REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority of both United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/054,245, filed July 21, 2020, And United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/077,905, filed September 14, 2020.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The subject matter of the current application relates to mattresses. Embodiments of the current invention are related to digestion and to improved performance of back and chest tissue and skeleton, spine vertebra and disks flexible movement and functioning. This is further enhanced by offloading nerves system for better control and functioning, allowing full efficient diaphragm breathing and as resulted of the above-mentioned better balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, leading to better rest and relaxation and avoiding emotional stress. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods of body relaxation and enabling peristaltic digestive tract movement.

[003] Pelvis Bones motion, stability and flexibility. Pelvis is constructed of 3 main bones, 2 Ilium bones, and 1 sacrum bone constructed of 5 bones. All together enable harmonious balanced motion, flexibility and stability while walking. Due to long stress usually accumulated due to lack of sufficient movement such as prolong sitting and other life style activities there is a need for pressure and stress release of the whole back system, including the pelvic system that will enable to regenerate the balance, stability and better support of the spine and the hip joints. The new apparatus member 16 material strength allows the pelvis floating and release. [004] In the present specification and claims, the term “mattress” refers to a device used for lying face down, (i.e. “prone”) especially to support and relax the back, shoulders, neck, and abdomen. As such, the terms “cushion”, and “pillow” may be used interchangeably and/or as components of “mattress” hereinbelow. Additionally, the term “digestive tract” used hereinbelow in the specification and claims, is intended to mean one or all of the following bodily organs and their functionality: starting with the stomach and to the small and large intestines, and rectum, as well as other organs and tissues associated with these bodily organs.

[005] The terms “gut” and ’’abdomen”, and other related terms are included in the definition of “digestive tract”. The word “movement”, when used in the expression “digestive tract movement” is intended to mean a sensation of being massaged in the abdomen and/or a physiological increase in functionality of the peristaltic digestive tract. [006] The expression “shoulder opening” is intended to mean in the specification and claims hereinbelow the act of gently supporting both shoulders when lying in a prone position so that both shoulders are biased backwards (i.e. towards the back), as further described hereinbelow.

[007] The term “poor breathing”, as used in the specification and claims herein below is intended to mean reduced utilization of lung capacity and diaphragm breathing capability, typically expressed in shallow breathing, as further described hereinbelow.

[008] The majority of the population nowadays starting at a relatively young age suffers from pressure on the spinal system due to modern lifestyles and/or from stress due to over and under activity. Lower back pain, inflammation, disc anomalies in example change in size and structure, vertebrae subluxation, pressure on nerves, vertebrae pressure on discs, ruptured disc, and wear and tear on vertebrae and disc may appear as a result of stress on the spinal system. This stress comes about by a number of root causes such as, but not limited to: over weightiness, prolonged sitting; pregnancy; obesity; lack of physical activity; atrophy of ligaments and muscles; professional sports activity; driving; and even sleeping on a non-suitable surface and the emotional stress associated with such conditions. [009] In many cases — although not necessarily from the same sources — poor spinal health may be accompanied with poor digestive tract health and poor breathing, as described hereinbelow.

[0010] There are a number of characteristics of modern life that contribute to poor digestive tract health (also referred to as poor “abdominal health” hereinbelow) and poor breathing, due mostly to our daily, prolonged sitting at a desk and while sitting while driving and commuting, for example. In such sitting positions, the rib cage is additionally affected by slouching of the shoulders towards the chest, creating stress, and pressure on the rib cage, on the back of the neck, and upon the upper back. Additionally, prolonged sitting contributes to poor breathing.

[0011] There are disadvantages in currently-available methods to address slouching and back relief/release including: substantial expense of certain treatments; and various devices that place force on the back and/or necessitate judgment on the part of the therapist or the patient regarding operation of the device intended to alleviate or reduce pressure on the spinal system.

