Clinical Benefits
Infection Control
At Seating Matters, infection control is more than a priority – it’s a responsibility. We understand that healthcare environments, including hospitals and aged care facilities, demand the highest levels of hygiene to protect vulnerable patients from healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
That’s why our seating solutions are meticulously designed to help prevent cross-contamination and support safe, hygienic practices.
Infection Control Chair Features
In collaboration with healthcare professionals, Seating Matters has implemented chair designs that significantly reduce potential entrapment areas, creating surfaces that inhibit bacteria growth while supporting easy cleaning and disinfecting. Chair features include:
Medical-grade Upholstery: Our durable, contract-grade vinyl upholstery has been tested and proven to resist C.difficile, E.coli, and MRSA. This material endures frequent cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants, ensuring longevity and sustained bacteria resistance. It also withstands staining, scratching, and the wear-and-tear of intensive use, helping maintain a clean appearance.
Removable Arms: On models like the Phoenix and Sorrento, detachable arms allow easy access to the seat and lower back for cleaning
Removable Cushions: Seat cushions are detachable and made with non-slip, wipeable bases – eliminating Velcro or similar materials that could trap dirt or bacteria
Sealed Electrical Units: All electrical components are enclosed in a sealed unit, making them safe and easy to disinfect.
Durable, Powder-Coated Frame: The metal frame of each Seating Matter chairs is powder-coated for enhanced durability and easy cleaning. This tough ‘skin’ resists rust and damage, providing a smooth, wipeable surface that stands up to high-frequency disinfection.
Modular Design with Flat Panels: All Seating Matters chairs have a modular design, allowing for every part to be dismantled and cleaned thoroughly. The flat-panel design of the frame further reduces entrapment areas, making it easy to maintain a high standard of hygiene.
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) in Australua
An estimated 170,574 HAIs occur in adults admitted to public hospitals in Australia.1
There are approximately 7500 deaths each year from HAIs in Australia, with the majority being caused by blood stream infections.1
Two million hospital bed days are lost to HAIs annually, at an estimated cost of over $1 billion. There are further significant unmeasured physical, psychological and financial costs to patients and communities.2
The incidence of HAIs increases with age, with those aged over 75 having 21 times more cases than those aged 18 to 24.1
An Infection Prevention & Control Experiment: Fabric or Vinyl?
Manufacturers and suppliers of clinical seating products play a critical role in helping to prevent the spread of bacteria in healthcare environments, like hospitals and aged care facilities. Unfortunately, many chairs used in these settings are still upholstered with porous fabrics that are difficult to clean and disinfect. As demonstrated in the below experiment, this can present a significant risk for bacterial spread.
References
1. ‘Burden of five healthcare associated infections in Australia’ (Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 2022)
https://aricjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13756-022-01109-8
2. ‘Healthcare-acquired infections: prevention strategies’ (Internal Medicine Journal, Department of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, 2017)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/imj.13642
