The Challenge: Damaged Top Covers

Blood. Urine. Vomit. Chemicals. A typical hospital mattress may be exposed to 329 patients during its lifespan.* Worn or damaged top covers risk contaminating the entire mattress. In addition to cuts and rips to the top cover fabric, your mattresses are exposed to powerful cleaners and caustic medcines. These chemicals can break down the fabric's integrity before an actual tear appears — all posing a clear infection threat to future patients.
Syringe Icon
Blood
Urine Sample Bottle
Urine
Puking Emoji
Vomit
Chemical Spray Bottle
Chemicals

The Challenge: Damaged Top Covers

Blood. Urine. Vomit. Chemicals. A typical hospital mattress may be exposed to 329 patients during its lifespan.* Worn or damaged top covers risk contaminating the entire mattress. In addition to cuts and rips to the top cover fabric, your mattresses are exposed to powerful cleaners and caustic medcines. These chemicals can break down the fabric's integrity before an actual tear appears — all posing a clear infection threat to future patients.

Syringe Icon
Blood

Urine Sample Bottle
Urine

Puking Emoji
Vomit

Chemical Spray Bottle
Chemicals

Preventive Inspections Work!

Our inspection teams know a small tear in the top cover may be just the tip of the iceberg. Once fluids reach the inside of the mattress—especially the foam—it’s too late. Catch those tears early, and you may prevent a total loss.

FDA Recommendation

In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration first recommended medical mattress inspections, noting that contamination is widespread and underreported.1 The FDA has found that hospitals that do not monitor mattress quality expose patients to a higher level of cross-contamination.
  1. Develop an Inspection Plan
  2. Inspect
  3. Remove and Replace
  4. Maintain

FDA Recommendation

In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration first recommended medical mattress inspections, noting that contamination is widespread and underreported.1 The FDA has found that hospitals that do not monitor mattress quality expose patients to a higher level of cross-contamination.
  1. Develop an Inspection Plan
  2. Inspect
  3. Remove and Replace
  4. Maintain

Safety Poster

The FDA provided further guidance in 2017 with the release of a safety poster: Keeping Patients Safe from Contaminated Mattresses.2 This poster gives hospitals detailed guidance to inspect and maintain their mattresses.

 

Mattress Audit Program

Our Mattress Audit Program can help extend the life of your support surfaces by catching many issues before they contaminate the entire mattress. Sizewise employees are trained to provide thorough inspections — ensuring all potential issues are uncovered.

What's Included?

Mattress Audit Request

The Sizewise Mattress Audit Program is subject to location and scheduling limitations. Submit this form, and a local Sizewise rep will follow up to discuss your audit request further.

*Sizewise estimate based on average length-of-stay (5 days, CMS 2014) with occupancy rate of 75 percent, and the average mattress lifespan of six years (NHS 2016).

References

  1. Damaged or Worn Covers for Medical Bed Mattresses Pose Risk of Contamination and Patient Infection. (2013, Apr. 19). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170722215739/https:/www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm348016.htm
  2. Keeping Patients Safe from Contaminated Mattresses. (2017, Nov. 20). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/GeneralHospitalDevicesandSupplies/HospitalBeds/UCM585910.pdf

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