Multi-Stable Compliant-Mechanism-Based Mattress for Bedsore Prevention

Pressure injuries (i.e., bedsores) affect 2.5 million Americans every year and 60,000 die from them. Although several commercial alternating-pressure and low air-loss mattress products already exist to address this scourge, these products are not optimally effective and lack the evidence to deserve a strong medical recommendation. Moreover, they are expensive, heavy, and loud, and can exhibit lack of air-permeation, air leakage issues, and round-the-clock power consumption. We propose a multi-stable compliant-mechanism-based (MSCMB) mattress to overcome these issues and optimally prevent prolonged levels of harmful pressure in the existing immobile and aging population. This study evaluated six experts and six people with disabilities using the prototype mattress, compared to two conventional alternating air mattresses in a laboratory setting.