Methods for promoting sleep systems

#This invention relates generally to the field of sleep systems, and in particular to sleep system that comprise both sleep surfaces, such as mattresses, and pillows. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for determining appropriate combinations of mattresses and pillows. In certain aspects, such a determination may be used to enhance the sales of mattresses and pillows, alone or in combination.

#Finding the correct mattress can be a difficult task. Within the United States there are literally hundreds of makes and models of mattresses, such as firm mattress, plush mattresses, and the like. Selecting a mattress that will provide an appropriate degree of comfort and/or support to meet a person's needs can be especially challenging.

#The use of an appropriate pillow can also be a factor in determining the level of comfort and/or support. For example, if the pillow is too high, too firm, or the like, the user's comfort level and/or the amount of support provided to the user may be seriously compromised.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a strength resistance test performed on a mattress without a pillow according to the invention.

#FIG. 2 illustrates a strength resistance test performed on a mattress with a pillow and while the user is on his back according to the invention.

#FIG. 3 illustrates a strength resistance test performed on a mattress with a pillow and while the user is on his side according to the invention.

#The invention provides exemplary techniques for determining an appropriate sleep system. Such sleep systems typically comprise a sleep surface, such as a mattress, and one or more pillows. The techniques of the invention are suited for determining appropriate combinations of sleep surfaces and pillows that assist in providing a neutral spinal alignment when the person is lying down on the sleep system. When the person's spine is in a neutral alignment, the amount of comfort/support that the person experiences is maximized. The techniques may also be used to select a preferred mattress.

#The techniques of the invention may utilize a strength resistance test to determine if the person's spine is in proper alignment. When such is the case, the person's muscles may easily resist applied pressure. However, if the spine is out of the neutral position by even a small amount, a significant reduction in resistive force may be detected.

#The strength resistance tests of the invention are designed to correlate sleep surfaces with pillows, and in some cases simply to select an appropriate sleep surface. Such sleep surfaces may include, for example, mattresses, including spring mattresses, solid mattresses, padded surfaces, firm surfaces, and the like. Further, the pillows may be stuffed with a filling, inflatable, or the like.