Culianan National High School

Caregiving 9
Handouts in Bedmaking
Prepared by: Hasmin C. Fernando, RN

Overview

Bed making is an art. It is a way of preparing the appropriate bed based on the
condition of the patient which adopts scientific principles of nursing. Skillful bed making
promotes comfort for the patient.
Bed making is a process to which a caregiver prepares a bed ready to receive client
either for way of recovery or for treatment. The bed is one of the most vital parts of patient
environment in a healthcare setting. Knowing how to make various types of beds and how
to modify them for special situations is one of the fundamental procedures for a caregiver
to perform. Regardless of what type of bed to be prepared, certain guidelines in bedmaking
has to be followed.

Definition of Terms:
A. Fanfold- is done by grasping the upper edge of the linen with both hands.
B. Miter- anchoring of sheets to mattress
C. Toe pleat- a fold made on the linen to provide additional space for patient’s toes

Purpose
 To promote client’s comfort,
 To provide clean and neat environment for the client,
 Provide a smooth wrinkled-free bed thus minimizing the sources of skin irritations
and bed sores.
As a Caregiver you have to do the following before making up a bed;
 Check for all the linens necessary to change the bed. Check for dirty linen.
 Check whether the bed needs cleaning before placing clean sheets on it to
reduce the transmission of microorganism.
 Check client ability to be out of bed in a safe place while changing the linen.
Importance of Bedmaking

Materials needed in making up a bed

1. Bottom Sheet (folded right side in) 5. Top Sheet (folded wrong side in)
2. Rubber Sheet 6. Pillowcase
3. Draw Sheet 7. Non-Sterile Gloves

Types of Bed

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 1. Unoccupied Bed
a. Close bed- It is an empty bed in which the top covers are so arranged that all
linen beneath the spread is fully protected from dust and dirt.
b. Open bed- used to designate the hospital bed when it is about to be occupied by
a client.
2. Occupied Bed- This is to make a bed with the client in. This is made for a client who
cannot get out of the bed.
Beginning Skills in Bed making
Stripping the Bed- removal of used linen and airing of mattress
Procedure in Stripping the Bed
Materials needed:
2 Hamper bag Clean Gloves Apron
1. Place the hamper bag at the foot of the bed
2. Loosen all the linens starting at one side of the bed going around the bed.
3. Remove pillowcase. Place pillow on chair.
4. Roll each linen with soiled parts inside.
5. Wrap them all together and place it at the lower part of the bed
6. Rubber sheet direct on the hamper bag.
7. Disinfect mattress.
Unoccupied Bed Procedure
Procedure Rationale
Preparation:
1. Wash hands and observe To prevent the spread and transfer of
appropriate infection control infectious microorganism.
procedures
2. Gather all the linens needed and Provides access to items needed ad save
place on a dry clean surface based time, effort and energy in the performance
on the order of usage. of the procedure
3. Position bed flat, side rails down. Promote and maintain good body
Adjust height to waist level . mechanics and decrease back strain.
4. Check the mattress pads. Change if Reduce the transmission of microorganism
soiled or expose to air to dry. and eliminate odor.
Implementation:
1. Place the folded bottom sheet with Smooth side of the linen will be the one to
its centerfold on the center of the be in contact with the patient’s skin to
bed. Align the bottom sheet on the avoid irritation and bed sores.
foot of the bed. (to correctly check
the placement of the bottom sheet
always remember to check the folds
of the linen *more folds away from
the body and less folds towards the
body)
2. Spread the sheet out over the To remain securely in place, especially
mattress and allow sufficient when the head of the bed is elevated
amount of the sheets at the top to
tuck under the mattress.
3. Miter the sheet at the top corner of Systematic action saves time and energy.
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 the bed creating a triangular fold
then tuck with palm under the
mattress.
4. Place rubber sheet on top of the Rubber sheets protects the bottom sheet
bottom sheet and unfold the middle from soaking
crease.
5. Lay the draw sheet on top of the Rubber sheets emit heat and may cause
rubber sheet and unfold the middle skin irritation. Draw sheets are used to
crease. protect client’s skin from direct contact
with the rubber sheet. Draw sheet at the
same time facilitate in changing position of
client or transferring of client to other bed.
6. Tuck all together the bottom, rubber Systematic action saves time and energy
and draw sheets.
7. Place the top sheet on top of the bed
wrong side up. Align the top sheet at
the head area of the mattress. Tuck
and miter the sheet at the foot area
of the bed.
8. Move to the other side of the bed Completing one entire side of the bed at a
and follow the steps 1 to 7 by time saves time and energy. Wrinkles can
pulling each sheets firmly so that cause discomfort to client.
there will be no wrinkles. Tuck
under the mattress.
9. Make a horizontal pleat toe by Allow the client easy mobility within the
folding in the sheets 5 to 10 cm bed.
across the bed near the foot
10. Change pillow case Pillows can also harbor contaminants
causing spread of infection

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