# S2k Guideline: Hygienic requirements for patient beds, bed linen, bed accessories and personal protection when handling beds

## TL;DR

This guideline outlines hygienic practices for hospital beds and linens to prevent infections and ensure patient safety.

## Contribution

The paper provides 40 specific recommendations for bed hygiene and reprocessing in hospitals.

## Key findings

- Hospital beds can become sources of antibiotic-resistant pathogens if not properly disinfected.
- Bed linen and accessories must be disinfected before reoccupation to prevent nosocomial infections.
- The guideline includes ergonomic and organizational principles for bed reprocessing.

## Abstract

Hospitalized patients are often more susceptible to infection than healthy people due to their illness, the presence of devices and their reduced immune defenses. At the same time, potentially pathogenic pathogens, which are often characterized by antibiotic resistance, are released into the area close to the patient, including the bed. To prevent hospital beds from becoming a source of nosocomial infections, bed linen and hospital beds, including encasings or pillows and comforters, must be disinfected before reoccupation, in contrast to hotel beds.

The guideline outlines the hygienic and ergonomic requirements for hospital beds, ensuring bed hygiene during the patient's stay and the principles of bed reprocessing, including organization, quality assurance and staff protection, in 40 recommendations.