Patent Publication Number: US-11019945-B2

Title: Side sleeper pillows having vented earhole features

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/714,686, filed with the USPTO on Aug. 4, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to orthopedic pillows and, more particularly, to orthopedic pillows having vented earholes and other features for comfortably supporting the head of a sleeper when laying on his or her side. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Orthopedic pillows, which include ergonomic designs tailored to support the head of a sleeper when resting in a particular sleep position, have gained widespread commercial adoption. The topology and other structural characteristics of such orthopedic pillows generally vary in relation to the particular sleep position the pillow is intended to support. In the case of a back sleeper pillow (that is, a pillow designed to support the head of a sleeper when laying on his or her back in a supine position), the pillow may include features encouraging a sleeper to maintain the sleeper&#39;s head in a neutral, forward-looking position during rest. Such features can include, for example, sloped ridges or contoured bumpers, which are located on opposing lateral sides of the pillow&#39;s frontside or principal head support surface. So too may a side sleeper pillow (that is, a pillow designed to support the head of a sleeper when laying on his or her side) include a principal head support surface bordered by sloped ridges or contoured bumpers. Additionally, certain side sleeper pillows include strategically-positioned depressions or openings, referred to herein as “earhole features” or simply “earholes,” formed in the principal head support surface of the pillow. When properly positioned and dimensioned, such earholes may reduce the pressure applied against the ear region of a sleeper&#39;s head when contacting the principal head support surface of the pillow. 
     In the above-described manner, side sleeper pillows having earholes can enhance sleeper comfort by relieving pressure applied to and adjacent the ear region of a sleeper. This notwithstanding, there presently exist relatively few, if any commercially-available side sleeper pillows into which such earholes are incorporated. Further, even when incorporating earholes, existing side sleeper pillows may be limited in other various respects, as well, which minimize the effectiveness of the earholes and often detract from sleeper comfort Such limitations are further discussed below, as are examples of side sleeper pillows having vented earhole features and other unique structural features overcoming many, if not all of the limitations associated with conventional side sleeper pillows. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       At least one example of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and: 
         FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4  are isometric, front, rear, and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a side sleeper pillow incorporating vented earhole features and having a monolithic or single piece construction, as illustrated in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the side sleeper pillow shown in  FIGS. 1-4  conceptually separated into two halves, with the outline of a sleeper&#39;s head superimposed over each pillow half to illustrate intended sleep positions when using the pillow; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are isometric and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a side sleeper pillow containing vented earhole features and having a dual piece construction, as illustrated in accordance with a second example embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the base support piece included in the side sleeper pillow of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , as illustrated with the head contact pad removed; and 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom isometric view of the head contact pad included in the example side sleeper pillow of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , as shown in isolation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following Detailed Description is merely example in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding Background or the following Detailed Description. 
     Definitions 
     The following definitions apply throughout this document Those terms not expressly defined here or elsewhere in this document are assigned their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field. 
     Earhole—a depression, opening, or through-hole formed in a side sleeper pillow (defined below), breaching a principal head support surface of the pillow, and positioned to relieve pressure applied against or adjacent a sleeper&#39;s ear area when a side of the sleeper&#39;s head rests on the pillow. 
     Proximal peripheral surface—a peripheral surface of a side sleeper pillow located closest the trunk of a sleeper&#39;s body when the pillow is utilized in its intended orientation. 
     Side Sleeper Pillow—an orthopedic pillow designed to support the head of a sleeper when laying on his or her side such that the side of sleeper&#39;s head rests on the pillow. 
     Vented Earhole Feature—a feature including at least one earhole (defined above) and at least one vent channel, with the vent channel helping maintain fluid communication between the ambient environment and the earhole when covered by the head of a sleeper. 
     Overview 
     As previously indicated, side sleeper pillows incorporating earholes remain limited in various respects. For example, and without implying that such limitations have been recognized by others in the industry, existing earhole designs often suffer from poor ventilation or air circulation, particularly when the upper opening or mouth of an earhole is covered by the side of a sleeper&#39;s head. As a result, undesired fluctuations in pressure (e.g., due to a “cupping effect”) can occur within a given earhole when covered by a sleeper&#39;s head, while the surrounding area of the pillow is compressed by the weight of the sleeper&#39;s head. Such pressure fluctuations may be perceptible to the sleeper through his or her eardrum and may consequently detract from sleeper comfort when using the side sleeper pillow. Additionally, poor air exchange between the ambient environment and the interior of a given earhole, when covered by a sleeper&#39;s head, can result in the occurrence of elevated local temperatures or “hot spots” adjacent the sleeper&#39;s ear region likewise detracting from sleeper comfort and degrading sleep quality. As a still further limitation, existing earhole designs may decrease the overall stability of a side sleeper pillow by, for example, lessening the ability of the pillow to fully support a sleeper&#39;s head in a uniform and stable manner. 
