IP Requirements:

• Emory IP

Experience Requirements:

• Electrical Engineering
  

The leading cause of infant death from age 1 month to 1 year is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Many successful preventative campaigns have been launched to mitigate the risks of SIDS such as the “back is best” and further guidelines regarding sleep surface, area, and bedding. However, there is not reliable technology in existence that is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or shown to decrease the risk of SIDS. 

Many of the available technologies include cardiorespiratory monitors for direct-to-consumer purchase. These monitors typically pair with a smart phone app and have sensors built into socks, clothing, or diapers. These sensors attempt to monitor heart rate, pulse oximetry, and apnea. In hospital trials that have been performed on these monitors demonstrated a poor correlation with standard pulse oximetry readings and had many false-positive and false-negative readings. Additionally, these monitors are subject to error as they rely on correct placement and are frequently displaced during sleep.

The goal of this project would be to create a mattress that can monitor a baby’s respirations, breathing pattern, and alert parents to apnea. This would eliminate the common errors of parents having to correctly place monitors and wouldn’t fall off during active sleep with the hope of reducing false positive events.