Development of an Automated Inflatable Mattress for Bedsore Prevention

Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, pose significant health risks for bedridden patients, especially the elderly with mobility impairments. These injuries result from sustained pressure and shear forces, contributing to increased health care costs and prolonged hospital stays. Current prevention methods, including manual repositioning and static support surfaces, are often insufficient and place a significant burden on caregivers. This paper presents the development of an automated inflatable mattress system designed to actively monitor and regulate pressure distribution to prevent bedsores. The system integrates force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) to continuously track pressure at critical points and automatically trigger alternating inflation and deflation when constant pressure is detected. Key features include real-time data access via an Internet of Things (IoT) platform, notifications, an emergency deflation button, and comprehensive data logging for performance monitoring. Testing revealed that the prototype effectively detected pressure changes and initiated timely relief cycles, with the IoT interface providing accurate data logging and system management. The FSRs demonstrated high accuracy, with R2 values between 0.9735 and 0.9963. Evidence supports that alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs) are superior to traditional mattresses in preventing pressure ulcers, indicating the developed system's potential. Future work will involve validating the system's long-term efficacy through clinical trials and evaluating its cost-effectiveness.