Patent Publication Number: US-2019175382-A1

Title: Head immobilization aid with adjustable supports

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Head immobilization benefits patients with a wide variety of medical conditions such as respiratory distress or a head, neck, or back injury. Immobilizing the head during the provision of respiratory support, such as through nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a nasal cannula, permits uniform distribution of support to the lungs. Immobilizing the head can help aid in treating a head, neck, or back injury and prevent further injury. Infants and babies benefit from maintaining the head in a midline (neutral) position to reduce the risks of and complications from intraventricular hemorrhage and to promote optimal cerebral blood flow. Patients of all ages benefit from maintaining the head in midline or other desired positions for the effective and unobstructed delivery of medical interventions, such as spinal taps, head shunts, nasal cannulas, nasal CPAP, ventilator support, feeding tubes, and intravenous (IV) fluid support (such as via scalp IVs). 
     Medical tape placed on the face or scalp, for purposes such as to secure nasal cannulas, feeding tubes, or scalp IVs, can be irritating or damaging to the skin. 
     The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded as subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be limited. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The technology disclosed herein relates to head immobilization aids. The head immobilization aids may be used to assist desired head positioning; promote uniform distribution of respiratory support to the lungs; treat or prevent a head, neck, or back injury; promote optimal cerebral blood flow; and treat or prevent intraventricular hemorrhage. Head immobilization aids may be used for patients of all ages, e.g., patients with medical issues that require, or would be aided by, head immobilization. 
     In some embodiments, the head immobilization aid comprises immobilization members, a rear panel, at least one strap (e.g., two straps), and at least one flap (e.g., two flaps). The at least one strap secures the head immobilization aid to the head of a patient. The at least one flap secures the adjacent immobilization member in a desired position. Access to the scalp for placement, removal, and monitoring of scalp IVs is maintained. The immobilization members minimize movement of a patient&#39;s head, maintain a patient&#39;s head in a desired position, and deflect a patient&#39;s moving head back to a desired position. The headwear may also be constructed of a hook-receptive material (e.g., the hook side of hook and loop fastener material components) to reduce the number of attached fasteners, maximize size adjustability, and maximize versatility for attaching medical devices. 
     In one implementation, a method for using the head immobilization aid, such as to support a patient in a midline position, is provided. The head immobilization aid is applied to the patient&#39;s head without disturbing scalp IVs or other medical devices connected to the patient&#39;s head, which minimizes stress on the patient. Closing and fastening the straps secures the head immobilization aid to the patient and reduces or prevents the unintentional movement of the headwear. Closing and fastening the flaps secures the immobilization members in a desired position. The immobilization members are positioned on either side of the patient&#39;s head and help prevent the head from moving. The patient&#39;s head is thereby maintained in a midline position with respect to the spine of the patient when the patient is supine. 
     In some implementations, the closed straps or flaps provide a surface onto which attachment devices that secure medical devices, such as nasal cannulas and CPAP tubes, to the patient&#39;s head can be attached. The attachment devices permit attachment of medical devices without the use of medical tape on a patient&#39;s face or elsewhere. 
     In another implementation, a method for using the head immobilization aid, such as to support a patient lying on the side of its head, while the patient is also lying on its back or it&#39;s the side of its body, is provided. The headwear is applied as described above. The immobilization members are positioned towards the back of the patient&#39;s head, adjacent to each other, and help to prevent the head from moving. The patient&#39;s head is thereby maintained in a desired position, which may be a midline position, when the patient is partially or completely lying on its side. 
     In another aspect, the invention features a method of treatment using a head immobilization aid. 
     In another aspect, the invention features a head immobilization aid for use according to any of the methods described herein. 
     In other implementations, the head immobilization aid is provided as part of a kit that also includes at least one attachment device. A kit allows convenient transport, storage, and laundering of the head immobilization aid and other components. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front, bottom, left isometric view of a head immobilization aid according to one embodiment with the straps laid open. 
         FIG. 2  is a front, bottom, left isometric view of the head immobilization aid of  FIG. 1  with the straps pulled in and the flaps exposed. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear, bottom, left isometric view of the head immobilization aid of  FIG. 1  with the straps folded in. 
         FIG. 4  is a front, bottom, left isometric view of the head immobilization aid of  FIG. 1  as applied to a patient&#39;s head. 
         FIG. 5  is a front, bottom, left isometric view of the head immobilization aid of  FIG. 1  as applied to a patient&#39;s head with the straps closed and a flap exposed. 
         FIG. 6  is a front, bottom, left isometric view of the head immobilization aid of  FIG. 1  as applied to a patient&#39;s head with the straps and flaps closed. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear, bottom, right isometric view of the head immobilization aid of  FIG. 1  as applied to a patient&#39;s head according to another implementation. 
         FIG. 8  is a top left view of the head immobilization aid of  FIG. 1  as applied to a patient&#39;s head with the straps closed and a medical device secured to the straps. 
