A prototype of a slim, quiet anti-bedsore bed has been developed by researchers from the controlled bionic systems laboratory at Sechenov University, an institution affiliated with Russia’s Ministry of Health. The project is being advanced within the Priority 2030 strategic academic leadership program. The team shared these details with socialbites.ca about their ongoing work at Sechenov University.
Today’s most common anti-decubitus solutions rely on air-chamber mattresses whose pressure is modulated by a compressor. The constant hum of such compressors can disturb rest and sleep for bedridden patients, undermining comfort and healing.
To address this, the scientists designed a bed using ring actuators capable of delivering controlled, localized pressure on the patient’s body. The flexible ring actuator is built as a two-electrode cell filled with mineral oil. When electric current is applied, the electrodes move closer together, causing the surrounding fat tissue to migrate toward the cell edges, producing targeted massage-like effects.
According to the team lead, the anti-decubitus system essentially provides a gentle massage that helps restore blood flow. The actuators enable precise control over which cells activate, the sequence of activation, and the strength and frequency of pulses. These parameters can be tailored to a patient’s medical needs under doctors’ guidance, as explained by Alexey Maksimkin of the laboratory (attribution: Sechenov University).
Projected power usage stays compact, with a maximum draw of about 5 watts to operate all actuators. The bed will be wrapped in insulating material to minimize any risk of electric shock, further enhancing patient safety.
Beyond hospital care, the same actuation concept shows promise for other applications, such as massage capes for drivers. Researchers believe that flexible ring actuators could relieve muscle tension during long drives by delivering effective, low-noise massage.
The team anticipates that the bed prototype will undergo testing by the end of 2024. At present, they are refining the actuators themselves, assessing reliability, and evaluating functional properties. Additional work focuses on shrinking the control system to match the bed’s compact form factor, ensuring seamless integration into clinical settings and home use alike.
In related developments, Kuzbass researchers have also explored the production of silk patches for specialized containers, illustrating broader industrial interests connected with the project (attribution: Kuzbass research consortium).