[0012] Another source of poor abdominal health is of poor nutrition. Poor nutrition can be the result of consuming an unbalanced diet characterized by: processed food; fast food, gluten-rich food; and processed meat and milk products. Prolonged sitting and/or insufficient movement and/or poor breathing as described hereinabove can additionally create irregularity of intestinal functioning and constipation. There are disadvantages in currently-available methods used to address intestinal under-activity or over-activity by chemical or invasive treatments such as enema and/or medications. [0013] Additionally, insufficient sleep contributes to poor abdominal health. Insufficient and interrupted sleeping/resting/relaxation characterizes another aspect of our modern life — however this is not a normal situation for the human body. The importance of a sufficient number of hours’ sleep each night is well -documented; however, most people today simply are not able to or do not sleep enough. With insufficient sleep, the brain cannot completely perform the control functions necessary for proper body functioning and relaxation. Sleep and rest have a strong influence on our quality of life and life expectancy, as well as our productivity, in general. Any apparatus and/or method to encourage relaxation and a resultant deeper and longer sleep are desirable.

[0014] There is therefore a need to address the characteristic problems associated with modern work and lifestyles that involve, inter alia, prolonged sitting, as noted hereinabove. Additionally, subluxation can be in the body for long periods of time before creating any signs and or symptoms of disease, malfunction, disability and/or pain.

[0015] In addition to the problems of poor abdominal health, nutrition, lack of sleep and prolonged sitting noted above, many people generally disregard and don't take care of the mobility and alignment of the spine vertebrae. Loss of mobility of the spinal vertebrae may cause limited range of motion, limited flexibility, upper back pain, lower back pain, neck pain, and poor breathing, intestinal tract malfunction, stomach pain, intestinal inflammation, constipation, and other digestive problems.

[0016] Prior art addressing the problems listed hereinabove includes: pharmaceutical remedies; dietary programs; electromechanical contraptions; and passive apparatuses. Each proposed solution respectively claims some success — be it therapeutic or preventative. Regarding a passive apparatus, there are those having patient-specific conformal shapes and those available to the public. Among apparatuses applicable to public are included, but not limited to: pillows; neck supports; cushions; mattresses; back braces; girdles; and combinations thereof.

[0017] There are a range of prior art solutions such as shaped mattresses and supports for the spine, which have been developed to ease spinal stress by supporting certain tissues or other parts of the back. Mechanical and electromechanical solutions involve implementation of force and rapid movements, causing traction and mobility of the back in whole or part. These solutions have typically focused on areas of the lower back and lower vertebrae of the lumbar spinal column.

[0018] Typically, most of these devices work while the person lies on his back (i.e. a supine position) which constrains movement and relaxation of the back as well as the other skeleton parts, such as the pelvis and shoulder girdle — while a force is applied, locally blocking global system improvement.

[0019] Additionally, when a person lies on his back, the weight of the digestive tract falls on the spinal column. Lying in a supine position can serve to impede any possible correction to subluxation and or other spinal system problems, if present.

[0020] Additionally, in US Patent no. 8,011,047 by Mendelzis et al. — the inventors of the current patent application — disclose a spinal-length mattress including a means for providing buoyancy to a human torso and abdomen thereon; attached to the mattress at one end, a pelvic support portion; and attached to the mattress at an opposite end, a head rotation stabilization portion having an air passage opening allowing a person to breathe freely when resting in a face down position thereon. By supporting the pelvis and stabilizing the head to substantially limit motions of the neck, a central cushion (preferably dominated by a "shape memory foam" filling) allows the spinal column to passively distribute all directional stresses-including those deriving from body mass and from muscle tension. Thus, relieved of stress, disks between spinal bones begin to return to their respective naturally compliant symmetrical shapes; thereby generally providing a long term benefit for 15-30 minutes of regular use of the mattress.

[0021] Furthermore, current technology, including said mattress disclosed by ‘047, enables a passive approach to mattress adjustment in order to accommodate different body types, sizes and builds. In other words, current advanced mattresses use visco-elastic, or memory foam, to passively self-adjust.

