Abstract: A sensor pad (105) is adapted to be positioned under or atop a mattress of a patients bed (205) as part of a monitoring system that provides a signal to a caregiver when the patient (305) rises from the bed (205). The pad (105) defines a total area, and wherein the total area is divided into a plurality of zones (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5). A timing of issuance of an alarm triggered by the pad (105) varies based upon which zone (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5) of the pad (105) a patient (305) is detected to be located upon.

Abstract: A sensor bed pad has a plurality of layers including an outermost layer made of a flexible material and a pair of inner layers, wherein each inner layer has an electrically conductive material thereon. A central layer is positioned between the pair of inner layers, wherein the inner layers are made of cloth, and wherein the central layer has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The electrical conductive material of one of the inner layers contacts the electrical conductive material of the other inner layer through the openings in the central layer when a force is applied to the sensor bed pad to complete an electrical circuit between the inner layers.

Abstract: A sensor pad is adapted to be positioned under a mattress of a patient's bed as part of a monitoring system that provides a signal to a caregiver when the patient rises from the bed can be used for multiple patients. The under-mattress sensor pads can be used for a long period of time as the under-mattress sensor pads includes a relatively stiff material.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system has a central monitoring point which wirelessly communicates with multiple patient sensor systems. The central monitoring point and each sensor system has at least one transceiver. Routine communication between the central monitoring point and the patient sensor systems is initiated by the central monitoring point's transceiver. The response, or lack thereof, from each patient sensor system's transceiver is used by the central monitoring point to determine if an alarm condition exists. Communication of an alarm condition can also be sent from a patient sensor system to the central monitoring point and then confirmed to ensure that the signal is from a device or sensor system that is found on a list of devices and systems stored in the memory of the central monitoring point.