Observations on mattress covers: results of a pilot study

Samples of covers from three commercially available mattresses were examined in the laboratory using test methods originally devised for testing surgical dressings. These revealed that although the covers shared many common features, there were differences in the conformability and tensile properties which may be of some clinical relevance. The study also confirmed that with some minor modifications, the experimental techniques used would be suitable for a future, more comprehensive review of mattress performance. In a separate investigation designed to examine the consequences of a failure of a mattress cover, the bioburden of a foam core removed from a damaged cover revealed the presence of very large numbers of microorganism, well in excess of 10(10) per gram of foam which could act as a recevoir of contamination and thus a source of cross infection.