PORTLAND - One craving most people have is a good nights rest. There are a lot of products on the market to help us catch some better Zs, and now another one from a local inventor.
Mechanical engineer Mark Tipperreiter was able to put that experience to use to develop what he calls the "Blanketbooster."
It's a tube-like affair that stretches over the bed and lifts the cover over your feet to relieve pressure.
Tipperreiter said pressure is a source for many people not getting a good REM sleep.
It's taken several years of trial and error, plus several designs and an investment of $30,000 to bring his idea to market. Tipperreiter now has a patent on his invention.
"The feet are the foundation of the body. If you take the pressure off of the body you can align or put into a more natural position the rest of the body," said Tipperreiter from his garage/production center in Southwest Portland.
Tipperreiter said the Blanketbooster also benefits those with diabetes, foot injuries and burn victims.
Tipperreiter is now talking with several bedding stores and even TV shopping networks to hopefully showcase his product.
In addition, the Blanketbooster is up for a $250,000 grant from Chase Bank and Living Social to be awarded to small businesses.
