Design and Simulation of a Hydrogel-Based Mattress Overlay for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Session Number
3
Advisor(s)
Mayur S. Prabhudesai, Paul V. Braun, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Location
A119
Discipline
Engineering
Start Date
15-4-2026 2:15 PM
End Date
15-4-2026 3:00 PM
Abstract
Pressure ulcers are injuries to skin and underlying tissue caused by high pressures that impede blood flow, particularly near bony areas. Interface pressures exceeding 32 mmHg for extended periods significantly increase the risk of tissue damage in supine patients on traditional hospital mattresses. This work explores the potential application of hydrogel-based multilayer mattress overlay to prevent pressure ulcers by actively redistributing high-pressure loads over time. The goal of this work is to determine the mechanical properties of a hydrogel that can effectively redistribute pressure and in doing so alleviate patient discomfort. The ANSYS Transient Structural software is used to simulate a system resembling body tissue with pressure applied to soft tissue over cylindrical hydrogel pillars embedded within the foam layer. The mattress material is modeled using a third-order Ogden foam formulation to represent the nonlinear mechanical behavior of polypropylene foam, while hydrogel and soft tissue components are modeled as linear elastic materials. The design of the mattress is explored by investigating key variables such as aspect ratio of the pillars and the stiff ness of the hydrogel material. By analyzing internal stress within the tissue, this framework provides a foundation for designing adaptive, mechanically informed support surfaces to potentially improve pressure ulcer prevention. Subsequent work is intended to contribute to the design of more responsive and mechanically informed pressure-relief technologies.
Design and Simulation of a Hydrogel-Based Mattress Overlay for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
A119
Pressure ulcers are injuries to skin and underlying tissue caused by high pressures that impede blood flow, particularly near bony areas. Interface pressures exceeding 32 mmHg for extended periods significantly increase the risk of tissue damage in supine patients on traditional hospital mattresses. This work explores the potential application of hydrogel-based multilayer mattress overlay to prevent pressure ulcers by actively redistributing high-pressure loads over time. The goal of this work is to determine the mechanical properties of a hydrogel that can effectively redistribute pressure and in doing so alleviate patient discomfort. The ANSYS Transient Structural software is used to simulate a system resembling body tissue with pressure applied to soft tissue over cylindrical hydrogel pillars embedded within the foam layer. The mattress material is modeled using a third-order Ogden foam formulation to represent the nonlinear mechanical behavior of polypropylene foam, while hydrogel and soft tissue components are modeled as linear elastic materials. The design of the mattress is explored by investigating key variables such as aspect ratio of the pillars and the stiff ness of the hydrogel material. By analyzing internal stress within the tissue, this framework provides a foundation for designing adaptive, mechanically informed support surfaces to potentially improve pressure ulcer prevention. Subsequent work is intended to contribute to the design of more responsive and mechanically informed pressure-relief technologies.