[0022] There is a need for an apparatus that can passively address problems related to loss of mobility of the spinal vertebrae, which can additionally address upper back pain, lower back pain, neck pain, and poor breathing, in addition to intestinal tract malfunction, stomach pain, intestinal inflammation, constipation, and other digestive tract problems. [0023] There is further a need for a mattress that enables users to actively adjust of the geometry of the mattress to further accommodate different body-types and/or sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided a partially inflatable adaptive mattress configured for passively enabling the natural involuntary digestive tract movement, shoulder opening, enabling natural diaphragmatic breathing and pelvis bones movement, the adaptive mattress being configured solely for prone lying of a human body thereupon and comprising: an inflatable bottom section; a partially inflatable head support section configured to support a head of the human body, the head support section comprising inflatable first and second head support sub sections connected non-inflatable first and second head contact sections and a face opening which opens out therebetween; a non-inflatable upper main section connected to the bottom section 4 and to the head support section, the upper main section configured to support shoulders and abdomen, the upper main section comprising a plurality of dedicated supporting members, each being smaller than the upper main section and having a greater firmness therefrom; a partially inflatable pelvic support section connected to the upper main section, the pelvic support section configured to support a human pelvis. .

[0025] Any of the following features, either alone or in combination, may be applicable to any of the above aspects of the subject matter of the application:

[0026] The sections can form a substantially continuous mattress.

[0027] The plurality of dedicated supporting members can include: two shoulder supporting members; a first intestinal supporting member; and a second intestinal supporting member. [0028] The shoulder supporting members can be positioned to correspond with the shoulders, the shoulder supporting members configured to bias the shoulders backwards, in a direction away from the mattress.

[0029] The first intestinal supporting member can be positioned to compress and correspond with a stomach and small and large intestine area of the body, and the second intestinal support member can be positioned to compress and correspond with an ICV in the large intestine area of the body.

[0030] The first intestinal supporting member can be located diagonally opposite the second intestinal support member in the upper main section.

[0031] The first intestinal support member can be configured to support and press the stomach area and the transverse intestine curve to the ICV decreasing intestine area and to create a full stomach sensation, and induce a peristaltic intestinal movement [0032] The head support section and lower support section can be fabricated from foam having a density ranging substantially from 30-40 kg/cubic meter.

[0033] The head support section and the lower support section can be fabricated from an inflatable, strong, flexible plastic material.

[0034] The upper main section can be fabricated from visco-elastic memory foam having a density ranging substantially from 60-80 kg/cubic meter.

[0035] The supporting members can have a density of 30-40 kg/cubic meter.

[0036] The supporting members can have a polygonal shape.

[0037] The lower support section can have a greater firmness than the upper main section. [0038] A base section can be positioned beneath, and configured to support, the upper main section.

[0039] The base section can be fabricated from foam having a density ranging substantially from 30-40 kg/cubic meter. [0040] The base support section can include a relief member which has a lower firmness than the rest of the base support section, the relief member can be located at the middle of the base support section in a width direction.

[0041] The relief member can be made of a visco-elastic material.

[0042] Each of the first and second head contact sections can include a planar section, both of which converge in a horizontal direction away from the pelvic support section.

[0043] The pelvic support section can include inflatable first and second pelvic support sub-sections and a relief member located therebetween.

[0044] The mattress can further include a rigid and detachable face opening adjustment member.

[0045] The mattress further includes a detachable and adjustable forehead support band.

[0046] The mattress further includes anchoring elements preventing relative movement between the inflatable and non-inflatable sections.

[0047] The anchoring elements can be made of Velcro.

[0048] All non-inflatable sections can be made of a Visco-elastic material. [0049] The mattress can include an inner case and two outer cases, the size of each respectively corresponds to operative and non-operative positions of the mattress.

