Cleaning and Maintaining Pressure Care Cushion Covers

Why the cover matters as much as the cushion

A pressure care cushion only works as well as the cover wrapped around it. That cover is a barrier, keeping urine, sweat, wound exudate, food spills and everyday grime away from the foam or gel inside. If moisture reaches the foam, the cushion can break down, lose its shape and stop spreading pressure the way it was designed to. A soiled or damaged cover also increases the risk of skin irritation and infection, at a time when skin is already fragile.

There is a second reason covers matter: they affect how the cushion performs. A cover that has shrunk, stiffened or been refitted twisted will create creases and friction, and those are exactly what we are trying to avoid. Looking after the cover is not housekeeping. It is part of the pressure care plan.

Know what type of cover you have

Most modern covers fall into a few broad types, and the care they need differs. Check the label or the information that came with the cushion before you wash anything for the first time.

• Vapour-permeable (often called breathable) covers allow some moisture vapour to escape while resisting liquid. These are easily ruined by fabric conditioner, which blocks the pores.
• Waterproof covers are fully fluid-resistant and usually the simplest to wipe clean, but can feel warm and clammy if left in place too long without checking the skin.
• Two-way stretch or multi-stretch covers are designed to move with the cushion so it can still conform to the body. They need gentle washing to keep that stretch.
• Integral covers are stitched into the cushion and cannot be removed. These are wiped only, never immersed, unless the manufacturer says otherwise.

If you are unsure which you have, ask your district nurse, tissue viability team or the equipment provider before washing.

Everyday care: little and often

You do not need to deep clean daily, but a quick check each day prevents bigger problems.

• Wipe the surface with warm water and a little neutral detergent, then dry it thoroughly. Damp covers against skin are a recipe for maceration.
• Shake out crumbs, biscuit fragments, pet hair and anything else that can work its way into seams.
• Check for leakage after every episode of incontinence and clean straight away.
• Look at the seams, zips and edges for splits, cracking or lifting.
• Watch for build-up from barrier creams and lotions, which can leave a tacky film. Ask the district nurse which products are compatible with your cover.
• Never use abrasive scourers, solvent-based cleaners, bleach sprays or alcohol wipes unless the manufacturer specifically allows them.

Washing the cover correctly

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions first, as heat tolerances vary. As a general guide:

• Close the zip fully before washing so the teeth do not snag the fabric.
• Place the cover in a laundry net or pillowcase, and wash it separately from items with hook-and-loop fastenings, which act like Velcro in the machine.
• Use a mild, non-biological detergent. Do not add fabric conditioner or softener, as it coats the fibres and reduces breathability.
• Only use bleach or disinfectant if the label permits it. Many covers tolerate a thermal disinfection wash at a higher temperature instead.
• Do not overload the drum. Covers need room to move and rinse properly.
• Have a spare cover so the cushion can stay in use while the other is being washed.

If the cover has been contaminated with bodily fluids, follow local infection control advice and wash it at the temperature stated for that purpose.

Drying without damaging the fabric

How you dry a cover matters as much as how you wash it. Heat is the enemy of stretch fabrics, waterproof membranes and coated linings.

• Tumble dry on a low setting only if the label allows, or air dry indoors at room temperature.
• Keep covers away from radiators, boilers, airing cupboards and direct sunlight, which can make the material brittle.
• Never iron a pressure care cover.
• Do not wring or twist the fabric.
• Make sure the cover is completely dry inside and out before refitting. A faint damp patch at the seam will sit against skin for hours.

Spotting wear and knowing when to replace

Covers have a limited lifespan, even with careful handling. Check yours properly once a month and after every wash. Replace it if you notice tears, cracking, a stiff or shiny surface, delamination, a failed zip, persistent staining or a cover that no longer fits snugly without creases.

Never use the cushion without its cover, and never substitute a towel, pillowcase or bin bag. If you are waiting for a replacement, contact the equipment provider, your district nurse or the occupational therapist who supplied the cushion. Keep a note of when each cover was washed and replaced, as this helps everyone involved in the person's care. Well-kept covers protect the cushion, protect the skin and give families one less thing to worry about.