About CogniSpine
CogniSpine is a three-dimensional comfort product designed for use in one supported face-down position.
It is not a medical device and is not intended as medical treatment.
This manual explains how to position yourself, use CogniSpine, and care for and store the product.
Before your first use
Read this User Manual before using CogniSpine.
Review the positioning image in this User Manual before your first use.
Make sure you understand how to position yourself and how to get on and off CogniSpine safely before beginning.
Safety and discretion
Safety comes first.
Use CogniSpine only when you can position yourself safely, remain comfortable in the supported face-down position, and get on and off safely.
Use your judgment according to your current condition and circumstances.
If an existing condition, medication, medical device, recent procedure, or another circumstance makes you uncertain whether using CogniSpine in the supported face-down position is appropriate for you, consult your physician or another appropriate medical professional before use.
Do not assume that something unusual occurring during or after use was necessarily caused by CogniSpine.
If you experience something unusual or concerning while using CogniSpine, stop using it.
If the symptom does not resolve, occurs again when you use CogniSpine, or otherwise concerns you, consult your physician or another appropriate medical professional.
Where to use CogniSpine
Preferably use CogniSpine on your bed.
It may also be used on another flat, soft and stable surface that provides enough space for correct positioning and for getting on and off safely.
A suitable couch or an appropriate soft surface in a workplace may also be used.
Floor use is not recommended.
Allow enough surrounding space to support your legs, thighs, hands or forearms when needed and to get off CogniSpine safely.
User height and fit
CogniSpine is intended for users approximately 140–195 cm tall.
Users shorter than approximately 155 cm may need to move their torso farther forward to position the head correctly in the face opening.
In that case, additional support may be placed under the thighs if needed for comfortable positioning.
For a child using CogniSpine, a parent should initially guide the child in correct positioning and supervise the initial use to make sure the child is positioned appropriately and comfortable.
Parents should use their judgment regarding whether use is appropriate for their child according to the child's current condition and circumstances.
Preparing to use CogniSpine
Remove your shoes.
Socks or bare feet are both acceptable.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows your body to rest without feeling constrained, pinched or tightly pressed.
You do not need special clothing or pajamas to use CogniSpine.
Remove your glasses.
Using CogniSpine without makeup is recommended.
Consider removing earrings or other removable accessories around the ears if they may create pressure or interfere with positioning.
Keep your hair free and away from your face.
Do not allow hair to cover the face or interfere with the face opening or breathing.
Getting onto CogniSpine
Position yourself close to the rear of CogniSpine.
Move your body forward gradually onto the surface.
Position yourself in this order:
pelvis → abdomen → shoulders → head
Place your face into the opening after the rest of your body is positioned.
Make sure you are stable and comfortable.
Your position on CogniSpine
Lie face down.
Your pelvis rests on the rear area.
Your abdomen and chest rest on the central area.
Place your face in the opening at the front.
Keep your head straight and facing downward throughout use.
Do not turn your head sideways.
Your thighs and legs extend naturally beyond CogniSpine onto the supporting surface.
Place your arms alongside CogniSpine, as shown in the positioning image.
Let your forearms and hands rest naturally on the supporting surface.
CogniSpine is designed for use in this position.
Do not use CogniSpine while lying on your back or side.
Additional support
Additional support may be used when needed for comfort and fit.
A pillow may support the knees or feet if the position creates uncomfortable pressure on the toes, nails or forefoot.
A shorter user may use additional support under the thighs when needed for correct head positioning and comfortable support.
Pillows may also be placed beside CogniSpine to support the hands or forearms if they do not comfortably reach the supporting surface.
Breathing
Make sure the face opening remains clear and that air can move freely around your nose and mouth.
When lying face down on CogniSpine, your torso is supported by the surface. Breathing may initially feel different from breathing in positions where your torso is not supported in this way.
Give yourself time to become familiar with the position.
Feeling unfamiliar with the position is different from having difficulty breathing.
If you cannot breathe comfortably, if airflow feels obstructed, or if you experience actual difficulty breathing, stop using CogniSpine.
Beginning and duration
A usual period of use is approximately 10–15 minutes.
When you first begin, give yourself time to become familiar with CogniSpine.
If 10–15 minutes is not comfortable, begin with a shorter period and increase gradually as you become accustomed to the position.
Do not continue through discomfort simply to complete a particular amount of time.
Some people may remain on CogniSpine longer or may fall asleep while using it.
Use your judgment and follow the safety guidance in this manual.
Users may discover their own pattern of use over time.
When to use CogniSpine
There is no fixed schedule for using CogniSpine.
