deflection of the foam mattress of
Figs. 15A and 156 under the side lying body load;
[0070] Fig. 16A illustrates a foam mattress in accordance with another
embodiment, under a side lying body load;
[0071] Fig. 16B illustrates the foam mattress of Fig. 16A, under a back
lying body load;
[0072] Fig. 17 is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0073] Fig. 18A is a top perspective view of a foam topper in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0074] Fig. 186 is a side elevation view of the foam topper of Fig. 18A;
[0075] Fig. 19 compares pressures applied on a 210 pounds man side
lying on conventional mattresses with the 210 pounds man side lying on the
mattress of the present invention;
[0076] Fig. 20 compares side lying pressure maps of a mattress of the
PRIOR ART and the mattress of the present invention;
[0077] Fig. 21A is a top perspective view of a foam topper in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0078] Fig. 21B is a side elevation view of two adjacent mirror foam
toppers shown in Fig. 21A;
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[0079] Fig. 21C is a side elevation view of the foam topper of Fig. 21A;
[0080] Fig. 22A is a top perspective view of a foam topper in accordance
with another embodiment;
[0081] Fig. 22B is a side elevation view of the foam topper of Fig. 22A;
[0082] Fig. 23A is a top perspective view of a foam topper in accordance
with another embodiment;
[0083] Fig. 23B is a side elevation view of the foam topper of Fig. 23A;
and
[0084] Fig. 24 is a top plan view of a foam topper in accordance with
another embodiment.
[0085] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like
features are identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0086] In embodiments, there are disclosed foam mattresses, foam
toppers and methods of using the same in a way to control the whole body
alignment (i.e., spinal alignment) while providing ultra-low body interface
pressures for each body area.
[0087] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1A,
1B, 2A and 2B, there is shown a foam mattress 10 in accordance with an
embodiment. The foam mattress 10 includes a first foam section 12 and a
second foam section 14 for supporting the first foam section 12. The first
foam
section 12, together with the second foam section 14, defines a plurality of
mattress areas. Still referring to Figs. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, the mattress 10
defines
an upper body receiving area 16, a middle body receiving area 18 and a lower
body receiving area 20. The first foam section 12 defines an upper surface 22
and a lower surface 24. The second foam section 14 also defines an upper
surface 26 and a lower surface 28. The lower surface 24 of the first foam
section
12 interfaces (for example is laminated) with the upper surface 26 of the
second
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foam section 14. The first and second foam sections 12, 14 define a
longitudinal
direction 32 allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The first
foam
section 12 includes a first lateral groove 30 which extends along its upper
surface
22 and a second lateral groove 34 which also extends along its upper surface
22.
The second lateral groove 34 is distant from the first lateral groove 30 to
define
the upper body receiving area 16, the middle body receiving area 18 and the
lower body receiving area 20. The first foam section 12 further includes an
upper
body area lateral channel 36 which extends from its lower surface 24 within
the
upper body receiving area 16, a middle body receiving area lateral channel 38
which extends from its lower surface 24 within the middle body receiving area
18
and a lower body receiving area lateral channel 40 which extends from its
lower
surface 24 within the lower body receiving area 20.
[0088] Still referring to Figs. 1A, 2B, 2A and 2B, there is shown that
the
first lateral groove 30, the second lateral groove 34, the upper body area
lateral
channel 36, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 and the lower
body
receiving area lateral channel 40 are substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction 32 defining the first foam section 12. Therefore, the
lower
surface 24 of the first foam section 12 interfaces with the upper surface 26
of the
second foam section 14, allowing the upper body area lateral channel 36, the
middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 and the lower body receiving
area
lateral channel 40 to provide tunnels 42a, 42b, 42c between the first foam
section 12 and the second foam section 14.
[0089] According to their configurations, the mattresses 10, as shown in
Figs. 1A; 1B, 2A and 2B, provide lowest pressures on the user's body and
spinal
alignment of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side lying body,
back
lying body and front lying body) as it will be explained in more details
below.
Moreover, according to their configurations, the mattresses 10 of Figs. 1A,
1B,
2A and 2B provide pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which
interfaces with the mattress 10 in the upper body receiving area 16
substantially
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above the upper body area lateral channel 36) and the hip (which interfaces
with
the mattress 10 in the middle body receiving area 18 substantially above the
middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 and substantially between the
first
lateral groove 30 and the second lateral groove 34), of less than 0.6 psi.
[0090] Referring to Fig. 1B, there is shown that the upper and lower
body
receiving area lateral channels 36, 40, may be typically 1.5" deep with a 5.5"
radius, thereby allowing the upper body receiving area 16 above the upper body
area lateral channel 36 to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and
alignment for the shoulder of the user's body. On the other hand, there is
shown
that the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38, may be typically 1.5"
deep
with a 2" radius, thereby allowing the middle body receiving area 18 above the
middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 to displace downward to provide
pressure reduction and alignment for the hip of the user's body. Fig. 1B shows
that the first foam section 12 has a thickness of about 3.0" (0.076 m). The
upper,
middle and lower body receiving area lateral channels 36, 38, 40 may define a
substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area (i.e., the hemi-elliptical
cross-
section area may include a circular arc, as shown in Fig. 1B).