     To overcome the limitations above, side sleeper pillows are disclosed including vented earhole features, which enhance user comfort and providing improved head support during rest. In certain embodiments, the side sleeper pillow may include a single earhole feature having a single (e.g., centrally-located) earhole from which one or more vent channels extend. In various other embodiments, the below-described side sleeper pillow includes at least two vented earhole features, which are located on opposing sides of a midline plane of the pillow or pillow body; the term “midline plane,” as appearing herein, referring to a plane containing the centerline (central vertical axis) of the side sleeper pillow and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (rather than a lateral axis) of the pillow. Each vented earhole feature may include, in turn, at least one vent channel and an earhole in the form of a depression or cavity, which may or may not penetrate fully through the pillow body. The vent channel fluidly couples the interior of the earhole to the ambient environment in a manner permitting airflow exchange between the ambient environment and the earhole when the mouth or upper opening of the earhole is covered by a sleeper&#39;s head during rest. This, in turn, minimizes pressure fluctuations within the interior of the earhole during pillow usage, while maintaining ambient air circulation with the earhole to reduce heat accumulation and lower local temperatures adjacent the earhole. Sleeper comfort may be improved as a result. Further, in implementations in which the side sleeper pillow includes at least two vented earhole features, a coupling channel may connect the earholes to allow fluid communication between adjacent earholes thereby further reducing pressure fluctuations and promoting the exchange of cooling airflow. 
     In embodiments, the vent channel or channels of the side sleeper pillow may be shaped, dimensioned, and positioned to better maintain the structural integrity of the pillow body when compressed by a sleeper&#39;s head. To this end, the vent channels may be strategically positioned to minimize channel collapse when a sleeper rests his or her head on the principal head support surface of the pillow in the manner intended by the design of the pillow. For example, in implementations in which the vent channels extend from the earholes to intersect and, therefore, breach a proximal peripheral surface or wall of the pillow, a given vent channel may be formed at a position generally located underneath a sleeper&#39;s neck region when the sleeper&#39;s ear is positioned over the earhole to which the vent channel connects. Additionally or alternatively, the earholes may have an average depth greater than that of the vent channels and less than a thickness of the side sleeper pillow itself, as taken along a vertical axis at a location adjacent the earhole. Such a structural arrangement provides the above-described venting functionality, while further helping maintain the structural integrity of the pillow. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the vent channels and the earholes may vary; e.g., the earholes may be formed as through-holes penetrating fully through the main body of the pillow in certain implementations. The vent channels may also follow along curved paths in embodiments, as viewed from a planform or top-down view of the pillow; that is, a viewed along a centerline of the side sleeper pillow looking down on the primary head support surface of the pillow. As a more specific example, in implementations in which the pillow includes two vented earhole features and associated vent channels, the vent channels may follow curved paths converging toward one another and toward the midline plane of the pillow with increasing distance from the earholes. 
     Resistance to vent channel collapse is further enhanced, in embodiments, by constructing the side sleeper pillow from two or more separately-fabricated pieces. For example, in at least some implementations, the side sleeper pillow may be fabricated to include a base support piece, which defines a volumetric majority of the pillow; and a head contact pad, which is positioned over the base support piece and which defines, in whole or in substantial part, the principal head support surface of the pillow. In such implementations, a portion, if not the volumetric majority of vented earhole feature(s) may be formed in the base support piece. Comparatively, the openings or mouths of the earholes may be defined or formed in the head contact pad such that, when the head contact pad is properly positioned over an upper surface of the base support piece, the openings of the earholes align vertically with the lower portions of the earholes formed in the base support piece. Concurrently, the head contact pad may partially or wholly cover the vent channels, as seen from a top-down or planform view, to further deter vent channel collapse. The base support piece and the head contact pad are usefully, although non-essentially composed of different materials, such as a memory foams of varying densities. More specifically, the base support piece may be fabricated from a first material (e.g., a first, relatively stiff memory foam), while the head contact pad is produced from a second, less dense material (e.g., a second, softer memory foam) to further enhance sleeper comfort, while optimizing head support in embodiments. The foregoing advantages notwithstanding, the side sleeper pillow may have other constructions in further embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the side sleeper pillow may be produced as a single or monolithic piece composed of a molded memory foam or other material. 
