Bed-making: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Bed in Seattle hotel.jpg|right|thumb|An unmade hotel bed.]]
{{Short description|The process of arranging and preparing a bed for use}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


'''Bed-making''' is the act of arranging the [[Bed sheet|bedsheets]] and other [[bedding]] on a [[bed]], to prepare it for use.<ref name=oed>{{cite book|title=Oxford English Dictionary|url=http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/112645?rskey=tyGmtC&result=9&isAdvanced=false#|chapter=Make (v. 1): 62:|quote=To prepare (a bed) for sleeping in; to arrange bedclothes on (a bed) for future use.|url-access=subscription}}</ref> It is a household chore, but is also performed in establishments including hospitals, hotels, and military or educational residences. Bed-making is also a common childhood chore.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aguirre|first=Sarah|title=Make a Bed|url=http://housekeeping.about.com/od/bedrooms/ht/makebed.htm|work=About.com: Housekeeping|accessdate=26 June 2012}}</ref>
==Bed-making==
[[Bed-making]] is the act of arranging and preparing a [[bed]] for use. This process is a fundamental skill in [[nursing]] and [[hospitality]] industries, ensuring comfort, hygiene, and aesthetic appeal. Proper bed-making is essential in healthcare settings to prevent [[pressure ulcers]] and maintain patient dignity.


==History==
==Purpose==
Beds must sometimes be made to exacting standards, demanded of nurses or military personnel.<ref>{{cite book|last=Curtis|first=Mike|title=Close Quarter Battle|year=1997|publisher=Corgi Books|location=London, United Kingdom|isbn=0-552-14465-7|edition=1998|page=44|chapter=Chapter 2|quote=At the crack of dawn, the screaming started again. Beds had to be made, with the sheets and grey army blankets stacked neatly and perfectly square on top.}}</ref> In a [[hospital]] or other health-care environment, beds must sometimes be made while occupied by a patient. Specialised techniques are taught to healthcare staff to enable beds to be made efficiently with due care for the patient.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bed Making|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/6635685/Bed-Making|work=scribd.com|accessdate=26 June 2012}} ''A sample training document''</ref>
The primary purpose of bed-making is to provide a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for [[sleep]]. In healthcare, it is crucial for [[infection control]] and patient care. A well-made bed can also contribute to a patient's psychological well-being by promoting a sense of order and cleanliness.


There are different bed-making techniques, such as "hospital corners" and "mitred corners". [[Military recruit]]s are often taught how to make a neat and tidy bed with hospital corners. Military personnel are expected to fold the bed very tightly, in some cases so that a coin can bounce off of it.<ref>{{cite book|last=McKay|first=Gary|title=In Good Company|year=1987|publisher=Allen & Unwin|location=Sydney, Australia|isbn=1-86448-904-9|edition=1998|page=19|chapter=Chapter 2 - Doing Extras at Scheyville|quote=He stepped into my mess of a room and by dinnertime he had run me through the whole gammut of how to set up the room in inspection order, and how to make the bed properly so the drillies could bounce a 20c coin off the counterpane}}</ref>
==Types of Bed-making==
There are several types of bed-making techniques, each suited to different settings and purposes:


Since 2012, many [[self-making bed]]s which automatically rearrange the bedding are in development and in use.<ref>{{cite web|last=Marable|first=Eileen|title=Yes, yes a million times: Bed makes itself in 50 seconds|url=http://dvice.com/archives/2012/06/bed-makes-itsel.php|work=Dvice|accessdate=26 June 2012|date=8 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://myluxurybed.co.uk/blogs/blog/a-chore-no-more-the-self-making-bed-is-here | title=OHEA smart bed | accessdate=26 June 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301005646/https://myluxurybed.co.uk/blogs/blog/a-chore-no-more-the-self-making-bed-is-here | archive-date=1 March 2017 | dead-url=yes }}</ref> New innovations in bedding have arisen in recent years (beginning in 2014<ref>{{cite web|title=Discover Beddy's|url=https://beddys.com/pages/what-are-beddys-bed-sets}}</ref>) that have further simplified bed-making—some claiming that zipper beds can be made in under 10 seconds.
===Closed Bed===
A closed bed is made when it is not in use. It is typically used in [[hospital]]s to prepare for a new patient. The top sheet and blankets are pulled up to the head of the bed and tucked neatly under the pillows.


