Mattress Check Audit - Care Homes

Q1 | Unanswered

Is there a written process/SOP for mattress selection, inspection, cleaning, decontamination, repair, and replacement?

Q2 | Unanswered

Is there a named person/team responsible for mattress safety, hygiene, and compliance (e.g., IPC lead / facilities lead)?

Q3 | Unanswered

Is there a complete mattress inventory (unique ID/asset tag, location/bedspace, type, size, supplier, purchase date)?

Q4 | Unanswered

Is there a planned preventive maintenance (PPM) schedule for all mattresses and pressure-relieving systems?

Q5 | Unanswered

Are inspection frequencies defined (e.g., on admission, weekly/monthly, after contamination, after moving rooms, after discharge)?

Q6 | Unanswered

Are inspection records completed consistently, signed, and retained to evidence governance and oversight?

Q7 | Unanswered

Are mattresses checked to ensure they are the correct size and fit for the bedframe (no overhang, no gaps, no instability)?

Q8 | Unanswered

Are mattresses compatible with the bedframe’s features (profiling function, bedrails, extension pieces) and used as per manufacturer guidance?

Q9 | Unanswered

Are mattress weight limits clearly known and respected (including bariatric equipment where required)?

Q10 | Unanswered

Are residents assessed for pressure ulcer risk on admission and routinely thereafter, with the mattress type aligned to assessed risk?

Q11 | Unanswered

Are pressure redistribution devices provided promptly for residents assessed as high risk of pressure damage (e.g., alternating pressure, high-spec foam)?

Q12 | Unanswered

Is the mattress type documented in each resident’s care plan (including settings for dynamic systems where applicable)?

Q13 | Unanswered

Are any changes to mattress type (e.g., escalation to dynamic) recorded with rationale, date, and responsible clinician/lead?

Q14 | Unanswered

Are staff trained to recognise when a mattress is no longer suitable (e.g., bottoming-out, loss of support, deterioration in condition)?

Q15 | Unanswered

Are “bottoming out” checks carried out for foam mattresses where appropriate and recorded (as per local guidance/manufacturer instructions)?

Q16 | Unanswered

Are mattress surfaces checked for visible damage (tears, cuts, punctures, abrasions, cracks, peeling, delamination)?

Q17 | Unanswered

Are seams, welded joints, and zipper areas checked for splits or gaps that could allow fluid ingress?

Q18 | Unanswered

Are mattress covers checked for integrity and waterproofness (no pinholes, compromised coating, or worn areas)?

Q19 | Unanswered

Are mattress covers confirmed to be the correct cover for the mattress model (not mismatched or improvised)?

Q20 | Unanswered

Are mattress handles (if present) intact and used only for positioning the mattress, not for lifting residents?

Q21 | Unanswered

Are mattresses checked for staining, odour, dampness, or evidence of fluid ingress beneath the cover?

Q22 | Unanswered

If the cover is removable, is the inner core/foam checked where indicated for contamination, staining, or deterioration?

Q23 | Unanswered

Are mattresses free from embedded foreign objects or puncture risks (e.g., needles, sharp debris, broken zipper pull)?

Q24 | Unanswered

Are mattress surfaces checked for unevenness, sagging, lumps, flattening, or loss of resilience?

Q25 | Unanswered

Are mattresses checked for cleanliness (no visible dirt, residue, hair, dust, or body fluid contamination)?

Q26 | Unanswered

Are cleaning products used appropriate for the mattress material and cover (correct dilution, contact time, and compatibility)?

Q27 | Unanswered

Are cleaning and disinfection methods consistent with manufacturer instructions (to avoid damage and maintain warranty/compliance)?

Q28 | Unanswered

Are staff trained in the correct cleaning/decontamination procedure for foam mattresses and dynamic systems (including pumps and hoses)?

Q29 | Unanswered

Are mattresses cleaned and disinfected immediately after any body fluid contamination (e.g., urine, faeces, vomit, blood)?

Q30 | Unanswered

Is there a clear escalation process when a mattress is contaminated and cannot be cleaned safely (quarantine and remove from service)?