[0091] Now referring to Fig. 2B, there is shown that the upper and lower
body receiving area lateral channels 36, 40, may be typically 2.0" deep with a
5.5" radius, thereby allowing the upper body receiving area 16 above the upper
body area lateral channel 36 to displace downward to provide pressure
reduction
and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body. On the other hand, there is
shown that the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38, may be typically
2.0" deep with a 2" radius, thereby allowing the middle body receiving area 18
above the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 to displace downward
to
provide pressure reduction and alignment for the hip of the user's body. Fig.
2B
shows that the first foam section 12 has a thickness of about 3.5" (0.089 m).
Both the first and second lateral grooves 30, 34 of the first foam section 12
of the
mattresses 10 shown in Figs. 1B and 2B are shown to include a first lateral
edge
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44 which is substantially vertical and a second lateral edge 46, which is at
an
angle of about 45 degrees from the first lateral edge 44. The upper, middle
and
lower body receiving area lateral channels 36, 38, 40 may define a
substantially
hemi-elliptical cross-section area (i.e., the hemi-elliptical cross-section
area may
include a circular arc, as shown in Fig. 2B).
[0092] Referring now to Figs. 3A and 3B, there is shown a foam mattress
110 in accordance with another embodiment. The foam mattress 110 includes a
first foam section 112 and a second foam section 114 for supporting the first
foam section 112. The first foam section 112, together with the second foam
section 114, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to Figs.
3A and
3B, the mattress 110 also defines an upper body receiving area 116, a middle
body receiving area 118 and a lower body receiving area 120. The first foam
section 112 defines an upper surface 122 and a lower surface 124. The second
foam section 114 also defines an upper surface 126 and a lower surface 128.
The lower surface 124 of the first foam section 112 interfaces with the upper
surface 126 of the second foam section 114. The first and second foam sections
112, 114 define a longitudinal direction 132 allowing for longitudinally
receiving a
user's body. The first foam section 112 includes a first lateral groove 130
which
extends along its upper surface 122 and a second lateral groove 134 which also
extends along its upper surface 122. The second lateral groove 134 is distant
from the first lateral groove 130 to define the upper body receiving area 116,
the
middle body receiving area 118 and the lower body receiving area 120. The
first
foam section 112 further includes a plurality of upper body area lateral
channels
136 which extend from its lower surface 124 within the upper body receiving
area
116, a middle body receiving area lateral channel 138 which extends from its
lower surface 124 within the middle body receiving area 118 and a plurality of
lower body receiving area lateral channels 140 which extend from its lower
surface 124 within the lower body receiving area 120. There is also shown in
Figs. 3A and 3B that the second foam section 114 further includes a plurality
of
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corresponding upper body area lateral channels 137 which extend from its upper
surface 126 substantially below the upper body receiving area 116, a
corresponding middle body receiving area lateral channel 139 which extends
from its upper surface 126 substantially below the middle body receiving area
118 and a plurality of corresponding lower body receiving area lateral
channels
141 which extend from its upper surface 126 substantially below the lower body
receiving area 120.
[0093] Still referring to Figs. 3A and 3B, there is shown that the first
lateral
groove 130, the second lateral groove 134, the plurality of upper body area
lateral channels 136, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 138, the
plurality of lower body receiving area lateral channels 140, the plurality of
corresponding upper body area lateral channels 137, the corresponding middle
body receiving area lateral channel 139, and the plurality of corresponding
lower
body receiving area lateral channels 141 are substantially perpendicular to
the
longitudinal direction 132 defining the first foam section 112. Therefore, the
lower
surface 124 of the first foam section 112 interfaces with the upper surface
126 of
the second foam section 114, allowing the plurality of upper body area lateral
channels 136, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 138 and the
plurality of lower body receiving area lateral channels 140 to provide tunnels
142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, 142e, 142f, 142g between the first foam section 112
and the second foam section 114, when in alignment with the plurality
corresponding upper body area lateral channels 137, the corresponding middle
body receiving area lateral channel 139 and the plurality of corresponding
lower
body receiving area lateral channels 141.
[0094] Still referring to Figs. 3A and 3B, there is shown that the
plurality of
upper body area lateral channels 136, the middle body receiving area lateral
channel 138, the plurality of lower body receiving area lateral channels 140,
the
plurality of corresponding upper body area lateral channels 137, the
corresponding middle body receiving area lateral channel 139, and the
plurality
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of corresponding lower body receiving area lateral channels 141 each define a
substantially hem i-circular cross-section such as to define tunnels 142a,
142b,
142c, 142d, 142e, 142f, 142g each defining a substantially circular cross-
section.
[0095] Referring now to Figs. 4A and 4B, there is shown a foam mattress
210 in accordance with another embodiment. The foam mattress 210 includes a
first foam section 212 and a second foam section 214 for supporting the first
foam section 212. The first foam section 212, together with the second foam
section 214, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to Figs.