==Record==
===Open Bed===
[[Guinness World Records]] reports that the record time for two people to make a bed "with one blanket, two sheets, an undersheet, an uncased pillow, one pillowcase, one counterpane and hospital corners" is 14.0 seconds. This feat was achieved by two nurses from the [[Royal Masonic Hospital]] in London in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fastest time to make a bed by a team of two|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-10000/fastest-time-to-make-a-bed-by-a-team-of-two/|work=[[Guinness World Records]]|accessdate=26 June 2012}}</ref>
An open bed is prepared for a patient who is expected to return shortly. The top covers are folded back to make it easier for the patient to get into bed.


==References==
===Occupied Bed===
{{reflist}}
An occupied bed is made while the patient is still in it. This technique requires skill to ensure the patient's comfort and safety while changing the linens.


[[Category:Beds]]
===Surgical Bed===
[[Category:Domestic life]]
A surgical bed, also known as a recovery bed, is prepared for a patient returning from surgery. The sheets are folded to one side to facilitate easy transfer from a stretcher.
[[Category:Nursing]]
 
[[Category:Military life]]
==Steps in Bed-making==
[[Category:Hospitality management]]
The process of bed-making involves several steps to ensure the bed is clean and comfortable:
{{dictionary-stub1}}
 
# '''Remove Used Linens''': Carefully remove the used linens, avoiding the spread of [[microorganisms]].
# '''Clean the Mattress''': Wipe down the mattress with a disinfectant if necessary.
# '''Place the Bottom Sheet''': Lay the bottom sheet smoothly over the mattress, ensuring there are no wrinkles.
# '''Add the Top Sheet and Blankets''': Place the top sheet and blankets, tucking them neatly under the mattress.
# '''Arrange the Pillows''': Fluff and place the pillows at the head of the bed.
# '''Final Touches''': Ensure the bed is tidy and aesthetically pleasing.
 
==Importance in Healthcare==
In healthcare settings, bed-making is not only about comfort but also about [[patient safety]]. Properly made beds can prevent [[bedsores]] and reduce the risk of [[hospital-acquired infections]]. Nurses and healthcare workers are trained in efficient bed-making techniques to minimize patient discomfort and maintain hygiene standards.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Nursing]]
* [[Infection control]]
* [[Patient care]]
* [[Hospital]]
 
[[Category:Healthcare]]
[[Category:Hospitality]]
[[Category:Housekeeping]]

Latest revision as of 19:09, 22 March 2025

The process of arranging and preparing a bed for use



Bed-making[edit]

Bed-making is the act of arranging and preparing a bed for use. This process is a fundamental skill in nursing and hospitality industries, ensuring comfort, hygiene, and aesthetic appeal. Proper bed-making is essential in healthcare settings to prevent pressure ulcers and maintain patient dignity.

Purpose[edit]

The primary purpose of bed-making is to provide a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for sleep. In healthcare, it is crucial for infection control and patient care. A well-made bed can also contribute to a patient's psychological well-being by promoting a sense of order and cleanliness.

Types of Bed-making[edit]

There are several types of bed-making techniques, each suited to different settings and purposes:

Closed Bed[edit]

A closed bed is made when it is not in use. It is typically used in hospitals to prepare for a new patient. The top sheet and blankets are pulled up to the head of the bed and tucked neatly under the pillows.

Open Bed[edit]

An open bed is prepared for a patient who is expected to return shortly. The top covers are folded back to make it easier for the patient to get into bed.

Occupied Bed[edit]

An occupied bed is made while the patient is still in it. This technique requires skill to ensure the patient's comfort and safety while changing the linens.

Surgical Bed[edit]

A surgical bed, also known as a recovery bed, is prepared for a patient returning from surgery. The sheets are folded to one side to facilitate easy transfer from a stretcher.

Steps in Bed-making[edit]

The process of bed-making involves several steps to ensure the bed is clean and comfortable:

  1. Remove Used Linens: Carefully remove the used linens, avoiding the spread of microorganisms.
  2. Clean the Mattress: Wipe down the mattress with a disinfectant if necessary.
  3. Place the Bottom Sheet: Lay the bottom sheet smoothly over the mattress, ensuring there are no wrinkles.
  4. Add the Top Sheet and Blankets: Place the top sheet and blankets, tucking them neatly under the mattress.
  5. Arrange the Pillows: Fluff and place the pillows at the head of the bed.
  6. Final Touches: Ensure the bed is tidy and aesthetically pleasing.

Importance in Healthcare[edit]

In healthcare settings, bed-making is not only about comfort but also about patient safety. Properly made beds can prevent bedsores and reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections. Nurses and healthcare workers are trained in efficient bed-making techniques to minimize patient discomfort and maintain hygiene standards.

Related pages[edit]