Mattress disinfection is an important part of any hospital’s infection control program. But the harsh chemicals that are used can damage the mattress over time. Follow these tips to get the most out of your stretcher mattresses.
1. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
Make sure you follow the instructions not just for whichever cleaning agent you’re using, but for the mattress itself. Not all mattresses are compatible with all common disinfectants, and using the wrong one can damage the mattress over time.
2. DILUTE IF NECESSARY
Some disinfectants are intended to be diluted before use. Using them at full strength can shorten the life of the mattress.
3. WAIT OUT THE “DWELL TIME”
The instructions for the disinfectant may mention the “dwell time”. This is the amount of time that a surface must remain wet to allow the chemical to be in contact with an organism in order to kill it. Make sure you let the disinfectant do its job before wiping it off.
4. RINSING IS A MUST
After the dwell time has been achieved, immediately rinse the surface with clean
warm water.
Curbell offers mattresses and covers in materials like polycarbonate that are compatible with most cleaning agents. Give us a call and we can help you select which one is right for you.