Many hours in bed and clothes that do not chafe

Short answer: Choose smooth fabric without seams at pressure points, and change the sheet more often than usual. The skin is in contact with the same spot for many hours.

Where the pressure falls

Lying down a lot puts weight on heels, hips, the base of the spine and elbows. That is where the skin is most exposed, and where a seam or a fold in the sheet is felt most clearly.

Smooth fabric rather than thick

A smooth, thin sheet creates less friction against the skin than a thick, rough one. Pull the sheet taut so there are no folds, and change it more often than once a week. See bamboo sheets and bamboo fitted sheets.

The nightwear

Choose styles with no seams across the back and no label at the neck. Soft qualities without hard edges matter most. See bamboo nightwear for women.

Frequently asked questions

How often should the sheet be changed

With many hours in bed, ideally twice a week or more.

What helps against pressure

Change position regularly. If the skin becomes red or breaks, contact your doctor or nurse.

Is bamboo viscose better than cotton here

It is smoother and moves moisture faster, and both help against chafing.