[0050] The inner and outer case is fluid resistant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a mattress for passively activating involuntary digestive tract movement;

Fig. 2 is a cross section of the mattress of Fig. 1 taken along line A-A;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a human body and some of its components projected onto the mattress shown in FIG. 1;

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing a method of using the mattress of Fig. 1 for passively activating involuntary digestive tract movement;

Fig. 5 is a cross section of an embodiment of the mattress of Fig. 1 taken along line A-A, where a base section has been removed;

Fig. 6 is a top view representation of an adaptive mattress embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a right-hand side view of the adaptive mattress of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a rear-view of the adaptive mattress of Fig. 6 showing a pelvis support area;

Fig. 9 is a front view of the adaptive mattress of Fig. 6 showing a head rest area or head support section; Figs. 10 is a left-hand isometric view showing the different inflatable components of the adaptive mattress embodiment of Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is a right-hand isometric view showing the adaptive mattress of Fig. 6 in both a folded and unfolded positions;

Fig. 12 is rear isometric view showing the adaptive mattress of Fig. 6 in both a folded and unfolded positions;

Figs. 13 is an isometric front view of the adaptive mattress of Fig. 6 showing various restraints and adjustment straps for a head support section;

Fig. 14 is a side view of inflatable mattress of Fig. 6 in an operative position with a person prone-lying on the mattress; and

Fig, 15 is an exploded isometric view of the adaptive mattress of Fig. 6 in an operative position showing anchoring members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Embodiments of the current invention are related to digestion and to overall health. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mattress and method for passively enabling involuntary digestive tract movement and for shoulder opening. It is noted that the phrase ‘passively enabling the natural involuntary digestive tract movement’ refers to the passive reactive force exerted onto the human body due to the prone lying thereupon, which enables or induces said bodily functions.

[0052] Reference is currently made to FIG 1, which is a plan view of a non-inflatable mattress 10 for passively activating involuntary digestive tract movement, and to FIG 2, which is a sectional elevation view of the mattress shown in FIG 1, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. The mattress 10 has a special geometry to support the chest and the face in a face-down (“prone”) position, as described hereinbelow. [0053] The mattress 10 includes: an upper main section 12; a head support section 14; a face opening 15; a lower support section 16; and abase section 18. Embedded within main section 12 are a plurality of dedicated supporting members including: shoulder supporting members 21 and 22; a first intestinal supporting member 24; and a second intestinal supporting member 26. The first and second supporting members are also known and referred to herein as compressing members. The head support section 14 includes two cushioning members 17 located at each side of the face openingl5. The cushioning members 17 extend away from the upper main section 12. The cushioning members 17 support a person’s face when supported in the head support section 14, face down. The face opening section 15 allows a clear breathing space near the person’s face. Dedicated supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 are examples of supporting members embedded within upper main section 12; and additional and/or option members may be configured within the upper main section, as described further hereinbelow. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 can be fabricated from a sponge like material, which has a greater firmness than the upper main section 12. In other words, the supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 are configured to apply a greater reaction force than the upper main section 12. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26, e.g., can have a density of 30-40 kg/cubic meter. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 can have any desired shape, e.g., a box shape, or a cylindrical shape and each is smaller in volume (and any other dimension) than any of the other parts of the non-inflatable mattress 10. In other words, the supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 can have, e.g., the following box dimensions: length -> 10- 15cm; width -> 5-15cm; depth -> 0.4-4.5cm. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 can protrude out of, or they can be at least at the same level as, the upper main section 12. The supporting members 21, 22, 24, and 26 are preferably not sunk below an outer, top surface 13 of the upper main section 12. [0054] Lower support sectionl6 serves to support the person’s pelvis. Base support section 18 acts to support the upper main section, All of the sections and members noted hereinabove are mechanically connected/integrated and are additionally covered (connections and covering not shown in the figures) to yield one nearly - continuou s/integrated mattress structure.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present application, the base support section 16 can include a relief member 19 which has a lower firmness than the rest of the base support section 16. The relief member is preferably made from a visco-elastic material, or memory foam.

[0056] The non-inflatable mattress 10 enables and provides proper support and flexibility of the pubic joint to move. This lower support section 16 gives the proper support to both Iliums (pelvis bones) which are located on the 2 sides of the pelvis, while providing (via the relief member 19) a softer support, which enables floating, balance and proper minimal motion in the center and avoid pressure on the sex organs, where the pubic joint is located. The relief member 19 enables proper support of the pubic joint. The abdominal breathing creates pressure that allows the minimal motion of the pubic joint and the pelvic floor. [0057] The base section 18 is optional, and can have an appropriate depth, according to the patient’s need. According to the embodiment shown in Fig 5, the base section 18 is completely removed.

