Vol.23, No.3, 2023, pp. 287–290
UDC:

In this paper we generate finite element (FE) models to predict and analyse the comfort of a flexible polyurethane foam mattress with different mechanical properties (compressive strength). We use the half of a symmetrical three-dimensional virtual numerical model of foam mattress and human body in a supine position. Our goal is to analyse the different factors of mattress comfort, as contact pressure peak on the surface between human body and foam mattress, contact pressure distribution on the surface of the mattress, and displacement of mattress in the load direction of body weight. These factors are predicted by numerical simulation. A linear elastic isotropic material model is used for skin, the Mooney-Rivlin material model, which is a mathematical FEM model, is used to simulate hyperelastic behaviour of muscle tissue, and nonlinear hyperelastic materials are used to represent nonlinear compressive strength of flexible polyurethane foam. The results present the effect of compressive strength of FPU foam on the main parameters of mattress comfort. We show the variation of parameters depending on the firmness or softness of mattress foam.

Keywords: mattress foam, pressure ulcers, polyurethane foam, FEM, sleeping comfort, contact pressure