w wo ay my ” oy (2) (58) (56) United States Patent Rukel HEALTH PILLOW Applicant: John Rukel, St, Charles, IL (US) Inventor: John Rukel, St, Charles, IL (US) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjust under 35 USC. 1540) by O days Appl. Nos 14/788,812 Filed: Jun, 30, 2015 Related U.S. Application Data Provisional application No, 62/085,667, filed on Dee 1, 2014, provisional application No, 620018 714 fled con Jun. 30, 2014, Int. c. ASIC 20000 (2006.01), Ag7G 90 (2006.01), AN7G 9/00 (2006.01), us.cl cP 7G 9/10 (2013.01), A47G 91007 (2013.01); 4476 2009/1018 (2013.01) Field of Classitication Search CPC . ATG 9/10; ATG 91007; A47G 2009/1018 ‘See application fle foe complete seach history. References Cited US, PATENT DOCUMEN 3148380 A+ 911964 Lustig ave 271148 S083 42789 A © 71981 Seaman asco 30025 4618531 A * 101986. Marcus ogi 142 60117 (io) Patent Noz US 9,462,902 BI us009462902B1 (45) Date of Patent: Oct. 11, 2016 4768248 A © 91988 O'Salivan Aa7G.910 S640 4794038 A * 121988 Marcus A416 900 26417 4820574 A * 41989 Tesch Aa76'900, ‘20100 4999880 A * 10190 Tesch AaTG9:10 ‘00 521874 A 61995 Snyder Dow 005, 19160 R Sa3g612 A © 81903 Hal Aa7G9.00, 2647 5.286556 A © 21994 Tesch 686.00 Oe 5538.00. A* 81994 Halm A7G9.00, 261s SBMTOT A #91994 Snyder Aa7G9.00 28359 SA80.10 A * 11996 Frankosky owl rans 28399 5.500295 4 © 31996 Hala Aa7G9.00 0357 SS66410 A * 101996 Schachter coon MIGIO?SS si {Continued Primary Examiner — David E Sosnowsi (14) Atornes, Agent, or Firm — Neder Pice PC on ABSTRACT A system and method for providing # wercustomizable ‘health pillow allowing a user to configure characiersties of the pillow to mest user needs andlor desires, or altenatvely, to precoufigure during manutacture of the health pillow that inhibits misconfiguration of the pillow. The health pillow includes a special filling having fier balls and high resl- jency foam contained within an iane fel liner and an outer ‘ncathabe fabric. \ special acces sleve permits eustmsi- ‘ation of the fil level fr user needs/desires when te pillow includes a closure system permitting end user configuration of the filling ype andioe quant 13 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets = reUS 9,462,902 BI Tae (56) References Cited 2005/0210591 AI* 912005 Mead AAT 13108, 28 Us, STEN pOCLNTS 6 AI 6 Bing nn ATES cs S.659911 A * 81997 Kirkbride ATG IAD 20060123547 AI* 62006 Ferber AATG ONO S91 A 97 amen DRE STENIN At 11207 Mabe Ben AAD on os STA A8 Tpr AEE RST EE Myo NES co vs 9458 BLY TOY Hi ATES NDVI RD Chet enon CN as Sas 109617 BLY 8306 Lane MORI pansy At $309 Laat oo AH ve ‘TAIS142 B2* 2008 Wanilefohy ATES NY 2OLLOESSSOO A1® 82011 Sanders AATC 21/007 va a ‘TAGLAA B2* 122008 Lindell ese 20120030876 AL 22012 Schwingendor’. AA7G 9!10SH eee AFORE ALY AM Kaen on AGO ne se HG Be 2201 Ma I AEG S30 Fo MT 8,656,537 B2* 22014 Leifermann ATG 910253 one 8S rR A 18H Nata APE RON 208 LEONE AE NE ir one MG save mt 201 Dame GUN “ots i RB RSM nso ate 2208 Unaky nn BG ss ‘a {SOK AI $305 Mabon Bown aK 299L1 “cited by examinerU.S. Patent Oct. 11, 2016 Sheet 1 of 7 US 9,462,902 B1 100 fo FIG. 1U.S. Patent Oct. 11, 2016 Sheet 2 of 7 US 9,462,902 B1 ,™ FIG. 2 FIG. 3U.S. Patent Oct. 11, 2016 Sheet 3 of 7 US 9,462,902 B1 van 100 105 FIG. 5U.S. Patent Oct. 11, 2016 Sheet 4 of 7 US 9,462,902 B1 fo 100 FIG. 6U.S. Patent Oct. 11, 2016 Sheet 5 of 7 US 9,462,902 B1 me FIG. 7U.S. Patent Oct. 11, 2016 Sheet 6 of 7 US 9,462,902 B1 y— 100 FIG. &U.S. Patent Oct. 11, 2016 Sheet 7 of 7 US 9,462,902 B1 fo 900 FIG. 9US 9,462,902 BI 1 HEALTH PILLOW ‘CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED "APPLICATIONS. ‘The application claims benefit of US. Patent Application 'No. 621018.714 filed 30 jun. 2014 and also claims benefit of US. Pateat Application No. 62085,667 fled I Dee. 2014, the contents of which are hereby expressly ineomporated by reference in ther entireties for al. purposes. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The preseat invention relates generally to a cushioned support fora person, and more specially, but not exchu- sively, to a pillow such as a sleeping pillow or therpy pillow. