EISSN 2320 – 6853
PERSPECTIVE • TEXTILE ENGINEERING
Discovery Engineering, Volume 3, Number 10, April 2014
discovery
ISSN 2320 – 6675
Engineering
Use of textiles in hospital bed spreads
Chinta SK☼, Nayana M
D.K.T.E’s Textile & Egg. Institute, Ichalkaranji
☼
Correspondence to: Prof (Dr.) S.K.Chinta, D.K.T.E’s Textile & Egg. Institute, Ichalkaranji, E-mail: chinta.sk@gmail.com
Publication History
Received: 20 February 2014
Accepted: 24 March 2014
Published: 1 April 2014
Citation
Chinta SK, Nayana M. Use of textiles in hospital bed spreads. Discovery Engineering, 2014, 3(10), 10-14
ABSTRACT
Textiles have always been a major part of the healthcare and hygiene sector. Nonwoven materials in particular have a wide range
of application in the medical field to cater diversified requirements of medical textiles. New cost-effective ways to protect both
hospital staff and their patients from bacteria, viruses and body fluid invasions in operating room environments are being
developed. Hospital bed spreads being an important one. Single and multi-layered bedspreads are being developed using various
textile fibers. This paper focuses on the significance of hospital bedspreads and their contribution to the health, hygiene and
comfort of the patient.
1. INTRODUCTION
Chinta et al.
Use of textiles in hospital bed spreads,
Discovery Engineering, 2014, 3(10), 10-14,
www.discovery.org.in/de.htm
Page
range of products available is vast but typically they are used in the operating room theatre or on the hospital ward
for the hygiene, care and safety of staff and patients. The number of applications range from the simple cleaning wipe
to the advanced barrier fabrics used for operating rooms. Medical textiles are products and constructions for medical
applications. As health care is growing, off take of medical textile products is also on increase. The drivers for the
future of this industry are expected to be Asian countries like India and China. New areas of application for medical
textiles have been identified with the development of new fibers and manufacturing technologies for yarns and
fabrics. Development in the field of textiles, either natural or manmade textiles, normally aimed at how they enhance
the comfort to the end users. Development of medical textiles is really meant for converting the painful days of
patients and surgeons into the comfortable days (Textile learner blog). Textiles play a vital role in hygienic
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An important and growing part of the textile Industry is the medical and related healthcare and hygiene sectors. The
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applications. Apart from wovens, nonwovens have almost 23% application in medical field. These are disposable,
sterile, cheaper and of single use. They are also beneficial in the prevention of cross-infection (John et al., 1984).
1.1. Market Potential
An estimate indicates that the world market for technical textiles and non-wovens is 23.8
million tons, with a value of $126 billion in 2010. Market size of medical textile is in the range of Rs 2500 crores and
went upto Rs 4000 crores in 2012-2013.
1.1.1. Consumption of different categories of medical textiles
Sr No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Medical Textile Product
Surgical disposables
Surgical dressings
Sutures
Artificial Implants
Baby Diapers
Incontinence Diapers
Sanitary napkins
Total value
Market Potential (Rs in Crores)
42
1000
415
249
193
46
1300
3245
1.1.2. Benefits of Medical Textile Products

Improvement in healthcare delivery.

Comfort and Convenience to Patients.

Reduce Healthcare cost.

No laundry hastles ( washing one ton of Linen needs 7 ton of water )

Easy Logistics.

Safe Environment ( Infection free )

Less stay of patients in hospitals.

Enhance effectiveness in healing.

Healthcare workers away from airborne infections
Chinta et al.
Use of textiles in hospital bed spreads,
Discovery Engineering, 2014, 3(10), 10-14,
www.discovery.org.in/de.htm
Page
1.1.4. Nonwovens are mostly preferred in Hospitals because

They have better breathing and more hygiene and impervious.

They reduce cross infection.

They are Repellent, Flame retardant, lintless, comfort, cool.

They are barriers to bacteria & infection.

They have proven sterilization performance.

They are of singe use, disposable (No washing and mending).

They are abrasion and puncture resistant.

They are light weight, soft, Strong.

