Description
Problem Statement:
Individuals who are partially or fully immobile — such as patients on long-term bed rest, elderly individuals, or people recovering from surgeries — are at high risk of developing chronic bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers). These occur when a person remains in the same position for extended periods, limiting blood flow to specific areas of the skin and tissue. While caregivers are often tasked with repositioning immobile patients, these intervals can be inconsistent or delayed. For those with some mobility, waking the individual to prompt repositioning may disrupt sleep and recovery.
Our Solution:
Our solution aims to proactively prevent bedsores by continuously monitoring the user’s body position using pressure-sensitive sensors embedded in the bedding. These sensors detect when the user has not made a significant enough movement — i.e., movement that would redistribute body pressure — for a period of time.
Vision:
We envision a smarter and more responsive care system that protects vulnerable individuals from bedsores while preserving rest quality and reducing caregiver strain. Our system adapts based on user mobility — offering discreet assistance to mobile users and timely alerts for caregivers supporting immobile ones.
Key Features:
-
Pressure Monitoring Sensors: Strategically embedded sensors track weight distribution and body movement, identifying when a user remains in the same position for too long.
-
Vibration Prompting System: For partially or fully mobile users, gentle, low-intensity vibrations are activated to prompt movement without disrupting sleep.
-
Caregiver Alert System: For fully immobile individuals, the system sends real-time notifications to caregivers when a position change is required.
-
Customizable Thresholds: Movement sensitivity and alert timings can be adjusted based on individual user needs or medical advice.
-
Non-Intrusive Integration: The sensor mat is designed to be discreet, hygienic, and compatible with most bedding systems, ensuring comfort for all users.