Innovative Alternating-Pressure Mattress Design Aims to Reduce Bed Sores Risk
A new automated alternating-pressure mattress has been developed to help prevent bed sores in bedbound patients, offering a promising solution to long-standing healthcare challenges in patient mobility and tissue health.
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, in collaboration with K Medical LLC, have developed a groundbreaking mattress technology designed to lower the chances of bed sore development in patients confined to bed. Published in Science Robotics, their study introduces a sophisticated mattress system that automatically shifts pressure points to prevent tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure.
Bed sores, or pressure ulcers, occur when persistent pressure cuts off blood flow to parts of the body, leading to tissue death. Typically, caregivers attempt to mitigate this risk by repositioning patients regularly; however, this manual approach can be costly and ineffective if not done frequently enough. The new mattress addresses this challenge with an automated system that dynamically redistributes pressure, reducing the need for manual repositioning.
The innovative mattress features over 1,200 small rams that can independently lift or lower across its surface. These are controlled by an array of linear actuators that produce programmable surface patterns, simulating the natural shifts needed to maintain healthy blood circulation. The system employs moving panels with mechanisms that adjust in unison, supported by springs and motors to enable automatic operation. The panels are topped with foam for added comfort.
Testing with a specialized dummy demonstrated that the mattress significantly decreases pressure points, which are the primary cause of pressure ulcers. The research team used visualizations of the moving surface to identify optimal values for pitch and depth of the pressure shifts, aiming to maximize efficacy. Human trials are upcoming to validate the system’s effectiveness fully.
This advancement holds promise for improving care for immobile patients, potentially reducing the incidence of bed sores and associated complications. If successful in clinical settings, this technology could transform patient management in hospitals and long-term care facilities, enhancing comfort and health outcomes.
For more details, see the original study: Zhidi Yang et al, 'Preventing pressure ulcers by increasing pressure: An unorthodox alternating-pressure mattress,' Science Robotics, 2025. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-alternating-pressure-mattress-bed-sores.html
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