[0058] In one embodiment of the mattress 10, head support section 14, lower support section 16, and base support section 18 can be fabricated of firm foam, such as, but not limited to, a conventional white polyurethane-type foam, as known in the art, having a typical density of approximately 30-40 kg/cubic meter. Upper main section 12 can be fabricated from a visco-elastic memory foam, as known in the art, having a density of approximately 50-80 kg/cubic meter. The upper main section 12 is less firm than the lower support section 16, and the base support section 18. The higher firmness of the lower support section 16 is designed to increase support to the pelvis, while the abdomen is received by the upper main section 12. The upper main section 12 can be enclosed in a cotton cloth cover having elasticity, such as, but not limited to a cloth having 95% cotton and 5% Lycra ® fibers. (The cloth cover is not shown in the figures.)

[0059] Alternatively, or optionally, head support section 14, and lower support section 16 are fabricated of an inflatable, strong flexible plastic material (similar to that used in an inflatable mattress) with other sections fabricated and integrated and covered as noted hereinabove.

[0060] The mattress may be fabricated in different sizes (suited to different sizes of people) with the following approximate range of dimensions: 80-120 cm in length (meaning from the leftmost edge of a lower section 16 to the rightmost edge of head support section 14 — ref FIG 1); 20-25 cm in thickness (i.e. top to bottom of lower section 16 or of head support section 14 — ref FIG 2) ; and 50-60 cm in width (meaning the distance from edges of respective shoulder supporting members 21 and 22 — ref FIG 1). Additionally, head support section 14 typically measures about 30 cm in length; main section 12 approximately 50 cm in length; and lower section 16 about 20-30 cm in length. Head support section 14 may additionally be fabricated in different shapes (not shown in the figures) which may be connected by adjustable strips (such as, but not limited to Velcro®).

[0061] Reference is currently made to FIG 3, which is a schematic representation of a human body 50 and some of its components projected onto the non-inflatable mattress 10 shown in FIG 1, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Components of human body 50 include: a head 51 ; shoulders 52; and digestive tract components including: a stomach 54; a small intestine with Ileocecal valve (ICV) 56; and a large intestine 58. Apart from differences described below, the non-inflatable mattress 10 is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in previous figures, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove.

[0062] The mattress described hereinabove serves to introduce gentle support and backwards pressure on the shoulders (corresponding to shoulder supporting members 21 and 22 of the mattress).

[0063] Shoulder opening is an important issue in human body posture that allows for better breathing, avoiding neck and upper back stress. Most of modern life activities during the day activity are offering mainly slouching of the shoulders towards the chest in many situations like in sitting position that take place while working at a desk with computers, reading, driving, working at any office job, eating, watching entertainments of any kind and even lying at bad half sited watching TV while being supported by several pillows, as well as while doing some kind of sports in example, cycling or golf.

[0064] The support and backwards pressure noted hereinabove allow for the shoulders to open/expand in a gentle and gradual manner. In parallel, the brain, recognizing the shoulder opening, enables further shoulder opening. Shoulder opening occurs without any overstretching or excessive pressure applied to the back and other body frame components. Shoulders opening is therefore important to teach the body different and better posture that prevents the pressure on the rib cage, on the back of the neck, and upon the upper back. [0065] This important point is emphasized — that as physiological changes occur while the person remains in the prone position on the mattress; physiological changes are monitored by the brain. As the brain recognizes physiological changes, the changes are further enabled by the brain.

[0066] In embodiments of the current invention, first intestinal supporting member 24 serves to support and press the stomach, creating a full stomach sensation. The sensation, combined with the local support of second intestinal supporting member 26, serve to induce a positive intestinal peristaltic movement, thereby encouraging movement in the small intestine. The mattress may be fabricated with additional dedicated supporting members — as necessary — to further enable support on specific organs and or areas.