         FIG. 9  is a front, bottom, right view of the head immobilization aid of  FIG. 1  as applied to a patient&#39;s head with the straps and flaps closed and a medical device secured to the straps and flaps. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Head Immobilization Aid 
     Head immobilization aids primarily for patients who could benefit from head immobilization are disclosed herein. The head immobilization aids may be generally understood as having immobilization members, a rear panel, at least one strap, and at least one flap. The immobilization members maintain a patient&#39;s head in a desired position, such as midline. The one or more straps assist in securing the head immobilization aid to a patient&#39;s head. The one or more flaps assist in securing the immobilization members in a desired position. In some implementations, access to the scalp, such as for placement, removal, or monitoring of intravenous (IV) catheters administered on the scalp and for regulating temperature, is maintained while the head positioning aid is in use. In some implementations, a medical device may be secured to the head immobilization aid. 
       FIGS. 1-7  depict one embodiment of a head immobilization aid  100 . The head immobilization aid  100  comprises immobilization members  102  and at least one strap  120 , all secured to a rear panel  140 , and at least one lateral flap  180  secured to an immobilization member  102 . While two immobilization members  102  are shown in the figures as separate members spaced laterally apart from each other, a single U-shaped or V-shaped immobilization member could also be used so long as two lateral support members are provided as part of the single immobilization member along lateral sides of the head to prevent side-to-side movement or rolling thereof. 
     The head immobilization aid  100  of the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-7  has an apex  118 , a front side  112 , and a back side  114 . In one embodiment, and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the back side  114  includes a rear panel  140 . The rear panel has a rear upper portion  146 , a rear lower portion  144 , and rear lateral edges  142 . The rear lower portion  144  may include one or more hems  148 . 
     A hem  148  may extend partially or completely across the rear lower portion  144 . When the head immobilization aid  100  is worn by a patient, the rear lower portion  144  may lie near or on the base of the patient&#39;s skull and above the nape of the neck. 
     In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the front side  112  of the head immobilization aid  100  has a lower portion  116 , at least one strap  120 , and at least one lateral flap  180 . When the head immobilization aid  100  is worn by a patient, the lower portion  116  may lie near or on the patient&#39;s ears. 
     In one embodiment, at least one strap  120  is attached at a fixed end  126  to the rear panel  140  on the front side  122  of the head immobilization aid  100 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one strap  120  extends from each of the lateral sides of the rear panel  140  on the front side  122  of the head immobilization aid  100 . Each strap  120  is substantially Y-shaped with the fixed end  126  being the top or wider portion  136  and the free end  122  being the narrower or stem portion  138 . The wider portion  136  may be a full panel or web of fabric from edge to edge (rather than having a void triangular center between two arms as in a true “Y-shape”) that extends from at or near the apex  118  to at or near the lower portion  116  and may have a curved shape that generally follows the contour of the side of a patient&#39;s head. The shape of the strap  120  may taper quickly from the wider portion  136  to the stem portion  138 . The free end  122  may be substantially rectangular in shape with its length greater than its width. In one embodiment, each strap  120  is 2 to 20 inches in length (e.g., 3 to 18 inches in length, 4 to 16 inches in length, 6 to 14 inches in length, or 8 to 12 inches in length, e.g., 2 to 4 inches in length, 4 to 6 inches in length, 6 to 8 inches in length, 8 to 10 inches in length, 10 to 12 inches in length, 12 to 14 inches in length, 14 to 16 inches in length, 16 to 18 inches in length, or 18 to 20 inches in length). In one embodiment, the narrower portion  138  of each strap  120  is 0.5 inches to 4 inches in width (e.g., 0.8 inches to 3.5 inches in width, 1.0 to 3.0 inches in width, or 1.5 to 2.5 inches in width, e.g., 0.5 inches to 1.0 inch in width, 1.0 inch to 1.5 inches in width, 1.5 to 2.0 inches in width, 2.5 to 3.0 inches in width, 3.0 to 3.5 inches in width, or 3.5 to 4.0 inches in width). 
     The immobilization members  102  may be comprised of a filler encased within respective pockets. The filler may be, for example, solid foam, memory foam, stuffing, batting, down, synthetic down-like material, gel, or a combination thereof. The filler may be resilient such that it returns to its original shape, or close to its original shape, after being compressed. The filler may be of sufficient quantity, compactness, or firmness that it resists complete compression by the weight of a patient&#39;s head. The filler may be partially compressible, but has enough compression resistance that it helps each immobilization member  102  minimize movement of a patient&#39;s head and deflect a patient&#39;s head moving head back to a desired position. The compression resistance may be matched to the size and weight of a patient&#39;s head, or to the force exerted by a patient&#39;s moving head. For example, the filler may compress to about fifty percent or less of its uncompressed thickness when weighted under a patient&#39;s head. 
     In some embodiments, the firmness of the immobilization member, as measured by indentation force deflection (IFD) required to make a dent 1 inch into a foam sample of 15 inches×15 inches×4 inches by an 8 inch diameter disc, is from 5 pounds to 25 pounds (e.g., 5 pounds to 10 pounds, 10 pounds to 12 pounds, 12 pounds to 14 pounds, 14 pounds to 16 pounds, 16 pounds to 18 pounds, 18 pounds to 20 pounds, or 20 pounds to 25 pounds). 
