Path-O-Cap™

Contamination of high-touch surfaces such as mattresses, beds and bed rails can be reservoirs of pathogens, and they can play a role in the transmission of potentially harmful pathogens to patients and staff in the healthcare setting. ECRI has recognized the risk of cross-contamination through mattresses as their #2 technology hazard for 2019. Their recommendation is that healthcare facilities use appropriate products and procedures to ensure clean and disinfected mattress covers. Path-O-Cap™ assists healthcare workers to demonstrate proof of environmental cleaning compliance and to immediately identify clean or soiled beds, mattresses and gurneys.
 

• Protects the environment from the airborne pathogens related to soiled, contaminated beds and surfaces as they are moved throughout the facility
• Helps to ensure a cleaned mattress, bed frame or gurney remain as clean as possible and is ready for use  
• Cover acts as a deterrent for unoccupied beds in patient rooms- ensuring that no one sits on or places items on a clean bed or mattress  
• Allows healthcare staff to quickly identify clean vs. soiled beds 
• Protects beds, mattresses and gurneys from dust and debris while in storage 
• Available in three colors: green, red and clear - Green for CLEAN - Red for SOILED - Clear for UNCERTAIN  
• Quick and easy – applied in seconds 
• Disposable, single use 
• Patent pending 

All the items on the ECRI list represent problems that can be avoided or risks that can be minimized through the careful management of technologies. With the additional content provided in the full report, the list serves as a tool that healthcare facilities can use to efficiently and effectively manage the risks.  To learn more about how ECRI selects these hazards, please visit: https://www.ecri.org/top-ten-tech-hazards  

Keeping Patients Safe from Contaminated Mattresses Hospital bed mattress covers provide outer protection to mattresses used on hospital beds. Worn or damaged covers can let fluids inside the mattress and pose a risk of infection to patients who may come in contact with a contaminated mattress.  

The FDA recommends facilities:

• Develop an inspection plan for all beds and mattresses and follow manufacturers guidelines and recommendations
• Regularly inspect mattress covers for any signs of damage and routinely check the inside of the mattress for damage
• Remove and replace any damaged, worn or visibly stained mattress; immediately replace any cover with visible signs of damage
• Maintain: clean and disinfect undamaged mattress covers per manufacturers guidelines and do not stick needles into a mattress or through a cover