Q31 | Unanswered

Are mattresses used for residents with known/suspected infections managed in line with IPC requirements (enhanced cleaning, isolation protocols)?

Q32 | Unanswered

Is there a process to prevent cross-contamination during mattress transport (e.g., protective covers/bags, designated routes, hand hygiene)?

Q33 | Unanswered

Are mattresses stored correctly when not in use (clean, dry, off the floor, protected from damage, and away from dirty utility areas)?

Q34 | Unanswered

Are storage areas suitable (no damp, mould risk, pests, excessive heat, direct sunlight, or overcrowding that causes abrasion)?

Q35 | Unanswered

Are soiled and clean mattresses kept clearly separated to prevent mix-ups?

Q36 | Unanswered

Are mattresses inspected after moving/handling or relocation to ensure covers have not been damaged during transfer?

Q37 | Unanswered

Are mattress replacement criteria clearly defined (e.g., any cover breach, persistent staining/odour, damaged seams, loss of support)?

Q38 | Unanswered

Are damaged mattresses removed from use immediately and clearly labelled to prevent accidental re-use?

Q39 | Unanswered

Is there a timely repair/replacement pathway (approved supplier, lead times understood, contingency stock available)?

Q40 | Unanswered

Are pressure-relieving mattresses/overlays (dynamic systems) checked for correct functioning at each use?

Q41 | Unanswered

Are dynamic mattress pumps checked for alarm function, correct pressure/weight setting, and visible damage to casing/controls?

Q42 | Unanswered

Are hoses, connectors, and CPR valves checked for leaks, kinks, damage, and secure fitting?

Q43 | Unanswered

Are dynamic mattress filters (where applicable) cleaned/replaced in line with manufacturer guidance and recorded?

Q44 | Unanswered

Are dynamic systems included in electrical safety checks/PAT testing schedules where required, with evidence available?

Q45 | Unanswered

Are trailing cables managed safely to reduce trips, accidental disconnection, or equipment damage?

Q46 | Unanswered

Are mattress toppers/overlays only used when clinically appropriate and confirmed compatible (not compromising pressure care or fire safety)?

Q47 | Unanswered

Are incontinent sheets, pads, and protectors used in a way that does not negate pressure redistribution or increase heat/moisture risk?

Q48 | Unanswered

Are residents supported with comfort and temperature regulation (e.g., overheating/sweating) that can increase skin breakdown risk?

Q49 | Unanswered

Are residents’ skin integrity outcomes reviewed alongside mattress suitability (e.g., new/worsening pressure damage triggers reassessment)?

Q50 | Unanswered

Are pressure damage incidents reviewed for contributory factors, including mattress condition/appropriateness and care practice?

Q51 | Unanswered

Are safeguarding considerations followed where pressure ulcers may indicate neglect or poor care, with clear escalation pathways?

Q52 | Unanswered

Are staff competent in safe bed making and repositioning without causing mattress cover damage (e.g., avoiding sharp objects, friction, tearing)?

Q53 | Unanswered

Are sharp items controlled at bedside (e.g., scissors, razors, needles) to reduce puncture risk to covers and cores?

Q54 | Unanswered

Are mattresses checked to ensure labels (manufacturer, model, cleaning instructions, fire compliance info) are present and legible?

Q55 | Unanswered

Are mattresses compliant with relevant fire safety requirements for care environments and kept free from unauthorised modifications?

Q56 | Unanswered

Are procurement decisions for mattresses based on assessed needs (pressure care, bariatric, dementia, infection control, durability) and documented?

Q57 | Unanswered

Are audits of mattress condition and compliance completed at a defined frequency, with action plans tracked to completion?

Q58 | Unanswered

Is there management oversight to ensure recurring issues (e.g., repeated cover damage, cleaning failures, delays in replacement) are addressed?

Q59 | Unanswered

Are lessons learned from mattress-related incidents (falls from bed, entrapment risk, pressure damage, infection outbreaks) shared with staff and embedded in practice?