Pillow for side-sleeper breast-support

Abstract

This invention is a breast support device for side-sleeping to aid in comfort and decrease the occurrence of chest wrinkles. The device consists of a wedge-shaped cushion kept in place during sleep by use of grip strips along the outside of a fabric cover.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sleep accessories, and more specifically, to support apparatuses designed for individuals with breasts who seek increased comfort and decreased occurrence of wrinkles in the chest region while sleeping.

Individual and business demographics that would use this invention include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any individual with breasts who sleeps on their side, or individuals with a desire to decrease discomfort due to pressure from the breasts during side-sleeping would find use in this invention. Individuals pursuing a decrease or slowing of the development of wrinkles between the breasts during side-sleeping would find use in this invention. Business demographics that could use this invention include sleep-based businesses, such as hotels and similar overnight-stay businesses, and retail businesses focusing on sleep, beauty, and other unspecified fields related to the present invention.

Women who sleep on their sides often have trouble getting and staying comfortable during sleep due to pressure in the breast area. Additionally, repetitive compression of the skin between the breasts causes wrinkles on the chest, which many individuals find undesirable.

It is often difficult for full-breasted side-sleepers to get comfortable when going to sleep, as the top breast hangs down. The lack of support for the top breast pulls on the skin of the side of the sleeper, creates uncomfortable pressure between the breasts, and develops unwanted wrinkles on the chest. This invention will separate the breasts, effectively decreasing or eliminating the uncomfortable pull of the skin, and helping to decrease the occurrence of wrinkles between the breasts of the user. Some existing technologies, referenced above, separate the base of the breasts near the chest, but the small shapes of those devices can be uncomfortable, as they are unable to separate the entirety of the length of the breasts of larger-chested users. The longer wedge shape of the present invention fixes this problem, in that it will allow the entire length of the breasts to be separated, no matter the size of the user's chest.

Many individuals prefer to sleep without straps, as they find them uncomfortable. A firmer device, such as the previous examples, can be uncomfortable for the sensitive area of the chest, making it more difficult to find comfort during sleep. This is a serious problem, in that discomfort during sleep may lead to lesser sleep quality, which leads to lesser quality of life. The present invention fixes this problem in a way that differs from the former examples, in that it is strapless and provides a longer length soft cushion for optimal comfort. Additionally, silicone grip strips on the outside of the fabric cover of this invention will aid in the stability of the pillow, eliminating the need for uncomfortable straps.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This pillow will be made using a wedge-shaped cushion encased in a fabric cover with grip strips on the outside. It will be used by placing it between the breasts when the intended user is sleeping on their side. This will separate and support the breasts to aid in comfort while sleeping. It will also help to prevent the development of chest wrinkles.

Alternative Embodiments include, but are not limited to:

• • Wedge-shaped cushion can be made from memory foam or other general cushion material. Cushion may be encased in some form of casing, fabric or otherwise, so as to protect the cushion itself or to allow the removal of the external fabric cover for washing purposes.
  • Fabric cover or covers can be made from a low-pile faux fur, velvet, polyester, soft cotton, satin, or other fabric material. These covers may be removable from the cushion for ease of washing, or permanent, or some combination thereof. Fabric cover closure may consist of an openable pocket-style stitching, zipper, or Velcro to provide ease of washing. Closure of the fabric cover may be permanent in alternative embodiments.
  • Grip strips can be made from silicone or other flexible plastic material. Width and length of the grip strips may vary. S-pattern, Z-pattern, criss cross, linear, or other shapes could be implemented for the grip strips. Grip strips may be attached to the fabric cover by use of heat adherence, stitching, sewing, or glue.
  • Wedge shape may differ in length, width, and depth for different sized breasts in alternative embodiments.

Selected Embodiment consists of:

• • The wedge-shaped cushion will be made from memory foam in the preferred embodiment. Memory foam is chosen as it provides light and gentle support, which is preferred for the delicate chest area. The base of the wedge will be around 2 inches in width in the preferred embodiment, as this provides the ideal space between the breasts of the user to provide gentle support for the top breast while lying alongside the user's breastbone. The cushion will be encased in a permanent cotton fabric casement for the preferred embodiment, as this will provide the ability to remove the external fabric cover for washing purposes.
  • The external fabric cover will be made from a low-pile polyester faux fur fabric in the preferred embodiment. Low-pile polyester faux fur fabric is chosen, as it provides maximum comfort for the user. Minimum heat is retained by low-pile polyester faux fur, which is ideal to prevent sweating. Many surveyed individuals sleep with a faux fur stuffed plush toy between their breasts, which indicates that the feel of a low-pile faux fur is preferred over other fabric options.
  • Flat, 1 cm wide, s-pattern silicone grip strips on the outside of the fabric cover are chosen for the preferred embodiment of this invention. Silicone is chosen as the preferred plastic for the grip strips, as silicone has minimal reactions to skin compared to other plastics. Silicone grip strips will be flat in the preferred embodiment in order to aid in the prevention of lines or indentations on the skin surface from the strips themselves, as well as to prevent any discomfort to the user from pressing of the strips against the skin. 1 cm width is chosen for the preferred embodiment, as it will provide sufficient grip to the skin or fabric surface of the user while allowing sufficient space between the grip strips to allow for the prevention of sweat buildup. Silicone grip strips will be attached to the fabric cover by heat adherence for the preferred embodiment.