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION » “The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed tobe prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem, ‘mentioned inthe background section or associated with the > subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prorat “The subject matter ia the background section merely repre sent different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions. Doring supine, prone, semi-supine,semi-prone, and other lying or reclining postions forrest, medical treatment, or sleep, a user often uses one or more pillows, Commonly a pillow is positioned under a head and/or a neck ofthe user, ‘There are various conditions oocuring during rest, teat ‘ment, andor sleep tat can interfere with the “activity” when using the pillow. ‘These conditions may include sweating. during sleep, inadequate head/neck support, breathing interuptions (eg, apnea) Each user may have one or more ofthese conditions, sometimes eoncurently and sometimes at different times, anda single universal pillow design may not always meet a ‘user's needs or desires with respect to that eonltion or se of conditions. ‘What is nooded isa system and method for providing a user-customizable health pillow allowing a wser to configure chacteristcs of the pillow to meet user needs andor desires, BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ‘Assystem and method for providing a wser-customszable ‘eal pillow allowing a user to configure characteristics of the pillow w moet user needs andr desires. The heath pillow includes a special filing having fiber balls ad high resiliency foam contained within an inner felt finer and an ‘outer breathable fabric. A special aces sleeve permits customization ofthe fil level for user needsdesires, ‘The following summary ofthe invention is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of technical featnres 6 related to manufacture and use ofa health pillow, and is not intended to be a full deseripton ofthe present invention. A full appreciation ofthe various aspects ofthe invention can be gained by taking the cate specification, elms, draw: ings, and abstrct as a whole. The present invention is 6 applicable to other cushioning systems, particularly for systems for aiding rest andioe traiment of a person, 2 Benefits of this pillow include that it is antimicrobial, hyporlergenic mildew resistant, and 100% machine was ableand dryabe (with significantly reduced mold and fungal growth potential), Comfort and support benefits of this pillow are provided by a unigue combination of materials and inlude aside zipper sleeve that allows user to remove or add as moch filing as needed to create a completely customized fit. set of cooking heneis of the pillow eome from the extemely breathable and stretchy moisture wick- ing fabric of the outer layer. Embodiments of the present may include one or more inventive aspects, including an adjustable fimness (eg, cxstomized filing quantity using a novel zippered sleeve), a ‘multi-component medical-grode fill including a mixture of siliconized polyester cluster fiber balls and high resilience sluredded foam that may be made without ozone depleters, PDE flame retardants, mercury/lead/heavy metals, foam- aldehyde and prohibited phthalates, along with low volatile ‘organic compounds, and a mult-component moisture wick ing breathable cover and combinations there Some entbodimients may inchude a zipperless implemen- tation, suchas when filling type and quantity is determined atime of manufacture. End-user features for adapting the filling ype and quantity may be constrained, such as by removal of the zipper and inner protective sleeve while preserving other features as deseribed herein. AA pillow, including an innerliner including « pair of ‘opposing sidewalls coupled together defining an inner cav- ity; and a filling disposed within the interior cavity, the filling including a mixture of a plurality of luster fiber balls and a quantity of shredded foam, a ratio of the cluster fer balls tothe quantity of shredded foam in a range of 60/40 %0 40N60, by weit Any of the embodiments described herein may be wsed ‘lone oF together with one another in any combination, Inventions encompassed within this specification may also include embodiments that are only partially mentioned or alluded to of are not mentioned of alluded to at all in this brief summary or inthe abstract. though various embodi- ‘ments of the invention may have been motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may be discussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification, the ‘embodiments ofthe invention donot necessarily address any of these deficiencies. In oer words, different embodiments ofthe invention