Layer of Air - Heat and Moisture Dispersal Covers for Pressure Care
- 3D Spacer Fabric for Air Circulation - the Layer of Air covers are constructed from three-dimensional spacer fabric, which has a dual-surface structure with an air gap held open between the faces by a three-dimensional fibre network; this open structure allows air to circulate freely between the mattress and the resident's skin, dispersing the heat and moisture that accumulate at the skin-to-mattress interface and are identified in NICE CG179 as key contributors to skin breakdown in pressure care patients.
- Heat and Moisture Dispersal - heat and moisture accumulation at the skin contact surface creates a microclimate that softens and weakens the skin, accelerating breakdown under pressure; the Layer of Air spacer fabric maintains an active air gap at the skin surface, continuously dissipating heat and moisture and maintaining the skin microclimate at a level consistent with NICE CG179 recommendations for pressure ulcer prevention.
- Fitted Sheet, Zipped Cover, or Cushion Options - available as a single bed fitted sheet (NCL-LOAM), double bed fitted sheet (NCL-LOAD), fully zipped single mattress cover (NCL-LOAFS), or cushion cover (NCL-LOAC); the range allows the 3D spacer fabric benefit to be applied across different bed formats and seating cushions within the same resident's pressure care environment.
- Washable Interface Layer - the spacer fabric covers are washable, supporting routine laundering as part of the care home linen management programme; the Layer of Air is used as an interface layer over the pressure care mattress or cushion, so it is in direct contact with the resident's skin and requires regular laundering as part of the infection control and skin hygiene protocol.
Layer of Air - 3D Spacer Fabric - Heat and Moisture Dispersal Covers
The Layer of Air range (NCL-LOAM) uses three-dimensional spacer fabric to maintain an air gap between the mattress or cushion and the resident's skin, dispersing heat and moisture at the contact surface per NICE CG179 microclimate management guidance. Available as single fitted sheet (NCL-LOAM), double fitted sheet (NCL-LOAD), fully zipped single cover (NCL-LOAFS), and cushion cover (NCL-LOAC).
Specifications
| Reference | Product |
|---|---|
| NCL-LOAM | Single bed fitted sheet |
| NCL-LOAD | Double bed fitted sheet |
| NCL-LOAFS | Fully zipped single mattress cover |
| NCL-LOAC | Cushion cover |
Regulatory Compliance
NICE CG179 identifies heat and moisture at the skin contact surface as significant contributors to pressure ulcer development, and recommends that the skin microclimate is managed to reduce these factors; the 3D spacer fabric directly implements this recommendation by maintaining an active air gap at the contact surface. CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) documentation should include the Layer of Air covers in the individual resident's pressure care plan, with the tissue viability nurse confirming the Layer of Air is appropriate for the individual's mattress, skin condition, and risk level. The covers should be included in the care home's regular linen laundering programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3D spacer fabric and how does it reduce heat and moisture under the resident?
3D spacer fabric is a textile construction with two flat face layers connected by a three-dimensional fibre network that holds the two faces apart, creating a defined air gap through the fabric thickness. When placed between the resident's skin and the mattress surface, the air gap maintained by the 3D structure allows heat generated by the body at the contact surface to dissipate into the surrounding air rather than being trapped between the skin and the mattress. Moisture vapour from perspiration passes through the spacer fabric and evaporates into the air space. This continuous passive heat and moisture management maintains the skin microclimate without powered equipment, complementing the pressure redistribution provided by the underlying pressure care mattress.
Which Layer of Air format should be chosen for a care home profiling bed?
For a care home profiling bed, the NCL-LOAM single bed fitted sheet is the most practical format for routine use, fitting over the pressure care mattress cover in the same way as a standard fitted sheet and providing the 3D spacer fabric interface across the entire sleeping surface. The NCL-LOAFS fully zipped single mattress cover provides more complete coverage of the mattress including the sides, which may be beneficial where the resident's limbs contact the mattress sides during repositioning. The NCL-LOAC cushion cover extends the spacer fabric benefit to seating cushions used during daytime periods. The tissue viability nurse should advise which format is most appropriate based on the individual resident's pressure care plan and positioning routine.
NCL-LOAM
- 3D Spacer Fabric for Air Circulation - the Layer of Air covers are constructed from three-dimensional spacer fabric, which has a dual-surface structure with an air gap held open between the faces by a three-dimensional fibre network; this open structure allows air to circulate freely between the mattress and the resident's skin, dispersing the heat and moisture that accumulate at the skin-to-mattress interface and are identified in NICE CG179 as key contributors to skin breakdown in pressure care patients.
- Heat and Moisture Dispersal - heat and moisture accumulation at the skin contact surface creates a microclimate that softens and weakens the skin, accelerating breakdown under pressure; the Layer of Air spacer fabric maintains an active air gap at the skin surface, continuously dissipating heat and moisture and maintaining the skin microclimate at a level consistent with NICE CG179 recommendations for pressure ulcer prevention.
- Fitted Sheet, Zipped Cover, or Cushion Options - available as a single bed fitted sheet (NCL-LOAM), double bed fitted sheet (NCL-LOAD), fully zipped single mattress cover (NCL-LOAFS), or cushion cover (NCL-LOAC); the range allows the 3D spacer fabric benefit to be applied across different bed formats and seating cushions within the same resident's pressure care environment.
- Washable Interface Layer - the spacer fabric covers are washable, supporting routine laundering as part of the care home linen management programme; the Layer of Air is used as an interface layer over the pressure care mattress or cushion, so it is in direct contact with the resident's skin and requires regular laundering as part of the infection control and skin hygiene protocol.