     In some embodiments, the density of the immobilization member is from 0.1 to 20 pounds per cubic foot (e.g., from 0.5 to 10 pounds per cubic foot or from 1 to 5 pounds per cubic foot, or from 0.1 to 0.5 pounds per cubic foot, from 0.5 to 1.0 pounds per cubic foot, from 1.0 to 2.0 pounds per cubic foot, from 2.0 to 3.0 pounds per cubic foot, from 3.0 to 4.0 pounds per cubic foot, from 4.0 to 5.0 pounds per cubic foot, from 5.0 to 10 pounds per cubic foot, or from 10 to 20 pounds per cubic foot). 
     In some embodiments, the immobilization members  102  are inflatable, such as with air. Each immobilization member  102  may include a bladder connected to a valve. The valve or a tube connected to the valve may be accessible from the outer surface of the immobilization member  102 , which allows the bladder to be inflated. The bladder may be inflated manually, such as by blowing into the valve or tube, or may be inflated mechanically, such as with a pump supplying compressed air. 
     Each bladder may be filled such that it has sufficient volume or firmness to resist complete compression by the weight of a patient&#39;s head. The bladders may be filled such that they help the immobilization members  102  minimize movement of a patient&#39;s head, maintain a patient&#39;s head in a desired position, and deflect a patient&#39;s moving head back to a desired position. The fill amount may be matched to the size and weight of a patient&#39;s head, or to the force exerted by a patient&#39;s moving head. In some implementations, one bladder may be deflated or filled to a volume that permits the patient&#39;s head to partially or completely compress the corresponding immobilization member  102  and the other bladder may be inflated to a volume that directs the patient&#39;s head towards the first deflated immobilization member  102 . The bladders may be inflated or deflated in an opposing coordinated manner to move the head of a patient from side to side at any desired time interval. 
     Each immobilization member  102  may have an overall curved or kidney-bean shape with a tapered end. The immobilization members  102  may each have the same shape or have different shapes, and may each have the same size or be of different sizes. The size of the immobilization members  102  may be commensurate with the size of the patient&#39;s head to which the head immobilization aid is secured. Each immobilization member  102  has an upper end  104  positioned at or near the apex  118  of the head immobilization aid  100 , and has a lower end  106  positioned at or near the lower portion  116  of the head immobilization aid  100 . The tapered end of the immobilization member  102  may be at the upper end  104 . 
     Each immobilization member  102  may be the same length as, shorter than, or longer than, the length of the head immobilization aid  100  at the location to which that immobilization member  102  is secured. Thus, the upper end  104  may extend beyond the apex  118  of the head immobilization aid  100 , extend to the apex  118 , or terminate below the apex  118 . The lower end  106  may extend beyond the lower portion  116  of the head immobilization aid  100 , extend to the lower portion  116 , or terminate above the lower portion  116 . 
     Each immobilization member  102  is elongated such that its length is greater than either its width or depth (thickness). The longitudinal elongation may help an immobilization member  102  maintain a patient&#39;s head in a desired position and deflect a patient&#39;s moving head back to a desired position. 
     Each immobilization member  102  extends laterally outward from the outer surface of the rear panel  140 . Each immobilization member  102  may have an extension distance (width) greater at its lower end  106  than at its upper end  104 . For example, an immobilization member  102  may have nominal width at the upper end  104  and a functional width at its lower end  106 . The width at the lower end  106  may be enough to help the immobilization member  102  maintain a patient&#39;s head in a desired position and deflect a patient&#39;s moving head back to a desired position. In one embodiment, the lower end  106  may be 1.5 inches to 6 inches wide (e.g., 2 inches to 5 inches wide or 3 inches to 4 inches wide, e.g., 1.5 inches to 2 inches wide, 2 inches to 3 inches wide, 3 inches to 4 inches wide, 4 inches to 5 inches wide, or 5 inches to 6 inches wide). 
     An immobilization member  102  may have the same thickness or depth along the entire length of the immobilization member  102  or, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the thickness may vary along the length of the immobilization member  102 . An immobilization member  102  may be thicker at its lower end  106  than at its upper end  104 . The lower end  106  may be 1.25 to 6 times as thick as the upper end  104 . The thickness at the lower end  106  may be enough to help the immobilization member  102  maintain a patient&#39;s head in a desired position and deflect a patient&#39;s moving head back to a desired position. 
     Each immobilization member  102  may have a rear face  162 , a front face  166 , and an inner face  170 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , the rear face  162  may be adjacent a lateral edge  142  of the rear panel  140 . The rear face  162  may be substantially planar such that when it is placed on a flat surface, a majority of the rear face  162  contacts the surface. When the head immobilization aid  100  is used with two immobilization members  102  arranged adjacent to each other (see  FIG. 7 ), a majority of the rear face  162  of each immobilization member  102  may be in contact with the other rear face  162 . The front face  166  may be substantially planar or curved. With reference to  FIG. 6 , the front face  166  is adjacent a top surface  188  of a lateral flap  180  when the head immobilization aid  100  is in use. The inner face  170  may be substantially flat or smooth but the overall shape is curved (e.g., like a parabolic cylinder section) to generally follow the curvature of the sides of a patient&#39;s skull. The inner face  170  may be adjacent a top surface  128  of a wider portion  136  of a strap  120  when the head immobilization aid  100  is in use and the straps  120  and lateral flaps  180  are in the closed position (see  FIG. 5 ). Each immobilization member  102  is secured to the rear panel  140  of the head immobilization aid  100 . 
