Side-Sleeping Mattress Topper Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/637,402, which was filed on Apr. 23, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of sleeping body-positioning aids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a side-sleeping mattress topper device designed to position a user's body such that their weight is distributed to provide a more comfortable sleeping experience while side sleeping, wherein the device has specific areas to receive a user's hip and shoulder area. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

People who sleep on their side often face the challenge of experiencing aches and pains in various parts of their body, particularly in the hips, shoulders, and back. These discomforts can be disruptive, frequently waking them up throughout the night and preventing them from achieving a restful and uninterrupted sleep. The constant need to toss and turn in search of a more comfortable position can make it difficult to fall back asleep, leading to restless nights and significant fatigue the following day. While padded mattress toppers are a popular solution for side sleepers, providing additional cushioning and support, they are not always a perfect remedy. Despite their benefits, the pain can still be persistent and intense enough to disturb sleep, causing individuals to wake up repeatedly and struggle with ongoing discomfort. This ongoing battle with pain and interrupted sleep can ultimately affect one's overall well-being, making it challenging to function optimally during the day.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sleeping aid device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device that provides comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device that provides comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping by redistributing a user's weight when laying across the device on their side.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a side-sleeping mattress topper device. The device is comprised of comprised of a body with distinct sections—a first end, a middle area, and a second end—that are adaptable to accommodate a user's body while sleeping on their side. The body may be constructed from various materials such as memory foam or latex, and can include features like waterproofing, mold resistance, and perforations for breathability. The device includes cutouts and adjustable sections that align with a user's hip and shoulder areas, enhancing comfort and weight distribution while side-sleeping. Additionally, the invention comprises a method for using the device, which involves positioning and adjusting the device on a mattress to fit the user's body size and then lying on it in a manner that aligns with the cutouts for optimal support while side-sleeping.

In this manner, the side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a sleeping aid device for side sleepers. More specifically, the device improves comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. To do so, the design of the device redistributes a user's weight when laying across the device on their side.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a side-sleeping mattress topper device. The device is comprised of a body comprised of a first end, a middle area, and a second end, wherein the body is further comprised of at least one window and at least one gap.

The body may be any thickness in different embodiments. In one embodiment, different areas of the body may have variable thickness, material construction, and/or firmness as needed to redistribute a user's body weight. The first end of the body is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape. The first end is preferably integrally attached to a middle area of the body, wherein at least one cutout is positioned between the first end and the middle area. The cutout may be any shape but is preferably rectangular such that it can receive the hip area of a user while the user is lying on the device. The middle area is preferably convex in shape in order to elevate a user's torso. The middle area is preferably made from a firmer material than the first end and the second end in order to support a user's weight on either side of their hip/shoulder joints.

The second end of the body is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape. In one embodiment, the second end removably attaches to the middle area. More specifically, the middle area and the second end are each comprised of at least one attachment strip further comprised of at least one fastener that allows the strips to attach to one another. The strips allow a user to position the second end at a desired distance from the middle area (via the presence of fasteners at multiple positions on each strip) in order to allow the device to fit a user's body size as needed. Once the second end is attached to the middle area, a gap is formed wherein a user's shoulder area can rest. A user can also place a pillow on the second end.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of a first end, a middle area, a cutout positioned between the first end and the middle area, and a second end that attaches to the middle area via at least one attachment strip comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the second end can be attached to the middle area, via attaching at least one strip of the second end to at least one strip of the middle area via attaching at least one fastener on each strip to one another, wherein the second end is an adjustable distance from the middle area to accommodate a user's shoulder area. Then, the device can be placed on a top surface of a mattress. Finally, a user can lay on the device on their side such that the user's hip area rests within the cutout and the user's shoulder area rests within the gap present between the middle area and the second end.

Accordingly, the side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a sleeping aid device for side sleepers. More specifically, the device improves comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. To do so, the design of the device redistributes a user's weight when laying across the device on their side. In this manner, the side-sleeping mattress topper device improves comfort for side-sleeping users.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first end and a middle area of one potential embodiment of a side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second end of one potential embodiment of a side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a user laying on their side on one potential embodiment of a side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sleeping aid device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device that provides comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a side-sleeping mattress topper device that provides comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping by redistributing a user's weight when laying across the device on their side.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a side-sleeping mattress topper device comprised of a body comprised of a first end, a middle area, and a second end, wherein the body is further comprised of at least one window and at least one gap. The body may be any thickness in different embodiments. In one embodiment, different areas of the body may have variable thickness, material construction, and/or firmness as needed to redistribute a user's body weight. The first end of the body is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape. The first end is preferably integrally attached to a middle area of the body, wherein at least one cutout is positioned between the first end and the middle area. The cutout may be any shape but is preferably rectangular such that it can receive the hip area of a user while the user is lying on the device. The middle area is preferably convex in shape in order to elevate a user's torso and is preferably made from a firmer material than the first end and the second end in order to support a user's weight on either side of their hip/shoulder joints.