Description of the benefits of this Invention to its users:

• • Sleep Comfort—This invention helps to separate the breasts of the user, which prevents uncomfortable pull of the skin while side-sleeping. Additionally, this separation helps to reduce uncomfortable pressure between the breasts while side-sleeping.
  • Wrinkle Reduction—Compression lines form on the skin by the repetitive compression of the breast and chest tissue while side-sleeping. Separation of the breasts allows the skin on the chest to remain flat, as opposed to compressed. This will aid in the prevention and slowing of wrinkle development on the chest.
  • Stability—The grip strips on this invention allow the product to remain in place more efficiently throughout sleep. The stability provided by the grip strips will aid in the effectiveness of the product in terms of sleep comfort and wrinkle prevention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a plan view from the top down of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view from the bottom up of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred use placement of the present invention.

Reference Number Part Name
10               Pillow Wedge Support Device
11               Proximal End
12               Grip Strips
13               Stitching
14               Flat End
15               Distal End
31               Cushion
32               Casing
33               Fabric Cover
34               Closure
61               User
62               Top Breast

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventor provides a unique support device for breasts during side-sleeping for comfort and wrinkle-prevention purposes. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, the present pillow wedge support invention is generally denominated as 10 herein. The following descriptions are not to limit the scope of the present invention, but to provide examples of the preferred embodiment of said invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the proximal end 11 of the pillow wedge support device 10, whereon the grip strips 12 are adhered for the preferred embodiment. The stitching 13 is shown alongside the flat end 14 of the pillow wedge support device 10 for the preferred embodiment. The distal end 15 of the device is shown on opposite end of the stitching 13 from the proximal end 11.

FIG. 2 illustrates more clearly the exact shape of the side of the pillow wedge support device 10, as viewed from the flat end 14 of the preferred embodiment. The stitching 13 runs from the proximal end 11 to the distal end 15 of the pillow wedge support device 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perpendicular cutaway through all aspects of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The center of the illustration indicates the cushion 31, which is surrounded by a casing 32, all of which are encased by the fabric cover 33. The closure 34 of the fabric cover 33 is apparent on the distal end 15 of the device.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top-down view to display more clearly the shape of the preferred embodiment of the pillow wedge support device 10. The grip strips 12 adhere along a good portion of the proximal end 11 of the device, almost halfway to the distal end 15 of the device in the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom-up view to display more clearly the shape of the grip strips 12, the preferred embodiment being an s-pattern. The grip strips lay alongside the proximal end 11, reaching about halfway to the distal end 15 in the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates the intended implementation of the preferred embodiment of the pillow wedge support device 10. The dotted line indicates the intended user 61. The present invention is placed under the top breast 62, with the proximal end 11 lying directly against the chest of the user 61, who may be clothed or unclothed. The proximal end 11 of the device will be placed on the chest of the user to make proper use of the grip strips 12 in the present embodiment. The grip strips 12 will give mild adherence to the skin of the user 61 or to any clothing they may choose to wear during sleep. This will work in place of straps so the pillow wedge support device 10 will remain more stable during sleep. The distal end 15 of the invention will face away from the user 61 to aid in avoiding contact with the closure 34 of the device. This avoidance will aid in maximal comfort, though it is not required for the present embodiment. The flat ends 14 of the device can be positioned either towards the head or foot of the user 61, as either direction does not affect successful use of the present embodiment of the invention. Arm placement of the user 61 may be in any position which is comfortable, as no specific arm placement is required for use of the device.

This detailed description is not intended to restrict parameters of the present invention, as alternative embodiments may differ.

Claims

1. A cushion breast support device for side sleepers, said breast support device comprising: 1. A wedge-shape cushion encased by a fabric cover. Said fabric cover comprising: a. Grip strips along the outside of the fabric cover.