     In one embodiment, at least one lateral flap  180  is attached at a fixed end  186  to an immobilization member  102  at or near the intersection of the inner face  170  and front face  166 , such as at a front juncture  156 . In some embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 8 , the lateral flap  180  and inner face  170  of the immobilization member  102  are constructed of a single piece of fabric and the front juncture  156  perforates the lateral flap  180  and inner face  170  portions. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 5 , one lateral flap  180  extends from each of two immobilization members  102 . Each lateral flap  180  may be substantially bell-shaped or wing-shaped with the fixed end  186  being the wider or base portion  192  and the free end  182  being the tip or narrower portion  194 . In one embodiment, the base portion  192  extends from at or near the upper end  104  of the immobilization member  102  to at or near the lower end  106 . In another embodiment, the base portion  192  extends for approximately the middle third of the length of the immobilization member  102 . The narrower portion  194  may have a tab-shape at the free end  182 , which may help medical personnel easily grip the free end  182 . 
     Each of the rear panel  140 , straps  120 , and lateral flaps  180  may be constructed of any of one or more soft fabric materials known in the art. The filler or bladder of each immobilization member  102  may be partially or completely surrounded by a fabric pocket, cover, or casing  160  constructed of one or more of the fabric materials. The fabric material may be any natural or synthetic fabric such as cotton, elastane or spandex, microfiber, polyester, rayon, silk, viscose, or wool, or any combination thereof. The fabric material may be a composite of open-celled, elastomeric, non-latex foam and engineered fabrics. For example, the composite may be FABRIFOAM® (Fabrifoam, Exton, Pa.). The fabric may be woven, unwoven, or knit. A knit may be a smooth or ribbed knit. The material may be flexible, stretchable, migration resistant, hook receptive (i.e., micro-hooks from hook-and-loop fastener materials will attach to the material), wicking, breathable, cooling, fire retardant, machine washable, or any combination thereof. 
     In the construction and use of the rear panel  140 , straps  120 , or lateral flaps  180 , a material that is stretchable may help secure the head immobilization aid  100  to a patient&#39;s head. A material that is stretchable may also provide versatile adjustability in both circumference and height of the head immobilization aid  100 . A stretchable material may evenly apply an elastic-like grip around the circumference of the head immobilization aid  100  for a comfortable fit that is also resistant to unintentional movement, such as rotating around a patient&#39;s head or slipping up or down on a patient&#39;s head. 
     Stretchable materials may include stretchable fabrics such as, for example, elastane or spandex, nylon, and ribbed knits. Fabric weaves with a combination of stretchable fabric threads and other fabrics such as those identified above may result in a composite fabric with greater stretch than the base fabric alone. The stretch of a fabric may be limited by structures such as seams. The stretch of a fabric may also be limited by increasing the number of layers of fabric or overlaying a stretchable fabric and a non-stretchable fabric. Alternately, the fabric may be reinforced with elastic strips or bands that grip the patient&#39;s head. 
     In the construction and use of the rear panel  140 , straps  120 , or lateral flaps  180 , a migration-resistant fabric may help the head immobilization aid  100  remain in place on a patient&#39;s head and may help reduce or prevent the unintentional movement of the head immobilization aid  100 , such as rotating around a patient&#39;s head or slipping up or down on a patient&#39;s head. Migration-resistant fabrics cling to or grip the surface with which they are in contact. Migration-resistant fabrics may include, for example, spandex and FABRIFOAM®. 
     In the construction and use of the rear panel  140 , straps  120 , or lateral flaps  180 , a hook-receptive fabric may reduce the number of fasteners needed to secure the head immobilization aid  100  to a patient&#39;s head. Hooks, such as Velcro® hooks, can directly engage hook-receptive fabrics. Hook-receptive fabrics may include, for example, fleece, flannel, terrycloth, and FABRIFOAM®. 
     In the construction and use of the rear panel  140 , straps  120 , or lateral flaps  180 , a non-insulating fabric may help prevent a patient&#39;s body temperature from rising or reduce a patient&#39;s body temperature as compared to an insulating fabric. Non-insulating fabrics include fabrics that are wicking, breathable, and/or cooling. 
     A wicking fabric draws moisture away from skin and may also transfer it to a next, more outer, layer. Drawing moisture, usually perspiration, away from the skin helps regulate body temperature. For example, drawing moisture away from the skin helps a person feel or stay warmer in cool or cold environments and helps a person feel or stay cooler in warm or hot environments. A wicking fabric may help a patient regulate body temperature. Wicking fabrics may include, for example, cotton, microfiber, polyester, silk, and wool. Wicking fabrics may also include performance-engineered synthetic fabrics such as FABRIFOAM®, CAPILENE® (Patagonia, Ventura, Calif.), FLASHDRY™ (The North Face, San Leandro, Calif.) and DRICLIME® (Marmot, Rohnert Park, Calif.). 