Non woven Drapes reduce clean up time (Narotham Reddy And Nagappan)
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1.1.3. Major requirements of materials for medical use

Non toxicity

Non allergenic response

Mechanical properties

Strength

Elasticity

Durability

Biocompatibility

The ability to be sterilized as biomedical materials may be contaminated with bacteria, sterilization is very
important for biomedical polymers. The sterilization technique can be physical or chemical (Chinta et al.
2012).
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1.2. Fibers used for medical and healthcare application
Textiles materials that are used in medical applications include fibers, yarns, fabrics and composites. Depending upon
the application, the major requirements of medical textiles are absorbency, tenacity, flexibility, softness and at times
biostability or biodegradability. Fibers used in medical field may vary from natural fibre such as cotton, silk,
regenerated wood fluff (absorbent layer), to, manmade fibers like polyester, polyamide, polyethylene, glass etc.
The various applications of different fibers in medical field are shown as below:
Sr.No.
1
Fiber
Cotton
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Viscose
Polyester
Polyamide
Polypropylene
Polyethylene
Glass
Elastomeric
Application in medical field
Surgical clothing gowns, Beddings, Sheets, Pillow cover, Uniforms,
Surgical hosiery
Caps, Masks, Wipes
Gowns, Masks, Surgical cover drapes, Blankets, Cover stock
Surgical hosiery
Protective clothing
Surgical covers, Drapes
Caps mask
Surgical hosiery
A number of crucial issues regarding the healthcare and hygiene products in particular have been identified and
debated amongst clinicians, environmentalist, drug companies etc. for a long time. The issues such as




Natural fibers against chemical or manufactured fibers.
Disposable against reusable or durable fabrics.
Antibacterial or antimicrobial fibers against finishes or coatings for infection control
Methods of disposal of clinical waste i.e. landfills against incineration and other forms of medical and
clinical waste disposal.
There is a general trend towards an increased use of natural polymers that are biocompatible, biodegradable and
nontoxic (Workshop of Medical Textiles, Sasmira, 2007).
1.3. Comparison of multilayered and single layered bed spreads
Multilayered fabrics consist of different layers of the fabrics which have the ability to complement and maximize the
essential comfort properties for a bed spreads. Presence of more number of layers can reduce pressure, temperature;
shear and friction developed on body and also enhance the moisture absorbency and moisture vapor transport
property. Few hospitals are providing uncomfortable tough mattress, covered by water proof coated fabric cover,
over which simple single layered cotton bed spread is being used, which makes the patient highly uncomfortable due
the strain on contact area and excessive heat generated. Excess compression in the contact area damages the blood
vessels, leading to bedsores of different degrees with unbearable pain. In the past an effort has been made to
produce a pressure relieving support surface was developed with super soft polyurethane foam, with horizontal and
vertical drill holes connected to an air circulation device to give enough air circulation and pressure distribution to
more area. Single layered and multi layered bed spreads are developed using fibers like lyocel, cotton, polypropylene
and micro polyester fibers in different fabric structures (Kandhavadivu et al., 2011).
1.4. Materials used for bed spreads
Chinta et al.
Use of textiles in hospital bed spreads,
Discovery Engineering, 2014, 3(10), 10-14,
www.discovery.org.in/de.htm
Page
1.4.1. Varieties of bed spread
Bed spreads come in two main varieties - flat or fitted. A flat spread is simply a rectangular sheet of cloth, while
a fitted sheet has its four corners, and sometimes two or four sides, fitted with elastic, to be used only as a bottom
sheet. The fitted sheet may also be secured using a drawstring instead of elastic. The purpose of a fitted bottom sheet
12
Common materials used for bed spreads are not limited to cotton but linen, satin, silk, rayon, bamboo fibre,
Polypropylene spunbond, and blends of cotton with polyester. New materials such as nonwoven polypropylene fabric
allow the bed spreads to be disposable and are low in price. These disposable bed spreads are now used in hotels as
well. In under developed / developing countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh etc., these bed spreads are also used
for reusable purposes.
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is to keep it from slipping off the mattress while the bed is in use. A particular way of folding and tucking while making
the bed, known as "hospital corners," is sometimes used when the bottom sheet is flat rather than fitted.
1.5. Finishes of hospital textiles
Post process for medical nonwovens is to give the product a suitable finish for its specific end use. The different types
of finishes used in medical nonwovens are:
 Soil Release Agents: for bed linens, gowns and apparel which are designed for multiple usages. May also be
used on curtains, blankets etc.
 Softeners: to make the webs feel soft against the skin. May be used for disposable undergarments, pillows,
bed spreads etc.
 Water repellents: used for bed sheets for kids, barrier apparel etc.
 Flame Retardant Finishes: used for bed spreads, curtains, apparel, lab coats etc.
 Antibacterial Finish: very commonly applied to gauzes, dressings and sutures. The most popular one is silver
nanocrystal finish.
 Resin and Hand Builders: used for apparel, gowns, bed spreads etc(MSEL, Hospital Bed Sheets)
1.5.1. Significance of Hospital bed spreads
In the healthcare industry, hygiene and infection control are highly significant and the proper care and laundering of
hospital bed spreads is a major factor in these areas. Much of the bacteria found in hospital infections are the same
found in bed spreads and it has been speculated that hospital bed spreads, including pillow cases, blankets, and the
like, can contribute to the spread of nosocomial pathologies and infections. There have been many studies
conducted in the medical community to support this. The proper disinfection and laundering of hospital bed spreads
have great importance in resolving these issues. The problem of spreading nosocomial pathologies via hospital bed
spreads has to be divided into:

