For a hospital bed mattress cover, PU polyurethane is usually the better choice: it keeps liquids out, lets water vapour through, stretches with the mattress and survives hot washing. PVC is a cheaper waterproof film, but it is generally not breathable and tends to be stiffer. The right choice depends on where the cover is used and for how long.
What is a PU polyurethane mattress cover?
A PU mattress cover is made from a polyester knit coated with a thin polyurethane membrane. The membrane blocks liquid water but lets water vapour pass. Libacce's PU cover fabric is 37% polyurethane and 63% polyester; it withstands at least 2 m of water column (EN 20811) and has a water vapour permeability of 500 g/m²/24 h or more (ASTM E96).
What is a PVC mattress cover?
A PVC mattress cover is usually made from a solid plastic film or a vinyl-coated fabric. It holds liquid back well and costs less. The film, however, is generally vapour-proof, which can trap heat and moisture between the cover and the patient.
The key differences between PU and PVC
- Breathability: a PU membrane passes vapour, so body moisture escapes. A PVC film usually keeps vapour in, which can increase sweating and skin moisture.
- Stretch and fit: a two-way stretch PU-coated knit moves with the mattress and the patient, without ridges or pressure points. PVC can be stiffer, rustle and crease.
- Washing: a well-made PU cover survives hot washing; Libacce PU mattress covers can be washed at up to 85 °C. Depending on how they are made, PVC films can stiffen with repeated hot washing and disinfectant, so always ask for the wash rating.
- Hygiene: both can be wiped clean. A PU cover can also be machine washed, which makes turnaround between patients easy, and it is generally preferred for long-term use.
- Cost: PVC is usually cheaper. If the cover has a short life, weigh that saving against the cost of replacing it.
Which one for which setting?
- Long-stay patients, pressure-care risk, hospitals and care homes: a breathable PU polyurethane mattress cover.
- Short-term, one-off protection: PVC may be enough.
- Frequent hot washing or disinfectant: the cover's wash rating and chemical resistance should be documented.
Which questions to ask when buying a hospital bed cover
- Is the fabric vapour-permeable, and are the values documented (for example EN 20811, ASTM E96)?
- What temperature can it be washed at, and does it tolerate disinfectant?
- Does the cover enclose the whole mattress, with a zip on two sides?
- Is it made to your mattress dimensions?
If the answers are unclear, read our guide on how to choose a waterproof mattress cover.
Libacce PU mattress covers
Our PU polyurethane mattress cover is made to your mattress size for hospital, care home, nursing home and hotel beds, and can be washed at up to 85 °C. Send your dimensions and request a quote. For a single item, see our shop at libacce.com.tr.