A novel method for comfort assessment in a supine sleep position using three-dimensional scanning technology

Mechanical interaction behavior between human body and mattress is one of the crucial physical factors affecting the sleep comfort and quality. This paper proposes a novel method for sleep (dis)comfort level assessment in a supine posture without interfering with sleep in an attempt to improve mattress design. Three-dimensional (3D) back surface model is constructed by scanning human body in an upright standing position. Based on the mechanical property of mattress and body pressure distribution measured by Tactilus system, finite element (FE) models are established to numerically calculate mattress upper surface indentation. Finally, Pearson correlation coefficient similarity measure is used to evaluate sleep (dis)comfort by compared back surface with mattress upper surface indentation. The experimental process is validated with two distinct types of mattress, namely palm fiber mattress and latex foam/palm fiber mattress. Results show that all the participants feel more comfortable when lying on latex foam/palm fiber mattress, which are in excellent agreement with the results obtained by body pressure distribution and spinal alignment.