may address different deficiencies that may be discussed in the specification, Some embodiments may only partially address some deficiencies or just one deli- ciency that may be discussed inthe specification, and some ‘embodiments may not addkess any ofthese deficiencies, Other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon a review of the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. The accompanying figures, in. which Tike reference ‘numerals refer to identical or functonaly-similar elements ‘throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in fad form a part of the specification, further illustate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention, FIG. 1 illotrates a perspective view ofa health pillow; FIG. 2 illustrates atop plan view of the health pillow of FIG. 1:US 9,462,902 BI 3 FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the health pillow af FIG. 1; FIG. 4ilusraesa se elevation view of the health pillow of FIG. f FIG. illustrates perspective view of aside section view 5 of the health pillow of FIG. 1 revealing an inner funnel sleeve in a closed mode; IG. 6 illustrates perspective view of the side setion view of the health pillow of FIG. 5 presenting the inner funnel sleeve in an open mode; FIG. Tillustates a perspective view ofa representation of 4 preferred implementation of possible fil configuration ‘used forthe health pillow of FIG. 1 FIG. 8 illustrates 2 quarer-section view of the health pillow of FIG. 1; and FIG. 9 ilustrates a perspective view ofan altemate health pillow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for providing a user-customizable health pillow allowing a user to configure characteristics of the pillow to 2 meet user needs andor desires. The following description is resented to enable one of ordinary skill inthe art to make ‘and use the invention and is provided ia the context of a patent application an its requirement, ‘rious mosificatios to the prefered embodiment and the generic principles and festues deseribed herein will he readily apparent to those skilled in the at, Thus, the present ‘vention is not intended to be limited wo the embodiment shown bu is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with, the principles and features described herein. Definitions ‘The following definitions apply t some of the aspects eseribed with respect to some embodiments of the inven tion. These definitions may likewise be expanded upon bere, ‘As used herein, the term “oe” is generally intended to ‘mean “andor” uness otherwise indicate. ‘As used herein the singular terms “o." “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, Thus, for example, reference to an object can include motile objects unless the context clearly dictates, otherwise. ‘Ako, 28 used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, dhe meaning of “in” incindes “in” and on" unless the contoxt clearly dictates otherwise. ‘As used herein, the tem “se refers toa collection of one for more objets. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single object or mutiple objects. Objects ofa set also ean be refered to as members of the se, Objects of a set can be the same or diferent. I some instances, objects of a set can share one or more eommon properties _Asnsed herein, the term “adjacent ofers to being near adjoining. Adjacent objects can be spaced spart from one nother or canbe in sctul or direct contat with one nother. In some instances, adjacent objects can be coupled to one another of can be formed integrally with one ancter. ‘As used herein, the terms “eonnect," “connected,” and eonnecting” refer to a direct attachment or link. Connected objects have no oro substantial intermediary objector set of objects, as the context indicates, s As used herein, the terms “couple,” “couple” and “cous pling” refer to an operstional connection or inking. Coupled x“ 8 4 objects can be dreetly connected to one another or can be indirecly connected to one anther, suchas via an interme ary set of objects. ‘As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substan- tia” refer to a considerable degree or extent, When used in ‘conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or ereumstanee occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circum stance oceus to a close approximation, such as accounting, for typical tolerance levels or variability ofthe embodiments described herein The use ofthe tenn “about” applies