Bedding

A comfortable and well-made bed is essential for a good night's sleep. However, for older adults, managing bedding can become a challenge. Heavy duvets, complex sheet sets, and difficulty making the bed can lead to a reliance on others, frustration, and even disrupted sleep patterns.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Difficulty getting in and out of bed: Heavy duvets, cumbersome blankets, and slippery sheets can make bedding changes and nighttime adjustments challenging.

This can lead to increased reliance on others, frustration, and the potential for falls.

Lightweight duvets: Opt for lightweight, breathable duvets or comforters that are easy to manage.

Easy-grip sheets: Sheets with textured or silicone grips on the underside prevent slipping and improve stability.

Temperature regulation problems: Night sweats or feeling constantly cold can significantly disrupt sleep.

This can lead to discomfort, disturbed sleep patterns, and the potential for chills or overheating.

Temperature-regulating bedding: Choose materials like cotton, linen, or Tencel for breathability and comfort.

Weighted blankets: Can provide a sense of security and promote relaxation, but ensure appropriate weight for you.

Difficulty making the bed: Bending, reaching, and pulling heavy bedding can be strenuous.

This can lead to increased fatigue and the potential for back pain.

Bedding lifts: Devices that lift the mattress slightly for easier sheet tucking and bed making.

Long-handled sheet grabbers: Tools that assist with pulling and tucking sheets from a standing position.

Limited dexterity: Fastening buttons, manipulating zippers, or struggling with duvet covers can be frustrating.

This can lead to frustration, dependence on others, and the potential for ripped or damaged bedding.

Adaptive bedding: Explore options with magnetic closures, easy-grip zippers, or velcro fastenings for easier dressing and undressing.

Common challenges with managing bedding

Here are some everyday tasks related to bedding that can become difficult with age:

Difficulty getting in and out of bed: Heavy duvets, cumbersome blankets, and slippery sheets can make manoeuvring in and out of bed challenging.
Temperature regulation problems: Night sweats or feeling constantly cold can disrupt sleep and lead to discomfort.
Difficulty making the bed: Bending over, reaching, and pulling heavy bedding can be strenuous and difficult.
Limited dexterity: Fastening buttons, manipulating zippers, or struggling with duvet covers can be frustrating for those with limited hand strength.

Bedding solutions for improved comfort and independence

Here are some ways to make managing your bedding easier and promote a more restful night's sleep:

Simplifying sheets

Easy-grip sheets: These sheets have textured or silicone grips on the underside, preventing slipping and improving stability when getting in and out of bed.
Fitted sheets with deep pockets: Ensure a secure fit on your mattress, reducing the need for constant tucking and adjustments.

Enhancing comfort and temperature regulation

Lightweight duvets: Opt for lighter options with breathable materials like cotton or bamboo to avoid overheating.
Weighted blankets: These blankets can provide a sense of security and promote relaxation, but ensure the weight is appropriate for your body size and comfort level.
Breathable pillowcases: Cotton or linen pillowcases are cooler than synthetic materials and promote airflow.

Make getting into bed easier

Bedding lifts: These devices elevate your mattress slightly, allowing for easier sheet tucking and bed making from a standing position.
Long-handled sheet grabbers: These tools assist with pulling and tucking sheets without the need for excessive bending or reaching.

Adaptive bedding for easier dressing and undressing

Adaptive pyjamas: These come in styles with easy-grip closures, velcro fastenings, or front-opening designs for easier dressing and undressing.
Duvet covers with magnetic closures: Eliminate the need for fiddly buttons or zippers.

Choosing the right bedding for your needs

Factors to consider when selecting bedding for improved comfort and independence include:

Your sleep style: Do you tend to feel hot or cold at night? Choose bedding materials that promote breathability and temperature regulation accordingly.
Ease of use: Select bedding with features that make it easier to manage, such as easy-grip sheets or adaptive clothing.
Personal preferences: Consider factors like comfort, warmth, and aesthetics when choosing bedding materials and styles.

Additional things to consider

Laundry care: Opt for bedding materials that are easy to care for and machine washable. Consider your laundry capabilities and choose materials that dry quickly and require minimal ironing.
Safety: Ensure all bedding materials are flame-retardant for added safety.
Budget: Bedding comes in a range of price points. Set a realistic budget and prioritise features that are most important for your needs and comfort.

Where to buy equipment to help you sleep easier at night

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.