Classification of lying position using load cells under the bed

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2011:2011:474-7. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6090068.

Abstract

Individuals who suffer from acid reflux at night, who snore chronically, or who have sleep apnea are frequently encouraged to sleep in a particular lying position. Side sleeping decreases the frequency and severity of obstructive respiratory events (e.g. apnea and hypopnea) in patients with positional sleep apnea. It has been suggested that individuals with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease sleep on their left sides in order to help minimize symptoms. In this paper, we present a method of predicting the position of an individual lying on the bed using load cells placed under each of the bed supports. Our results suggest that load cells utilized in this manner could be successfully implemented into a system that tracks or helps train individuals to sleep in a particular lying position.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Beds*
  • Body Weight*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Humans
  • Polysomnography / instrumentation*
  • Prone Position*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Transducers, Pressure*