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Incontinence is a leading chronic condition for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), because of a decrease in mobility, deterioration of daily activities, and neurological decline that contributes to the loss of bladder control and sensory organs. Incontinence complications include urinary tract infections, which manifest as increased confusion, agitation, or withdrawal in patients with ADRD. When infections go undetected, more life-threatening complications can arise in the kidneys or bloodstream. Managing incontinence and maintaining skin integrity when moisture is present are constant challenges for health care providers and family members of patients with ADRD, as well as significant financial burdens.
One in 10 older adults in the United States will experience incontinence. Wicked Sheets is specifically interested in older adults who reside in assisted living communities, which represent a $2 billion market opportunity.
The Wicked Smart Pad is a washable bed pad with sensors that detect moisture and alert caregivers in real time when an incontinence event occurs. It is the first of its kind — a reusable bed pad that has real-time moisture detection, alert monitoring, and data analysis.
Company Milestones
Learn more about Wicked Sheets' milestones from 2017 through 2025 below.
Scientific and Clinical
- 2017: Pad first designed at Wicked Sheets
- 2021: First beta product using moisture-sensing technology developed and tested; patent filed
- 2022: NIA SBIR Phase I grant awarded, which enabled feasibility testing, customer feedback and satisfaction ratings, and testing of overall pad durability and lifespan
- 2022: SBIR Phase I matching grant funded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky
- 2023: Three pilots launched in assisted living communities to test the alpha product; patents filed
- 2024: $1.5 million equity-funded and NIA SBIR Phase II grant application submitted; funds will enable continued development of the pad’s durability and features, meeting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and regulatory standards, enhancements to safety and data security, and identification of scalable manufacturing that meets all Good Manufacturing Practice standards
Business
- 2023: Crowd Favorite winner of Aging2.0’s OPTIMIZE Pitch competition
- 2023: Awesome Inc’s 5 Across Pitch Competition winner: Semifinals, Finals, and Crowd Favorite
- 2024: ViVE attendance as part of the NIH Pavilion
- 2024: Closing of a $1.5 million equity round
- 2024: First letter of intent from a paid customer to purchase Wicked Smart Pads
- 2024–2025: Deployment of the third version of the Wicked Smart Pad to more pilot communities
- 2025: First commercial deployment to paying customers in more than 300 assisted-living communities
Financial Overview
Wicked Sheets has received $342,000 from NIA, $98,650 from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and $1.5 million in a venture and angel equity round. The company anticipates the following future funding needs:
- 2024: $1.6 million for hardware and software enhancements, security, database build-out, and commercialization planning
- 2025: $2.2 million for scalable manufacturing, inventory build, and additional team members
- 2026: $500,000 for additional sizes and enhancements to current features on the Wicked Smart Pad
Intellectual Property
Wicked Sheets has two patents filed and exclusive options to license co-invented technology that results from the NIA Phase I SBIR grant.
Product Development and Regulatory Strategy
The Wicked Smart Pad has low regulatory hurdles as a 510(k)-exempt class II medical device.
Commercialization Strategy
Wicked Sheets is currently converting pilot locations (e.g., assisted-living communities with memory care programs and residents) into paid customers. The company is also building a full pipeline of similar-sized assisted-living communities with memory care and incontinence care programs.
Company Details
Louisville, Kentucky
Industry: Digital Health and Sensing Technologies
Management Team:
- Alli Truttmann, CEO and Founder
- Eric Littleton, Operations
- Erich Squire, Finance and Human Resources
Point of Contact:
Alli Truttmann
Email alli@wickedsheets.com
618-531-5284