     A breathable fabric allows air to reach the skin and allows water vapor to escape from the fabric. Allowing air to reach the skin and allowing water vapor, usually from perspiration, to escape from the fabric helps to reduce body temperature and/or prevent body temperature from rising. A breathable fabric may help a patient stay cooler. Breathable fabrics may include, for example, cotton, linen, and silk. Breathable fabrics may also include performance-engineered synthetic fabrics such as FABRIFOAM®, Gore-Tex® (breathable and waterproof; W. L. Gore &amp; Associates, Elkton, Md.), OMNITECH® (breathable and waterproof; Colombia Sportswear Co., Portland, Oreg.) and POLARTEC® (breathable and insulating; Marmot, Rohnert Park, Calif.). 
     A cooling fabric allows heat to pass away from the skin through the fabric and does not reflect heat back to the skin. Allowing heat to pass through the fabric helps to reduce body temperature and/or prevent body temperature from rising. A cooling fabric may help a patient stay cooler. Cooling fabrics may include, for example, cotton, linen, and rayon. 
     Each of the rear panel  140 , straps  120 , lateral flaps  180 , and casing  160  may be constructed of one or more layers of soft materials, such as one layer or two layers. Each layer may be constructed of one or more pieces joined at a seam or juncture  150 . A juncture  150  may be formed by any known means including, but not limited to, stitching, glue, tape, bonding, or any combination thereof. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , each strap  120  is constructed of one piece of FABRIFOAM® and the rear panel  140  is constructed of one piece of cotton. 
     In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2, 3, and 7 , each casing  160  is constructed of three pieces of fabric. A rear casing  164  is adjacent to or covers the rear face  162 , a front casing  168  is adjacent to or covers the front face  166 , and an inner casing  172  is adjacent to or covers the inner face  170 . The rear casing  164  and front casing  168  may be constructed of cotton and the inner casing  172  may be constructed of FABRIFOAM®. Each piece of the casing  160  is joined to at least one other piece of casing  160 , or to another portion of the head immobilization aid  100 , at a juncture  150 . A juncture  150  may extend partially or completely along a given dimension of an immobilization member  102  and may traverse more than one dimension. For example, and with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a lateral juncture  158  may extend from the apex  118 , along the outer side  108  of an immobilization member  102  for the entire length of the immobilization member  102 , and then curve under the lower end  106  of the immobilization member  102 . 
     The rear casing  164  is joined to a lateral edge  142  of the rear panel  140  at a rear juncture  154 . The rear casing  164  is also joined to the front casing  168  at a lateral juncture  158  and to the inner casing  172  at a lower juncture  152 . The front casing  168  is joined to the inner casing  172  at the lower juncture  152  and is joined to a lateral flap  180  at a front juncture  156 . The inner casing  172  is joined to a lateral flap  180  at the front juncture  156  and joined to the rear panel  140  at a rear juncture  154 . 
     Securing the rear casing  164  and inner casing  172  to the rear panel  140  at the rear juncture  154  helps to secure the immobilization member  102  to a lateral edge  142  of the rear panel  140 . In the construction and use of the head immobilization aid  100 , securing the immobilization members  102  to the rear panel  140  along a single juncture  150 , such as the rear juncture  154 , helps create a hinge-like arrangement of the immobilization member  102  relative to the rear panel  140 . The immobilization member  102  can pivot nearly 360° around the rear juncture  154 . The wide range of movement helps permit highly versatile positioning and adjustability of the immobilization member  102 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 , an immobilization member  102  is positioned on each of the left and right sides of the head immobilization aid  100 . The immobilization members  102  meet or nearly meet at or near the apex  118 . With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the immobilization members  102  are positioned over the ears of a patient when the head immobilization aid  100  is in use. 
     The immobilization members  102  minimize movement of a patient&#39;s head, maintain a patient&#39;s head in a desired position, and deflect a patient&#39;s moving head back to a desired position. The immobilization members  102  may be positioned laterally when a patient&#39;s head is in a supine midline position, which diminishes pressure to the back and sides of the head. 
     The straps  120  may be opened to apply or remove the head immobilization aid  100 . The straps  120  may be closed to help secure the head immobilization aid  100  to the head of a patient. The straps  120  may be closed to help provide a surface to which medical devices can be attached. When the straps  120  are in the open position (see  FIGS. 1 and 4 ), the straps  120  may be folded back such that they lay on top of a portion of the lateral flaps  180  or immobilization members  102 . The straps  120  may be wrapped underneath the immobilization members  102 . 
