Project Description:

Disposable hospital pillows lack the quality that promotes patient healing. Hospital faculty overcome the structural deficiencies of these pillows by stacking them on top of each other. Stacking hospital pillows poses a burden to both the patient and the attending faculty, and the configuration remains inferior. The need for other faculty to assist greatly reduces work efficiency.

The Healing Pillow allows for passive inflation of an internal polyurethane foam core. The 10 x 6 x 6 inch foam core provides greater support and the option to establish any depth that falls in the range of 1-6 inches. The pillow begins in the deflated state with a depth of 1 inch. A one-way valve joined to the side of the pillow can be toggled to allow or inhibit airflow. A network of channels traversing the foam determines which regions of the foam are exposed to air. Differential air absorption of foam cells results in inflation that varies with respect to the horizontal plane. The network of channels are designed such that this differential inflation contours to the typical shape of a head. The use of polyurethane foam ensures that the foam core has enough rebound to overcome the weight of the patient’s head, initiating inflation.

The patient also has the capability of controlling the rate of inflation. A twistable cap can assume two orientations that provide high or low airflow relative to the other valve setting. Either setting may be desirable depending on the circumstances. Tactile feedback indicates sufficient twist, allowing for accurate operation by supine patients without sight of the valve. Pressing the valve button allows for the passage of air. Retraction closes the valve upon release. The quickness in transition between opened and closed states allows for precise inflation.