Intelligent Mattress for Monitoring and Therapeutic Relief from Bedsores

Abstract

One of the most common risks for individuals who are bedridden is the development of bedsores (Pressure Ulcers). The number of senior individuals who are permanently disabled and semi-impaired is growing as the population ages. A pressure ulcer or bedsores is a damage to tissue that has been disturbed or lacks blood flow as a result of prolonged pressure and shear forces, and it can give the patient pain and discomfort. The conventional methods used to relieve bed sores tend to focus on the pressure distribution and very minimal focus is provided for therapy. In our proposed methodology, parameters like pressure, sweat and temperature of the patient will be monitored continuously and after a certain amount of time has passed, a message will be sent to an app installed on the caretaker’s phone which informs them to change the current position of the patient. In addition to this, a cooling system will be installed to bring down the temperature as well as to prevent the further worsening of the ulcer. This system will be automatically triggered when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold value. If the temperature and sweat level exceeds the set value the buzzer will sound accordingly. A vibration massage system will be incorporated to increase the blood circulation at the localized region which would be turned ON and OFF by the caretaker with the help of the app. Finally, an emergency button will be provided as a means of assistance to patient with minimal movement to alert their caretakers if they require further assistance.