We live in a world where safety dominates the work place; there is no exception in the hospitality industry where some say with bunk beds there are Safety issues when making up bunks even with foam mattresses. Mattresses on the top level of a bunk bed are by far the most awkward to access when applying linen and blankets, especially inner spring type mattresses.
Comparing foam mattresses to inner spring mattresses
Inner spring mattresses comprise of padded layers, inner metal coil springs, further padding and finally a foam topping. Inner spring mattresses by their very nature are thicker, more structurally rigid therefore much harder to handle when applying bedding than foam mattresses.
Foam mattresses are usually just that, a foam block that is measured in density and ILD [rebound properties]. Using the correct mattress on the top compartment of a bunk bed is crucial because the person who has to fit bed sheets and blankets usually has the access the top compartment of a bunk bed via the ladder.
The correct way to fit bedding to a bunk bed
By far the best type of mattress to use on the top compartment of any bunk bed are foam mattresses; below is a list of benefits of using foam mattresses over a traditional spring mattress.
Foam mattresses are the easiest to deal with because of their flexibility, follow these easy steps to make the job easier and safer.
- There is no need to move a bunk bed away from a wall to fit sheets, linen and blankets
- Place the clean linen at arm’s reach on top of the mattress prior to climbing the ladder
- Always keep your body as close as you can to the bunk bed frame when climbing the ladder
- Using both hands firmly grasp the ladder sides and climb to a height where your pelvis is level with the top of the ladder, there is no need to climb any further
- 4 inch [100mm] thickness foam mattresses are flexible enough to pull and bend each corner towards you allowing you to fit a fitted sheet
- Once all corners are fitted, repeat for the flat sheet and blanket tucking the sides down to leave a nice tight fit
- Descend the ladder keeping a firm hold and keeping your body as close to the bunk bed frame as possible
- Finally use a clip board to reach over and tuck all edges tight!
