Mattress Management

Patient Safety Alert

Problem Statement: Undetected fluid ingress and egress in hospital mattresses are silent threats that can lead to deadly hospital-associated infections, severe tissue degradation, and even patient death. A shocking discovery of blood infiltration in mattresses due to tiny, undetectable pinholes highlights the urgent need for meticulous inspections and maintenance. Ensuring mattress integrity through vigilant audits, stringent cleaning protocols, regular replacement of mattress covers/barriers and strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines is vital to safeguarding patient lives and preventing catastrophic health risks.

What to Expect: Anticipate longer-than-usual lead times for mattresses and mattress covers due to a staggering 75% failure rate in hospital mattress integrity, as highlighted by recent research. This high failure rate underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure patient safety and mattress longevity. By planning ahead and addressing these issues promptly, healthcare facilities can mitigate risks and maintain the highest standards of care. (Damaged hospital mattresses are common. )

Resources: Koshy et al. (2023). The State of Support Surface Integrity in Acute Healthcare Facilities. NPIAP 2023. Study Link

  • Li et al. (2021). Infection Risks Associated with Damaged Mattresses. InfectionControl.tips
  • FDA (2013). Damaged or Worn Covers for Medical Bed Mattresses Pose Risk of Contamination and Patient Infection. FDA Report
  • Cohen et al. (2018). Association Between Healthcare-Associated Infection and Exposure to Hospital Roommates. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 39(5), 541-546. DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.22
Emeritus Mattress Management
A Comprehensive Solution

Development of Mattress Management Program

Emeritus recognizes the critical role of hospital mattresses in patient care. Our mattress management program is designed to ensure optimal mattress performance and patient comfort. We implement routine inspections, proactive maintenance, and efficient tracking systems to address wear and damage early. This comprehensive approach not only enhances patient satisfaction by ensuring comfortable, hygienic sleeping conditions but also helps prevent hospital-acquired infections (HCIs). By focusing on both preventative and corrective measures, our program extends the lifespan of mattresses, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for patient healing and recovery.

Create A Baseline

Hospital-Wide Mattress Audit

Hospital-Wide Mattress Audit To maintain the highest standards of patient care, Emeritus conducts thorough hospital-wide mattress audits. These audits identify damaged mattresses and processing issues, ensuring they are promptly addressed. By systematically inspecting every mattress, we uncover issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as hidden tears or contamination risks. This proactive strategy helps maintain a safe, comfortable environment for patients, reduces the risk of infections, and supports compliance with healthcare regulations. Our detailed audits provide actionable insights, guiding effective mattress management and maintenance practices.

A Long Term Solution

Launderable Mattress Barrier Program

Emeritus's Launderable Mattress Barrier Program significantly enhances mattress hygiene and longevity. By utilizing launderable barriers, we protect mattresses and bed frames from spills, stains, and wear, reducing the frequency of mattress replacements. These barriers are launderable, ensuring a sterile sleeping surface for each patient. This program not only lowers maintenance costs and reduces mattress cleaning requirements, but also supports infection control efforts by preventing fluid penetration and contamination. Through this innovative approach, we maintain high standards of cleanliness and extend the useful life of hospital mattresses.

Targeted Training

Mattress Degradation Identification

Mattress Degradation Identification Emeritus offers specialized Mattress Degradation Training to hospital staff, empowering them to identify and address mattress issues effectively. This training focuses on recognizing signs of wear, understanding the impact of mattress degradation on patient care, and knowing the correct procedures for reporting and managing these issues. By educating nurses, EVS teams, and other relevant personnel, we enhance their ability to maintain mattress quality proactively. This training reduces user-error work orders and prevents damage, ensuring that mattresses remain in excellent condition to support patient health and safety.

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