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

Research Centre / Group:

QUT-Sealy Centre for Biomechanics and Sleep Research

Industry partner:

Sealy of Australia

What is the purpose of this research?

The present study aims to provide a broader understanding of:

  • how healthy individuals, of the middle adulthood age group, lie on surfaces of differing stiffness/firmness,
  • 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
  • how these biomechanical and postural factors might influence a person’s quality of sleep at night.

Are you looking for people like me?

We are looking for:

  • healthy adults aged between 35-60 years
  • healthy to mid-overweight (BMI of 18-28)
  • individuals who have a relatively active lifestyle.

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
  • the inability to complete the 3-month home trial
  • shoulder width more than 50cm (to fit in the MRI)
  • a pacemaker, neurostimulator, or metallic implants (note: dental is acceptable)
  • been diagnosed with a 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
  • complete home mattress trials
    • sleep with smart watches
    • complete professional sleep assessments
    • complete questionnaires.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are minimal risks associated with your participation in this project. These include:

  • mild discomfort from lying on the rigid surface
  • exposure to a small amount of radiation during EOS scan.

As part of everyday living, everyone is exposed to naturally occurring background radiation (from things such as the ground, building materials, food, air) and receives a dose of about 2 millisieverts (mSv) each year. The effective dose from this study is about 0.21mSv. At this dose level, no harmful effects of radiation have been demonstrated as any effect is too small to measure.

Note that an MRI does not expose you to any radiation and so is safe for use as long as you do not have any metallic implants such as pacemakers, neurostimulators or other implants. Dental implants are acceptable. If you are unsure, we can check.

There is a risk that abnormal findings may be found on the MRI or EOS scans of healthy participants. If any abnormalities are found, medical imaging radiographers/radiologists will follow their normal procedures, such that the participant and the researchers will be advised of any findings, and told what to do next and/or a referral to an appropriate medical doctor will be arranged.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this project will not benefit you directly. However, it may benefit the general public in the future as lessons learned in terms of the biomechanics of lying comfort and sleep quality will feed into the bedding industry, leading to more supportive and comfortable beds being created and sold.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To recognise your contribution should you choose to participate, you will be given a $75 Woolworths Group gift card.

I am interested - what should I do next?

If you or someone you know if interested, please complete the pre-screening survey:

Pre-screening survey

If you have any questions, contact Selina Ho via s41.ho@qut.edu.au

QUT Ethics Number: 1700000335