Collection and handling of the spreads

Disinfection and laundering / washing.
Chinta et al.
Use of textiles in hospital bed spreads,
Discovery Engineering, 2014, 3(10), 10-14,
www.discovery.org.in/de.htm
Page
1.5.2. Why do hospitals prefer white and green bed spreads?
White is a sign of cleanliness. Usually hospital ward bed spreads are white in colour because it clear view of the body
and the bleeding situation. They can be bleached, if they become stained. If you spill something like coffee or wine on
white sheets and it doesn't wash out you can throw a little Clorox in the wash, and that will usually take care of the
problem. This can't be done with colored sheets, even the lightest colors. It is found that darker spreads come with
their own problems, they tend to show oil stains from lotions, moisturizers, baby oil, etc. They also will fade over time
from washing, UV (sunlight) exposure, and other environmental factors. Also, they cannot be stored next to items
that have been bleached with chlorine or they may acquire fade spots where they come in contact. Operation theatre
tables usually have a green bed sheets spread on them. This has become a global practice where green bed
spreads are preferred in operation theatres around the world. There are many reasons given behind the selection of
green colour. First and foremost is the clear visibility. Surgeons want a clear view of the body and the bleeding
situation where green bed spreads helps them in ascertaining the patient’s condition. Green offers better vision for
surgeons and their assistants. Bleeding is common during surgeries and blood looks visible on green bed sheets. A
darker colour may hide the extent of bleeding and this can put the life of the patient in jeopardy. White also makes
the blood visible to everyone but is not generally used in operation theatres. A major reason for the lack of popularity
of white operation sheets is due to stitching. Many surgical stitches still come in white colour and the same-coloured
bed sheet can confuse the surgeons and nurses. While blood is visible on the green, it does not create as gory feeling
as that on a white spread. This reason is also used as a psychological factor where doctors may misread the bleeding
patterns. A white spread often exaggerates the extent of bleeding while a green sheet allows for a more accurate
visual calculation. Green bed spreads are only used in surgical units of a hospital. It is also the most commonly used
colour in surgical scrubs. Medical doctors do not usually wear scrubs of green colour as green has become
synonymous with surgery. This also makes it easier for the nurses and other staff to tell surgeons and doctors apart.
13
Even in a home healthcare environment, the proper care and maintenance of bed spreads is just as important. There
is clear evidence that shows that a virus can remain viable on bed spreads and clothes for significant periods of time.
Considering even dust mites, which are microscopic organisms that feed on shed human skin, can cause allergic
reactions in humans – there’s no way around it. It’s vitally important to consistently keep bed sheets clean and
laundered (Schindler et al., 2004).
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The virtues of green bed sheets have won global favours. There is no chance of another colour taking over in the
surgical units around the world as the green rules supreme everywhere (Jessica et al., 2008).
2. CONCLUSION
Bed-spreads play a vital role in the prevention of hospital acquired infections which is a major concern. Presence of
more number of layers can reduce pressure, temperature; shear and friction developed on the body and also enhance
the moisture absorbency and moisture vapor transport property. There have been many studies conducted in the
medical community to support this. The proper disinfection and laundering of hospital bed spreads also have great
importance in resolving issues concerning hygiene.
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Chinta et al.
Use of textiles in hospital bed spreads,
Discovery Engineering, 2014, 3(10), 10-14,
www.discovery.org.in/de.htm
Page
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