to all numeric values, ‘whether or not explicitly indicated. This term generally refers to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill nthe amt would cousider as a reasonable amount of deviation to the recited numeric values (Le. having the equivalent func tion or result) For example, this tem can be construed as including a deviation of +10 perceat ofthe given numeric value provided such a deviation does not alter the end Function or result of the value, Therefore, a value of about 1% can be construed to be a range from 0.9% to 1.1%. As used herein, the temns “optional” and “optionally” ‘mean that the subsequently deseribed event or circumstance ‘may of may not oocur and that the description incindes instances where the even! or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not AS used herein, the tema “size” refers toa characteristic imeasion of an object. Thus, for example, a size of aa ‘object that is spherical can refer toa diameter of the object. In the case of an object that is noa-spherical, a size of the ‘noa-sphercal object can rele toa diameter ofa comespondl= ing spherical object, where the comesponding. spherical ‘object exhibits or has a particular set of derivable or mea- surable properties that are substantially the same as those of the non-spherical object. Thus, for example, a size of a ‘on spherical object ean rele toa diameter ofa correspond ing spherical object that exhibits light scattering or other properties that are substantially the same as those of the ‘non spherical objet. Altematively, or ia conjunction, a size ‘of a noaspherical objet an refer to an average of Various ‘orthogonal dimensions of the objet, Thus, for example, a size ofan object that isa spheroidal can refer to an average fof a major axis and a minor axis of the object. When referring ta set of objects as having a particular size, it is ‘contemplated thatthe objects can have a distbution of sizes around the particular size. Thus, as used herein, a size of set of objects can rele to atypical sizeof a distribution of sizes, such as an average size, median size, or a peak size FIG, iluszates a perspective view of a health pillow 100; FIG. 2 illustrates top plan view of health pillow 100 FIG. 3 illustrates fron elevation view of health pillow 100; ‘and FG, 4illstrates a side elevation view of health pillow 100, Pillow 100 includes an outer covering 105 ana set of side gussets 110 disposed between opposing sides .8.,8t0p Side and a bottom side) of pillow 100, One side gusset 110, includes a side opening 115. Covering 108 includes a moisture wicking configuration For example, covering 10S is made from a Tight weight strcichy polyester fabric that features strategically placed ventilation zones allowing air to low and coo! the body where needed, This extremely breathable bri has an aie flow rating of approximately 140-180, for example, 160 CFM (cubic feetminute). This durable four-way stretch ‘material is specifically desigaed to wick heat and moisture away from skin ofthe user to help the user stay eool and dy. ‘The fabric ads in moisture management by moving pers ration frm the skin to the opposite side ofthe fabric forUS 9,462,902 BI 5 rapid evaporation. As moisture is produce by the body it moves through the hydrophobic layer of fabric, which acts asa pup to move the moisture away frm the skin keep the user cool. This moisture wicking technology is some- times also found in clothes wom hy thoes who sweat for s Jong periods of time nd want to stay die, such as loage distance runing tenis, nd gol. This superior bretabi- ity proves & cooler and more comfortable temperate ll sight Jong esting in batter nights est “There area variety of diferent spesfc configurations for cuter layer 108 For example, one implementation includes 4 combination of polyester and Spandex in a range of 85/15-9515, fr example 90% polyester and 10% Spandex, having a material weight of 6-8, for example 7, ounces sqlare yard. varity ofolos fe, fuorescent white) may be used. Outer layer includes antimicrobial wicking care acteristics ‘Aleogth and a width ofthe opposing sides o pillow 100 say be customized as desired. For example, thie) ich Jength (Queen size) o thit-four inch length (King size), and a twenty inch with. Pillow: 100 has a customizable height based upon an amount of fil included by the use, ‘nominally pillow 100 inches a sx inch height Gusset 110 includes apiece of fabric (2. to inch ‘wide tp that is incorporated between the side seams ofthe 2 top and bottom ses. Gusset 110 enables pillow 100 10 provide higher lft and thicker appearance which produces 4 Tuxurious style and added como. Gusset 110 provides superior headland neck support by encouraging Head and nock alignment. Gusset 110 contbutes to making pillow 100 more comfortshe because filing sable to iain a higher loft allowing pillow 100 to mainiain a generally consistent height extending edge-o-dge Gusset 110 may be consiniced of the same material as cuter evering 105 oF an altemative material for example, preferably. 