Washable sensorized bed pad that alerts caregivers to wetness
Wicked Smart Pad: Washable Sensorized Bedding for the Prevention and Detection of Moisture Events
This project is trying a washable bed pad that detects moisture and sends alerts to caregivers to help people with Alzheimer's and related dementias avoid skin injuries from incontinence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wicked Sheets, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11068995 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your loved one has Alzheimer's or another dementia and struggles with bladder control, this project uses a reusable, machine-washable pad that sits on the bed and senses moisture. When the pad detects wetness it wirelessly notifies caregivers so they can change bedding and reduce the risk of pressure sores. The company ran an initial feasibility test in an assisted living site and is now refining the design and testing the pads more broadly in care settings. Data from the pads are collected to help care teams track moisture events and improve routines that protect skin health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who experience incontinence and sleep in beds in assisted living, nursing homes, or at home with a caregiver.
Not a fit: People without incontinence, those who do not sleep in a bed (for example, primarily wheelchair-bound while sleeping), or those without a caregiver to receive alerts are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help prevent pressure ulcers and other skin problems by letting caregivers respond more quickly to incontinence events.
How similar studies have performed: Other moisture-sensing alarms and disposable products have aided caregivers in spotting wetness, but a washable, wireless bed pad like this is a newer approach with limited large-scale evidence so far.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- Wicked Sheets, LLC — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Truttmann, Allison — Wicked Sheets, LLC
- Study coordinator: Truttmann, Allison
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.