San Angelo Inventor Alleviates Pain

They say need is the mother of invention. Susan Childress had a need. Her mother had had back trouble all her life, and when she got into her later years, the strain of fighting gravity became too much.

Childress’ mother spent more time tilting over and hunched in pain from rheumatoid arthritis than she did propped up on pillows. She couldn’t sit up straight to talk to people, participate in the nursing home activities, and generally felt terrible all the time because pillows and rolled up towels can only do so much.

“They [the pillows] didn’t stay in place,” said Childress, “in a few minutes they’d already slipped out, gone.”

That pain became the necessity that sparked the idea for the Acme Posture Partner.

Incredibly simple in design, the Acme Posture Partner is comprised of four firm foam cushions covered in vinyl and fleece and engineered to hold a person upright without pillows that slip out or demeaning restraints.

The tubular cushions may be arranged as needed. One can attach a cushion to each side of the backing, preventing a person from slipping out sideways, or they can be arranged like armrests, placed in the lap or under the knees, or used in a reclining chair.

The fleece is machine washable and the vinyl is easily disinfected.

The first prototype was sewn by Childress for her mother, and the results were immediate. “It made such a difference in her life,” explained Childress, “she was able to sit up and eat at the dining table.”

The upright posture improved her quality of life drastically. “She had her smile back,” said Childress fondly, “it improved her sense of dignity.”

Childress and her business partner Ron Sutton then realized that if one person’s life was changed through this invention, then many others must need it too.

“That’s the main reason we did it, to try and help other people,” Childress stated.

While the initial inspiration for the Acme Posture Partner was to help a women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis exacerbated by bad posture, the product can be utilized for a variety of people and purposes, Childress says, and mentions using the unique cushion set to make for a more comfortable drive.

To find out more or to purchase the Acme Posture visit the website, or local carriers Walgreens and Medical Arts Pharmacy.

For more information visit www.acmeposturepartner.com or call Susan Childress at 325-374-2026