Patent ID: 6913019

Claim:
In combination with a positive air pressure system having a positive air pressure device for delivery of a pressurized gas through a hose to an interface, the interface making a seal with a patient's facial area to maintain the positive air pressure, the patient lying on the patient's side on a horizontal surface, a pressure alleviating pillow comprising a top panel with a concave shoulder recess, a first forehead projection and a first chin projection, the projections having a first concave facial recess therebetween; a bottom panel having substantially the same shape as the top panel and resting on the horizontal surface; a vertical side panel with a top edge connected to the perimeter of the top panel and an bottom edge connected to the perimeter of the bottom panel, the side panel comprising a semi-rigid material; a resilient filler material contained with a space bounded by the top panel, the bottom panel, and the side panel; wherein the forehead projection supports the patient's forehead and the chin projection supports the patient's chin, so that the interface projects outwardly from the concave facial recess without making contact with the top panel; and wherein the side panel in cooperation with the resilient filler material maintains the interface a distance from the horizontal surface without making substantial contact with the side panel.