     Example embodiments of side sleeper pillows having vented earhole features will now be described in connection with  FIGS. 1-9 . Specifically, a first example embodiment of a side sleeper pillow having a monolithic or single piece construction is described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-5 , while a second example embodiment of a side sleeper pillow having a dual piece construction is described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 6-9 . The following description is provided by way of non-limiting example only. It is emphasized that numerous variations can be made to the example side sleeper pillows without departing from the scope of the invention, as set-forth in the appended claims. In this regard, while the example side sleeper pillows described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-9  includes certain unique structural features in addition to one or more vented earholes features, such features need not be included in all embodiments of the side sleeper pillow. 
     Example Embodiments of Side Sleeper Pillows Having Vented Earholes 
       FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4  are isometric, front, rear, and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a side sleeper pillow  10 , as illustrated in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Side sleeper pillow  10  includes a pillow body having an upper surface or “frontside”  12  and an opposing lower surface or “backside”  14 . Pillow frontside  12  and backside  14  are opposed or spaced along a vertical axis or centerline of side sleeper pillow  10 . The centerline of pillow  10  is represented in  FIGS. 2 and 3  by dashed line  16 , which is parallel to the Z-axis of coordinate legend  18  in  FIG. 4 . Side sleeper pillow  10  further includes a distal peripheral wall or surface  20  ( FIG. 3 ) and an opposing proximal peripheral wall or surface  22  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). As appearing herein, the terms “distal” and “proximal” are defined relative to a sleeper&#39;s body position when properly using pillow  10  such that distal peripheral surface  20  is located further from the trunk of the sleeper&#39;s body than is proximal peripheral surface  22 . Distal peripheral surface  20  and proximal peripheral surface  22  of side sleeper pillow  10  are spaced along the longitudinal axis of side sleeper pillow  10 , which is perpendicular to centerline  16  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and parallel to the X-axis of coordinate legend  18  ( FIG. 4 ). Side sleeper pillow  10  further includes laterally-opposed peripheral side surfaces  24 , which are spaced along a lateral axis of side sleeper pillow  10  (perpendicular to centerline  16 , perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pillow  10 , and parallel to the Y-axis of coordinate legend  18  shown in  FIG. 4 ). Collectively, distal peripheral surface  20 , proximal peripheral surface  22 , and peripheral side surfaces  24  define an outer periphery  20 ,  22 ,  24  of pillow  10 . The body of pillow  10  has a generally rounded trapezoidal planform shape or form factor in the illustrated example; however, various other pillow shapes are possible in further implementations. 
     Frontside  12  of side sleeper pillow  10  includes a primary head support surface  26 , which serves as the principal source of support for a sleeper&#39;s head when using pillow  10 . Primary head support surface  26  has a substantially planar or flat topology in the illustrated example. In further embodiments, primary head support surface  26  may have various other surface geometries or contours, such a gently concave surface contour, as well as a grid of cooling perforations or similar features. Side sleeper pillow  10  further includes two side rail portions  28  located on opposing sides of head support surface  26 . Side rail portions  28  extend alongside head support surface  26  to flank surface  26 , as taken along the pillow&#39;s longitudinal axis (again, parallel to the X-axis of coordinate legend  18  in  FIG. 4  and perpendicular to centerline  16 ). Laterally-opposed side rail portions  28  further extend or project from the body of side sleeper pillow  10  in an upward direction, as taken along centerline  16  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Side sleeper pillow  10  also includes a distal bumper or rail portion  30 , which flanks the distal edge of head support surface  26 . Distal rail portion  30  may extend between and connect to side rail portion portions  28 , as best shown in  FIG. 1 . Collectively, distal rail portion  30  and side rail portions  28  form a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped ridge or raised rim  28 ,  30 , which extends around three sides of head support surface  26  and which opens in a proximal direction towards the body of a sleeper when using pillow  10 . 
