How to Choose the Right Fitted Sheet for a Hospital Bed
Hospital size bed sheets are a necessary part of a patient’s bedding. They provide the most comfortable sleep environment possible while reducing risk of bedsores, pressure ulcers and other health problems. They also affect the quality of sleep and the comfort of caregivers and medical professionals who work with them.
How to Choose the Right Fitted Sheet for a Hospital Bed
When choosing fitted sheets for a hospital bed, it’s important to understand the size of the mattress and the height of any cover or topper that may be added. A sheet that is too short won’t stay tucked under the mattress, and one that’s too long will bunch up underneath the patient as it’s moved.
Sizing up Hospital Bed Sheets: Understanding Your Options
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of a sheet. Sheets with a higher thread count – above 180 – are typically softer and more durable than those at the lower end of the scale.
Bamboo is a good choice for hospital bed sheets because it’s breathable, lightweight and incredibly soft. It’s also less likely to develop small holes or snags than other fabrics, making it a preferred option for hospitals.
Some specialty hospital bed sheets have anti-friction panels to reduce skin shear, a condition that occurs when vulnerable skin is repeatedly exposed to friction and creates bedsores. The right fitted sheet can help avoid skin shear, too, by ensuring that the sheet fits tightly around the patient’s body and doesn’t get piled under them as they’re moved from side to side.