2 polyester micro fhe having about 5.9 ounces! square yard (white) wih antimicrobial and water repellent properties). ‘A further detailed below, pillow 100 preferably includes a special composite filing fo belp configure its special characteristics. Opening 11S allows the user to selectively and controllably vary the quantity ofthis filling 10 meet personal tastes, Asdtciled in FIG, 4, sie opening 115 nedes closure system (6.28 zppar ortho ike) concealing an acess sleeve 405, Side opening 118 may include an opening lent (0) Jess than a width of pillow 100 (for example, 10 inch O, foe a twenty inch Width). Opening the closure system permits acces sleeve 408 tobe extend fom inside pillow 100. Acces sleeve 4 is made om a material designed to contain and constrain the filing. For the filing descnbed herein, aces sleeve 408 is made of Spandex or the ike FG. illustrates perspective view ofa side section view of beak pillow 100 revealing access sleeve 408 in an extended and elosed mode and FIG. 6 illustrates a perspex- tive view ofthe side section view of the heal pillow of IG. presenting access sleeve 45 in an open mode. Assess sleeve 45 ets lasable “Tunnel” with a second closure system that opens and clases (for example sing tht inch polyester deawsting 808) permiting acess othe interior af pillow 100, ‘The filing of pillow 100 may be added or removed trough access sleeve 405, As illstated in FIG. 6, access sloove 408 has a sleeve length (S,) whan extended outside pillow 10 (For example eight inches). When opened ees Sleeve 408 permis a foam mixture 608 10 be added or removed from pillow 100, Users ean iterally customize the x“ 6 Aff of their pillow exactly to ther liking, Once the fist closure is opened, the eight inch long sleeve with a thin ddrawstiag may be extended and opened. One purpose of access sleeve 08 isto contain and prevent filling 608 from cesly spilling ox of pillow 100 when opening 115 is opened ( sovondary contaiameat system for fling 608). cis also ‘used for added safety to make it dificult for small children tw have access filling 605, FIG. Tillustates a perspective view ofa representation of 4 preferred implementation ofa possible fil configuration ‘and internal strangement used for health pillow 100; and FIG. 8 illustates an internal view of health pillow 100, As illustrated in FIG. 7, pillow 100 inches an inner liner 708 defining an inner cavity containing filling 605, Filing 608 includes « mixture of siliconized polyester cluster fer halls T10 and high resilience shredded foam 718. This ‘mixture includes a range forthe fiber balls of sixty percent to forty percent (60%%-40P4) by weight of filing 60S and a corresponding range forthe shredled foam of forty percent to sixty percent (40%-600%) by weight, for example fifty percent fiber balls and fitty percent shredded foam. As noted 4 portion of filling 60S used in pillow 100 includes sii conized pearl shaped fiber balls that are constructed of more than SO fibers per ball and preferably more than 100 single fibers per ball, each ball having. an all-lirectional high clastcty that is incomparable to single fibers. Fiber balls 710 are relatively free moving inside pillow 100 and are subject to micro movemeats according to gestures ad other movements of the user. Therefore the user will achieve automatic effects of a micro message as fiber balls 710 ccanfarm to the head during use (uch as when resting o sleeping). These cluster fiber balls 710 offer more air- permeability tha single fkers, for example because a space that exists between the balls is much lager. Even when ‘compressed the air permeability between the fiber fil ball of pillow 100 is much lager compared with that of tradi- ‘ional pillow filling fibers as fiber cluster balls help 10 ‘maintain air low that could be more significantly constricted in a