The Bed Wedge (NCL-FWL, 610x610x300mm) is a polyurethane foam multi-use positioning wedge with a vapour-permeable wipe-clean cover, suitable as a backrest, pillow raiser, or postural support. Lightweight and repositionable. The washable FR cotton cover version is NCL-FWL22FR.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | NCL-FWL |
| Dimensions | 610 x 610 x 300 mm |
| Foam | Polyurethane |
| Cover | Vapour-permeable, wipe-clean |
| Uses | Backrest; pillow raiser; postural support |
| Cotton Cover Version | NCL-FWL22FR (washable FR cotton) |
CQC Regulation 10 (dignity and person-centred care) is supported by the wedge enabling residents to achieve comfortable, supported positioning for reading, eating, and resting in bed without requiring repeated carer assistance. The vapour-permeable cover supports NICE CG179 microclimate management for residents at pressure ulcer risk who use the wedge as a backrest for extended periods. MHOR 1992 benefits from the resident's ability to use the wedge independently, reducing the carer manual handling burden associated with pillow stacking and position maintenance.
When should the bed wedge be used as a backrest rather than as a pillow raiser?
The wedge is used as a backrest when placed behind the resident's back while they sit upright in bed, providing a firm, angled support that maintains the upright position for activities such as eating, reading, or physiotherapy exercise. It is used as a pillow raiser when positioned beneath the pillow to elevate the head to a higher angle than pillows alone can achieve - for example, to improve respiratory comfort for residents with sleep apnoea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or acid reflux. The care plan should document the prescribed position and the clinical rationale, particularly where the elevated angle is a clinical recommendation from the responsible clinician.
Is the vapour-permeable wipe-clean cover machine washable?
The wipe-clean vapour-permeable cover is designed for surface decontamination with an NHS IPC-compliant disinfectant wipe; confirm with the supplier whether the cover is also machine washable and at what temperature before inclusion in the care home's laundering programme. Where a machine-washable version is preferred, the NCL-FWL22FR with its three-sided zipped washable FR cotton cover provides machine-washing capability alongside fire-retardant specification. The foam core should not be machine washed; only the cover should be laundered if machine washing is supported.