5-Position 4-Actuator Automated Bed To Prevent Bed Sores

Abstract

Abstract Bedsores — also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers — are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. For permanently bedridden patients (especially those paralyzed or in coma), bedsores are a problem which is usually either ignored or not dealt with properly. The effects of bedsores can be very severe when it reaches higher stages (stage 3, stage 4) below the surface of the skin, even exposing the bones. The causes of bedsores are pressure, shear and friction where pressure plays a significant role and hence are known as pressure ulcers. When a person lies on a bed for a prolonged period of time, the pressure at body parts such as the tailbone, shoulder blades, heels, ankle, skin behind knees restricts blood flow at these points which in turn results in sores. Taking care of patients affected by bedsores is a trying process for the nurses or the caretaker. Either by distributing the pressure throughout the body or by shifting the pressure points frequently, the occurrence of bedsores can be delayed or prevented. Hypnos employs the latter principle to prevent the development of bedsores by attaining five different positions.