Trelleborg has partnered with LINET to Reimagine Mattress Covers for Intensive Care
The mattress cover has often been a footnote in the design of hospital beds—until now. LINET, leading advanced care beds & mattresses manufacturer, has challenged this notion by understanding the critical role that a mattress cover can play in enhancing both patient and healthcare experiences.
PARTNERING FOR INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE
LINET sought to engineer an integrated mattress system—Opticare X—tailored for intensive care settings. The mattress needed to go beyond the basics, offering superior pressure redistribution and immersion for critically ill patients while working harmoniously with LINET’s Multicare X ICU bed frame. To achieve this, LINET collaborated with Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, a trusted supplier renowned for its innovative support surface fabric technologies.
THE GAME CHANGER: DARTEX ZONED COATINGS ®
Under the Dartex® brand, Trelleborg introduced a revolutionary mattress cover designed explicitly for TRELLEBORG ENGINEERED COATED FABRICS LINET’s Opticare X. For the first time, a single cover could offer zoned functionalities. This pioneering ‘Zoned’ cover was created to synergize perfectly with LINET’s Multicare X ICU bed frame, offering patients unparalleled pressure redistribution through a combination of frame-based lateral tilts and low pressure mattress support.
MEETING DIVERSE MARKET NEEDS: A TESTIMENT FROM LINET
Jana Mackovicova, LINET’s Global Segment Leader for Pressure Care, adds valuable insights into the global adaptability of the Opticare X and its Dartex Zoned Coatings® cover:
“LINET Group operates globally, including in the United States, where patient needs can differ significantly compared to other markets. In the U.S., there’s a strong preference for covers that are both slippery for ease of manual handling and durable enough to withstand harsh cleaning chemicals. Simultaneously, early patient mobilization and safety are of utmost importance.
The Dartex Zoned Coatings® technology from Trelleborg helped us navigate these complex customer requirements effortlessly. The initial feedback on the Opticare X cover has been overwhelmingly positive. Many healthcare professionals appreciate the dual functionality—the high-slip central area that facilitates manual handling and the grippier edges that enhance safety during standing transfers.”
MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY IN A SINGLE ROLL
One of the remarkable advantages of Dartex Zoned Coatings® is its ability to incorporate multiple functionalities within a single cover. The Opticare X cover features high-friction edges to prevent falls, while the core of the cover employs Dartex® Endurance coating for enhanced durability and patient comfort, helping maintain an optimal microclimate around the patient.
A VISUAL IMPACT: BEYOND FUNCTIONALITY
As an added touch, the Opticare X cover features striking visuals, achieved through Trelleborg’s specialized in-house UV printing services, marrying aesthetics with performance.
AT THE LEADING EDGE
Richard Haxby, Technical Director at Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, said, “Trelleborg has a long history of developing intellectual property and understands the value of investing in research to help drive innovation in its chosen industries, including healthcare and medical.
Trelleborg’s patented Dartex Zoned Coatings® technology is a revolutionary advancement for the healthcare sector. By utilizing a single roll of fabric for multiple purposes, we not only make manufacturing more efficient but also eliminate seams and joins, crucial for preventing avoidable pressure injuries.”
ACCELERATING MARKET AVAILABILITY
Ilias Alexandrakis, Senior Development Project Manager at Trelleborg, noted, “This innovation is a significant leap for the medical device industry. It allows manufacturers to streamline production processes, thereby reducing costs and accelerating time-to-market.”
MEETING INDUSTRY STANDARDS
The Dartex Zoned Coatings® technology meets stringent industry standards: it is REACH and RoHS compliant, meets ISO9001:2015 and ISO14001:2015 certifications, and conforms to Crib 5 fire testing—underscoring its suitability for medical applications.
Through the marriage of LINET’s vision and Trelleborg’s technological prowess, the Opticare X stands as a paradigm shift in intensive care support surfaces, setting new benchmarks for patient comfort, safety, and healthcare efficiency.