Patent ID: 8444558

Claim:
A sleep monitoring system comprising: a mattress sized for use in a bed frame comprising: a first padding layer sized to fit to the bed frame; and a sensing layer sized smaller than and positioned below the first padding layer, the sensing layer comprising a fluid bladder and a sensor positioned within the fluid bladder and in fluid communication with the fluid bladder, the sensor configured to detect waves propagated within the fluid bladder; an inflation mechanism in fluid communication with the fluid; and a controller located within the mattress and configured to: receive signals from the sensor; analyze the signals using pattern recognition to differentiate the signals based on frequency; convert analysis results to vital signs of a subject on the mattress; and output the vital signs of the subject to a control unit, wherein the fluid bladder defines at least one aperture extending from a first surface of the fluid bladder adjacent the first padding layer to a second surface of the fluid bladder opposite the first surface configured to provide a pass-through for fluids.