     At least one vented earhole feature is formed in side sleeper pillow  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, side sleeper pillow  10  includes two such vented earhole features  34 , which are formed in a central portion of pillow  10  and which penetrate pillow frontside  12 , while each extending into the body of pillow  10  by a certain depth. Each vented earhole feature  34  includes, in turn, an earhole  36  and at least one vent duct or channel  38 , which connects to and extends outwardly from its respective earhole  36 . Earholes  36  are partially defined by openings or mouths, which breach (and thus are exposed at) primary head support surface  26  and which may be contoured to have sloped or rounded edges. As labeled in  FIG. 4 , earholes  36  may each have a maximum (or average) depth D EH , as measured along an axis parallel to centerline  16  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and the Z-axis of coordinate legend  18  ( FIG. 4 ). In the illustrated example in which earholes  36  do not extend fully through the body of pillow  10 , D EH  is less than the thickness of pillow  10 , as measured along centerline  16  ( FIGS. 2-3 ) at a location between earholes  36 . Earholes  36  may extend fully through the body of pillow  10  and may have various other contoured shapes in alternative embodiments. As a further possibility, side sleeper pillow  10  may be fabricated to include a greater or lesser number of vented earhole features  34  in other realizations. For example, in other embodiments, side sleeper pillow  10  may be produced to include a single vented earhole feature including a single, centrally-located earhole and one or more vent channels, which extend from the centrally-located earhole to an outer peripheral surface of pillow  10 . 
     As indicated above, vent channels  38  extend from earholes  36  to outer periphery  20 ,  22 ,  24  of side sleeper pillow  10 . In the illustrated example, vent channels  38  extend in a generally proximal direction and, therefore, in a direction away from distal rail portion  30 . Further, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , vent channels  38  may extend to and, therefore, breach or penetrate proximal peripheral surface  22  of pillow  10  In other embodiments, vent channels  38  may breach a different surface or surfaces included in outer periphery  20 ,  22 ,  24  of side sleeper pillow  10 . In this manner, vent channels  38  preserve fluid communication between an ambient environment and the respective interiors of earholes  36  even when the mouths or openings of earholes  36  (formed in head support surface  26 ) are covered by the head of the sleeper during pillow usage. The particular shape, dimensions, and disposition of vent channels  38  will vary among embodiments. However, by way of non-limiting example, vent channels  38  may each be formed to have an average or maximum depth D VC  (labeled in  FIG. 4 ), as measured along a vertical axis parallel to centerline  16  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and the Z-axis of coordinate legend  18  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     In embodiments, earholes  36  and vent channels  38  may be dimensioned such that D EH  exceeds D VC  to provide a relatively deep earhole pocket, while better preserving the structural integrity of pillow  10  by limiting the depth of channels  38 . Additionally or alternatively, the maximum depth (D EH ) of earholes  36  may be between 50% and 90% the thickness of the body of pillow  10 , as taken along centerline  16  and/or as taken at a location adjacent either earhole  36 . Comparatively, the maximum depth (D VC ) of vent channels  38  may be between 40% and 80% the thickness of the body of pillow  10  (again, as along centerline  16  and/or as taken at a location adjacent either earhole  36 ). In still other embodiments, D EH  may be greater than the widths of the earholes  36 , as taken along the lateral axis of pillow  10 . Comparatively, the spacing between the inner edges of earholes  36  (that is, the edges of earholes  36  located closest centerline  16 ) may be greater than the width of either earhole  36 , as taken along the lateral axis of pillow  10 . In at least some embodiments, the respective depths of earholes  36  and vent channels  38  may be greater than or less than the aforementioned ranges. In various other implementations, the respective depths of earholes  36  and vent channels  38  may be greater than or less than the aforementioned ranges. 
     The structural integrity of side sleeper pillow  10  may be better preserved, despite the inclusion of earholes  36  and vent channels  38 , by forming channels  38  to avoid transecting or dividing U-shaped rim  28 ,  30 . In this regard, it can be seen in  FIG. 1  that vent channels  38  extend from earholes  36  in a generally proximal direction to breach proximal peripheral surface  22  of pillow  10  and, therefore, extend in the same general direction as U-shaped rim  28 ,  30  opens. U-shaped rim  28 ,  30  (a thickened, outer portion of side sleeper pillow  10 ) is thereby left intact to provide, in essence, a supportive frame helping pillow  10  maintain its shape when partially compressed by the head of a sleeper. The curved geometry of vent channels  38  may also help prevent channel collapse, as may the strategic positioning of channels  38 , as further discussed below. 