configuration having shredded foam only. This effect lhelps keep an inside of pillow 100 dey and confortable with less odor. These cluster fiber balls 71D are also configured to ‘be machine washable. Any curled up tangled fiber balls 710, will expand during pressure due to the alldirectional ‘expanding elasticity. Taerelore the elasticity wil actually be rejwvenated after each wash, Filling 608 will also dey very fast du tthe inerease aie permeability of fiber balls 71. ‘The other principal component of filing 600 used in pillow 100 inchudes high resilience shredded foam 715, Foam 71S has a cell structure that is very dllerent than ‘conventional foams. Each tiny cell structre is highly resil- {ent and very sttong which offers a much higher ability to ‘ounce back afer being compressed, This diflerence in cell structure leads to added support, comfort and durability. Foun 715 maintains its suength and memory for much longer than conventional foams. Foam 715 is antimicrobial, ‘non-allergenic and toxie free. Due to its high density cell structure, it i naturally resistant to mildew, fungi, vein ‘and dust mites. Foam 713 is manufactured without chloro Aluorocarbons or formaldehyde. Foam 715 is also known as inert foam, which means that very few chemical solvents will affect ita all. It can be washed, dry cleaned, steamed and sterilized. This foam also breathes quietly. Since 95% of its ells are open, air is squeezed in and out very easily. This foam is shredded into lp sizes to perfelly confom to the head and neck for maximum comfort and support. The ‘enn shredding means, inthe context of the present appl cation, noa-interlocking. iregular shaped, chipped foamUS 9,462,902 BI 1 ranging in size from ‘" to 2" along any dimension. Non- interlocking isan important charaeteristic ofthe illustrated embodiments because it allows air to pass through more casly and contibutes to an improved breathability per- seabilty, 5 Components of ling 60S may be infused with unscented planvbotancal oil to add antimicrobial features to pillow 100, Some planbotanical oils are naturally antiierobil so ding this or other azent to pillow 100 along with anyother antimicrobial agents or features further inhibits bacterial growth of pillow 100, Liner 7 is of typeof material sed in hospitals fr skin care treatment. Liner 708 combined with outer covering 105. helps absorb moisture away from the skin and maintain a «ool surface whi allowing pillow 190 to perfectly confirm, to a user's head and neck and provide improved comfor. -Anoiter important purpose of Finer 705 isto get as butler and reduce any clumpy fee! of larger chunks of shredded foam 715 against the skin. Tiner 708 may be implemented as a combination of polyester and rayon (e., 7030 percent) having 2 material ‘weight 33 ounces per square yard, of various colors (ex, White) having antimicrobial properties. Balls 710 include siliconized 7 deniers32 millimeter hollow. cluster fibers 2 ‘made from polyester (e, 100%). Foam 71S includes high resiliency urethane foam having a density of 145 pounds and an ILD (indentation load deflection} of 15-19 and a resiliency (% rebound) of 40-48 (e., white) that is mixed ‘with an antimicrobial age FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view ofan alternate heath pillow 900, Pillow 900 is similar to pillow 100 having outer ‘covering 105 anda set of side gussets 110 disposed between ‘opposing sides (ea top side and a bottom side) of pillow. 900. Pills 900s different fom pillow 100 in that none of side gussets 110 include a side opening 11S (and henee, a vser-operable closure system and may dispense with the protective sleeve). Without a closure system (e-2., zipper), ‘an end user is not required to determine a particular filling ‘ype and quantity (nd when prespecified and implemented uring manufacturing, the end user is not able to adjust or alte fil type and quantity without degrading andor dam- ‘aging pillow 900, Pillow 900 having a preconfigured and nonend user alteeable fill type and quantity may advantageously be provided by a therapist who has defined or prescribed a particular ill ype and quantity The therapist may customize for any particnlae end user oF may specify a set of pillows ‘900, each having a different predefined desired fil type and {quantity to allow the therapist andlor end user to select the desired and optimum pillow 900 from the set. In ther ‘implementations, precontiguration is also