Silver Türk PhD discusses how hospital pillows can pose a potential risk of COVID-19 transmission and how to mitigate the risk.
Microorganisms can persist on common hospital surfaces for up to several weeks or months.1 In contrast to evidence regarding hard surfaces, relatively few studies have focused on textiles. Pillow seams and care labels that are attached by stitching to the pillow form the most significant vector for pathogens.2 When the head is lifted from the pillow, air flows into the pillow and can contaminate the interior; when the head is laid on the pillow or is moved, air escapes the pillow and can contaminate the exterior – in effect, an aerosol generating procedure.
Pathogens can contaminate both the surface and interior of traditional pillows and mattresses. Conversely, only the surface remains accessible to pathogens if a nanoporous filter is used as a barrier that blocks the viruses but lets the air pass. The filter is necessary on a sealed pillow, since it would otherwise be unable to deflate and conform to the patient. Infectious agents can enter the traditional pillows and mattresses via vents and sewing holes, while the pillows and mattresses with nanoporous filters block such mechanisms of contamination.
What is known about coronaviruses?
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