Engineering the perfect mattress: The influence of substrate mechanics on deep tissue stresses in supine

, , , , & (2023) Engineering the perfect mattress: The influence of substrate mechanics on deep tissue stresses in supine. Clinical Biomechanics, 110, Article number: 106130.

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Description

Background: With increasing global interest in sleep hygiene, sleep ergonomics is an area that has been largely understudied. During sleep individuals turn over during the night to restore blood flow in occluded blood vessels, indicating that control of local tissue pressure may play a role in improving sleep comfort. This study investigates the influence of mattress stiffness on tissue compressive stresses during supine lying. Methods: A subject-specific 3D finite element (FE) model of the pelvis area has been developed to simulate supine lying on substrates of varying firmness. Constitutive parameters for the adipose-skin tissue and muscle-organ tissue were calibrated using a novel application of the inverse finite element method. Findings: The compressive stress was consistently greatest in the muscle interfacing the sacrum at 18.5 kPa on the soft foam, and 30.9 kPa on the firm foam. From soft to firm, the compressive stress increased by 67% at the sacrum, 20% at the ischium, 42% at the lesser trochanter, and 50% at the skin. Interpretation: The non-linearity of the foam substrate had a pressure distributing effect, relieving the peak compressive stresses at the sacrum, indicating that it may be possible to design arrays of foam substrates that can provide most efficient pressure relief.

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ID Code: 244301
Item Type: Contribution to Journal (Journal Article)
Refereed: Yes
ORCID iD:
Pearcy, Markorcid.org/0000-0002-1108-6503
Kerr, Grahamorcid.org/0000-0002-1008-256X
Pivonka, Peterorcid.org/0000-0001-9183-530X
Little, J. Paigeorcid.org/0000-0001-8377-5343
Additional Information: Funding Information: The authors acknowledge the research support provide by Daniel Green, Sealy Australia. This support has provided: • PhD scholarship for Mr. Lionel Rayward • Research datasets for healthy adults (including MRI, 3D surface scan and Pressure mapping data, foam compression test data).
Measurements or Duration: 9 pages
Keywords: Finite element, Ogden, Pelvis, Soft tissues, Supine position, Tissue mechanics
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106130
ISSN: 0268-0033
Pure ID: 149540486
Divisions: Current > Research Centres > Centre for Biomedical Technologies
Current > QUT Faculties and Divisions > Faculty of Engineering
Current > Schools > School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering
Current > QUT Faculties and Divisions > Faculty of Health
Current > Schools > School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences
Funding Information: The authors acknowledge the research support provide by Daniel Green, Sealy Australia. This support has provided: • PhD scholarship for Mr. Lionel Rayward • Research datasets for healthy adults (including MRI, 3D surface scan and Pressure mapping data, foam compression test data)
Copyright Owner: 2023 The Authors
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Deposited On: 07 Nov 2023 03:21
Last Modified: 09 Feb 2025 23:00