     When the straps  120  are in the closed position (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), the straps  120  lay substantially flat on the patient&#39;s skull. In some embodiments, the combined length of the straps  120  is at least long enough to traverse the distance between rear junctures  154  across the forehead of a patient when the head immobilization aid  100  is in use and the straps  120  are in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5 , each strap  120  is long enough to traverse the patient&#39;s forehead and meet the wider portion  136  of the opposing strap  120  when the head immobilization aid  100  is in use and the straps  120  are in the closed positon. The width of each strap  120  may be wide enough to receive a medical device, such as a CPAP tube  206 , or to receive an attachment device  200  that helps secure a medical device to the strap  120  (see  FIG. 9 ). The width of each strap  120  is not so wide as to cover the crown of a patient&#39;s head when the head immobilization aid  100  is in use and the straps  120  are in the closed positon. 
     The straps  120  may be releasably secured to each other or to a lateral flap  180  at one or more strap attachments  124 . The strap attachments  124  may include, for example, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or hook-and-eye fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the strap attachment  124  is constructed of hook fasteners and is positioned on a bottom surface  130  at or near the free end  122  of a strap  120 . In some embodiments, an opposing strap includes a second strap attachment  124 , such as one formed by an area of loop fasteners positioned on a top surface  128  of the opposing strap  120 . 
     With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the top surface  128  of the straps  120  is constructed of a hook-receptive material. A hook strap attachment  124  on the bottom surface  130  of one strap  120  can be secured to the hook-receptive top surface  128  of the opposing strap  120  by pressing the hook strap attachment  124  against the opposing strap  120 . In some embodiments, the top surface of the lateral flap  180  is constructed of a hook-receptive material. In an alternative embodiment, a hook strap attachment  124  on a strap  120  can also engage a hook-receptive surface on the lateral flap  180 . 
     Securing the straps  120  helps to secure the head immobilization aid  100  to a patient&#39;s head. Securing the straps  120  may help the head immobilization aid  100  remain in place on a patient&#39;s head and may help reduce or prevent the unintentional movement of the head immobilization aid  100 , such as rotation around or slippage up or down on a patient&#39;s head. Securing the straps  120  may help provide a surface on which one or more medical devices or attachment devices  200  for medical devices can be placed. In the construction and use of the straps  120 , their shape, material, and position help protect the skin of a patient&#39;s face from abrasion or other damage caused by a medical device, such as a CPAP tube  206 , or an attachment device  200 , touching or laying on the face. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the straps  120  are in the closed position, the upper edges  132  of the straps  120  define a portion of an upper opening  134  in the head immobilization aid  100 . The rear panel  140  and apex  118  define another portion of the upper opening  134 . In some embodiments, when the lateral flaps  180  are in the closed position, the upper edge  196  of the lateral flaps  180  defines a portion of the upper opening  134 . The upper opening  134  may be substantially circular or oval in shape. When the head immobilization aid  100  is in use, the upper opening  134  is positioned over the top of the patient&#39;s head above the forehead. The upper opening  134  provides access to the scalp, which allows for placement, removal, and monitoring of scalp IVs, electrodes (e.g., for electroencephalogram (EEG) testing) or other medical instrumentation. The upper opening  134  also permits temperature monitoring, regulation, and stabilization. 
     The lateral flaps  180  may be in either a fastened or released position when applying or removing the head immobilization aid  100 . A flap  180  may be closed to help secure the adjacent immobilization member  102  in a desired position relative to the rear panel  140 . The flaps  180  may also be closed to help secure the head immobilization aid  100  to the head of a patient. 
     When the lateral flaps  180  are in a released position (see  FIGS. 1, 4, and 8 ), the flaps  180  may be folded back such that they lay on top of a portion of the immobilization members  102 . When the lateral flaps  180  are in a fastened position (see  FIG. 6 ), the bottom surface  190  of the flaps  180  lays substantially flat on the top surface  128  of the straps  120 . The width of a lateral flap  180  at its widest point, such as from the front juncture  156  to the free end  182 , is long enough to secure the flap  180  to a strap  120 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6 , when the head immobilization aid  100  is in use and the straps  120  and lateral flaps  180  are in the fastened position, the flap  180  is long enough to extend beyond the point of engagement of the strap attachment  124  of the distally attached strap  120  to the proximally attached strap  120 . With further reference to  FIG. 6 , the length of each lateral flap  180  is enough to cover the patient&#39;s ear when the head immobilization aid  100  is in use and the straps  120  and flaps  180  are in the fastened positon. 
     In the design, construction, and use of the head immobilization aid  100 , the attachment of a lateral flap  180  to an immobilization member  102  at a single juncture  150 , such as the front juncture  156 , permits the flap  180  to direct the adjacent immobilization member  102  into any desired position. For example, lifting the free end  182  of a lateral flap  180  towards the front side  112  of the head immobilization aid  100  draws the adjacent immobilization member  102  towards the patient&#39;s face. Pulling the free end  182  of the flap  180  towards the center of the patient&#39;s face draws the inner face  170  of the immobilization member  102  towards the patient&#39;s ears. Lifting up and in on the free end  182  draws the inner face  170  further around or tighter against the side of the patient&#39;s face. Releasing the free end  182  or drawing it towards the back side of the head immobilization aid  100  permits the immobilization member  102  to fall further back along the side of the head or outward away from the side of the head. The lateral flap  180  is operably connected to the rear panel  140  through the inner face  170  of the immobilization member  102 . Pulling outward or upward on the lateral flap  180  stretches the rear panel  140  and releasing the flap  180  loosens the rear panel  140 . 
