Defensive Barrier Halves Hospital-Acquired Infections

An innovative bed protection system insulates the mattress and bed deck from bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

The Trinity Bed Protection System includes a reusable bed cover and a matching pillowcase specifically engineered to eliminate bacteria from the hospital bed deck and mattress. The system offers two layers of protection, with the first being launderability. The bed protection system can be cleansed using mechanical action, dilution, high heat, and chlorine to eliminate 99.99% of microorganisms, with high-heat drying helping to kill off residual bacteria and spores. The barrier can withstand up to more than 100 washing cycles and still maintain its protection rate.

The second layer of protection is an antimicrobial effect resulting from silver ions encapsulated in ceramic carriers that are built into a polymer matrix on the face of the fabric. Unlike other applications that become ineffective after laundering, the silver ions remain intact and effective throughout regular washing cycles in commercial laundries. In a clinical trial at St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospitals in Indianapolis (IN, USA) and Lafayette (LA, USA) over a period of 14 months, the Trinity Bed Protection System reduced HAIs such as Clostridium difficile by 50%.

“We compared infection rates before and after these two hospitals began using the bed cover system and discovered that by following the handling and washing instructions, the infection rates were cut in half,” said study author Edmond Hooker, MD, an associate professor in Health Services Administration at Xavier University (Cincinnati, OH, USA).

The Trinity Bed Protection System, a product of Trinity Guardion (Batesville, IN, USA), is manufactured using Smith & Nephew (London, United Kingdom) polyurethane extruded films, and is designed to fit specific brands and models of hospital beds. The custom sizing helps protect the mattress and deck while still allowing the bed to fully articulate without hindering the underlying mattress. The system also includes a pillowcase.

“By laundering the cover after each patient discharge there is a significant reduction in bacteria on the mattress and bed deck surfaces, a new level of clean for hospital beds,” said Bruce Rippe, co-founder and COO of Trinity Guardion. “When laundered according to directions, a cover delivers a patient bed surface that is at a level of clean more difficult to achieve with current cleaning protocols. This system should eliminate virtually all bacteria and viruses from the mattress cover. Hospitals now have another tool in the battle to provide consistently clean beds.”

Related Links:
Trinity Guardion
Xavier University
Smith & Nephew