Actual Compression Research
The CPR Mattress is built on research completed
by Michigan Technological University
For the past 8 years studies have been conducted proving that the quality of CPR performed by health care professionals is not adequate. The studies have showed that the depth of compressions and the rate of compressions being performed are not meeting the standards set forth by the American Heart Association.
In 2005 the Cardio Pulmonary Division from Portage Health Hospital in Hancock, Michigan approached Michigan Technological University to research a cause for more adequate CPR in hospitals.
The research focused on the foam mattress that patient was lying on. In recent years, the focus
of hospital mattresses has been the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers caused by pressure points from the mattress. Majority of mattress used in hospitals are foam based. The research at Michigan Tech found that when CPR is performed on a patient initially lying on just the mattress- it only provided 41% efficient compressions. Only 41% of your compression was actually used to compress the heart.
When a CPR Board was placed under the patient the efficiency only increased to 53%. This information proved that there is much room for improvement. Michigan Tech University used this information and developed technology that you see being used in the CPRMattress.
The CPRMattress emerged from Michigan Tech in 2006. The concept was picked up by Tech Initiatives to further develop the technology. A patent was filed in 2006 for the technology in the CPRMattress. Currently the CPRMattress is in its final design phases and is preparing to get further testing completed to be Underwriters Laboratory Compliant.
Our future plans are to get the mattress into clinical trials and entertain offers for licensing agreements with current medical mattress manufacturers.
Efficiency was calculated as a ratio of measured compression depth to the desired depth
Thumper © can give a desired compression depth while CPRView feeds to a computer the compression depth received by the mannequin.
This drawing shows the mattress in normal use and in the compressed mode. The mattress is activated and the top half compresses into a rigid surface. You can also see here how this will help place the patient into a trendelenburg position.
