For those who don’t know, a closed bed is simply one that is usually cleaned, covered, and secured properly to receive the next patient. And yes, just like any other type of bed preparation, there is an actual procedure for making a closed bed in nursing, at a healthcare facility, or a hospital. Today, we’ll be walking you through not only what this type of bed-making is, and why it is important, but also the basics of it as well as how to do it properly. So, if that’s what you are here for, just keep on reading.

What is a Closed Bed?

A closed bed is a medical bed that is not in use and is situated within a hospital ward. It is uniformly arranged with all the bedding lying flat against its surface and the sheets and blankets secure and firmly folded in. Thus the expression “closed bed” points to the tightly bound linens looking as if they had been “closed” off or sealed on the corners. The bed remains like that until its need arises which is often the case for a new patient who is about to be brought in.

To prevent cross-contamination, to protect the bed from the intrusion of dirt and dust, and to have it ready when a new patient comes in, the first thing that is done is to close the bed, you know? This is also part of the sterile procedure as more than just cleanliness is necessary for the professional look of a facility.

Principles of Closed Bed Making

Let’s say you are a nurse in a hospital or any other healthcare facility, and now you want to get down to learning about how to make a closed bed, so what are the key things or basics you should know about? Well, here are a few:

• Infection Control and Hygiene: Be sure to clean your hands before and after. If you really want to prevent the transfer of germs, bacteria, or viruses, you must make sure that you always wash your hands and always use gloves if possible. This is especially important in hospitals because it will prevent the spread of infection.
• Good Body Mechanics: When making the beds, nurses should use proper posture to avoid hurting their backs, you know? For example, the nurse’s back will be safe while tucking in sheets by bending only the knees instead of the waist.
• Comfort and Safety: Tucking the bed linens tightly means a bed looks smooth and without any wrinkles, it won’t cause discomfort and might even become a skin sore for the patients.
• Using Time Efficiently: Get all the things done before you even start making the bed, such as placing the pillowcases cover on the mattress before adding the blankets, etc. so that there will not be anything left yet to be done and such, saving a lot of energy as well as time. The other way to do this task is, the other side should be made up only after the first is completely done. This way no extra effort will be needed.

Equipment and Supplies for Closed Bed Making

You see, to create a closed bed, you indeed will want a few items or things. Like what? Well, let’s just find that out:

• Clean Linens: Consider this bottom sheet, top sheet, draw sheet (a sheet smaller than the top and bottom sheets put across the bed), and pillowcases.
• Blankets and Bedspread: They will be responsible for the warmth, and to have a nice bed presentation, you know?
• Mackintosh or Waterproof Pad: The function of this bed item is to keep the bed dry and clean by securing it underneath the draw sheet.
• Pillow and Mattress: A cozy, soft, and everything else a perfect kind of mattress and pillows make the perfect bed.
• Linen Bag: The outcome of the process we call “bed stripping” will be the dirty or soiled linens that we should put in the linen bag.
• Gloves: Put on gloves in case you come across any of the dirty, soiled, or possibly hazardous linens.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Closed Bed Making

Let’s break down the process:

1. The first thing you need to do is to wash your hands, so you don’t carry germs, you know? And only then, you should get your materials like clean linens, blankets, and pillowcases, and make sure the bed is at a comfortable height to avoid back strain.
2. If old linens are still on the bed, you need to take them off without shaking them. You should fold them inward to trap any germs and place them in the linen bag. Just like that, the pillowcase should be removed and set aside.
3. Using a vacuum cleaner, you should remove the dirt and dust from the mattress. If it is centered on the bed, you should adjust the mattress now.
4. On the mattress, the bottom sheet should lay flat and at the center. You should also fold in the top end and make hospital corners at the foot of the bed for a better fit.
5. One should always put the waterproof pad (mackintosh) about 18 inches from the top of the bed. In other words, the draw sheet must be over it and it must be tucked in along the sides.
6. The top sheet must be placed evenly on the bed, also matching the top edge of the mattress. Tucking in the blanket at the foot and along the sides should be firm and tight. Then, you must use the blanket or bedspread to cover the top leaving 6 inches from the top and similarly tucking it in.
7. You should take the pillow, put the pillowcase on the pillow, and place it at the head of the bed, with the open end facing away from the door. Look closely at the pillow and see for any annoying wrinkles or loose corners, ensuring that the bed looks neat and is ready for the next patient.

Conclusion

That’s all you need to know about how to make a closed bed if you are a nurse at a healthcare facility or a hospital. Just keep in mind the basics we talked about, and follow the steps mentioned, and you’ll see yourself preparing a closed bed in no time.