The second end of the body is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape. In one embodiment, the second end removably attaches to the middle area. More specifically, the middle area and the second end are each comprised of at least one attachment strip further comprised of at least one fastener that allows the strips to attach to one another. The strips allow a user to position the second end at a desired distance from the middle area (via the presence of fasteners at multiple positions on each strip) in order to allow the device to fit a user's body size as needed. Once the second end is attached to the middle area, a gap is formed wherein a user's shoulder area can rest. A user can also place a pillow on the second end.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body comprised of a first end, a middle area, a cutout positioned between the first end and the middle area, and a second end that attaches to the middle area via at least one attachment strip comprised of at least one fastener. Then, the second end can be attached to the middle area, via attaching at least one strip of the second end to at least one strip of the middle area via attaching at least one fastener on each strip to one another, wherein the second end is an adjustable distance from the middle area to accommodate a user's shoulder area. Then, the device can be placed on a top surface of a mattress. Finally, a user can lay on the device on their side such that the user's hip area rests within the cutout and the user's shoulder area rests within the gap present between the middle area and the second end.

Accordingly, the side-sleeping mattress topper device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a sleeping aid device for side sleepers. More specifically, the device improves comfort for side-sleepers by reducing hip, shoulder, and back pain while side-sleeping. To do so, the design of the device redistributes a user's weight when laying across the device on their side. In this manner, the side-sleeping mattress topper device improves comfort for side-sleeping users.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a side-sleeping mattress topper device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a body 110 comprised of a first end 120, a middle area 130, and a second end 140, wherein the body 110 is further comprised of at least one window 132 and at least one gap 142.

The body 110 may be any thickness in different embodiments. The body 110 may also be made from any mattress/mattress topper material such as but not limited to a memory foam, a latex, a gel-infused foam, a wool, a down, a polyester blend, a cotton, etc. or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, different areas of the body 110 may have variable thickness, material construction, and/or firmness as needed to redistribute a user's body weight. The body 110 may be waterproof in one embodiment. The body 110 may also be made from a mold-resistant material in one embodiment. Any area of the body 110 may have a rounded edge 112 for comfort. The body 110 may be any dimensions to accommodate any user size and/or bed size. In one embodiment, the body 110 material is perforated for increased breathability.

The first end 120 of the body 110 is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape (but may be any shape), as seen in FIG. 2. The first end 120 is preferably integrally attached to a middle area 130 of the body 110, wherein at least one cutout 132 is positioned between the first end 120 and the middle area 130. The cutout 132 may be any shape but is preferably rectangular such that it can receive the hip area 12 of a user 10 while the user is laying on the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. The middle area 130 is preferably convex in shape in order to elevate a user's torso. However, any area of the body 110 may be angled, concave, convex, etc. as needed to ensure proper user 10 body positioning to redistribute user's weight while side sleeping in order to improve sleep quality. The middle area 130 is preferably made from a firmer material than the first end 120 and the second end 140 in order to support a user's weight on either side of their hip/shoulder joints.

The second end 140 of the body 110 is preferably flat and is generally rectangular in shape (but may be any shape), as seen in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the second end 140 is integrally formed to the middle area 130 of the body 110. In another embodiment, the second end 140 removably attaches to the middle area 130. More specifically, the middle area 130 and the second end 140 are each comprised of at least one attachment strip 150 that is preferably made from a rigid nylon (but may be made from any material). Each strip 150 is further comprised of at least one fastener 152 that allows the strips 150 to attach to one another. The fasteners 152 include but are not limited to hook, loop, magnet, adhesive, snap button, etc. The strips 150 allow a user to position the second end 140 at a desired distance from the middle area 130 (via the presence of fasteners 152 at multiple positions on each strip 150) in order to allow the device 100 to fit a user's body size as needed. Once the second end 140 is attached to the middle area 130, a gap 142 is formed wherein a user's 10 shoulder area 14 can rest, as seen in FIG. 4. A user can also place a pillow onto the second end 140.

In one embodiment, a bottom surface 114 of the body 110 is comprised of at least one grip area 116. The grip area 116 is comprised of a raised material, such as but not limited to a non-slip rubber, in any configuration. As a result, the grip area 116 prevents the device 100 from sliding when placed on a mattress.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 comprised of a first end 120, a middle area 130, a cutout positioned between the first end 120 and the middle area 130, and a second end 140 that attaches to the middle area 130 via at least one attachment strip 150 comprised of at least one fastener 152 [Step 202]. Then, the second end 140 can be attached to the middle area 130, via attaching at least one strip 150 of the second end 140 to at least one strip 150 of the middle area 130 via attaching at least one fastener 152 on each strip 150 to one another, wherein the second end 140 is an adjustable distance from the middle area 130 to accommodate a user's shoulder area 14 [Step 204]. Then, the device 100 can be placed on a top surface of a mattress [Step 206]. Finally, a user 10 can lay on the device 100 on their side such that the user's 10 hip area 12 rests within the cutout 132 and the user's shoulder area 14 rests within the gap 142 present between the middle area 130 and the second end 140 [Step 208].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “side-sleeping mattress topper device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the side-sleeping mattress topper device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the side-sleeping mattress topper device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the side-sleeping mattress topper device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the side-sleeping mattress topper device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the side-sleeping mattress topper device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the side-sleeping mattress topper device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.