4A and
4B, the mattress 210 defines an upper body receiving area 216, a middle body
receiving area 218 and a lower body receiving area 220. More particularly,
there
is shown that the mattress 210 defines a head receiving area 216a, a shoulder
receiving area 216b, a torso receiving area 218a, a pelvic receiving area
218b, a
trochanter receiving area 218c and a leg receiving area 220a. The first foam
section 212 defines an upper surface 222 and a lower surface 224. The second
foam section 214 also defines an upper surface 226 and a lower surface 228.
The lower surface 224 of the first foam section 212 interfaces with the upper
surface 226 of the second foam section 214. The first and second foam sections
212, 214 define a longitudinal direction 232 allowing for longitudinally
receiving a
user's body. The first foam section 212 includes a first lateral groove 230
which
extends along its upper surface 222 and a second lateral groove 234 which also
extends along its upper surface 222. The second lateral groove 234 is distant
from the first lateral groove 230 to define the upper body receiving area 216,
the
middle body receiving area 218 and the lower body receiving area 220. The
first
foam section 212 further includes a third lateral groove 231 and a fourth
lateral
groove 235. The third lateral groove 231 separates the head receiving area
216a
from the shoulder receiving area 216b. lnbetween the first and second lateral
grooves 230, 234, the first foam section 212 further includes a plurality of
intermediate lateral grooves 233 extending from its upper surface 222 in the
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middle body receiving area 218. The first foam section 212 further includes an
upper body area lateral channel 236 which extends from its lower surface 224
within the upper body receiving area 216, and more particularly within the
shoulder receiving area 216b, and a lower body receiving area lateral channel
240 which extends from its lower surface 224 within the lower body receiving
area 220.
[0096] Still referring to Figs. 4A and 46, there is shown that the first
lateral
groove 230, the second lateral groove 234, the third lateral groove 231, the
fourth
lateral groove 235, the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233, the
upper
body area lateral channel 236 and the lower body receiving area lateral
channel
240 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 232 defining
the
first foam section 212. Therefore, the lower surface 224 of the first foam
section
212 interfaces with the upper surface 226 of the second foam section 214,
allowing the upper body area lateral channel 236, and the lower body receiving
area lateral channel 240 to provide tunnels 242a, 242b between the first foam
section 212 and the second foam section 214.
[0097] Referring now to Figs. 5A and 56, there is shown a foam mattress
310 in accordance with another embodiment. The foam mattress 310 includes a
first foam section 312 and a second foam section 314 for supporting the first
foam section 312. The first foam section 312, together with the second foam
section 314, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to Figs.
5A and
56, the mattress 310 defines an upper body receiving area 316, a middle body
receiving area 318 and a lower body receiving area 320. More particularly,
there
is shown that the mattress 310 defines a head receiving area 316a, a shoulder
receiving area 316b, a torso receiving area 318a, a pelvic receiving area
318b, a
trochanter receiving area 318c and a leg receiving area 320a. The first foam
section 312 defines an upper surface 322 and a lower surface 324. The second
foam section 314 also defines an upper surface 326 and a lower surface 328.
The lower surface 324 of the first foam section 312 interfaces with the upper
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surface 326 of the second foam section 314. The first and second foam sections
312, 314 define a longitudinal direction 332 allowing for longitudinally
receiving a
user's body. The first foam section 312 includes a first lateral groove 330
which
extends along its upper surface 322 and a second lateral groove 334 which also
extends along its upper surface 322. The second lateral groove 334 is distant
from the first lateral groove 330 to define the upper body receiving area 316,
the
middle body receiving area 318 and the lower body receiving area 320. The
first
foam section 312 further includes a third lateral groove 331 and a fourth
lateral
groove 335. The third lateral groove 331 separates the head receiving area
316a
from the shoulder receiving area 316b. lnbetween the first and second lateral
grooves 330, 334, the first foam section 312 further includes a plurality of
intermediate lateral grooves 333 extending from its upper surface 322 in the
middle body receiving area 318. The first foam section 212 further includes an
upper body area lateral channel 336 which extends from its lower surface 324
within the upper body receiving area 316 and more particularly within the
shoulder receiving area 316b, a middle body receiving area lateral channel 338
between its upper surface 322 and its lower surface 324 within the middle body
receiving area 318 (and substantially in between the plurality of intermediate
lateral grooves 333), and a lower body receiving area lateral channel 340
which
extends from its lower surface 324 within the lower body receiving area 320.
[0098] Therefore, the mattress 310 shown in Figs. 5A and 5B is identical
to the mattress 210 shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, with the exception of the
trochanter receiving area 318c. In this embodiment (Figs. 5A and 5B), a
portion
of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233 of the trochanter area
218c are
replaced by a middle body receiving area lateral channel 338, which provides a
corresponding pressure relief in the trochanter receiving area 318c.
[0099] Still referring to Figs. 5A and 5B, there is shown that the first
lateral
groove 330, the second lateral groove 334, the third lateral groove 331, the
fourth
lateral groove 335, the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 333, the
upper
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body area lateral channel 336, the middle body receiving area lateral channel
338 and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 340 are substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 332 defining the first foam
section 312.