     As previously noted, vent channels  38  are shaped and dimensioned to allow substantially unimpeded fluid communication between the ambient environment and the interior of earholes  36  even when one or both of earholes  36  is covered by the head of the sleeper. This is further emphasized by  FIG. 5 , which is a top view of side sleeper pillow  10  conceptually separated into two halves (as indicated by double-headed arrow  40 ). An outline of a sleeper&#39;s head  42  is superimposed over each pillow half in  FIG. 5  to illustrate the intended positions of a sleeper&#39;s head when utilizing side sleeper pillow  10 . Earholes  36  are positioned such that at least one of earholes  36  is covered by the head of sleeper  42  when utilizing pillow  10 , depending upon the particular direction in which the sleeper&#39;s faces. Earholes  36  may be sufficiently spacious to receive a sleeper&#39;s ear within the interior of the earhole to some degree; however, this is not necessary in all instances, providing that earholes  36  offer some degree of pressure relief to the sleeper&#39;s ears or the surrounding areas of the sleeper&#39;s head. The particular positioning or disposition of earholes  36  will vary amount embodiments. In the illustrated example, vented earhole features  34  are located on opposing sides of a midline plane extending along centerline  16  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and the longitudinal axis of side sleeper pillow  10  (corresponding to an X-Z plane corresponding to coordinate legend in  FIG. 4 ). Further, vented earhole features  34  may be described as mirror opposites or bilaterally symmetrical about the midline plane of pillow  10  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . 
     Vent channels  38  may also be strategically positioned to prevent or deter channel collapse when pillow  10  supports the head of a sleeper, to provide additional pressure relief or cooling airflow to a sleeper&#39;s neck region, and/or to provide other benefits. In this regard, and as best shown in  FIG. 5 , vent channels  38  are usefully positioned such that, when a side sleeper rests his or her head on pillow  10  such that at least one of earholes  36  is covered by the sleeper&#39;s head, the vent channel  38  corresponding to the covered earhole  36  is generally located beneath the sleeper&#39;s neck region and, perhaps, adjacent the sleeper&#39;s outer shoulder. Such a channel positioning may effectively take advantage of a pocket of space in which less compression is applied due to the width of the sleeper&#39;s lower shoulder, which contacts the bed or other surface on which side sleeper pillow  10  is placed. This, in turn, may help deter collapse of vent channels  38  during usage of side sleeper pillow  10 . As an additional benefit, vent channels  38  (particularly when formed as open channels or trenches, as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ) may help permit cooling airflow to a sleeper&#39;s neck region, reduce pressure applied to a sleeper&#39;s neck region, or both for further enhancements in sleeper comfort. 
     In the illustrated example, vent channels  38  are imparted with a generally curved geometry, as seen from a top-down or planform view looking downwardly on side sleeper pillow  10  along centerline  16  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). Further, vent channels  38  may converge toward one another with increasing distance from earholes  36 . Such a curved geometry may increase the strength of channels  38  to further deter channel collapse during pillow usage. In other embodiments, vent channels  38  may have a different positioning or shape, providing that channels  38  allow fluid communication between the ambient environment and respective interior of earholes  36  when covered by the head of a sleeper. More generally, side sleeper pillow  10  can include additional vent channels  38  in further embodiments; or, perhaps, one or more coupling channels extending between (and fluidly coupling) adjacent earholes  36 . An example of such a coupling channel  44  is shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 . When provided in pillow  10 , coupling channel  44  may further enhance fluid communication between the ambient environment and the interior of earholes  36  when one or both of earholes  36  is covered by a sleeper&#39;s head. In this manner, pressure fluctuations within earholes  36  can be minimized during pillow usage, while also promoting the circulation of cooling airflow into and out of earholes  36  to increase sleeper comfort. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , side sleeper pillow  10  can be manufactured in various different manners and from varying materials. In many implementations, side sleeper pillow  10  will be partially or wholly composed of one or more pieces of molded memory foam. For example, in one embodiment, side sleeper pillow  10  may be produced as a single or monolithic piece composed of a memory foam formed utilizing a suitable molding process, such as pour molding. Notably, the design of pillow  10  allows the various features extending into or upwardly from frontside  12  (earholes  36 , vent channels  38 , primary head support surface  26 , and raised rim  28 ,  30 ) to be formed utilizing one half of the mold; e.g., by forming the lower mold half of a pour-type mold to include shaped recesses, projections, or protrusions defining these features. Vent channels  38  are thus conveniently formed as open trenches exposed along head support surface  