Are Hospital Beds Clean?

Learn About Hospital Bed Cleanliness and Sanitization

Why is it important to keep hospital beds clean?

In any hospital, patients with different illnesses will occupy the same bed. Keeping new patients safe from contracting a healthcare-associated infection means frequently changing the bed linens, cleaning the beds themselves regularly, and performing rigorous disinfection between users. Manufacturers make beds using medical-grade materials that can withstand this constant cleaning without degradation. SonderCare hospital beds use durable materials impervious to fluids under rigorous conditions. You or the healthcare team can sanitize every surface with hospital-grade disinfectants without worrying about harming the bed. It’s one reason why hospital beds are more suitable for in-home care than conventional flat or adjustable beds. Of course, when one hears the word sanitize, it’s easy to conjure up ideas of the harsh antiseptic surroundings of a hospital. SonderCare is working to change that image! The elegant, non-institutional design of our line of luxury care beds lets patients enjoy every aspect of their beds. The various finish options compliment any decor, promoting comfort and tranquility for hospital bed users and their caregivers.
¹Otter, J. A., & French, G. L. (2016). “Hospital-Acquired Infections.” In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. PMID: 27009334.
²American Professional Infection Control (APIC). “Keeping Your Hospital Room Clean.” APIC Monthly Alerts.

Hospital Bed Mattresses Are Clean, Too

Hospital bed frames aren’t the only parts that need to stay clean – the pressure-relieving mattresses must, too. It’s why you can’t depend on ordinary mattresses for intensive care. Patients need a model that they or their caregivers can clean with ease. If the area isn’t sanitary, it quickly becomes a haven of bacteria that can worsen a condition or present new health issues. The fabric of a SonderCare hospital mattress cover is not only comfortable – it’s made with a high-quality material that is also resistant to stains and fluids. However, it’s still essential that the user and their care team take care of hospital bed mattresses. A disinfected and sterilized mattress can positively impact the patient’s health. Regularly disinfecting and washing your hospital mattress with suitable cleaning solutions can also prevent wear and tear. Hospital mattress materials are also more resistant to mold than conventional mattresses. The moisture-resistant materials and pressure-relieving properties of a high-quality hospital mattress will prevent the creation of an environment for fungal growth.

Schedule Regular Cleaning Of The Hospital Bed

Whether it’s in a hospital, a hospice center, a residential care facility, or a private home, the nature of hospital bed usage means regular cleaning is essential. Whoever cleans the bed should use a neutral detergent and water on parts or surfaces that are not at risk for soiling under normal circumstances. Cleaning should be a regular feature of any care plan, as it can eliminate the conditions that lead to spreading pathogens. Weekly tidying also reduces dust and soiling on low-touch items or surfaces.

Caregivers should start by cleaning the mattress surface in place with detergent and water and rinsing it. Then, they should use a chemical disinfectant at a pH level for the appropriate contact time, followed by another rinsing. If there is visible soiling with body fluids, the cleaner should strip and clean the linens and disinfect the surface as soon as possible.

Having a bed that is more resistant to damage and stains while being easier to clean reduces the potential for cross-contamination. A SonderCare hospital bed can stand up to these challenges and provide residential users with comfort, all while looking and feeling like a beautiful, residential bed.

Summary

Hospital beds should be kept clean to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
SonderCare hospital beds are made with durable medical-grade materials that can withstand frequent cleaning and sanitizing with hospital-grade disinfectants.
Hospital bed mattresses also need to be kept clean to prevent the spread of bacteria and promote positive patient health.
SonderCare hospital mattresses are made with moisture-resistant materials and are resistant to stains and fluids.
Regular cleaning with a neutral detergent and water, followed by disinfection with a chemical disinfectant, is necessary for keeping hospital beds clean.
A SonderCare hospital bed provides comfort and a non-institutional look while being easy to clean and maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hospital Bed Cleaning

What makes hospital beds clean and more suitable for in-home care?

Hospital beds are more suitable for in-home care due to their durability and ease of cleaning and sanitizing. They are made with medical-grade materials that can withstand frequent cleaning and disinfection without degradation. SonderCare hospital beds are also designed to look elegant and non-institutional, promoting comfort and tranquility for the user and their caregiver.

How often should the hospital bed be cleaned and sanitized?

Regular cleaning and sanitizing of the hospital bed is essential to prevent the spread of pathogens. It is recommended to clean the bed on a weekly basis and to sanitize it after each use.

How does a clean hospital bed positively impact the patient's health?

A clean hospital bed can positively impact the patient’s health by preventing the spread of pathogens and reducing the potential for cross-contamination. A disinfected and sterilized mattress can also prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can worsen a patient’s condition or present new health issues.

What is the process for cleaning and disinfecting a SonderCare hospital bed?

The process for cleaning and disinfecting a SonderCare hospital bed involves cleaning the mattress surface in place with detergent and water, rinsing it, using a chemical disinfectant for the appropriate contact time, and rinsing it again. If there is visible soiling with body fluids, the linens should be stripped and cleaned, and the surface disinfected as soon as possible.