Novel approach of ulcer prevention based on pressure distribution control algorithm

A long term static position, of patient lying in a bed, leads to the ulcer formation on body areas submitted to humidity, shearing and high interface skin pressure. To avoid the ulcer formation, existing static solutions are available using different material such as foam, gel etc. Dynamic solutions based on the spread of the pressure distribution using air are also available. However, the pressure distribution control is made in global way and therefore not able to detect the specific area of the human body to handle. A global and random motion of all the mattress is produced which gives a response to the ulcer formation, but without any comfort in a long term stay for the patient. To avoid the ulcer risk and ensure a comfortable position to the patient, a new control algorithm able to check and to optimize the pressure distribution of the mattress is proposed in this article. It automatically detects the shape of the human body and locally acts on the identified part to reduce and spread the pressure. The algorithm needs to converge to a safe solution leading to comfort and efficiency. Thus, the motion of the mattress will be smooth and locally adapted to human body parts. The proposed research work treats the design of a comfortable bed with an independent and automatic control system able to prevent the ulcer formation in an effective and autonomous way.