Clothes for someone who spends a lot of time lying down
Short answer: If you spend a lot of time lying down, seams, creases and moisture are what cause discomfort. Soft clothing without thick seams, which is easy to change and tolerates many washes, matters most.
Creases create pressure
A crease in the fabric under the body can be felt after a short time, especially when you lie still in the same position for hours. Smooth materials crease less than coarse ones, and clothing in the right size bunches up less than clothing that is far too big.
Seams and edges
Thick seams, labels and hard elastic press into the skin when you lie on them. Turn the clothing inside out before use and check where the seams sit. Flat seams and soft edges are better, and a label at the neck can be carefully cut off if it bothers you.
Easy to change
Clothing that can be put on without getting up makes changing easier for the person lying down and for the person helping. Loose tops with a wide neckline and trousers with a soft waistband are used most, because they pull on without effort. See bamboo nightwear for men.
Moisture against the mattress
When the body lies still, warmth and moisture collect between the skin and the mattress. A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin keeps it drier for longer. The same goes for the sheet, which lies just as close to the body as the clothing. See bamboo bedding.
Nightwear for women
For women there are soft styles with a loose fit and an elastic waist that are easy to pull on and off. Choose a style without buttons on the back, as they press when you lie down. See the soft styles in bamboo nightwear for women.
Many washes
The clothing is washed often, so it has to handle 40 degrees many times without turning stiff or losing its shape. Wash with a mild detergent and dry on a rack rather than in the tumble dryer. That keeps the fabric soft for longer. See the washing guide.
Skip perfume and fabric softener
Fabric softener leaves residue in fabric that lies against the skin for many hours at a time. Leave it out entirely and choose a detergent without perfume. Bamboo viscose is soft on its own, so softener is not needed, and skipping it helps the fabric keep moving moisture.
Size and fit
Tight clothing creates pressure, and loose clothing creates creases. Choose your usual size, or one size up if the clothing needs to pull on easily. Try lying in it for half an hour and notice whether it bunches anywhere before you buy several of the same.
Keep changes ready
When clothing is changed several times a day, it helps to have enough clean sets. Three to four identical sets let you wash calmly without running out. Keep them together by the bed, so a change can be done quickly and nobody has to search.
Talk to the care staff
Where there is a risk of pressure sores, the care staff or doctor should advise on positioning, skin care and aids. The choice of clothing can make daily life more comfortable, but it does not replace care. Ask the staff which types of clothing have worked well in the specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why are creases in clothing a problem?
A crease under the body presses on the same spot for a long time. Smooth fabric in the right size creases less, and it helps to pull the clothing smooth at every change.
How many sets of clothing do you need?
Three to four identical sets are a good starting point when clothing is changed often. That way you can wash calmly, and there is always a clean set by the bed.
Can clothing prevent pressure sores?
Clothing can make lying down more comfortable, but it does not prevent pressure sores on its own. Talk to the care staff or your doctor about positioning and care.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
