Protecting Patients And Your Investment With Hospital Bed Pads
Hospitals, institutions and those who own a hospital bed in their private residence need to think about how to protect the patient and the bed itself. Hospital bed pads are normally available in three different kinds. Each of the different types of pad performs a unique function. There are hospital bed pads that go between the sheets and the patient, the sheet and the mattress and between the patient and bed rails.
The Three Types of Hospital Bed Pads
These pads are made to go under the patient (typically their bottom) and on top of the sheets. The pads are to protect the sheets from incontinence episodes, from spills (such as a drink) and seepage of blood or body fluids. It is much easier to simply change a pad from under the person, than to do an entire change of hospital bed sheets. It can be lengthy and strenuous on a patient to change all the sheets, so pads help contribute to patient comfort. If you have a bed in your home, less laundering of sheets can make them last substantially longer as well. Since sheets are typically expensive, this can be a cost savings. The pads are available as the washable and reusable variety or you can order disposable (one use) pads. The disposable pads may be referred to as “chux”.
Hospital bed mattresses are expensive. If soiled with urine, feces, blood or body fluids; you may not be able to get them cleaned or sanitized following a mishap. Due to this a hospital mattress pad is recommended for protection. Mattress pads are available in all bed sizes and a variety of thicknesses. You can launder (and sanitize) the pads. The mattress pad fits over the mattress snugly and under the bottom sheet. The mattress pad may also contribute to patient comfort by absorbing excess heat so the patient does not sweat as much. Extra thick pads also reduce pressure on bony prominences, helping to reduce the incidence of bed sores.
Hospital beds have side rails to help prevent a patient from falling out of bed and to aid the patient in pulling up in the bed. These hard rails can pose a safety hazard to patients who may hit them while in the bed. Reasons a patient might hit the bed rails include seizures, attempting to get out of bed with the rails up, flailing their arms and legs against the rails, (to name a few). Hospital bed rail pads are designed to cover and pad the rails to prevent injury. The pads may also prevent pressure sores from forming if the patient’s body is pressed up against the rails for too long.
Hospital bed pads are available for purchase from most durable medical equipment companies. A good place to check first is the place you purchased your hospital bed. Other places to look are online medical supply companies and your local hospital. Your local hospital may have used pads that they are replacing with new ones. No matter where you purchase them, they will go a long way to protect the investment you have in your hospital bed.