advantageous for ‘marketing and sales to institutions like hotels, resorts and spas desiring the features amt advantages of the present invention, Fr certain treatments and conditions, it may be that a particular configuration of pillow 900 i advantageous for a particular end user while a different configuration or Aanrangement is advantageous fora different end usr (or the same end user ata different treatment time), This allows the 6 therapist and/or the end user to select (rather than manufac ture) a panicular pillow or st of pillows, or series of pillows for any particular reatmen without roqiring the end user ‘make any adjustments that may result ia a miscoatiguration inappropriate for the treatment andor treatment plan. ‘The omission of the closure system (and any optional supporting, materials) ffom pillow 900 not only inhibits s 8 ‘misconfiguration by the end user, it also may result in less expensive implementation which can promote wider aap tation and treatment The system and methods above has boon described in ‘aeneal terms a an aid to understanding details of preferred cesbodiments of the present invention. Ia the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components andior methods, 10 provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention, Some features and benefits ofthe present inven- ‘tion ae realized in such modes and are not required in every case. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more ofthe specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, ‘terials, pats, and/or the lke. In other instances, well- ‘known sinictures, materials, or operations are not specili- cally shovsn or deseribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects fof embodiments of the preset invention, Reference throughout this specification to Yone embod ‘men, “anembodimen, ofa specific embodiment” means that pancular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is inckaded in at Teast. ‘ne embodimeat ofthe present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment" o¢ “ina specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Furthermore, the particular features, struc> tues, or charaterisis of any specific embodiment of the resent invention may be combined in any suitable manner ‘with one or more athe embodiments, Ii to be understood tat other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention deseriped and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present Twill also be appreciated tht one or more ofthe elements depicted in the drawings figures can also be implemented in ‘more separated or integrated mane, ce even removed or rendered a8 inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in agcordance with particular application, Aaditionally, any signal arows in the drawings Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted, Combinations of com: ponents oF steps will also be considered as being noted, ‘where terminology is forescen as rendering the ability 0 separate of combine i unclear “The foregoing description o illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including, what is dosribed in the Abstract, is ot intended to be exhaustive of 1 limit the invention to the precise forms dislosed her, While specific embodiments of, and examples forthe invention are described herein for ilustative purposes only, various cequvaleat modifications are possible within the sprit and scope of tbe present invention, as those skilled in the relevant ar will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made tothe present invention in Tight ofthe foregoing description of illusirated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included with the spit and scope of the present invention, ‘Thus, while the present invention has been described Forein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some Features of embod ‘mens of the iavention will he employed without 2 coere-US 9,462,902 BI 9 sponding use of ther features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, ‘many modifications may be made 1 adapt particular situation or material othe essential scope and spirit ofthe ‘present invention It is intended thatthe invention not be limited to the paricular terms used in following claims ‘andor 0 the particular embovtiment disclosed as the best. ‘mode contemplate for exeryin out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and ‘equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. 