[0067] The mattress facilitates passive neural control/activity of the intestines by introducing a continuous pressure while the person breathes deeply. This activity is enabled during chest expansion (where deeper inhalation and diaphragm breathing (belly breathing) takes place, creating additional positive pressure on the digestive tract). At the same time, mechanical pressure is introduced in two organ positions, namely the stomach and the large intestine (corresponding to first intestinal supporting member 24) and the small intestine and ICV (corresponding to second intestinal supporting member 26). The pressure described hereinabove, in concert with physiological and emotional changes contribute to better neural intestine functioning and effect on the abdomen. The top portion of the mattress serves to support and contour to the shape of the body, enabling the body to have a sensation of floating- similar to floating in a swimming pool — as described further hereinbelow.

[0068] Additional advantages derived from the mattress described hereinbelow include, but are not limited to: stress relief to disks, ligaments, tendons, and muscles associated with improving proper back posture, and to torso and abdominal organs-in that spurious spinal- sensation related reactions are mitigated; thereby allowing healthy feedback and feed forward neural controls to properly control respective organ functions.

[0069] Reference is currently made to FIG 4, which is a flow chart, showing a method of using mattress 10 (of FIGS 1-3) for passively activating involuntary digestive tract movement 100, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Apart from differences described below, mattress 10, also referred to hereinbelow as “the mattress”, is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in previous figures, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove.

[0070] Method 100 is comprised of the steps of: lying prone on the mattress, 110; a continued support by the mattress with the onset of regular full diaphragm breathing, 120; and a series of physiological and conscious changes, 125, appearing as a result of continued support by the mattress. The series of physiological and conscious changes include the steps of: a decompression and mind recognizing lessening of load, 130; a tissue release, including, inter alia, tendon/muscle, vertebrae and introduction of a on the abdomen, 140; a deep relaxation with meditation-like effect, 150; and back discs reshaped/reformed and a general nervous system offload, 160.

[0071] Respective steps of method 100 are performed in a cumulative-time fashion, meaning that time durations and time ranges indicated hereinbelow are all measured from a shared “start time”, meaning the time when lying on the mattress has commenced.

[0072] Included in step 110 is a general sensation of the spine floating, such as that experienced in a swimming pool floating position, with minimal gravitational pressure on the diaphragm. Step 110 typically takes place in the approximate range of 1-3 minutes from the start time.

[0073] Included in step 120, which typically takes place in the approximate range of 3-6 minutes from the start time, is continued face-down relaxation on the mattress and the neck shoulders being supported/constrained from rotation, yielding a reduction of stress off the upper back, enabling the nervous system to operate more freely — setting up processes that occur in step 130, as described hereinbelow.

[0074] In step 130, as the vertebrae and neck/shoulders experience decompression, the nervous system (including the brain/mind) recognizes the lessening of load first experienced in step 120. Step 130 typically takes place in the approximate range of 6-10 minutes from the start time.

[0075] Step 140, taking place in the approximate range of 10-20 minutes from the start time, includes controlled relaxation of the ligaments, tendons and muscles, enabled, controlled and supervised by the brain in accordance with the back-system status.

[0076] Step 150 includes an induced meditation-like relaxation which enables step 160, which includes rejuvenation of the discs and natural repair and healing of scared tissues. Step 150 typically takes place in the approximate range of 20-25 from the start time. Step 160 typically takes place in the approximate range of 25-35 minutes from the start time and includes gradual improvements and improved physical changes on the long term. Method 100, as described above, includes lying prone on the mattress for a total time of approximately 35 minutes — a time period that is conducive with many therapeutic /relaxation procedures performed as frequently as once daily.

