AIR-MODULATED MATTRESS FOR THE PREVENTION OF DECUBITI

THIS PROJECT WILL INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING A UNIQUE AIR-MATTRESS SYSTEM FOR THE PREVENTIONOF DECUBITIAND THE ENHANCEMENT OF CIRCULATION. THIS ACTIVE,MUTABLE MATTRESS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED OF SMALL AIR CELLS, EACH OF WHICH WILL BE MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED AND PROGRAMMABLE BY THE END USER (THE CARETAKER OR PATIENT) TO CONTAIN THE DESIRED AMOUNT OF AIR. THE INFLATION LEVEL OF THE MATTRESS CAN VARY FROM SECTION TO SECTION ON DEMAND OR OVER TIME, ALLOWING THE USER TO ADJUST THE MATTRESS FOR IMMEDIATE COMFORT OR TO PRESET IT TO AUTOMATICALLY ALTER PERIODICALLY. THE CONSTANTLY CHANGING AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY WILL PREVENT THE CONSTANT PRESSURE AGAINST TISSUE THAT CAUSES BED SORES AND IMPEDES CIRCULATION IN LONG-TERM, BEDRIDDEN PATIENTS.