The bed sheets should be taut and clean.  The bed sheets should be straightened twice a day at least.  The sheets will need changing every three days or so, more often if the person is perspiring heavily.

The blanket covering the person should allow freedom of movement.

Assist the person to change position in bed to relieve pressure on his skin and improve circulation.  The most common positions in bed are supine (back-lying ), right-lateral and left-lateral (side-lying).

If the person is unable to move himself, help him to reposition at least every two hourly, day and night to promote comfort and relieve pressure on his skin.

Regardless of the position used, it is important that the person maintains a correct body alignment while in bed – head and neck in line with the spine and back keep straight, maintaining its normal body curves.

Position and support the person’s arms and legs with their joints slightly flexed to preserve muscle function and prevent deformities.  The ankles, knees and elbows should not be resting on top of each other.

For person who is breathless, prop up the bed or use extra pillows to elevate his head to allow better lung expansion.

Use pillows or supportive devices as needed to assist in positioning the person in bed.  Backrest is useful to support sitting up for long periods while triangular-shaped pillow is helpful for backache.  Click here for a pictorial guide of supportive devices for rest and sleep.