Therefore, the lower surface 324 of the first foam section 312 interfaces with
the
upper surface 326 of the second foam section 314, allowing the upper body area
lateral channel 336, and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 340 to
provide tunnels 342a, 342h between the first foam section 312 and the second
foam section 314.
[00100] Still referring to the drawings and according to another
embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 210 of Figs. 6A and 6B is similar
in
configuration to the mattress 210 of Fig. 4A and 4B. The mattress 210 of Figs.
6A
and 6B does not require the presence of the second foam section 214 and
compared to the mattress 210 of Figs. 4A and 4B is not reversible. Indeed, the
mattress 210 of Figs. 6A and 6B only includes the first and third lateral
grooves
230, 231, a portion of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233 and
the
upper body area lateral channel 236.
[00101] According to their configurations, both the mattresses 210, as
shown in Figs. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B, provide lowest pressures on the user's body
and spinal alignment of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side
lying
body, back lying body and front lying body). Moreover, according to their
configurations, the mattresses 210 of Figs. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B provide
pressures,
for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattresses
210
in the upper body receiving area 216 substantially above the upper body area
lateral channel 236) and the hip (which interfaces with the mattresses 210 in
the
middle body receiving area 218 substantially above the plurality of
intermediate
lateral grooves 233), of less than 0.6 psi.
[00102] Still referring to the drawings and according to another
embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 310 of Figs. 7A and 7B is similar
in
configuration to the mattress 310 of Fig. 5A and 5B. The mattress 310 of Figs.
7A
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and 7B does not require the presence of the second foam section 314 and
compared to the mattress 310 of Figs. 5A and 5B is not reversible. Indeed, the
mattress 310 of Figs. 7A and 7B only includes the first and third lateral
grooves
330, 331, a portion of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233, the
upper
body area lateral channel 336 and the middle body receiving area lateral
channel
338.
[00103] Therefore, the mattress 310 shown in Figs. 7A and 7B is identical
to the mattress 210 shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, with the exception of the
trochanter receiving area 318c. In this embodiment, a portion of the plurality
of
intermediate lateral grooves 233 (or slots) of the trochanter receiving area
218
are replaced by a middle body receiving area lateral channel (or tunnel) 338,
which provides a corresponding pressure relief in trochanter receiving area
318.
[00104] According to their configurations, both the mattresses 310, as
shown in Figs. 5A, 5B, 7A and 7B, provide lowest pressures on the user's body
and spinal alignment of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side
lying
body, back lying body and front lying body). Moreover, according to their
configurations, the mattresses 310 of Figs. 5A, 5B, 7A and 7B provide
pressures,
for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattresses
310
in the upper body receiving area 316 substantially above the upper body area
lateral channel 336) and the hip (which interfaces with the mattresses 310 in
the
middle body receiving area 318 substantially above the plurality of
intermediate
lateral grooves 333 and the middle body receiving area lateral channel 338),
of
less than 0.6 psi.
[00105] Still referring to the drawings and according to another
embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 210 of Fig. 8A is equivalent to
the
embodiment shown in Figs. 4A and 4B and is similar in configuration to the
mattress 210 shown in Fig. 8B. Indeed, the mattress 210 of Fig. 8B does not
require the presence of the second foam section 214 as the first foam section
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212 shown in Fig. 8B is thicker than the first foam section 212 shown in Figs.
4A,
4B and 8A.
[00106] Still referring to the drawings and according to another
embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 310 of Fig. 9A is equivalent to
the
embodiment shown in Figs. 5A and 5B and is similar in configuration to the
mattress 310 shown in Fig. 9B. Indeed, the mattress 310 of Fig. 8B does not
require the presence of the second foam section 314 as the first foam section
312 shown in Fig. 9B is thicker than the first foam section 312 shown in Figs.
5A,
5B and 9A.
[00107] However, it is important to be mentioned that all configurations
(Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B), provide pressures, for a side lying
body, on the shoulder and the hip of less than 0.6 psi.
[00108] Still referring to the drawings and according to another
embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 210 of Fig. 10A is equivalent to
the
embodiment shown in Figs. 6A and 6B and is similar in configuration to the
mattress 210 shown in Fig. 10B. Indeed, the mattress 210 of Fig. 10B does not
require the presence of the second foam section 214 as the first foam section
212 shown in Fig. 10B is thicker than the first foam section 212 shown in
Figs.
6A, 6B and 10A.
[00109] Still referring to the drawings and according to another
embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 310 of Fig. 11A is equivalent to
the
embodiment shown in Figs. 7A and 7B and is similar in configuration to the
mattress 310 shown in Fig. 11B. Indeed, the mattress 310 of Fig. 11B does not
require the presence of the second foam section 314 as the first foam section
312 shown in Fig. 11B is thicker than the first foam section 312 shown in
Figs.
7A, 7B and 11A.
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[00110] However, it is important to be mentioned that all configurations
(Figs. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B), provide pressures, for a side
lying body, on the shoulder and the hip of less than 0.6 psi.