[0077] Other advantages of continued prone lying on the mattress, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention include:

[0078] opening of the chest cavity with posterior extension of the shoulders; by the upper support members 21,22

[0079] slight extension stretch of the pelvis and lower back and release of thigh and buttocks muscles; by the lower member 16

[0080] enabling constant rhythmic belly breathing, influencing and activating the upper and lower back vertebrae and increase flexibility; by lower member 16, and central member 12

[0081] breathing against equal force to the body weight, relaxing the chest girdle and activating rib muscles and diaphragm, increasing functionality of the intestines by applying soft pressure in the region of the stomach and the lower right abdomen; by lower member 16, and central member 12, by the upper support members 21,22 and members 24, 26; and [0082] enhanced, efficient diaphragm breathing, up to the point of meditation and deep sleep in a relaxed and floating state.

[0083] Additionally, sleeping for approximately 30-60 minutes on the mattress — at least a few times a week — can serve to compensate for a loss of sleeping hours and to creating a feeling of refreshment and increased vitality. This unique sleeping posture is maintained in total relaxation, meditation, full efficient diaphragm breathing, and with no pressure on the skeleton. Lying on the mattress for 20-30 minutes before bedtime enables a better night’s sleep without unnecessary stresses on the skeletal system that can interrupt restful and proper sleep, and thus enabling the brain and spinal/nervous system to function better. [0084] According to the subject matter of the present application, a further embodiment includes a partially inflatable adaptive mattress 100.

[0085] Attention is drawn to Figs 6-9. When the adaptive mattress 100 is in an unfolded, inflated or operative position, the proportions, mechanical characteristics, uses and build quality of the adaptive mattress 100 remain at least similar or identical to the non-inflatable embodiment described hereinabove. In other words, in the operative position, both inflatable and non-inflatable embodiments of the mattress 10, 100 can perform the same functions, can have the same proportions and/or can have the same size. In addition, the adaptive mattress 100 adds a few new uses in comparison to the non-inflatable counterpart. [0086] However, compared to the non-inflatable embodiment, in a folded, storage- position, the adaptive mattress 100 advantageously weighs considerably less (according to one embodiment around 50%) and has a considerably smaller volume (according to one embodiment around 30% less volume). Furthermore, the adaptive mattress 100 is considerably cheaper to produce and consequently cheaper absolutely with respect to the non-inflatable counterpart. Lower production and therefore consumer price also makes the invention more accessible to a larger portion of the market, e.g., those who cannot afford the non-inflatable and/or fully viscoelastic product. Even further advantageously, the adaptive mattress 100 also allows to adjust the physical shape of the mattress such that it would comfortably accommodate different body shapes and/or sizes as will be further explained below.

[0087] The partially inflatable adaptive mattress 100 can include five inflatable sections la, lb, 4, 5a and 5b which can replace corresponding non-inflatable sections of the non- inflatable mattresses 10 described hereinabove. There are several advantages with replacing a non-inflatable section with an inflatable section. First, volume is reduced which reduces packaging volume in the folded position. The thickness of the viscoelastic materials can also be considerably reduced.

[0088] The inflatable sections allow adjusting or tweaking the height and/or geometry of the partially inflatable mattress, or pillows, by controlling the amount of air therein. The inflation can be done, e.g., using a manual or electric pump. The adaptive mattress 100 can include pockets, fabric wraps added with zippers and Velcro fasteners to facilitate holding the inflatable sections in the desired positions.

[0089] The head support section 14, includes inflatable first and second head support sub sections la, lb.

[0090] At an inner portion thereof, the head support section 14 includes non-inflatable first and second head contact sections 3a, 3b which define the face opening 15 therebetween. The first and second head contact sections 3 a, 3b are preferably made of a viscoelastic material and configured to contact and support a human face. The first and second head support sub-sections la, lb are removably attached to outward-facing sides of the respective first and second head contact sections 3a and 3b. Each of the first and second head contact sections (3a, 3b) includes a planar section 16, both of which converge in a horizontal direction away from the pelvic support section 109 as seen in Fig. 6. The narrower portion of the convergence enables supporting of the top portion of the face while the wider portion allows better airflow for improved breathing.

