Research team contacts

Principal Researcher:

Associate Professor Paige Little, School of Mech., Medical & Process Engineering, QUT

Associate Researcher:

Dr Lionel Rayward, School of Mech., Medical & Process Engineering, QUT

Dr Nathasha Naranpanawa, School of Mech., Medical & Process Engineering, QUT

Research Centre / Group:

QUT-Sealy Centre for Biomechanics and Sleep Research

Industry partner:

Sealy of Australia

What is the purpose of this research?

The study aims to provide a broader understanding of:

  • how healthy individuals, of the middle adulthood age group, of various cultures found in the Australian population, lie and move/roll over on surfaces of differing stiffness/firmness
  • the biomechanical parameters which are relevant for lying comfort
  • how the internal spinal anatomy, external spinal posture and lying pressures (i.e. pressure between the person and the mattress) are related
  • the relationship between sleep quality (e.g. time asleep, time to sleep, time in sleep stages, sleep motility, etc), body posture and spinal alignment
  • how age, sex, and cultural heritage might relate to sleep quality and lying biomechanics.

Are you looking for people like me?

We are looking for participants who are:

  • healthy adults aged 35-55
  • people born in mainland China and moved to another country as an adult (aged 18 or older)
  • healthy to mid-overweight (BMI of 18-28)
  • relatively active.

You can’t participate if you have:

  • an existing acute spinal condition (note: history of back pain is acceptable)
  • previous spinal surgery (note: other orthopaedic surgery is acceptable)
  • claustrophobia
  • unable to complete the three-month home trial
  • shoulder width more than 50cm (to fit in the MRI)
  • pacemaker, neurostimulator, or metallic implants (note: dental is acceptable)
  • a prior diagnosis of sleep pathology (e.g. sleep apnea)
  • sensitivity to flashing lights.

What will you ask me to do?

You will be asked to:

  • have an MRI of your torso
  • have an EOS spine scan (very low dose x-ray)
  • have 3D images taken of you when you lay on different surfaces
  • undergo home mattress trials:
    • sleep with smart watches
    • sleep with a smart sleep device
    • complete professional sleep assessments
    • complete questionnaires.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are minimal risks associated with taking part in this project.

You may experience mild discomfort from lying on a firm surface during measurements. You are free to move, stretch, or take breaks at any time to stay comfortable. You may also notice mild discomfort from wearing monitoring or sleep devices, however, all devices and attachments have been carefully selected to be as comfortable as possible.

Attending in-person sessions may require some time and travel, but we aim to make this convenient by organising sessions at times that suit you. Parking will be provided at all visits.

There is a small chance that MRI or EOS scans may identify unexpected findings, even in healthy participants. If this happens, qualified medical imaging staff will follow standard procedures. You will be informed and advised on next steps, including referral to a doctor if needed.

Radiation exposure is something everyone experiences daily (from sources such as air, food, and the environment), averaging about 2 millisieverts (mSv) per year. This study involves a low additional dose (about 0.25 mSv), and at this level, no harmful effects have been demonstrated.

MRI scans do not use radiation and are considered safe. However, they are not suitable for people with certain metal implants (such as pacemakers or neurostimulators). Dental implants are acceptable. If you are unsure, we are happy to check this with you.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

In the short term, you may gain a greater understanding of your own comfort and sleep quality to be able to make better informed decisions about choice of bedding. You may access any imaging (EOS/MRI via Qld X-Ray Patient Portal) and receive your specialised sleep study results.

The study aims to provide important benefits to the broader Australian population through gaining a deeper understanding of the biomechanics and sleeping profile of lying adult people.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To recognise your contribution should you choose to participate, you will be gifted a $75 Woolworths Group Gift Card.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Complete the pre-screening survey

Contact Selina Ho via email s41.ho@qut.edu.au if you have any questions.

QUT Ethics Number: 10735