Pressure relief reminder and compliance system

A pressure relief reminder and compliance system and method to prevent the formation of pressure sores on a person's skin is disclosed. The system comprises sensor which responds according to pressure exerted on the skin; a programmable microcontroller connected to the sensor; means for programming the microcontroller; and indicating means. A programming device operates software to changeably program the microcontroller with certain values of pressure and time, such that the level and duration of pressure on the skin and the duration of the absence of pressure thereon, are compared to the programmed values, is given to the wheelchair user, and the levels and duration of pressure are stored in memory. The programming device also can download from the memory the recorded values for review and analysis by a physician, clinician, therapist or other health professional. The indicators can be an audible alarm, like a beeper or buzzer, or a vibrator. A method for training a person to reduce the incidence of pressure sores occurring due to pressure exerted on the skin for a certain duration is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining a specific maximum pressure position duration and a minimum pressure relief position duration for that person; measuring the duration of the person in a pressure position; alerting the person when the duration of the pressure position equals the maximum pressure position duration; alarming the person when the duration of the pressure position exceeds the maximum pressure position duration; continuing the alarming until the person is in a pressure relief position; measuring the duration of the pressure position; and prompting the person to continue the pressure relief position until the duration thereof equals the minimum pressure relief duration.