26  in corresponding embodiments, with such an approach simplifies and reduces the costs associated with manufacture of pillow  10 . In other embodiments, only a portion of side sleeper pillow  10  may be composed of a memory foam, such as the portions of pillow  10  principally contacted by a sleeper&#39;s head during proper usage of pillow  10 , while other portions of side sleeper pillow  10  are produced from a disparate material, such as a polymer-based material (e.g., latex), a silicone gel, or the like. As a still further possibility, side sleeper pillow  10  may be assembled from multiple pieces (e.g., molded foam pieces) of varying densities, as discussed more fully below in conjunction with  FIGS. 6-9 . Finally, if so desired, one or more form-fitting covers can be disposed over side sleeper pillow  10  after manufacture thereof. When provided, such cover or covers may or may not be removable by the sleeper. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a side sleeper pillow  50  having a dual piece construction and containing vented earhole features  52  is further depicted in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present disclosure. In many respects, side sleeper pillow  50  is similar to side sleeper pillow  10  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-5 . For example, side sleeper pillow  50  again includes a pillow body  54 , a principal head support surface  56 , and an outer periphery  58 ,  60 ,  62 . Outer periphery  58 ,  60 ,  62  is defined by a proximal peripheral surface  58 , a distal peripheral surface  60 , and laterally-opposed side surfaces  62  of pillow  50 . A U-shaped rim  64 ,  66  extends upwardly from pillow body  54  relative to principal head support surface  56 . As was previously the case, U-shaped rim  64 ,  66  includes laterally-opposed side rail portions  64  and a distal rail portion  66 . Side rail portions  64  and distal rail portion  66  physically connect or join to impart rim  64 ,  66  with a horseshoe or U-shaped geometry opening in a proximal direction toward the body of a sleeper when utilizing pillow  50 . In other embodiments, pillow  50  may include only laterally-opposed side rail portion portions  64  or may lack U-shaped rim  64 ,  66 . 
     Similar to vented earholes features  34  of side sleeper pillow  10  ( FIGS. 1-5 ), vented earhole features  52  of side sleeper pillow  50  ( FIGS. 6-7 ) each include an earhole  68 ,  70  and at least one vent channel  72 . Earholes  68 ,  70  each include, in turn, an opening formed in principal head support surface  56  and positioned to receive or to be covered by the ear area of a sleeper when using pillow  50 . Vent channels  72  extend from earholes  68 ,  70  to proximal an outer peripheral surface of side sleeper pillow  50 . Specifically, vent channels  72  extend to and breach outer peripheral surface  58  of pillow  50  to allow fluid communication between the ambient environment and earholes  68 ,  70  when covered by the head of a sleeper. As previously indicated, earholes  68 ,  70  may or may not fully penetrate pillow body  54  in a vertical direction; that is, along a direction parallel with centerline  16 . Earholes  68 ,  70  may be formed to have an average depth greater than the respective average depths of vent channels  72  in embodiments. Finally, vent channels  72  may follow curved paths, as seen from a top-down or planform view. Additionally, vent channels  72  toward one another with increasing distance from earholes  68 ,  70 . Each vent channel  72  may also be positioned beneath the neck region of a sleeper when properly utilizing pillow  50  such that the sleeper&#39;s ear area contacts or is received by one of earholes  68 ,  70 , as previously described. 
     In contrast to side sleeper pillow  10  ( FIGS. 1-5 ), side sleeper pillow  50  is produced from multiple discretely or separately fabricated pieces, which are assembled to yield the final pillow structure. Specifically, side sleeper pillow  50  is assembled from two separately-fabricated pieces or parts: (i) a first piece referred to herein as a “base support piece  74 ,” and (ii) a second piece referred to herein as “head contact pad  76 .” Addressing first base support piece  74 , this component of pillow  50  is further shown in isolation in  FIG. 8 . Referring collectively to  FIGS. 6-8 , base support piece  74  may constitute the volumetric bulk or majority of pillow  10  when assembled. Vent channels  72  may be formed in base support piece  74 , whether in part or in their entirety; e.g., in the illustrated example, vent channels  72  are fully formed in base support piece  74  such that channels  72  are located vertically below or beneath head contact pad  76 . Similarly, lower portions  70  of earholes  68 ,  70  may be formed in base support piece  74 . In the illustrated example, lower portions  70  constitute the volumetric majority of earholes  68 ,  70 ; however, this need not be the case in all embodiments. Base support piece  74  further includes an upper principal surface  78  from which a plurality of locating features  80  project Locating features  80  assume the form of rounded posts or localized protuberances in the illustrated embodiment and are consequently referred to hereafter as “locating posts  80 .” In other embodiments, base support piece  74  may include other locating features; location of head contact pad  76  may be accomplished by a close mating fit or registration of pad  76  with raised rim  64 ,  66 ; or base support piece  74  may lack such locating features. 