[00111] As shown in Fig. 12A, a spherical mass M is placed onto a
contiguous piece of foam (sample) to show how the horizontal tensile
restriction
of a foam sample reduces the contact area of the spherical mass M, thereby
increasing the unit area pressure on the spherical mass M. X shows the contact
diameter between the spherical mass M and the foam (sample).
[00112] On the other hand, Fig. 12B shows a spherical mass M placed onto
a first foam section as described above (which may be compared to first foam
section 12, 112, 212, 312) to show how adjacent lateral grooves (30, 34, 130,
134, 230, 234, 231, 233, 235, 330, 334, 331, 333, 335) eliminate the tensile
forces of a first foam section (12, 112, 212, 312), increasing the contact
area of
the spherical mass M, thereby reducing the unit area pressure on the spherical
mass M. Y shows the contact diameter between the spherical mass M and the
first foam section, where Y is larger than X (Fig. 12A).
[00113] Fig. 13A illustrates a spherical mass M placed onto the mattress
210 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8B. The spherical mass M is shown to be
placed on upper body receiving area 216, and more particularly on the shoulder
receiving area 216b, to show the displacement of the first foam section 212 of
the mattress 210 under the load provided by the spherical mass M on the upper
body area lateral channel 236 and inbetween the first and the third lateral
grooves 230, 231.
[00114] On the other hand, Fig. 13B illustrates a user's body placed onto
the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8B. The shoulder of the
user's
body (which may be compared with the spherical mass M shown in Fig. 13A
discussed above) is shown to be placed on upper body receiving area 216, and
more particularly on the shoulder receiving area 216b, to show the
displacement
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of the first foam section 212 of the mattress 210 under the load provided by
the
shoulder of the user's body on the upper body area lateral channel 236 and
inbetween the first and the third lateral grooves 230, 231.
[00115] Referring now to Figs. 14A, 14B and 14C, Fig. 14C illustrates a
user's body placed onto the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4A
and 4B. The shoulder of the user's body (which may be compared with the
spherical mass M shown in Fig. 13A discussed above) is shown to be placed on
upper body receiving area 216, and more particularly on the shoulder receiving
area 216b, to show the displacement of the first foam section 212 of the
mattress
210 under the load provided by the shoulder of the user's body on the upper
body area lateral channel 236 and inbetween the first and the third lateral
grooves 230, 231.
=
[00116] Referring now to Figs. 15A, 15B and 15C, Fig. 15C illustrates a
user's body placed onto the mattress 310 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7A
and 7B. Again, the shoulder of the user's body (which may be compared with the
spherical mass M shown in Fig. 13A discussed above) is shown to be placed on
upper body receiving area 316, and more particularly on the shoulder receiving
area 316b, to show the displacement of the first foam section 312 of the
mattress
310 under the load provided by the shoulder of the user's body on the upper
body area lateral channel 336 and inbetween the first and the third lateral
grooves 330, 331. Fig. 15C further illustrates the displacement of the first
foam
section 312 of the mattress 310 under the load provided by the hip of the
user's
body on the middle body receiving area lateral channel 338 and adjacent the
plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 333.
[00117] In Fig. 16A, the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A
and 4B is illustrated with a side lying user's body on its upper surface 222.
The
deep displacement of the first foam layer 212 under the shoulder of the user's
body into the upper body area lateral channel 236 is the result of an
important
shoulder load on a relatively small surface area (above the upper body area
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lateral channel 236 and inbetween the first and third lateral grooves 230,
231).
According to this particular configuration, if the first and third lateral
grooves 230,
231 were absent, the tensile forces of the foam would severely restrict the
downward displacement of the supporting foam into the upper body area lateral
channel 236, thereby resulting in a greater unit area pressure on the shoulder
of
the user's body. This increased shoulder pressure would disturb sleep.
Additionally, the shallower displacement caused by the absence of first and
third
lateral grooves 230, 231 would elevate the shoulder to the point of spinal
misalignment, a second cause of sleep disturbance.
[00118] In Fig. 16B, the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A
and 4B is illustrated with a back lying user's body on its upper surface 222.
The
shallow displacement of the first foam layer 212 under the shoulder of the
user's
body into the upper body area lateral channel 236 is the result of an
important
shoulder load on a relatively large area. This keeps the shoulders elevated
for
correct spinal alignment with low pressure. The first and third lateral
grooves 230,
231, combined with the upper body area lateral channel 236 provides both the
required spinal alignment and the ultra-low pressures for any sleeping
position.
[00119] Referring to Figs, 16A and 16B, it is to be noted that even if the
embodiment shown in Figs. 4A and 4B requires the presence of the first and
third
lateral grooves 230, 231 to displace the first foam section 212 within the
upper
body area lateral channel 236, other embodiments can surely result in
controlling
the whole body alignment (i.e., spinal alignment) while providing ultra-low
body
interface pressures for each body area. Therefore, the other configurations
shown in Figs. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B and
11B, would also allow displacement of the first foam section under the
shoulder
and/or the hip of the user's body (back lying or side lying on the mattress)
into
the upper body area lateral channel or into the plurality of upper body area
lateral
channels (Figs. 3A and 3B) and/or the middle body receiving area lateral
channel
(with our without lateral grooves on each side of the upper body area lateral
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channel, the plurality of upper body area lateral channels or the middle body
receiving area lateral channel), thereby providing both the required spinal
alignment and the ultra-low pressures for any sleeping position.
