A pressure monitoring cushion 10 comprises first and second pressure sensors, a controller 34 configured to receive input from the pressure sensors, output means 36 controlled by the controller, and a power source. Each pressure sensor includes first and second electrical conductors 18, 20, 24 and a resilient electrical insulator 22, 26 disposed between the electrical conductors. Each electrical insulator includes one or more apertures 28, 30 through which the adjacent electrical conductors come into contact when a threshold pressure is applied to the cushion. The electrical conductors of the first pressure sensor come into contact at a first threshold pressure, and the electrical conductors of the second pressure sensor come into contact at a higher second threshold pressure. The controller triggers an output from the output means after a predetermined period of time has elapsed with contact between the electrical conductors in the first and/or second pressure sensors. The invention may be for use with patients who spend long periods of time in one position in order to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers forming. In embodiments, the output means can alert a nurse that a patient needs to be moved.
