Wheelchair Pressure Mat

Wheelchair cushions are critical for patients so that they do not develop pressure wounds which can be dangerous. Many wheelchair users can use simple cushions. However, some wheelchair users are high-risk and need to have cushions that are adaptable. Several commercial cushions for high-risk patients are available but they are either expensive or can be messy if they break. A team composed of engineering and nursing students has been working on several cushion prototypes. An important component of cushion use is the minimization of pressure wounds since the patients are sitting for an extended period of time. A low-cost sensor mat is being developed to measure the pressure observed by patients as they sit on the cushions.