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. 2025 Jul 3;20(7):e0327241.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327241. eCollection 2025.

Comprehensive analysis of smart bed comfort across varied resting conditions using quantitative measures

Xiangtian Bai  1 , Ming Zhong  1   2 , Yonghong Liu  1   2 , Yafan Hu  2 , Jun Ma  3
Affiliations

Comprehensive analysis of smart bed comfort across varied resting conditions using quantitative measures

Xiangtian Bai et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Smart beds have become increasingly accepted, and are concurrently reshaping their lifestyles. Addressing the limited ability of smart beds to cater to health requirements, this study investigated smart bed comfort across diverse typical conditions. Objective body pressure distribution and participant-reported perceived comfort were recorded during typical smart bed usage. Statistical analysis was utilized to investigate overall and local comfort variations across different conditions and the correlation between perceived comfort and body pressure distribution. Statistical analysis highlighted the importance of equalizing forces and minimizing peak pressures. Alongside mean pressure, peak pressure-particularly in the buttock, thigh, and shank areas-played a pivotal role in comfort evaluation. Optimal bed board partitioning and interlinked mechanisms between adjacent boards enhance body curve fit and overall comfort. Balancing body forces and preventing feelings of weightlessness significantly improve user comfort and health. This analysis has been used to develop a comfort prediction model for smart bed design.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Smart bed with pressure sensor mat.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Four limit conditions and the zero-gravity condition of the smart bed adjustment.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Typical smart bed conditions.
* BPDM = body pressure distribution measurement; SCE = subjective comfort evaluation.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Contact area division between the body and smart bed.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Mean changes in perceived comfort score among smart bed conditions.
Fig 6
Fig 6. Relationship between mean pressure and peak pressure with changes in bed conditions.
Fig 7
Fig 7. Quantitative analysis of peak pressure point across different bed conditions.
Fig 8
Fig 8. Characteristics of overall pressure across different BMI groups under varying bed conditions.
Fig 9
Fig 9. Characteristics of mean pressure across different BMI groups under varying bed conditions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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