<span>The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding and restraining a patient's head during medical treatment. Background of the invention: In the medical field there exists a need for an improved device for gently and yet firmly holding and restraining a patient's head in one of a number of fixed angular positions during medical treatment.One example of medical treatment wherein such a head holding and restraining device is required is in the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure to a patient (often an infant) suffering from a respiratory disease. Continuous positive airway pressure is typcially delivered to the patient through a nasal cannula which must be inserted and held within the patient's nose. A head holding and restraining apparatus is required to prevent the infant or other patient from turning his head and partially or fully removing the nasal cannula from his nose. One requirement of such a head holding and restraining device is that it be adapted to permit a doctor or nurse to move the patient's head, from time-to-time, to one of a number of angular positions. While there have been attempts to design head holding and restraining apparatus prior to the advent of the present invention, none has proven to be entirely satisfactory or efficient in use. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a head holding and restraining </span><span>apparatus for gently and yet firmly holding a patient's head in any one of a number of fixed angular positions during medical treatment. Summary of the preferred embodiment: The foregoing and other objects of the present invention have been realized by providing a generally arcuate or U-shaped cradle member mounted for arcuate or angular movement on a base member. An adjustable clamp is provided for locking the cradle member in a desired angular position. The clamp, when loosened, permits the generally arcuate cradle to be rotated to any desired position. When the desired angular position of the cradle has been reached, the clamp is tightened to lock the cradle in such angular position. A pair of opposed, generally flexible, generally arcuate head restraining plates are mounted within the generally arcuate cradle member on either side thereof by means which permit the upper portions of the generally flexible restraining plates to pivot inwardly, toward one another, to accommodate, conform to and restrain the patient's head in place. Adjustment means are provided for selectively moving the generally flexible head restraining plates toward one another to hold the patient's head.A suitable padding, such as lamb's wool, for example, lines the interior exposed surfaces of the restraining plates and the cradle to cushion the patient's head.http://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT4019727</span>
