Caretex®guidance on the care, cleaning and inspection of healthcare mattresses

Introduction Mattress covers can become damaged at anytime during use or storage, for example from needle stick, strikethrough, damage from sharp objects, abrasion during handling, transport or movement and inappropriate cleaning and decontamination procedures. The purpose of this guidance is to respond to this Medical Device Alert by informing users of mattresses as to the causes and consequences of damage and provide guidance on caring for the mattress in accordance with best practice. Healthcare mattresses including foam, active and reactive mattresses are covered in a protective waterproof,...

All polyurethane coated mattress covers have a minimum design life expectation of 12 months. Most covers are expected to last longer with normal wear and tear. Design life can be adversely affected by an increase in frequency of usage which might include more frequent cleaning and disinfection and transfer of patients using mechanical aids. Care must be taken to thoroughly rinse and dry covers between and after cleaning or disinfection. Mattress covers are more susceptible to physical damage when wet and will remain susceptible for a period of time after being dried. Care also needs to be taken...

•Mattresses should be stored in a secure location awayfromthegeneral public. •Neverstore other items on top of a mattress. •Always store mattresses flat. •Do not store directly on thefloor. •Place a protective covering over mattresses during storage. •Do not store mattresses next to radiators or other heatingdevices. •Always ensuremattresses are handled by a minimum of two people. •Read the Instructions for Use. Mattreses should be used in accordance with intended use and inline withmanufacturer's guidelines (instructions for use). •Check ancillary handling equipment such as slide boards, buckles...

Strikethrough ■Persons responsible for the storage, transportation, usage, cleaning and disinfecting of mattresses should be fully trained and competent in correct use of the equipment. Polyurethane coated fabrics are hydrophilic and can absorb liquids for short periods causing a temporary change to the polyurethane characteristics. The mattress cover swells temporarily and is more vulnerable to physical damage for a period until it is completely dry, by which time it will revert to its previous state. Blood and other body fluids must be removed with paper towels or by other means before application...

■Aqueous alkalis ie strong detergents ■Bleach (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide). ■Dilute aqueous acids. ■Waxes/greases (petroleum jelly, etc). ■Water based chemicals (iodine based products). The above categories are intended as guidelines only. The actual concentration and period of contact with the various chemicals will determine the exact effect. Group 1. These products will permanently damage the fabric. This damage is immediate and irrevocable. These products should not be used. Group 2. These products have a temporary effect. They must be used with consideration, taking note that...

Equipment and materials required: •Colour-coded bucket or solution containers; •Colour-coded cloths; •Colour-coded domestic gloves; •Non-abrasive cloth; •Cleaning trolley; •Neutral detergents or neutral detergents combined with disinfectants. •Alcohol disinfectant wipes •Warning signs. 1 .Wash hands and put on gloves. 2. Display warning signs. 3. Prepare the solution in the bucket or container in strict accordance with the cleaning products manufacturer instructions and with your training. Do not mix chemicals and only use a cleaning product as provided. 4. Place the bucket or solution container...

8.4. Dual function NaDCC cleaner/disinfectants A number of products now exist which combine a detergent cleaning effect with chlorine disinfection. These products are designed to eliminate the need for separate cleaning and disinfection processes to be carried out consecutively by combining them into a single process. This technology is currently in widespread use in UK healthcare premises. The most common use is for terminal cleans. It is also frequently used, for a short defined period, for all routine cleaning ina ward or area where there is an outbreak of infection. In some hospitals, the...

clinical waste bag. The bag should be next to the spillage in readiness for this. Tie the bag following waste disposal policy and dispose of at the central point as soon as possible. 4. Large spillages of blood on hard surfaces should be absorbed using chlorine-based absorbent granules. Allow to remain in contact for two minutes then place debris in a clinical waste bag as at point 3. Large spillages of blood on s oft surfaces including mattresses or cushions should be disinfected by use of chlorine releasing solutions instead of granules; other body fluids should be absorbed and removed with...

during use and rinsed and thoroughly dried after application of a disinfectant. It is crucial that, following the use of a detergent and or disinfectant solution the mattress cover should be rinsed with clean water using a clean cloth and manually dried using clean disposable paper towels. Alternatively disinfection may be achieved by laundering at temperatures not exceeding 65°C for 10 minutes or 73°C for 3 minutes which may include a 150ppm1 HSG (95) 18 chlorine rinse. Alternatively, disinfection may be achieved at lower temperatures where ozone is continually fed and dissolved into wash water...

• Remove or cover hand jewellery including rings with sharp edges. • Take extra care when using medical equipment such as monitors, drip stands, side rails, trans fer boards . • When using slings and slide sheets take care to ensure that buckles do not scratch or snag the mattress cover during use. Mattress covers should be cleaned regularly including between patients in accordance with The Revised Healthcare Cleaning Manual 2009 and the guidance below: General cleaning • Wipe the whole surface of the mattress with soap and water, rinse with clean water and allow to dry. • If a disinfectant wipe...