I’ve been thinking about making some sort of sensor to detect if I’m in bed or not. My schedule is all over the place, working out of town and nights, so relying on calendars or time-based automations just doesn’t cut it. I want something that can trigger my bedtime or wake-up routines automatically, without me having to remember to set it every time.
I’ve looked into using a force-sensitive resistor (FSR) or load sensors under my mattress. FSRs seem popular for similar projects, like detecting if someone is sitting on a sofa, but I’m not sure how scalable they are for a queen-sized bed. Load sensors from a cheap bathroom scale are another option, but wiring them up feels a bit intimidating for a newbie like me.
I’ve done some research and found that FSRs might be the way to go. They’re easier to install and can be placed strategically under the mattress. Plus, they don’t require as much wiring as load sensors. But I’m still not sure about the best placement or how to ensure consistent readings. Maybe I can start with a small setup and expand from there.
Another thing I’m considering is integrating this sensor with my existing smart home system. If I can get it to work, it could trigger a whole chain of events—like dimming the lights, turning on a fan, or even adjusting the thermostat. The possibilities are endless!
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s tackled a similar project. What sensors did you use? How did you set it up? Any tips or pitfalls I should be aware of? I’m excited to dive into this and see how it turns out. Let’s make my bed the smartest place in the house!