[00120] Referring now to Fig 17, there is shown a foam mattress 410 in
accordance with another embodiment. The foam mattress 410 includes a first
foam section 412 and a second foam section 414 for supporting the first foam
section 412. The first foam section 412, together with the second foam section
414, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to Fig. 17, the
mattress
410 defines an upper body receiving area 416, a middle body receiving area 418
and a lower body receiving area 420. The first foam section 412 defines an
upper
surface 422 and a lower surface 424. The second foam section 414 also defines
an upper surface 426 and a lower surface 428. The lower surface 424 of the
first
foam section 412 interfaces with the upper surface 426 of the second foam
section 414. The first and second foam sections 412, 414 define a longitudinal
direction 432 allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The first
foam
section 412 includes a first lateral groove 430 which extends along its upper
surface 422 and a second lateral groove 434 which also extends along its upper
surface 422. The second lateral groove 434 is distant from the first lateral
groove
430 to define the upper body receiving area 416, the middle body receiving
area
418 and the lower body receiving area 420. The first foam section 412 further
includes first intermediate lateral grooves 433a, 433b which both extend along
its
upper surface 422 within the upper body receiving area 416 as well as second
intermediate lateral grooves 433c, 433d which both extend along its upper
surface 422 within the lower body receiving area 420. The first foam section
412
further includes an upper body area lateral channel 436 which extends from its
lower surface 424 within the upper body receiving area 416, a middle body
receiving area lateral channel or tunnel 438 between its upper surface 422 and
its lower surface 424 within the middle body receiving area 418 and a lower
body
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receiving area lateral channel 440 which extends from its lower surface 424
within the lower body receiving area 420.
[00121] Still referring to Fig. 17, there is shown that the first lateral
groove
430, the second lateral groove 434, the first and second intermediate lateral
grooves 433a, 433b, 433c, 433d, the upper body area lateral channel 436, the
middle body receiving area lateral channel or tunnel 438 and the lower body
receiving area lateral channel 440 are substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction 432 defining the first foam section 412. Therefore, the
lower
surface 424 of the first foam section 412 interfaces with the upper surface
426 of
the second foam section 414, allowing the upper body area lateral channel 436,
and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 440 to provide tunnels 442a,
442b between the first foam section 412 and the second foam section 414.
[00122] According to its configuration, the mattress 410, as shown in Fig.
17, provides lowest pressures on the user's body and spinal alignment of the
user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side lying body, back lying body
and
front lying body) as described in more details above. Moreover, according to
its
configuration, the mattress 410 of Fig. 17 provides pressures, for a side
lying
body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattress 410 in the upper
body
receiving area 416 substantially above the upper body area lateral channel 436
and inbetween the first intermediate lateral grooves 433a, 433b) and the hip
(which interfaces with the mattress 410 in the middle body receiving area 418
substantially above the middle body receiving area lateral channel or tunnel
438
and substantially between the first lateral groove 430 and the second lateral
groove 430), of less than 0.6 psi.
[00123] According to the embodiments shown in Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A,
6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B and 17, the mattress, which is formed with the
first
foam section, but alternatively with the second foam section, may be CNC
contour cut to create the head receiving area, which may be typically about 9"
to
11-1/4" in the head to foot (longitudinal) dimension depending on mattress
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length, the shoulder receiving area, which may be typically about 11" in the
head
to foot (longitudinal) dimension, the torso receiving area, which may be
typically
about 9-1/2" in the head to foot (longitudinal) dimension, the pelvic area,
which
may be typically about 5-1/2" in the head to foot (longitudinal) dimension,
the
trochanter receiving area, which may be typically about 5" in the head to foot
(longitudinal) dimension and the leg area. Still referring to the embodiments
shown in Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B and 17, the
upper and/or lower body receiving area lateral channel, may be typically 3"
deep
with a 5" radius, thereby allowing the upper body receiving area (or more
particularly the shoulder receiving area) above the upper body area lateral
channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for
the shoulder of the user's body.
[00124] Still referring to the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B,
6A,
6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B and 17, the one or more lateral grooves provide a
tuned displacement control to balance and optimize pressure reduction with
spinal alignment. For example, when side lying, the first and third lateral
grooves
in the shoulder area, may be typically about 3" deep, thereby allowing
significant
displacement of the shoulder into the mattress. The plurality of intermediate
lateral grooves in the pelvic area, may be typically about 1" deep, thereby
allowing a slight drop of the pelvis to reduce or eliminate spinal shear in
the
lumbar region of the user's body. The deeper lateral grooves (or slots) in the
plurality of intermediate lateral grooves in the trochanter receiving area may
be
typically about 1-1/2" deep, thereby further reducing pressure on the greater
trochanter of the user's body, a known point of origin of tossing and turning
due
to high prominence pressure. When back lying, the plurality of intermediate
lateral grooves (or slots) of the pelvic receiving area and of the trochanter
receiving area allow the buttocks to displace slightly into the mattress. This
provides lumbar support, which is absent on conventional mattresses
configurations. Additionally, the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves
(or slots)
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of the pelvic receiving area and of the trochanter receiving area are
redistributing
some of the pressure from those areas to the torso receiving area and the leg
receiving area, which are more pressure-tolerant. In effect, this pressure
redistribution helps equalize pressures over the whole body length. This
effect is
common to all embodiments described above.