     Each lateral flap  180  may be releasably secured to a strap  120  by one or more flap attachments  184 . The flap attachments  184  may include, for example, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or hook-and-eye fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the flap attachment  184  is constructed of hook fasteners and is positioned on a bottom surface  190  at or near the free end  182  of a flap  180 . In some embodiments, a second flap attachment  184 , such as one constructed of loop fasteners, may be positioned on a top surface  128  of a strap  120 . 
     With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the top surface  128  of the straps  120  may be constructed of a hook-receptive material. A hook flap attachment  184  on the bottom surface  190  of one flap  180  can be secured to the hook-receptive top surface  128  of a strap  120  by pressing the hook flap attachment  184  against the strap  120 . 
     Securing a lateral flap  180 , such as to a strap  120 , helps secure the adjacent immobilization member  102  in a desired position relative to the rear panel  140 . When the lateral flap  180  is unsecured, the adjacent immobilization member  102  is able to pivot about the rear juncture  154 . When the lateral flap  180  is secured, the rotational movement of the immobilization member  102  may be restricted. The relative positions of the rear panel  140 , rear juncture  154 , inner face  170 , front juncture  156 , and lateral flap  180  are maintained by securing the flap  180 . Securing the flap  180  also helps limit stretching of the rear panel  140 , which helps limit relative movement between the immobilization members  102 . In some embodiments, and with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , when a patient is in a side lying or partial side lying position, the immobilization members  102  may be positioned behind the head with the rear faces  162  pushed together such that the rear panel  140  is slack. In these embodiments, securing the lateral flaps  180  to the straps  120  helps limit movement of the immobilization members  102  relative to each other. 
     At any time after the lateral flaps  180  have been secured, the flaps  180  may be repositioned by releasing the flap attachment  184 , directing the flap  180 , such as by pulling on the free end  182 , to a new position, and re-securing the flap  180  at a different location on the strap  120 . Repositioning the flap  180  repositions the adjacent immobilization member  102  with respect to the rear panel  140 , straps  120 , and patient&#39;s head. Positioning an immobilization member can help positon a patient&#39;s head in a desired position, such as midline, and repositioning an immobilization member can help re-positon a patient&#39;s head in a different desired position. 
     Securing the lateral flaps  180  may also help to secure the head immobilization aid  100  to a patient&#39;s head. Securing the flaps  180  may help the head immobilization aid  100  remain in place on a patient&#39;s head and may help reduce or prevent the unintentional movement of the head immobilization aid  100 , such as rotation around or slippage up or down on a patient&#39;s head. 
     Methods of Use of the Head Immobilization Aid 
     By way of example, but not limitation, the head immobilization aid  100  of  FIGS. 1-6  may be used to support a patient in a desired position, such as the midline supine position, according to the following procedure. A patient, such as a baby, is placed on its back and its head is positioned on the rear panel  140  of a head immobilization aid  100  with the straps  120  in the released position, or the rear panel  140  of the head immobilization aid  100  is guided underneath the baby&#39;s head. Placing the patient on the head immobilization aid  100  or sliding the head immobilization aid  100  down the back of the baby&#39;s head minimizes disturbance to and stress on the baby. A similar procedure may be followed for placing the head immobilization aid  100  on an older child or adult. Alternatively, an adult patient may self-position on the head immobilization aid  100 . 
     The head immobilization aid  100  is positioned with the back side  114  of the headwear member  110  facing the surface on which the patient is placed. The apex  118  of the headwear member  110  is positioned behind the crown of the head. The rear lower portion  144  of the rear panel  140  is positioned behind the back of the neck. 
     The free end  122  of a strap  120  is drawn across the patient&#39;s forehead towards the opposing immobilization member  102  and is laid substantially flat against the patient&#39;s forehead. The bottom surface  130  of the strap  120  contacts the patient&#39;s skin without irritation or damage. When a second strap  120  is present, the free end  122  of the second strap  120  is drawn towards the opposing immobilization member  102  and is laid substantially flat against the patient&#39;s forehead or on top of the top surface  128  of the previously positioned strap  120 . The second strap  120  is secured to the first strap  120  by pressing a strap attachment  124  positioned on the bottom surface  130  of the second strap  120  against the hook-receiving top surface  128  of the first strap  120  to engage the two surfaces  128 ,  130 . 
     When the straps  120  are engaged, the upper edges  132  define a portion of an upper opening  134 . The upper opening  134  permits access to the scalp for placement, removal, or monitoring of scalp IVs, electrode, or other medical devices and for regulating temperature. The side of patient&#39;s face and the ears remain exposed when the straps  120  are engaged and the flaps  180  are not engaged. 
     The free end  182  of a lateral flap  180  is drawn up and in toward the center of the patient&#39;s forehead. The immobilization member  102  to which the flap  180  is attached is also drawn in toward the side of the head. When the free end  182  is pulled minimally, the immobilization member  102  remains pivoted outward from the side of the head or the immobilization member  102  remains further back along the side of the head, such as behind the ear. When the free end  182  is pulled taught, the attached immobilization member  102  is rotated in toward the side of the head such that the inner face  170  covers the ear. 