10 ‘Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims, ‘What js claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent ofthe United States i 1A pillow, comprising ‘a outer covering: an inne lier coupled to said outer covering, said inner lincr including a pair of opposing sidewalls coupled together defining an inner ewity, wherein said inner liner defines an opening aocessing said inner cavity, 20 said inne lining including a closure system; a resealable acess sleeve diretly coupled to a perimeter of ssid opening and coupled to said inner eavity, said resealable access sleeve configured to be stored within said inner cavity and selectively extended from said 2 inner cavity, and a filling disposed within said resealable access sleeve, said fling including a xisture of a plurality of cluster fiber balls and a quantity of shredded foam, a ratio of said cluster fiber balls to said quantity of shredded foam ina range of 60140 to 4060, by weight ‘wherein the inner liner is substantially contiguous with the outer covering 2. The pillow of claim 1 wherein each sad cluster fiber ball includes a pear-shaped fiber ball having @ minimum of 50 fiers. 3. The pillow of claim 2 wherein each said caster fiber ball inchudes 2 siliconized 7 denieo32 millimeter hollow cluster fbee made ftom polyester 4. The pillow of claim 3 wherein sid quantity of shredded foam includes a resilient foam, '5, The pillow of claim 1 whetein sid quantity of shredded foam includes a resilient foam, 6, The pillow of claim $ wherein ssid resilient foam includes a resilient urethane foam having a density of 1.45, pounds and an ILD (indentation load deflection) of 15-19, and a resiliency (% rebound) of 40-48. 7. The pillow of claim 1 wherein 8 component of said fillig includes an infusion of an unscented antimicrobial botanical ol 8, The pillow of claim 4 wherein 2 component of said filling includes an infusion of an unscented antiscrobial botanical oil 8 10 9. The pillow of claim 1 wherein said inne Hiner includes ‘combination of polyester al rayon having material Weight of 3.3 ounces per square yard 10. The pillow of claim 1 wherein sad covering includes ‘breathable, stretchable polyester fabric having a plurity of venation zones. 11 The pillow of claim 1 wherein sad covering includes 4 combination of polyester and Spandex in a range of '8596/15%-95%l5% (a ratio of polyester to Spandex) having, 4 material weight in a range of 6-8 ounces/square yard. 12. The pill clam 1 wherein ssid covering includes an air low rating of 140-180 CFM (eubie feeiminute. 13.A pillow, comprising ‘an outer covering comprising atop surface separated from ‘a otiom surface by one or more side gussets, wherein ‘fest side gusset of suid one or more side gussets has a first length defining an outer opening, the outer ‘opening having a second length that is less than said first length; ‘an inet liner defining an inner cavity, wherein sad inner liner furtuer defines an opening accessing said inner cavity, said inner Tining including @ closure system, ‘wherein said inner Finer is coupled to and substantially contiguous with said outer covering: fan access sleeve coupled to the innerliner, the access sloeve defining an interior eavity an having at an end defining an inner opening, wherein the acess sleeve is configured to selectively extend through the outer ‘pening: and a filing disposed within sid interior evity ofthe aooess sleeve: wherein the end of the access sleve is configured 10 extend through the outer opening: wherein the outer covering comprises a breathable, stretchable material formed from a combination of polyester and Spandex in a range of 88% polyester! 15% Spander.95%%lo polyeste!s% Spandex, the breathable, stretchable material having a material weight in a raage of 68 ounces‘quare yar wherein the acess sleeve comprises Spandex, the inner liner comprises a combination of polyester and rayon having a material weight of 3 3 ounces per square ya, and the outer covering comprises @ combination of polyester and Spandex inarange of 85% S%-95%5% (a ratio of polyester to Spandex) having « material ‘weight in a range of 6-8 ounces/square yard; and ‘wherein the filling comprises a mixture ofa plurality of cluster fiber balls, a quantity of shredded foam, and an unscented antimicrobial botanical oil with a ratio of said luster fiber balls to said quantity of shredded foam ina range of 60140 to 4060, by weight.