[00125] According to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A,
3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B and 17,
it is to be mentioned that the thickness of the first foam layer may be,
without
limitation, between about 2" (0.051 m) to about 15" (0.381 m), between its
upper
surface and its lower surface.
[00126] Moreover, it is to be mentioned that the depth of the lateral
grooves
and or of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves determines the degree
of
the tensile release. The width of these lateral grooves, subtracted from the
original area, reduces the foam resistance under load, proportionately.
Controlling the width and depth of the lateral grooves (or slots) in
combination
with distance between slots, allows control of the displacement for each body
area. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B,
9B, 10B, 11B and 17, the slot width has been made consistent, typically about
W. The displacements for lowest pressures/best alignment for each body area
may be controlled by slot depth only, with the exception of the shoulder
receiving
area, which for sure requires an upper body area lateral channel (or tunnel)
for
greater displacement. The groove/slot width/depth and channel/tunnel
dimensions can be selectively modified to provide a flatter or a more
contoured
feel to the mattress.
[00127] According to the different configurations of mattresses described
above, it is the upper body area lateral channel(s) that allows the upper body
receiving area within the first foam section and above the upper body area
lateral
channel(s) to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment
for
the shoulder of the user's body. According to other embodiment, one or more
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lateral groove(s) provides a tuned displacement control to balance and
optimize
pressure reduction with spinal alignment
[00128] According to the configurations of mattresses 10, 110, 210, 310
described above, it is shown that the structural contour-cut modifications
(i.e., the
presence in the first foam section of first, second, third and/or fourth
lateral
grooves, as well as the presence of upper body area lateral channel(s) and/or
middle body receiving area lateral channel) create a proper body alignment in
any sleeping position, while redistributing and/or reducing sleep-disturbing
body
pressures in a single block of foam (first foam section). The mattresses 10,
110,
210, 310, 410 therefore look flat when unoccupied, but feel contoured when
occupied by the user's body.
[00129] It is to be mentioned that the mattress embodiments shown in Figs.
1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 8B, 9B and 17 are symmetrical, from
head to foot, or from the upper body receiving area to the lower body
receiving
area, and can be rotated 180 degrees on its vertical axis (which is
perpendicular
to the longitudinal direction of the first foam section) so that the foot end
(or the
lower body receiving area) becomes the head end (or the upper body receiving
area). This bi-directionality reduces the probability of mis-orientation upon
installation of the mattress where it belongs.
[00130] On the other hand, it is to be mentioned that the mattress
embodiments shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 10B and 11B are unidirectional,
requiring installation in the correct orientation.
[00131] The mattresses according to the different embodiment described
above provide a unique variable displacement design which lets each region of
the body displace into the first foam section to the correct depth to maintain
spinal alignment while simultaneously reducing and equalizing pressures along
the body's length. This ultra-low equalized pressure virtually eliminates the
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pressure-induced sleep disturbance caused by the conventional mattresses of
the prior art.
[00132] According to another embodiment, and referring now to Figs. 18A
and 18B, there is shown a thin mattress 510 or a topper 510 that may be
installed on an existing conventional mattress (not shown) or substrate. The
thin
mattress or topper will be referred to as mattress 510 in the present
description.
The mattress 510 includes a foam section 512 for positioning on an existing
conventional mattress (not shown). The foam section 512 defines a plurality of
mattress areas. Still referring to Figs. 18A and 18B, the mattress 510 defines
an
upper body receiving area 516, a middle body receiving area 518 and a lower
body receiving area 520. The foam section 512 defines an upper surface 522
and a lower surface 524. The lower surface 524 of the foam section 512
interfaces with the upper surface of an existing conventional mattress or any
other suitable substrate. Foam section 512 defines a longitudinal direction
532
allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The foam section 512
includes
a first lateral groove 530 which extends along its upper surface 522 and a
second
lateral groove 534 which also extends along its upper surface 522. The second
lateral groove 534 is distant from the first lateral groove 530 to define the
upper
body receiving area 516, the middle body receiving area 518 and the lower body
receiving area 520. The foam section 512 further includes an upper body area
lateral channel 536 which extends from its lower surface 524 within the upper
body receiving area 516, a middle body receiving area lateral channel 538
which
extends from its lower surface 524 within the middle body receiving area 518
and
a lower body receiving area lateral channel 540 which extends from its lower
surface 524 within the lower body receiving area 520.