     Advancing to  FIG. 9 , the underside of head contact pad  76  is shown in isolation. Here, it can be seen that head contact pad  76  includes a lower principal surface  82  in which a plurality of locating features  84  are formed. Here, locating features  84  assume the form of depressions or cavities for receiving locating posts  80  therein and are thus referred to hereafter as “locating depressions  84 .” The number and positioning of locating depressions  84  provided on lower principal surface  82  of head contact pad  76  matches or corresponds to the number and positioning of locating posts  80  provided on upper principal surface  78  of base support piece  74 . Further, upper portions  68  of earholes  68 ,  70  (and therefore the mouths or openings of earholes  68 ,  70 ) are further formed in (and extend vertically through) head contact pad  76 . As shown most clearly in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , upper portions  68  of earholes  68 ,  70  vertically align with lower portions  70  when head contact pad  76  is properly positioned over base support piece  74  to form earholes  68 ,  70 . Concurrently, head contact pad  76  covers a majority, if not the substantial entirety of vent channels  72 , as seen looking downwardly on pillow  40  along its centerline, to deter the obstruction or collapse of vent channels  72  during pillow usage. In still other embodiments, the underside of head contact pad  76  may be imparted with protrusions or raised features, which engage into upper portions or regions of vent channels  72  (without filling the interior of channels  72 ) to further resist channel collapse when a sleeper rests his or her head on side sleeper pillow  50 . 
     Base support piece  74  and head contact pad  76  are usefully, although non-essentially composed of different materials. For example, in various embodiments, base support piece  74  can be composed of a first material having an increased firmness, a greater density, or decreased flexibility as compared to a second material from which head contact pad  76  is produced. By fabricating head contact pad  76  from a relatively soft material, such as a first molded memory foam having a density less than the density of the material (e.g., a second molded memory foam having a higher stiffness) from which base support piece  74  is produced, several advantages may be realized. First, sleeper comfort may be improved by fabricating head contact pad  76  and, therefore, principal head support surface  56  from a relatively soft material. Second, by fabricating base support piece  74  from a stiffer or more dense material, the overall structure integrity of pillow  50  may be increased, while decreasing the propensity of vent channels  72  to collapse inwardly during pillow usage. Base support piece  74  and head contact pad  76  may be adhesively joined when assembled or, instead, may be maintained in their desired positions by engagement of locating features  80 ,  84  and/or of head contact pad  76  with the inner peripheral edge of U-shaped rim  64 ,  66 ; e.g., a slight dovetail interface may be provided in which a lower peripheral edge of head contact pad  76  registers into a slight recess provided beneath U-shaped rime  64 ,  66 . Further, in certain embodiments, base support piece  74  and head contact pad  76  may also be maintained in mating engagement by a form-fitting cover (not shown) positioned over side sleeper pillow  50 . 
     Enumerated Examples of the Side Sleeper Pillow 
     The following examples of the side sleeper pillow are further provided and numbered for ease of reference. 
     1. Embodiments of a side sleeper pillow utilized to support the head of a sleeper in a side sleeping position. In certain embodiments, the side sleeper pillow includes a pillow body having an outer periphery, a thickness taken along a centerline of the side sleeper pillow, a width taken along a lateral axis perpendicular to the centerline, and a length taken along a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the centerline and lateral axis. The side sleeper pillow further includes a first vented earhole features and a primary head support surface, which is provided on the pillow body. The first vented earhole feature includes, in turn: (i) a first earhole extending into the pillow body and including a first opening formed in the primary head support surface; and (ii) a first vent channel at least partially formed in the pillow body. The first vent channel extends from the first earhole to the outer periphery of the pillow body to enable fluid communication between an ambient environment and the first earhole when covered by the head of the sleeper. 
