Bed protectors, couch covers, adult pull-up diapers and wipes are low-cost items, but they are used every day and the wrong choice quickly shows up as wasted stock, uncomfortable patients and extra laundry. This guide helps home carers, frail care facilities, wards, consulting rooms and therapy practices choose and plan these supplies. You can browse the range in our incontinence and patient care category.
1. Who uses these products and why
- Home care and frail care: bed protectors, adult pull-ups and wipes for residents who need help with continence.
- Wards and clinics: bed protectors and pillow protectors to keep linen and mattresses clean between patients.
- Consulting rooms, physiotherapy and massage practices: fitted table covers, face paper sheets and protective capes to give each client a clean surface.
Start by listing who you care for and in which settings, then choose products for each. The right mix for a frail care home is very different from that of a physiotherapy practice.
2. Bed protectors and underpads
Disposable bed protectors, often called underpads, are absorbent sheets placed under a patient to protect the bed. The two main types are:
- Without plastic backing, for example the Disposable Bed Protector (Sheets) – Pack of 10, for light protection or as a clean surface layer.
- With plastic backing, for example the Disposable Bed Protector with Plastic Backing (Pack of 10), where a leak-resistant layer is needed to protect the mattress.
Compare the size against your beds and couches, how absorbent the product is according to the manufacturer, and the pack quantity. A protector that is too small shifts out of place and needs changing more often.
3. Pillow, table and couch covers
Covers reduce cleaning between patients and help protect surfaces. Options include, for example, the Disposable Pillow Protector, the reusable PVC Pillow Cover, the Disposable Fitted Table Cover (Pack of 10), Face Paper Sheets with Nose Hole for face-down treatment on massage and physiotherapy couches, and Disposable Protective Capes.
Reusable or disposable? A wipeable PVC cover can be cleaned between uses according to your facility’s cleaning procedure and the manufacturer’s instructions, which suits settings with a reliable cleaning routine. Disposable covers avoid cleaning time and are simple for high-turnover rooms, but generate more waste and need a steady supply. Many practices use both: a wipeable cover on the couch and a disposable sheet on top. For couch sizes and features, see our examination couches buying guide.
4. Adult pull-up diapers
Adult pull-ups, for example the Adult Diapers Pull-Up Medium – Pack 10, are worn like underwear and suit people who are mobile or partly mobile. Points to consider:
- Size by measurement, not guesswork. Measure waist and hips and use the manufacturer’s size chart. A poor fit is a common cause of leaks and discomfort.
- Absorbency. Products are made for different absorbency levels; match the level to the person’s needs as described in their care plan.
- Dignity and skin care. Choose products that are discreet and comfortable, and follow the care plan for changing frequency and skin care. Seek advice from a nurse or clinician if skin problems develop.
Order a small quantity first to confirm size and comfort before buying cartons. Toileting equipment such as commodes and raised seats is covered in our bathroom and toileting aids buying guide.
5. Wipes
Gentle wipes are useful for personal care. The range includes, for example, Anabel Alcohol-Free Hypoallergenic Baby Wipes 80 Pack, which some carers also use for adult personal care. Check the label for intended use, and keep wipes for personal care separate from surface disinfectant wipes so the two are not confused.
6. Estimating usage and storage
The most reliable way to plan is to estimate use per person per day, then multiply up:
- Count how many protectors, pull-ups and wipes each resident or patient uses on a typical day, according to their care plan.
- Multiply by the number of people and by 30 for a monthly figure, then add a buffer for changes in need.
- For practices, base cover and sheet use on the number of appointments per day.
Bulky items need dry, clean storage off the floor. Check how many cartons you can store before ordering larger volumes, and rotate stock so older packs are used first. Larger packs and cartons usually reduce cost per unit, which is where planned monthly orders help.
How to order from Medlive
Browse the Medical Supplies and Consumables department and read our medical consumables buying guide for related items. Customers in South Africa see ZAR prices including VAT where a verified price is available and can add items to the cart; customers in other African countries see Price on request (USD), with freight and import paperwork confirmed on the quotation. For a mixed list, request a quotation; for regular monthly carton quantities for a care home, ward or group of practices, use bulk orders. Payment is by EFT once the final total is confirmed in writing.