[00133] Still referring to Figs. 18A and 18B, there is shown that the
first
lateral groove 530, the second lateral groove 534, the upper body area lateral
channel 536, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 538 and the lower
body receiving area lateral channel 540 are substantially perpendicular to the
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longitudinal direction 532 defining the first foam section 512. Therefore, the
lower
surface 524 of the foam section 512 interfaces with the upper surface of the
conventional existing mattress or substrate (not shown), allowing the upper
body
area lateral channel 536, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 538
and
the lower body receiving area lateral channel 540 to provide tunnels 542a,
542b,
542c between the foam section 512 and the conventional existing mattress or
suitable substrate.
[00134] According to its configuration, the mattress 510, as shown in
Figs.
18A and 18B, provides lowest pressures on the user's body and spinal alignment
of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side lying body, back
lying body
and front lying body) as explained above. Moreover, according to its
configuration, the mattress 510 of Figs. 18A and 18B provides pressures, for a
side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattress 510 in
the
upper body receiving area 516 substantially above the upper body area lateral
channel 536) and the hip (which interfaces with the mattress 510 in the middle
body receiving area 518 substantially above the middle body receiving area
lateral channel 538 and substantially between the first lateral groove 530 and
the
second lateral groove 534), of less than 0.6 psi. There is shown that the
upper
and lower body receiving area lateral channels 536, 540, may be typically 1.5"
deep with a 5.5" radius, thereby allowing the upper body receiving area (or
more
particularly the shoulder receiving area) above the upper body area lateral
channel 536 to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment
for the shoulder of the user's body. On the other hand, there is shown that
the
middle body receiving area lateral channel 538, may be typically 1.5" deep
with a
2" radius, thereby allowing the middle body receiving area 518 above the
middle
body receiving area lateral channel 538 to displace downward to provide
pressure reduction and alignment for the hip of the user's body. Fig. 18B
shows
that the foam section 512 has a thickness of about 3.0" (0.076 m).
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[00135] It is to be mentioned that the topper 510 or mattress 510
described
above may take any configuration of the mattress embodiments shown in Figs.
1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B and
17
such as to concurrently provide and optimize both spinal alignment and ultra-
low
pressures over the whole user's body.
[00136] According to another embodiment (not shown), there is provided a
method for manufacturing a mattress that provides both, body alignment (i.e.,
spinal alignment) and ultra-low body interface pressures for each body area.
The
method includes modifying the first foam section by removing specific portions
of
the first foam section (i.e., the upper/middle and/or lower body receiving
area
lateral channels and the lateral grooves) to form a mattress with specific
displacement characteristics for specific body areas to concurrently provide
and
optimize both spinal alignment and ultra-low pressures over the whole user's
body.
[00137] The mattress, which is formed with the first foam section, and
alternatively with the second foam section, may be CNC contour cut to create
the
body receiving areas.
[00138] Fig. 19 compares pressures applied on a 210 pounds man side
lying on conventional mattresses with the 210 pounds man side lying on the
mattresses as described above. These pressure maps show the 210 pounds
man side lying on various high-end (about $3,000) name brand mattresses. The
left most colors of the horizontal bar shown in Fig. 19 show low pressures,
while
the right most colors of the horizontal bar shown in Fig. 19 show sleep-
disturbing
pressures. Fig. 19 shows the pressure map of the mattress of the present
invention (i.e., Pressure Perfect ultra-low pressure mattress) with no
rightmost
color. Therefore, the mattresses of the present invention are the only
consumer
mattresses known to have the ultra-low pressure capable of preventing sleep
disturbance caused by pressure.
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CA 02955517 2017-01-18
WO 2016/023109 PCT/CA2015/050713
[00139] Fig. 20 compares side lying pressure maps of a mattress of the
prior art and the mattresses of the present invention. The lower most colors
of
the bar bar shown in Fig. 20 show low pressures, while the upper most colors
of
the vertical bar shown in Fig. 20 show sleep-disturbing pressures. Fig. 20
shows
the pressure map of the mattress of the present invention (i.e., Pressure
Perfect)
with no upper most color. Therefore, the mattresses of the present invention
are
the only consumer mattresses known to have the ultra-low pressure capable of
preventing sleep disturbance caused by pressure.
[00140] Figs. 21A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B and 24 illustrate foam
toppers in accordance with different embodiments. As shown, the foam mattress
=
of Figs. 21A, 21B and 21C defines two lateral grooves and a plurality of
lateral
channels. The foam topper of Figs. 22A and 22B also defines two lateral
grooves
and a plurality of lateral channels or tunnels. The foam topper of Figs. 23A
and
23B also defines two lateral grooves and a plurality of lateral channels or
tunnels.
Fig. 24 illustrates another embodiment of a foam topper. The foam topper of
Fig.
24 includes two lateral grooves (which are defined by the two single dotted
lines),
as well as a plurality of multiple dotted lines (which perform the role or the
lateral
channels or tunnels described in the other embodiments). According to their
configurations, the foam toppers of Figs. 21A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B
and
24 provide pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces
with the foam topper in the upper body receiving area substantially above
lateral
channels (or multiple dotted lines) and the hip (which interfaces with the
foam
topper in the middle body receiving area substantially above the other lateral
channel(s)), of less than 0.6 psi.
[00141] While preferred embodiments have been described above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled
in the
art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure.
Such
modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of
the
disclosure.
32
