Bed mobility assistance device and method

13) A mobility-assistance device for assisting a user self-adjust their body position on a bed, comprising:

• a bed mattress having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter wall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface;
• a circumferential hand grip configured to be graspable by the user, the circumferential hand grip including
• an elongated flexible strap having a frictional outer surface, a first end, a second end, and a length sufficient to encircle bed mattress,
• a two-part buckle configured to form a closed loop portion within the elongated flexible strap, the closed loop portion arrangeable circumferentially about the bed mattress, the two-part buckle including a first buckle portion and a second buckle portion releasably-engageable with the first buckle portion, the first buckle portion connected to the first end, the second buckle portion adjustably engaged on the elongated flexible strap at a point intermediate to the first end and the second end;
• a cinch configured to cinch the closed loop portion about the bed mattress to arrange the frictional outer surface of the elongated flexible strap in positions of contact with the top surface, the bottom surface, and the perimeter wall of the bed mattress;
• wherein the thickness of the elongated flexible strap is less than about ¼ inch;
• wherein the width of the elongated flexible strap is about two inches;
• wherein the elongated flexible strap is constructed of a woven material;
• wherein the frictional outer surface of the elongated flexible strap consists of a woven texture;
• wherein the elongated flexible strap is constructed of at least one of a natural fiber and a synthetic fiber;
• wherein the two-part buckle comprises a side-release-type buckle;
• and
• wherein the cinch is integrally formed within the two-part buckle.

17) A method of mounting a continuous circumferential hand grip on a bed mattress to assist a user self-adjust their body position on the bed mattress, comprising the steps of:

• selecting a continuous circumferential hand grip comprising an elongated flexible strap having a length sufficient to encircle the bed mattress;
• positioning the elongated flexible strap adjacent a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter wall of the bed mattress;
• forming a closed loop portion within the elongated flexible strap, the closed loop portion encircling the bed mattress;
• and
• cinching the closed loop portion to place the elongated flexible strap in frictional contact with the top surface, the bottom surface, and the perimeter wall of the bed mattress.