title: Sudden infant death syndrome (crib death) and possible relation to long-term mattress compression.
abstract: Evidence is presented to show that standard mattresses compress infants enough to increase the work required to maintain normal levels of ventilation and cellular respiration. The possible relation of long-term standard mattress compression to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is proposed. Evidence is presented to show that waterbeds do not compress infants significantly. The suggestion is made that, if long-term standard mattress compression is related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, then the use of waterbeds designed for babies may help reduce crib deaths.
authors.affiliation: Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Chapell
mesh_terms: D001513:Beds / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012307:Risk Factors; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000209:etiology*; D014939:Work of Breathing