Patent attributes
A mattress has a sensor pad affixed on a top surface thereof. The sensor pad has (i) a matrix array of plural pressure sensors, (ii) plural row conductors, and (iii) plural column conductors. Each intersecting row and column conductor provides an electrical signal from a corresponding sensor when pressure is applied thereto. The sensor pad has plural through-holes therein disposed between the plural row conductors the plural column conductors, respectively. Preferably, at least one patient-mounted physiological sensor is configured to provide an output signal corresponding to a patient physiological parameter. An electronic unit is mounted inside the mattress and is configured to receive signals from the sensor pad. The electronic unit has a data storage unit preferably storing (i) patient identification information, (ii) patient physiological information, and (iii) mattress information. A wireless transmitter is coupled to the electronic unit and is configured to wirelessly communicate at least the stored patient physiological information to an off-mattress device.