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A device which automatically detects and starts abdominal compression when the user, having postural hypotension issues, gets up from the bed.
I have witnessed the serious effects of postural hypotension as my grandfather has been diagnosed with the same.
Given his age and failing memory, it was very difficult for him to remember to get up slowly from the bed. This problem became a big worry for us each night. That’s when I began researching this condition and tried to break down the key problem into some simple workable solutions using the help of technology.
The problem is the drop in blood pressure when the person, having postural hypotension issue, assumes an upright position from a lying down position.
Memory Issue: Elderly patients suffer more from postural hypotension. They often need to use the washroom at night and so get up at night from bed more often. Due to poor memory and forgetfulness, they are less likely to practice the technique of getting up slowly from the bed.
I have witnessed the serious effects of postural hypotension as my grandfather has been diagnosed with the same.
Given his age and failing memory, it was very difficult for him to remember to get up slowly from the bed. This problem became a big worry for us each night. That’s when I began researching this condition and tried to break down the key problem into some simple workable solutions using the help of technology.
The problem is the drop in blood pressure when the person, having postural hypotension issue, assumes an upright position from a lying down position.
Medications to increase BP
Not ideal as they don’t act selectively to increase BP during standing up preferentially. The effects of the increase in BP during other times can give high bp related to other newer problems. Plus, it increased the pill burden on the elderly.
Limit the need to get out of bed
Limit the need to get out of bed at night time when less change of being supervised/ assisted: have a bed side commode / night time diapers etc: not a suitable option for patients and does not really solve the underlying bp drop issue
Timed Compression
Have a comfortable loose abdominal belt worn or loose leg stockings worn at night which are connected to the pillow pressure sensors and ONLY starts abdominal compression or leg compression when patient gets up from the bed
Medications to increase BP
Not ideal as they don’t act selectively to increase BP during standing up preferentially. The effects of the increase in BP during other times can give high bp related to other newer problems. Plus, it increased the pill burden on the elderly.
Limit the need to get out of bed
Limit the need to get out of bed at night time when less change of being supervised/ assisted: have a bed side commode / night time diapers etc: not a suitable option for patients and does not really solve the underlying bp drop issue
Timed Compression
Have a comfortable loose abdominal belt worn or loose leg stockings worn at night which are connected to the pillow pressure sensors and ONLY starts abdominal compression or leg compression when patient gets up from the bed
Force sensors attached to the bottom of the pillows. The pressure sensors detect if a person is still sleeping or trying to get up ( > 0 indicates that the person is still asleep and so no signal is sent , = 0 indicates that the person Is getting up and so a signal to compress the belt is sent )
When the force sensor detects that the patient is trying to stand up, the fan is automatically turned on for a set period of time, which will compress the belt. Simultaneously an alarm will also ring for a few seconds to alert the patient and relatives to be careful.
Materials/tools/machines used
Challenges faced and their solutions