[0091] The head support section 14 comprises a rigid face opening adjustment member 6. The face opening adjustment member 6 is configured to provide distance adjustment between the first and second head contact sections 3a, 3b as seen in Fig. 9. The rigid face opening adjustment member 6 is preferably made of plastic and located within a protective fabric sleeve. The rigidity of the rigid face opening adjustment member 6 is configured to prevent collapse of the viscoelastic first and second head contact sections 3a, 3b and allows for an accurate adjustment for accommodation of any head size. The head support section 14 further comprises a head support band 7 which provides forehead support. The head support band 7 is preferably made of a fabric with Velcro tape for adjustability, the location of which can be adjusted and reattached anywhere on the head support section 14 along the face opening 15.

[0092] The adaptive mattress 100 can include an inner, restraint fabric cover/case for all inflatable section la, lb, 4, 5a and 5b such that the mattress 100 can be inflated, used, carried and/or moved without having to remove the cover. The word restraint is used to emphasize that the inner case is configured to prevent unwanted movement of the inflatable sections in a deflated, non-operative position.

[0093] Attention is drawn to Fig. 7 and 10. The adaptive mattress 100 includes an inflatable bottom cushion, or inflatable bottom support section 4 which can include inflatable front and rear sub-sections 4a and 4b respectively. The inflatable bottom support section 4, (Fig. 7) is located underneath and releasably connected to the main section 12, which includes the plurality of dedicated supporting members 21, 22, 24 and 26. The front [0094] Front and rear sub-sections 4a and 4b can provide respective support for top and bottom portions of a torso of a pregnant woman. Specifically, the rear sub-section 4b can provide active adjustment corresponding to the pregnancy progression. States differently, the farther into the pregnancy the less the bottom support section 4 or specifically the rear sub-section 4b, should be inflated. Generally, the front sub-section 4a can provide adaptive/adjustable support corresponding to a chest area and the rear sub-section 4b can provide adaptive/adjustable support corresponding to an abdominal area.

[0095] The front and rear sub-sections 4a and 4b can be either interconnected or can be individually inflatable. According to a preferred embodiment, the front and rear sub sections 4a and 4b are interconnected and inflatable from one source. In this embodiment the torso weight distribution and support is automatic while air is moved between the front and rear sub-sections 4a and 4b.

[0096] The pelvic support section 109 (Figs. 6 and 8) includes inflatable first and second pelvic support sub-sections 5a, 5b and a non-inflatable relief member 19 located therebetween in a top view (see Fig. 6) of the adaptive mattress 100. The first and second pelvic support sub-sections 5a, 5b are configured to enable adjustment, e.g., for people whose torso length (from the pelvis to their head) is significantly longer than the distance from the lower pelvis to the feet. In these cases, it is better to substantially deflate the first and second pelvic support sub-sections 5a, 5b. The first and second pelvic support sub sections 5a, 5b and the relief member 19 are located above the bottom support section 4. The first and second pelvic support sub-sections 5a, 5b are configured to support a pelvis. The relief member 19 is preferably made of a viscoelastic material which is considerably less rigid than the inflatable first and second pelvic support sub-sections 5a, 5b in their operative position and configured to provide cushioning and/or relief for the pubic bone. The adaptive mattress 100 can include zippers that are designed to prevent puncturing the inflatable sections, and not to get caught when the product is inflated.

[0097] The air tubes can be organized in the mattress in such a way that they are concentrated and fixed in one place without being able to move and without disturbing the uniformity in the areas that come into contact with the body

[0098] The adaptive mattress (100) further includes anchoring elements which are configured to prevent relative movement between the inflatable and non-inflatable sections. The anchoring elements are preferably made with Velcro.

[0099] The adaptive mattress 100 can include an inner case configured to provide structural rigidity during the operative position. Stated differently, the inner case holds, in the operative position, all the inflatable sections. The viscoelastic can be attached to the inner case via anchoring members, such as, e.g., Velcro tape. The adaptive mattress 100 can further include two outer cases, the size of each respectively corresponds to the operative and non-operative positions. The outer case corresponding in size to the operative position covers the entire adaptive mattress 100 and includes carrying handles.