     2. The side sleeper pillow of example 1 wherein the outer periphery of the pillow body includes a distal peripheral surface and a proximal peripheral surface, which is located opposite the distal peripheral surface as taken along the longitudinal axis. The first vent channel extends to and penetrates or breaches the proximal peripheral surface of the pillow body. 
     3. The side sleeper pillow of example 1 wherein the first earhole has an average or maximum depth D EH  as taken along an axis parallel to the centerline, wherein the first vent channel has an average or maximum depth D VC  as taken along an axis parallel to the centerline, and wherein D EH &gt;D VC . 
     4. The side sleeper pillow of example 1 wherein the average depth D EH  of the first earhole is between 50% and 90% of the thickness of the pillow body, as taken along the centerline. 
     5. The side sleeper pillow of example 1 wherein the first vent channel follows a curved path, as viewed looking downwardly on the primary head support surface along the centerline. 
     6. The side sleeper pillow of example 5 wherein the first vent channel bends toward a midline plane when moving from the earhole toward an outer peripheral surface of the pillow body, the midline plane encompassing the centerline and the longitudinal axis. 
     7. The side sleeper pillow of example 1 further including a second vented earhole feature. The second vented earhole feature includes, in turn: (i) a second earhole extending into the pillow body and having a second opening formed in the primary head support surface; and (ii) a second vent channel at least partially formed in the pillow body, the second channel extending from the second earhole to the outer periphery of the pillow body. 
     8. The side sleeper pillow of example 7 wherein the first earhole has a first width as taken along the lateral axis, wherein the second earhole has a second width as taken along the lateral axis, wherein the first and second earholes are separated by a lateral spacing along the lateral axis, and wherein the lateral spacing exceeds the first width and exceeds the second width. 
     9. The side sleeper pillow of example 7 wherein the first and second vented earhole features are located on opposing sides of a midline plane, which encompasses (contains) the centerline and longitudinal axis. 
     10. The side sleeper pillow of example 9 wherein the first and second vented earhole features are bilaterally symmetrical about the midline plane. 
     11. The side sleeper pillow of example 7 wherein the first and second vent channels converge with increasing distance from the first and second earholes. 
     12. The side sleeper pillow of example 1 wherein the pillow body includes a base support piece; wherein the side sleeper pillow further includes a head contact pad matingly positioned over an upper surface of the base support piece; and wherein the primary head support surface is defined, at least in principal part, by the head contact pad. 
     13. The side sleeper pillow of claim  12  wherein an upper portion of the first earhole is formed in the head contact pad and a lower portion of the first earhole is formed in the base support piece. 
     14. The side sleeper pillow of example 12 wherein the head contact pad covers at least a majority of the first vent channel, as viewed looking downwardly on the side sleeper pillow along the centerline. 
     15. The side sleeper pillow of example 12 wherein the head contact pad is composed of a first material having a first density, and wherein the base support piece is composed of a second material having a second density greater than the first density. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The foregoing has described embodiments of a side sleeper pillow including vented earhole features and other unique structural features enhancing sleeper comfort during pillow usage. As described above, the vented earhole features may include earholes, which penetrate the principal head support surface of the pillow and which connect to vent channels further formed in the pillow. The vent channels extend from the earholes to an outer peripheral wall or surface, such as a proximal peripheral surface, of the pillow to enhance fluid communication between the ambient environment and the interior of the earholes, even when covered by the head of the sleeper. Venting of the earholes in this manner favorably reduces the accumulation of pressure when a particular earhole is covered by a sleeper&#39;s head, while improving circulation of cooling airflow to the interior of the earholes. In embodiments, the earholes are usefully positioned in a strategic manner to minimize covering or collapse of the channels when a sleeper rests his or her head upon the side sleeper pillow, while also ensuring that the pillow can be manufactured in a relatively straightforward and cost effective manner. Such criteria can be satisfied, in certain implementations, by forming the vent channels as trenches opening toward the head support surface; to have a curved geometry as seen from a top-down perspective; to have a maximum depth less than the maximum depths of the earholes; to converge toward the pillow midline with increasing proximity to the pillow&#39;s proximal peripheral surface or wall; or any combination of the foregoing characteristics. In this manner, the structural integrity of the side sleeper pillow may be better maintained despite the provision of the vented earhole feature(s) to better support a sleeper&#39;s head in a stable and uniform manner. 
     While at least one example embodiment has been presented in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the example embodiment or example embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing Detailed Description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an example embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an example embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set-forth in the appended claims.