A new mattress design to prevent bedsores

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

NIH-funded research K Medical LLC · NIH-10705696

This study is working on a special mattress that can help prevent bedsores for people who spend a lot of time in bed, using smart technology to adjust pressure on their back for better comfort and care.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionK Medical LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Porter Ranch, United States)
Project IDNIH-10705696 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a multi-stable compliant-mechanism-based mattress aimed at preventing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores, which affect millions of Americans annually. The innovative mattress design utilizes 1,260 linear actuator pistons that can create varying pressure patterns on a patient's back, controlled by a computer. The research involves machine learning to identify key factors that influence bedsore prevention and to optimize the mattress design for different patient needs. By the end of the project, the team aims to prototype a mattress that is more effective, lighter, quieter, and less power-consuming than existing products.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are immobile or elderly and at high risk for developing pressure injuries.

Not a fit: Patients who are mobile and do not have risk factors for bedsores may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of bedsores, improving the quality of life for patients at risk.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using innovative mattress designs for pressure injury prevention, but this specific approach is novel.

Where this research is happening

Porter Ranch, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions pressure injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.