Mastering How to Make a Hospital Bed

By Maurice

Make Hospital Bed

The primary purpose of a hospital bed is to make a patient as comfortable and stable as possible. Regardless of whether the bed is at home or in the hospital, these two aspects are critical to the recuperating process. Even better, a well-made bed protects the patient from bed-related risks such as falls, pressure ulcers, or cross-contaminations.

This article provides you with a step-by-step guide on how you can appropriately make a hospital bed, what you need when making the bed, the kind of sheet you should use, how you can make corners on the bed, and of course, how you can make it as comfortable as possible.

What Kind of Sheets to Use on a Hospital Bed

Spending a lot of time on a hospital bed means that you’ll constantly be in contact with the beddings. This can be good or bad for the patient depending on the bed sheets used. Ideally, the right beddings can contribute to healthier skin and a more relaxing atmosphere.

When choosing bed sheets for your hospital bed, be keen to go for cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. These are not only long-lasting and soft but also keep the patient cool. In addition, you can wash them regularly without them losing their quality or comfort.

There are three types of hospital bed sheets, and you will need each one of them during the bed-making process. These include draw sheets, fitted sheets, and flat sheets.

What You’ll Need to Make a Hospital Bed

Early preparation when making a hospital bed entails getting ready the necessary equipment. The following is a list of what you’ll need during this process:

Bedsheets (flat, fitted, and draw sheets)
36-inch mackintosh
Pillowcase
Blankets
Gloves and facemasks to prevent infection.
A duster

How to Make a Hospital Bed – Step-By-Step

To make your hospital bed, the following are the recommended steps:

1Wash your hands and place the pillows and pillowcases on a stand or chair. Removing them from the bed creates more room for cleaning and dusting off the mattress.
2Sanitize the Bed’s Surfaces while wearing gloves. You can use an antibacterial cleaner to prevent cross-contamination.
3Take the bottom sheet and place it on the mattress. Ensure it is at the center and perfectly fits the bed. The best option to use is fitted sheets since they have elasticized edges that tuck tightly under the mattress.
4If you’re not using fitted sheets, you can make a mitered corner by tucking at the foot end and folding the sides. Additionally, ensure the bed has no creases or wrinkles to prevent them from exposing the patient to pressure sores. The rucked-up areas also harbor moisture and bacteria.
5Ensure you place the mackintosh at least 37 cm from the patient’s head. You can add a draw sheet, especially for patients who require repositioning assistance from time to time.
6Follow the same procedure for the top sheet, but fold it down at the top to leave room for the patient to get under it. A flat sheet is often the preferable top sheet choice.
7Place a pillow with clean pillowcases on the head end, then add a blanket over it. Ensure you also fold it down at the top, just like you did with the top sheet, to create room for the occupant to get in.
8Wait until the patient occupies the bed and adjust the pillow to a comfortable position.

How to Make Hospital Corners on a Bed

Hospital bed corners refer to the way you fold bed sheets in a visually appealing, organized manner that is difficult for the patient to kick off. Below is a guide on how to come up with the perfect hospital bed corners.

1Follow the above-recommended process of placing the fitted sheet on the mattress. Then, place the flat sheet on it, and ensure it is evenly distributed on the bed.
2Go to the bed’s foot and slightly lift the mattress while tucking in the flat sheet.

3Grab the bottom of the hanging sheet on one side of the mattress near the edges and place it on the bed at 45 degrees.

4Some of the sheet will remain dangling from the bed after making the angle. Tuck it under the mattress as tightly as possible.

5Bring down the part of the flat sheet that created the 45-degree angle in step three. While holding it down towards the underside of the mattress, ensure it makes a diagonal line, then tuck it tightly. The diagonal fold is your hospital corner.

6Repeat this process on the other side of the bed and the remaining corners.

You can also check out this video on YouTube for more guidance.

How to Make a Hospital Bed More Comfortable

Your hospital bed should be as comfortable as possible. Here are some drills and tips you can employ to increase the comfort of your hospital bed:

Install Bumper Pads

Bumper pads offer support to the patient when getting in and out of bed. Moreover, they also prevent the patient from falling out of the bed. Have the following things in mind when choosing the right bed rail pads.

Install top and bottom rail pads. This is necessary for the patient’s self-support.
The pads should bring out a visual image, such as a window model, to brighten the patient’s surroundings and eliminate the feeling of isolation.
Ensure that the chances of getting stuck between the rails are minimal.

Get Hospital Bed Tables

Hospital bed tables offer the patient an ideal surface for reading, eating, and working. They can use them to hold books and laptops. No matter the purpose of the table, ensure the height of the table should be adjustable.

Install Hospital Bed Caddies

These are bags on the bed’s rails that are mounted on the rail’s upper surface. They ensure you are organized and are the perfect solution if you’re looking to keep your personal belongings close at hand.

Earplugs and Headphones

These devices help with noise control, especially if you are in the hospital. You can also use the headphones to listen to music, which will definitely lift your mood.

Use a Mattress Topper

The role of a mattress topper is to provide extra support, especially on thin mattresses. It prevents pressure sores and back discomfort, contributing to better sleep.

Conclusion

Making a hospital bed should be straightforward with the right materials and techniques. The way you handle the task will determine if the patient will recuperate faster or if the condition will worsen. Ideally, the best way to make your hospital bed is using the hospital corner design, which not only has an aesthetic appeal but also makes the patient comfortable. You can supplement this by installing additional features on the bed, such as mattress toppers, bed rails, and caddies.