Control of air-cell mattress for preventing pressure ulcer based on approximate anthropometric model

Air mattress is now used widely to prevent the pressure ulcer by reducing the localized pressure peaks. In this paper an air-cell mattress and its pressure control method based on an approximate anthropometric model are presented. The air-cell mattress has eighteen cylindrical air cells made of porous material allowing air leakage to contribute in reducing the development of pressure ulcer by lowering the pressure peak, temperature and humidity. To determine an optimal air-cell pressure appropriate for each user, we divide the parts of the body into four sections such as head, trunk, hip, and leg. Then, the pressure of each section is independently calculated from the weight of each part based on the individual body height and weight and the approximate anthropometric model. Air supply system for the air-cell mattress is implemented by using four electronic solenoid valves and an air compressor, and it is driven by a real-time micro-controller. The experimental results for seven subjects shows that the proposed air-cell mattress is effective for the prevention of the pressure ulcer.