     The bottom surface  190  of each lateral flap  180  that is drawn in may be laid substantially flat against the top surface  128  of a strap  120 . The lateral flap  180  is secured to the strap  120  by pressing a flap attachment  184  positioned on the bottom surface  190  of the flap  180  against the hook-receiving top surface  128  of the strap  120  to engage the two surfaces  128 ,  190 . 
     A lateral flap  180  is later repositioned by releasing the flap attachment  184 , pulling on or releasing the free end of the flap  180 , and re-securing the flap  180  at a different location on the strap  120 . Repositioning the flap  180  repositions the adjacent immobilization member  102  with respect to the rear panel  140 , straps  120 , and patient&#39;s head. 
     The immobilization members  102  are positioned on either side of the patient&#39;s head, centered over the ears and extending in front of or behind the ears. The immobilization members  102  maintain a patient&#39;s head in a desired position and deflect a patient&#39;s moving head back to a desired position. The inner face  170  of the immobilization members  102  follows the curvature of the patient&#39;s head such that the lower portions  116  may fall behind or in front of the tops of the shoulders. This arrangement of the lower portions  116  helps provide additional lateral support to the immobilization members  102  for maintaining the head in a desired position. When the patient&#39;s head rests on or rolls onto an immobilization member  102 , the immobilization member  102  deflects the patient&#39;s head back to the desired position. The shape, thickness, and/or firmness of the immobilization members  102  may help to deflect a patient&#39;s head back to the desired position. Maintaining a patient&#39;s head in midline helps to promote optimal cerebral blood flow and uniform distribution of respiratory support to the lungs. Maintaining a patient&#39;s head in midline or other desired positions permits the effective and unobstructed delivery of other medical interventions, such as CPAP, and permits recovery from a head or neck injury. 
     The head immobilization aid  100  of  FIGS. 1-3 and 8  may be used to support a patient in a desired position, such as a midline position, while the patient is lying on its side according to the following procedure. The head immobilization aid  100  is positioned and secured to the patient&#39;s head as described above for  FIGS. 1-6  except that when the patient is lying on its side, the immobilization members  102  may be drawn together behind the patient&#39;s head, and the rear faces  162  of the immobilization members  102  may be in contact with each other. The rear panel  140  is slack between the immobilization members  102 . The lateral flap  180  on the side on which the patient is lying may be unsecured or may be secured to a strap  120  before the patient is placed on top of the head immobilization aid  100 . The exposed lateral flap  180  may be secured as described above. The secured lateral flap  180  or flaps  180  help maintain the immobilization members  102  in relative position to one another when the rear panel  140  is slack. The immobilization members  102  support and maintain a patient&#39;s head in a midline position while the patient is lying on its side. 
     The head immobilization aid  100  of  FIGS. 1-3 and 7  may be used to support a patient in a desired position, such as a partial side lying positon, according to the following procedure. 
     The head immobilization aid  100  is positioned and secured to the patient&#39;s head as described above for  FIGS. 1-3 and 8  except that the patient is lying on its back with its head turned to the side. The immobilization members  102  support and maintain a patient&#39;s head in a partial side lying position. 
     As another example, the head positioning aid  100  of  FIGS. 1-3  may be used with an attachment device  200  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  to support a patient&#39;s head in a desired position, as well as to secure straps, wires, lines, or tubes of or connected to medical devices and to guide them away from a patient&#39;s face, according to the following procedure. 
     The head immobilization aid  100  may be applied to a patient&#39;s head according to any of the methods described above. An attachment device  200  shaped like a zip tie and having a hook fastener surface is positioned under a previously placed strap, wire, line, or tube such that the hook fastener surface faces the head immobilization aid  100 . The tail portion  202  of the attachment device  200  is drawn around, for example, a CPAP tube  206 , passed through an aperture in the head portion  204 , drawn away from the head portion  204 , and pulled to tighten the attachment device  200  around the tube  206 . The head portion  204  and exposed portion of the tail portion  202  are pressed against the hook-receptive top surface  128  of the closed strap  120  or lateral flap  180  at any desired location. Other attachment and guide systems or structures for positioning and routing of medical devices may be attached to the head immobilization aid  100 , e.g., on the straps  120 , by similarly using a hook fastening surface on the attachment or guide system. 
     Thus, the invention provides a head immobilization device for use according to any of the methods described supra. 
     Head Immobilization Aid Kits 
     By way of example, but not limitation, the head immobilization aid  100  of  FIGS. 1-3  may be provided as part of a kit. A kit can include a head immobilization aid  100  and one or more of an attachment device  200 , launderable bag, and instructions for using the head immobilization aid  100  or launderable bag. The head immobilization aid  100  can be transported, stored, or washed in the launderable bag. 
     The article “a” or “an” preceding a term, as used herein, refers to one or more of that term. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more”, and “at least one” should be considered interchangeable herein. 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.