CogniSpine can be used during the day when it suits your circumstances.
Before nighttime sleep can also be a convenient time for use.
When and whether you use CogniSpine may vary with your routine, circumstances, how you feel, and what is happening in your life.
Pain or discomfort may already be present when you choose to use CogniSpine.
Use your judgment, begin gradually, and follow the general safety guidance in this manual.
If your current condition makes you uncertain whether the supported face-down position is appropriate for you, consult your physician or another appropriate medical professional.
Food and drink
Avoid eating or drinking shortly before using CogniSpine.
Allow enough time after eating or drinking for the face-down position to feel comfortable for you.
The appropriate interval can vary depending on what and how much you consumed and your own experience.
If you experience reflux or digestive discomfort, stop using CogniSpine and allow more time before trying again.
Environment
Use CogniSpine in a quiet environment with minimal light and without unnecessary noise or media.
Keep your phone from interrupting you while using CogniSpine.
Getting off CogniSpine
Always get off CogniSpine gradually, regardless of how long you have used it.
The usual method is the reverse of getting on:
head → shoulders → abdomen → pelvis
Move backward carefully until you are safely off CogniSpine.
If there is enough space and you can do so safely, you may instead roll gently to the side onto the supporting surface.
Take your time as you change position and before standing.
Sharing CogniSpine
CogniSpine may be used by different members of the same household, provided each person meets the size and positioning requirements and follows the current User Manual.
If CogniSpine is provided to another person—whether sold, given, lent, or otherwise made available—the person providing it should direct the new user to the current User Manual on CogniSpine.com before use.
Each user should review the current instructions before using CogniSpine.
Shared-use locations
In workplaces, hotels, clinics, exhibitions, or other locations where different people may use the same CogniSpine, a first-time user should be shown the correct position and how to get on and off safely.
Written and visual instructions should also be available.
Keep the face-contact area clean between users.
Use a clean barrier at the face-contact area for each user.
This may be disposable paper of the type commonly used in clinics, a disposable fabric barrier, or a clean personal fabric brought by the user.
Replace or change the barrier for each user.
The barrier does not replace appropriate cleaning of the shared face-contact area.
Cleaning and hygiene
Keep CogniSpine clean and dry.
Textile cover
The cotton textile cover is removable.
Open the zipper to remove it.
Wash the cover on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30°C.
Do not use a high-speed spin cycle.
Do not tumble dry.
Hang the cover and allow it to air-dry completely.
After it is completely dry, put the cover back on CogniSpine and make sure it sits correctly before use.
Face-contact area
Keep the face-opening area clean.
Clean it as appropriate and allow the area to dry before use.
In shared-use locations, clean the face-contact area between users and use a clean barrier as described in this manual.
Carry bag
The supplied carry bag may be cleaned with suitable cleaning wipes.
Allow the carry bag to dry before placing CogniSpine inside.
Pets
Keep pets away from CogniSpine.
Do not allow pets to lie, sit or play on the product.
Storage
Keep CogniSpine dry.
Protect it from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive heat and direct heat sources.
Do not fold or compress CogniSpine.
CogniSpine may be stored lying down or standing on any of its sides.
When storing it standing, make sure it is positioned safely.
If CogniSpine is damaged
Do not continue using CogniSpine if it becomes damaged, deformed, torn, or if its shape or support appears to have changed in a way that may affect intended use.
If you are uncertain, stop using it and contact us.
Send photographs showing the affected area so that the condition of the product can be assessed.
Warranty
CogniSpine carries a 5-year commercial warranty beginning when the original purchaser receives the product, subject to the applicable Warranty Terms.
Proper use and care according to this User Manual are conditions of the commercial warranty.
The removable textile cover is a wear item and is not included in the 5-year commercial warranty.
Replacement textile covers may be ordered separately.
If you believe CogniSpine has developed a problem, stop using it and contact us.
Send photographs showing the affected area.
Warranty eligibility, activation, exclusions and claim requirements are governed by the applicable Warranty Terms.
Language
The controlling User Manual is published in English on CogniSpine.com.
If you rely on a translation, make sure it accurately reflects the current English version.
The user is responsible for relying on a translation sufficiently accurate to understand and follow the instructions for safe use.
Important boundary
CogniSpine is a comfort product and is not a medical device or medical treatment.
This User Manual provides instructions for using CogniSpine. It does not provide medical advice.
Individual circumstances differ.
If your current condition or circumstances make you uncertain whether the supported face-down position is appropriate for you, use your judgment and consult your physician or another appropriate medical professional when needed.