Howto: Climate measurements on mattresses
The microclimate can be evaluated on (or within) entire mattresses, similar to climate measurements on samples. In most cases however, the heat and moisture on mattresses will applied by laying real test subjects on them in stead of a standardized heat and moisture source. This way real life conditions are simulated and the body’s internal control system can play its role.
Full size 2D
The sensormat can be arranged on top of the mattress, or just underneath the ticking. With a single layer of sensors, the software provides a 2D view of the temperature and humidity distribution over time. The edges of the body become visible in the readings when the posture is maintained long enough.
Different postures will activate different sensors. Even different repetitions of the same posture can result in small shifts of activated sensors, so the analysis should take this into account.
The analysis of the 2D measurement can focus on the time history of the average value over a region of interest (ROI). Another interesting parameter would be the area above a certain threshold. A less conductive material will reach equilibrium more quickly, and the equilibrium value will also be higher. Similar to the sample analysis, several properties of a cross section can also be calculated here.
Full size 3D
A 3D view of the temperature and humidity inside the mattress can be captured by placing additional sensor layers in lower parts of the mattress. This will also allow to get insights in the way the different mattress layers influence the total climate behavior.
The analysis of the ROI or cross-section of top layer can in this case be extended to the other layers. However, it can also represent the amount of heat and moisture that is captured by the mattress, and quantify the time needed to restore the mattress in its original state.
