Comfort promotion: Handling linens and other bedmaking supplies

Linens need to be clean, dry, and wrinkle-free in order to prevent pressure ulcers, skin breakdown, and make the client comfortable.

When making the bed, you’ll work from the bottom to the top, so in that order, basic bedmaking supplies include a bottom sheet, draw sheet, bed protector, top sheet, blanket, bedspread, and pillowcase.Let’s go over the basic supplies in the order they are applied.

The bottom sheet can be fitted to wrap around and under the mattress, or it can be non-fitted, also known as flat. The draw sheet is a flat sheet placed over the middle of the bottom sheet, so it covers the area from above the client’s shoulders to below their buttocks.

If a rubberized mattress is used, the draw sheet is an important moisture absorbing barrier between the client’s body and the mattress.

Sometimes, a rubberized draw sheet can also be used to protect the mattress from soiling. In that case, it should always be covered with a cotton draw sheet, so there is no direct contact between the client’s skin and the rubber.

A special type of draw sheet called a lift sheet is made by folding a flat sheet in half, and it’s used to lift or reposition a client.

Sometimes, you’ll need to use a bed protector, also known as an incontinence pad or soaker pad, which is a square of absorbent fabric backed with waterproof material and usually measures 3x3 feet.

It’s used for incontinent clients and clients with draining wounds so that urine, feces, and fluids from wounds don’t soil the rest of the linens.

The top sheet is a flat sheet placed over the draw sheet or the bed protector. Blankets are usually made of woven cotton, and they’re placed over the top sheet.

A bath blanket is a lightweight cotton blanket that can be used to provide privacy and warmth to the client during a linen change or a bed bath.

Bedspreads are used to cover all the previous layers. Along with the blanket, they can be used to mark the bed as open or occupied.

Pillows can be different sizes, made of different materials, and sometimes, covered with a waterproof layer. They are used for comfort and to help position the client.

Pillows are always covered with clean pillowcases.Sometimes, depending on the client’s needs, you might need to use additional bedmaking equipment.

Let’s start with a pressure-relieving mattress. There are two types: One is completely made out of foam, the other is made of inflatable materials and can be filled with air or water.

It is placed on top of the regular mattress and helps prevent skin breakdown in clients who need to stay in bed for long periods of time.

Bedboard is a piece of wood or plastic that is placed under the mattress. It provides extra support and keeps the mattress from sagging so that the client’s body is properly aligned.

It is usually used in long-term care and home health care. A bed cradle is a frame made of metal that’s placed at the foot of the bed.

It’s used to lift the top sheet, blanket, and bedspread off of the client’s body so they don’t touch the skin. It is often used for people recovering from burns and the ones who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers on their feet.

Lastly, a footboard is a padded board that’s also placed at the foot of the bed. The client should place their feet flat against the board, so they remain flexed and in the proper alignment.

The padding provides comfort and helps prevent breakdown of the skin. All right, as a quick recap...

Clean, dry, and wrinkle-free linens are used to cover the bed in order to prevent pressure ulcers, skin breakdown, and make the client comfortable.

Basic bedmaking supplies include bottom sheet, draw sheet, bed protector, top sheet, blanket, bedspread, and pillowcase.

Sometimes, depending on the client’s needs, you’ll need to use other bedmaking equipment like pressure-relieving mattresses, bedboard, bed cradle, and footboard.

Remember to collect linens in the order you’ll be using them and practice infection control when handling linens as they can be a source of