Healthcare disinfectants are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces. In fact, there are no chemicals registered with the EPA that can make disinfection claims on soft surfaces.55 Mattresses are soft, porous surfaces, and therefore, can be damaged by the harsh disinfectants used in healthcare facilities. It is recommended that chemicals be rinsed off the mattress after allowing the disinfectant to set for the indicated contact time.39-42 This is to reduce the amount of damage caused by the chemicals on the mattress cover. Additionally, the chemical concentrations recommended by mattress manufacturers may be too low to achieve adequate disinfection of the surface, leaving patients at risk.
FOLLOW-UP: Contact your chemical disinfectant provider and ask what level of disinfection the mattress manufacturer’s recommendations will produce on a soft surface such as a mattress. Also ask if the chemicals will cause any damage to the mattress surface.