Tokyo, Japan – A novel mattress and pillow has been introduced by Japan’s Toratani. The combination of the two was designed to reduce the risks of snoring and sleep apnoea.
Toratani creates mattress designed to prevent sleep apnoea
The company said the 3D polyurethane structure of the mattress fits comfortably to the body, giving an optimal S-curve to the spine, while lowering the parts of the body that suppress breathing and elevating those that facilitate it. This, it said, reduces stress on the lower back, and encourages longer and more natural breaths that assist in falling asleep more quickly.
The pillow was designed to alleviate pressure on the four key respiratory muscles in the neck and head, maintaining a stable angle for effortless breathing. This prevents the cervical spine from compressing the airway, preventing apnoea and removing the need for a CPAP device, it said.
A study with a medical respiratory measurement device on 20 people aged over 40 was carried out, it said. This showed breathing rates decreasing from 16.8 breaths per minute to 11.7 when the new pillow and mattress were used.
The mattresses now available in Japan, with prices starting at ¥700,000 ($4800). The company is looking for sales partners overseas.